SENEGAL | SENSORY EXPLORATION

EMBARK ON…

a Consciously Cultivated journey, crafted and curated with the purpose of bringing a truly unique and immersive prospective that deeply connects you to people and place. We curate 2 Consciously Cultivated journeys per year with core focus being placed on it being transformational and impactful.  We delve deeper into understanding a place through a local lens, conscious connections and purposeful immersive actions. This year, unmask the indigenous Senegalese people, tribes, culture, philosophies, practices and everything in-between. 

Senegal, one of West Africa's most stable countries, is full of vibrant colour. Perched on the Atlantic, it is a unique intersection of West African culture, Islamic tradition and French European customs. A simple wander around the local markets will unearth handmade fabrics, authentic arts and crafts and artisans. While on almost every street corner in the towns and cities you’ll find musicians full of energy, sharing the rhythmic sounds of the West African people. Enchanted by its diversity and richness, we will eat, roam, play and dance our way through the wondrous towns and cities, flowing through the extraordinarily beautiful beats, tasting and making an array of delicious local cuisine, eye-gazing at the awe-inspiring scenery, immersing with local culture and customs, cultivating your creativity with local artisans and unmasking the depths of Senegal, the self and all waiting to be found.

Your travel doesn’t have to compromise your wellbeing. If anything travel should enhance and elevate your connection to self. Throughout this journey, we will also explore introspectively through yoga, meditation, surf, water rituals and connecting with local healers and spiritual guidess Connecting you deeper with self and the natural world around you.

Senegal is a country of tradition, culture, and colour and all of these are woven into the handcrafts that emerge from rural villages and urban workshops. Senegalese women are beautifully dressed from a head-wrap to their shoes, no matter what the occasion, going off to a high-powered job, selling tomatoes on the side of the road or hanging out at the house. It is this visual image that is so present that leads one’s attention to the beautiful woven fabric used to make clothes, fashion accessories, decorative accessories and upholstery.

Journey with us as we take in Senegal’s impressive artisan panorama, sit down with the Wolof women, carefully hand-making their beautiful African baskets and laundry hampers, which are woven from local grass and plastic strips recycled from used prayer mats. Their style of weaving has been practiced in Senegal for generations.

It's someplace that everyone, given the chance, should go. One of the friendliest spots in West Africa, with a deep source of pride for its people and visitors which makes it impossible not to connect and step in to the role of a local and deep rooted in culture and history, ‘The Country of Teranga’ (which means hospitality in the local tongue of Wolof) aids and supports our purpose and journey of discovery, making it the perfect place for us to immerse on a Consciously Cultivated journey.

The heartbeat of a place is echoed through the creative voices of its people. Through music, photography, graffiti, craftsmanship, local artisans, dancers and everything in between. On our Consciously Cultivated journey we want to fuse the creative gaps by connecting you to some of the most amazing local insiders, personal friends and innovators to learn and experience from.

CCT Founder, Ingrid Asoni will be navigating this journey personally. One thing she loves to do is bridge the gap between her global friends and personal relationships and the CCT Tribe. Something she knows helps to elevate a travel narrative from just a trip to an unforgettable, transcendent experience. No one knows a place better than its local people and what better way to experience a place than through the creative lens of one of Senegals most sought after man about town.

Acting as an insider on our journey will be Senegal born and raised Seyni Ba, the multifaceted creative, photographer, co-founder of Dakar Lives, local trailblazer, philanthropist and so much more. Showing us the ropes, taking us to native hideaways and sacred spots, allowing us to see what we may not have been able to from an outsider’s perspective. Stepping away from being a purveyor and becoming an active participant.

A true Senegalese Insider and Thought Leader. A global citizen who has experienced the world through his unique and inspired lens.

Seyni has been utilising his camera to tell some powerful stories for almost 10 years. It all started when he was walking through the streets of Montreal, iPhone in hand. That’s where he exercised his eye for the first time. Today, back to his place of birth and whenever he gets the chance, he strides through the streets of Dakar in order to capture whatever holds his attention. He often travels to other regions of Senegal in pursuit of new inspirations. In his pictures, culture is emphasised through people, landscape and a lot of architecture. As a matter of fact, Seyni self-proclaimed The Art’chitect, is also a civil engineer, which gives him a sensitivity for construction shapes. 

