Sail the Senegal River aboard the Bou El Mogdad!

An exciting cruise aboard a legendary ship

  • Expedition / Adventure
  • Honeymoon
  • Family & Friends
  • River Cruise

Sail the Senegal River aboard the Bou El Mogdad!

  • All Inclusive Cruise
  • 7 days, 6 nights
  • Departure Saint-Louis (Senegal)

Take a seat aboard the Bou El Mogdad: a classic Senegalese symbol, that's been sailing for over 70 years. Embark on a 7-day cruise on the Senegal River and discover this fascinating country! You'll enjoy a totally unique experience on board a legendary boat and meet warm and welcoming people. You'll be plunged right into the heart of Senegalese culture, accompanied by a passionate guide who will tell you all the secrets of his country's history. Along the way, you'll discover traditional villages, local culinary specialities, the Djoudj national park, and much more... The Bou El Mogdad is waiting for you!

Cruise Highlights

  • Sailing aboard the legendary Bou El Mogdad
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed city of Saint-Louis
  • Discover Senegalese culture

Your Boat

  • Bou El Mogdad
  • 25 total cabins
  • 54 people max

Welcome to the unique Bou El Mogdad, a superb boat 52 metres long and 10 metres wide. This former cargo ship transformed into a cruise ship is an emblem for the locals, who warmly welcome her wherever she sails by. She has been sailing the Senegal River every week for years. You'll love the authentic charm and friendly atmosphere on board. The staff will do their utmost to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The swimming pool on deck is the perfect place to relax after a day's exploring while taking in the marvellous scenery.

  • 5 levels
  • Indoor restaurant
  • Outdoor lounge
  • 2 bars
  • Swimming pool
  • Solarium
  • Covered terrace
  • Library
  • Shop
  • Massage room
  • Multi-purpose room
  • On-board pharmacy
  • Life jackets
  • Dinghy for 80 passengers
Layout

The owner reserves the right to replace with a different boat model of the same quality and performance

Your Cabin

With its 25 cabins (8 standard cabins, 15 comfort cabins and 2 luxury cabins) this ship can accommodate up to 54 passengers. All cabins are equipped with a double bed or two twin beds and storage space.

Occupants of standard cabins without en-suite showers and toilets will have 6 shower cubicles and 6 toilets at their disposal.

  • Standard Cabin

    Standard Cabin

    These cabins are equipped with a double bed, sink, fan (no air conditioning) and storage space (shower and toilet to be shared with other passengers).

  • Comfort Cabin

    Comfort Cabin

    These air-conditioned cabins are equipped with a double bed or two twin beds and a bathroom with private toilet. Some can accommodate up to 3 people.

  • Luxury Suite

    Luxury Suite

    These air-conditioned cabins have a double bed and en suite shower room. One of them can accommodate up to 3 people.

Itinerary of your cruise

From Saint-Louis to Podor (or vice versa), you'll sail along the Senegal River to discover a whole new culture. A change of scenery is guaranteed, with visits to towns such as Richard-Toll and Dagana, meetings with the locals, passing the Diama dam and discovering a sugar cane field. So let yourself be carried away for a unique experience aboard a national treasure!

Map
Senegal

DAY 1: Saint-Louis
The crew will meet you at 1 pm at the Hôtel La Résidence (or similar) for lunch. You will then go to the quay for embarkation at 3 pm. After dropping off your belongings in your cabin and taking a short tour of the boat, you will set off on a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city of Saint-Louis. The former capital of the country, this city is also nicknamed "African Venice" because it is surrounded by water. You'll have the chance to see the town hall, the Palais de Justice, the famous Faidherbe Bridge, and the fishermen's quarter. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 2: Saint-Louis - Diama - Tiguet (the Djoudj)
You will cruise the river's waters as far as the Diama dam, which prevents the salt water from rising. Step out onto the bridge to observe the delicate manoeuvre of passing through the very narrow lock. After lunch on the boat, you'll set off again along the Diouling reserve, where you can spot many species of birds. You will then board a pirogue to explore the third largest ornithological reserve in the world: the Djoudj National Park. Here you will see millions of wintering birds, including pelicans and pink flamingos. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 3: Tiguet (the Djoudj) - Richard-Toll
You continue your cruise upriver. You'll see rice-growing areas and a few warthogs and pass Rosso, a border town between Senegal and Mauritania where people, animals and vehicles cross by pirogue and ferry. You will have lunch on board. In the afternoon, you will visit Richard-Toll and its Compagnie Sucrière Sénégalaise sugar cane factory, the town's main source of income, covering 10,000 hectares. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 4: Richard-Toll - Dagana
Today, you'll head for Dagana. After breakfast, you will be given a Senegalese cookery workshop. At lunch, you'll enjoy a traditional meal under mango and palm trees: rice with fish or "tiep bou dien". You will board the dinghy to go to the Wolof village of Dagana, known as the "Capital of Walo", a former trading post in colonial times. There you will visit the dye works, the market and the school. To round off this wonderful day, you'll stop off at the Fort de Dagana, renovated as a hotel establishment, where you can enjoy a magnificent pool by the river while sipping a glass of local drink. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 5: Dagana - Thiangaye
This morning you'll head to the riverbank for a walk (around 2 hours round trip) through the Goumel forest. You will discover a traditional Peulh village with oblong huts. You'll then set sail again to enter the heart of the African Sahel in the Toucouleur Kingdom, where you'll be treated to some stunning scenery. After lunch, you will stop off at the Toucouleur villages, built entirely with mud, which are the oldest villages on the river. In the evening, we depart for a mechoui dinner on the banks of the river by hurricane lamp. Night on board.