“Senegal captured my heart a long time ago. Being able to share this journey with my personal local friends and the CCT tribe is truly magical. From the people to the places, the music to the food, the laughter to the love and everything in between. Senegal and its people embrace you with so much love, that you will be hard pushed not to leave impacted.”

- Ingrid Asoni

Day 3-5

2 Nights in Sine Saloum

South of the Petite Cote, we journey into the tranquility that is Sine Saloum. Known as one of the last surviving African kingdoms and an eco-wonderland because of it’s raw, natural beauty. It’s a place to unwind, take a wooden canoe trip gliding past flamingos, pelicans or spot a dolphin dancing on the shores while watching the local women harvesting oysters. With a labyrinth of mangrove creeks and lost-in-time fishing villages offering a stress-banishing taste of the simple life.

Nights will be spent laying our heads in Les Collines De Niassam an environmentally friendly Eco Lodge with simple rustic rooms nestled atop the mighty baobab trees in the heart of the Lagoon. Immersing that deeply within nature aids us in immersing deeply within ourselves and developing more culturally connected relationships with others.

Day 7-11

3 Nights in Dakar

Our final nights will be spent in Dakar, the vibrant, fascinating elegance meets chaotic capital of Senegal. In stark contrast to Saloum, the bustling, tropical city-scape shakes your senses with a warm, salty blast of humidity. Meet local creatives at the Village des Arts, walk through the dusty medina that is covered in street art and enjoy a sunset nightcap before you lay your head at La Demeure.

Dakar is experiencing a growing and thriving, contemporary art scene, a collective of local artists, known as Yataal Art, work with local artists and families to decorate many homes throughout the city. This project extends beyond just a beautification project but is also one of community engagement, development, and arts appreciation.

Become encased in the emphasis of music on every corner of the city, from mbalax, jazz, reggae, zouk, kora and more. It’s the home to the trendy, traditional and authentic culture. We will feed off of it’s infectious, revitalising energy. Dakar will mark the end of our journey together, pushing us to break boundaries, set our souls free and unleash our creativity, reminding us that just as one journey ends, another begins.

Day 1-3

2 Nights in Saly

At the start of our trip, we will be immersing ourselves in the heavenly Saly. Saly is inherently African, you can see and feel it’s essence through a nomadic lens. Luxurious in its delivery as we lay our heads in the sumptuous La Villa, Maison D’Hotes, surrounded by a laidback barefoot charm. The beautiful and soul enriching energy that emanates is merit greatly to the vibrant Rasta culture of this small town. With reggae sounds paving the streets, to colourful art gracing the streets. Saly welcomes all! As a colourful artisan district, walk through the humble town, with shoemakers, sculptors, carvers, and painters inviting you to learn the age old technique. Our time spent here will be centred around wellness. With its calm bays, soothing sounds of the aquamarine ocean and pure Rasta vibes setting it apart from the surrounding towns, The grounding nature of Saly will help us to recalibrate and acclimatise before we embark on the rest of our Senegalese travel adventure.

Day 5-7

2 Nights in Lompoul Desert

After Saloum, we head to Lompoul Desert. The incredible landscape, nestled at the foot of the dunes, with its distinct orange sand that sets it apart from the rest. The nomadic nature of the Desert, connects us to the cosmos in an unimaginable way. The silence brings us closer to self and the ancestral and spiritual practices of the Nomadic Tribes can support us in delving deeper into how we connect more with the world around us. Immersing ourselves in and adopting the Bedouin lifestyle, learning how to slow cook in the sand, how to navigate the vast landscape by simply relying on the stars, nurturing the animals that support the tribes and their families. Breaking bread together while exchanging stories of our worlds and laying our heads underneath the stars at the magical Lompoul Desert Lodge.

A stones throw from the Desert is the unexpected "Lake Retba” Senegal’s pink lake. The shallow lagoon surrounded by dunes and filaos, with dark pink waters caused by algae is something straight out of a dream. You can swim and exfoliate in the natural seawater, stroll along the banks, hop on a horse or a camel and immerse in the meditative way the locals naturally process the salt.

Senegal has such a vibrant and growing surf community and wellness is a huge part of the CCT signature, so you can expect surfs in the year round warm waters, with a local pro surfer to connect to people and place.

Travel has a remarkable way of creating real catalyst for change. Our travel footprints have an unimaginable way of not only leaving a reminisce of ourselves behind but imparting a piece of itself within us.

Philanthropy is at the heart of everything Consciously Connected Travel do. Philanthropy for us takes shape in various forms. Philanthropy can take form in giving time, sharing your gifts, providing support and insight or simply taking the time to listen and break bread together. Each Philanthropic moment is weaved into the fabric of this journey, because giving back isn’t about making ourselves feel better or cultivating the narrative of saving those less fortunate. Philanthropy is about breaking boundaries, creating opportunities for understanding and understanding can only truly be gained by true moments of shared connection.

Along the way we will learn about authentic Senegalese food, from its origins to its spices, how to cook it, where to eat it and a true sense of its richness. Throughout the trip food will play a core element in connecting us deeper with the country's roots.

Travel has a remarkable way of creating real catalyst for change. Our travel footprints have an unimaginable way of not only leaving a reminisce of ourselves behind but imparting a piece of itself within us.

Philanthropy is at the heart of everything Consciously Connected Travel do. Philanthropy for us takes shape in various forms. Philanthropy can take form in giving time, sharing your gifts, providing support and insight or simply taking the time to listen and break bread together. Each Philanthropic moment is weaved into the fabric of this journey, because giving back isn’t about making ourselves feel better or cultivating the narrative of saving those less fortunate. Philanthropy is about breaking boundaries, creating opportunities for understanding and understanding can only truly be gained by true moments of shared connection.

INCLUDED:

1. Accommodation. (Double Occupancy)

2. Complementary Roundtrip Airport transfers

3. All daily meals outlined in the final itinerary.

4. All programmed & scheduled activities

5. All Daily wellness activities

6. Deep Local Discovery & Immersion activities

7. Discovery of local cuisine ,art, culture, spirituality

8. Philanthropic Activations

EXCLUDED:

1. Flights & Travel insurance

2. Pre & Post Destination Immersion journeys

3. All Optional and Non-Programmed Activities

4. Meals not outlined within the final itinerary

5. Spa & Wellness Treatments

6. Alcohol & Gratuity

GETTING THERE:

Our in-house flights & logistics team are on hand to assist you with flights, Visas and Pre & Post Retreat Destination immersion journeys.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

• Price: £4,200 GBP per person based on double occupancy.

• FULL PAYMENT or opting for a PAYMENT PLAN are available. To activate the Payment Plan, simply select the DEPOSIT option at checkout.

• Deposits are non-refundable 

PLANT A SEED

Consciously Connected Travel was created out of a necessity to do more. Our tribe of beatniks truly believe that everyone has a part to play, and ours is creating a space where travel, wellness and philanthropy intertwine. So that the future generations might live in a world that is a little bit more full of love and light.

CCT was designed to blur the lines between travel and supporting communities in the places you travel to, every time you travel with us - either through our Travel Design service, Culturally Connected Experiences or Wellness Activations, we donate a % directly from our own pockets to a local project, charity or community in that destination in addition to planting trees to offset each travellers carbon footprint.

1. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

   Ten nights at unique accommodations based on double occupancy throughout the journey; private travel for all day trips and excursions; arrival and departure airport transfers; private tours with local guides/insiders and cultural experts; exclusive access and tastings; guided activities, artisan discoveries and programmed, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; non-alcoholic beverages with meals.

   2. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

   Roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for guides/insiders and artisans.