DAY 6: Thiangaye - Podor
Your journey continues toward Podor, where you will cruise along the river all morning. After lunch, disembark in Podor, a former trading post from the French colonial era. Admire the pretty shophouses lining the quays and immerse yourself in the town's history as you listen to your guide. At the end of the afternoon, you'll visit the old trading posts of the Cour du Fleuve and the Auberge du Tekrour and head for the Fort de Podor. You can also visit the market and stroll through the peaceful streets. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 7: Podor - Saint-Louis
This is the end of your cruise, and you will disembark on land after a final breakfast on board. You will be transferred from Podor to Saint-Louis by bus.

Please note:

  • Depending on departure dates, the itinerary will be in reverse: transfer by bus from Saint-Louis to Podor, embarkation in Podor and disembarkation in Saint-Louis.
  • Departing from Podor, there will be no lunch on Day 1.

Saint-Louis  Diama  Tiguet (the Djoudj)  Richard-Toll  Dagana  Thiangaye  Podor  Saint-Louis

NEW: FLIGHT + TRIP TO SENEGAL
Discover our 100% customisable services to help you organise your holidays.

Serenity Service: Booking your plane tickets.
Extension Service: Book your stay ashore (accommodation and/or excursions) before or after your cruise.

For more information, please contact your advisor or consult our FAQs at the bottom of the page.

Enjoy fabulous sunsets
Tour of Saint-Louis by horse-drawn carriage
Djoudj National Park
Podor's quays
Dagana's quays
Discover millions of birds

The itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to technical or weather conditions.
The photographs and visual products presented have no contractual value.

Contact us to receive the availabilities and prices for this offer

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the departure dates from Saint-Louis or Podor?

    Dates departing from Saint-Louis:
    • 18 March 2023
    • 1 & 15 April 2023
    • 4 & 18 November 2023
    • 2, 16 & 30 December 2023
    • 13 & 27 January 2024
    • 10 & 24 February 2024
    • 9 & 23 March 2024
    • 6 & 20 April 2024
    Dates departing from Podor:
    • 25 March 2023
    • 8 & 22 April 2023
    • 11 & 25 November 2023
    • 9 & 23 December 2024
    • 6 January 2024
    • 3 February 2024
    • 2, 16 & 30 March 2024
    • 13 & 27 April 2024

  • Is everyone on board English-speaking?

    Please note that this cruise is not exclusive to English travelers. It is quite common to meet people of various nationalities on board as we offer cruises to international clientele - encouraging curious and enriching exchanges for both passengers and crew.
    Crew members are multilingual and qualified to offer multilingual service.


  • How are my meals organised on the boat?
    During your cruise, you will benefit from the all-inclusive package, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners. During the day, you are free to help yourself to drinks. Please check the terms and conditions of your quotation. Upon request, your advisor can send you the menus offered on board. They are often prepared using fresh local produce. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are allergic to certain foods or if you are on a special diet.

  • How are my transfers between the airport and the boat organised?
    Your package does not include return transfers from the airport to the boat. However, your GlobeSailor advisor may be able to offer this service at an additional cost. Payment for this service is usually made to GlobeSailor at the time of payment of the balance or directly on-site in cash. Don't forget to let your advisor know your arrival time.

  • Can I book flights or accommodation in addition to my cruise?
    YES!
    Our travel agency can book flights and accommodation for all our customers embarking on cruises. Our tailor-made offers are adapted to your needs and budget.

    We have created two offers that are 100% customisable: -
    Serenity Service:Booking your flight tickets -
    Extension Service:Booking your accommodation (hotel, gîte, villa, etc.) and/or additional activities (excursions, guided tours, car hire, etc.).

    Our advisors, specialists in the destination, will send you their best suggestions for your holiday.

  • What payments do I need to make to confirm my booking?
    To confirm your booking, you must inform your GlobeSailor advisor, who will place an option for you while he/she collects your deposit. The booking will only be considered definitive once your deposit has been received (by bank transfer, Paypal or credit card), ranging from 30% to 50% of the total cost of the booking. A 100% deposit will be required for all bookings made less than one month before departure. The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the embarkation date.

  • What happens in the event of a cancellation?
    In the event of a cancellation, you must inform your GlobeSailor advisor as soon as possible. Whatever the cause, the following cancellation fees will be due: up to 90 days before departure: 30% /// from 89 to 60 days: 50% /// from 59 to 30 days: 75% /// from 29 days to departure: 100% of the amount of your booking. We advise our clients to take out cancellation insurance with Ouest Assurance: http://www.ouest-assurances.fr