   3. WHERE DOES THE TRIP START AND END?

   Our adventure begins the moment you land in Dakar, Senegal. The closest airport is the Blaise Diagne International Airport also known as Dakar International Airport (DSS).There will be a complimentary transfer from this airport to the hotel in Saly.  Our last day is in Dakar. The closest airport is the Blaise Diagne International Airport also known as Dakar International Airport (DSS). Your travels home can be scheduled to depart at any time after 3:00 PM.

   4. WHO IS GOING ON THIS TRIP?

   The Senegal Sensory Exploration journey is limited to 8 guests, and the Consciously Connected Travel team. Our immersive experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travellers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travellers aged 18 and above.

   5. WHO IS LEADING THIS JOURNEY?

   This trip is led by Consciously Connected Travel’s Founder Ingrid Asoni and her personal friend and local insider, photographer, philanthropist and man about town Seyni Ba. In addition to Consciously Connected Travel’s in-house wellness expert and mindfulness ambassador Lexi Bosman. We’ll also be joined throughout our journey by local, expert insiders, artisans and spiritual guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.

   6. WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED?

   If you are a Non-Senegalese Citizen traveling to Senegal, visit the Senegalese Consulate or Embassy for requirements and information about passports and visas. If a visa is required and you need assistance, our team is on hand to help. Please do reach out.

   7. DO I NEED TO PAY A SOLO TRAVELLER SUPPLEMENT?

   All accommodation is based on double occupancy. For solo travellers who wish to book a private room, then 2 spaces should be purchased upon checkout.

   8. WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

   We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (See our Terms and Conditions for full details).

   • More than 120 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a full refund (minus a £500 per-person service fee)

   • Between 119 and 61 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a 50% refund

   • Within 60 days of the original departure: 100% non-refundable

9. WHAT IF I AM THINKING ABOUT BOOKING A CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL JOURNEY?

When you join one of our journeys we want you to book with confidence. On all new bookings for Consciously Connected Travel traveling in 2020, we’ll help you update your plans by transferring your reservation to a future date or an alternate journey. In the event, we postpone your journey, you can transfer 100% of your booking to the new departure or any other Consciously Connected Travel Journey. If the transfer is for a journey at a higher value, then the difference will have to be paid.

10. WHEN WILL WE NOTIFY YOU IF A POSTPONEMENT IS NECESSARY?

Any postponement decisions will be made 45 days prior to departure dates (or closer to travel if the situation dictates).

11. WHAT IF I AM BOOKED ON A TRIP THIS YEAR AND HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT TRAVELLING?

For any guest booked on a Consciously Connected Travel journey, traveling in 2020, if you are not able to travel on your original journey booking, we are offering journey credits. This allows you to transfer 100% of your booking value to any current or future Consciously Connected Travel journey. Travel must be completed by the end 2021.

12. WHAT IS CONSCIOUSLY CONNECTED TRAVEL’S TRANSFER POLICY?

For all postponed departures, a journey credit will automatically be applied and available for use on a future journey. If your journey is not postponed, requests for a journey transfer must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the original journey departure date. Reservations can be transferred directly to an active Consciously Connected Travel Journey or credited to your guest account. Any remaining balance can be applied towards an additional Consciously Connected Travel journey traveling before the end of 2021. All transfers and credit allocations are final and non-refundable. 

13. WHAT IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY BOOKING?

To give you more flexibility, we are offering journey transfers with 100% of your booking credited to any current or future Consciously Connected Travel journey. Otherwise the terms of our cancellation policy are as follows:

• More than 120 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a full refund (minus a £500 per-person service fee)

• Between 119 and 61 days prior to original departure: Cancel your booking and receive a 50% refund

• Within 60 days of the original departure: 100% non-refundable

14. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TRIP IS POSTPONED?

We are actively rescheduling impacted departures and in most cases offering them in the same travel month for 2021. If you are unable to travel on the new date, you can transfer to another Consciously Connected Travel journey without penalty or cancel your reservation per the terms of your original booking.

15. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AS A GUEST ON A POSTPONED TRIP?

If your trip is postponed you can:

• Travel on your rescheduled trip date.

• Transfer 100% of your booking amount to travel on another Consciously Connected Travel journey.

• Cancel your booking per the cancellation terms of your original travel date.