Adventure in the Bissagos Islands

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.

Situated just off the west African coast of Guinea-Bissau is Carache Island. The lush green island that is surrounded by turquoise seas was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996. Boasting a string of islets, the island has a rich and diverse landscape that is precious in fauna and flora. In the heart of the nature, you'll meet the Bijagós inhabitants, who have adapted to and melted in with their natural environment.

Caravela is the northernmost island of the Bijagós Islands of Guinea-Bissau. Landscaped by white sandy beaches and black rock, Caravela Island is a magnificent location as you begin to round up your expedition cruise. The island is heavily forested with mangroves and like many of the surrounding islands, it has flourishing fauna and flora life.

Dakar, set at the tip of the Cape Vert peninsula, is West Africa’s westernmost point and the capital of French-speaking Senegal. Although it was not founded until 1857, it is West Africa’s oldest European city and one of the most westernised. The opening of the Dakar-St Louis railway in 1885 put the town on the map; it subsequently became a French naval base and in 1904, the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française. It bears the legacy of Africa’s French colonial past, especially so in the downtown Plateau area, where the architecture is redolent of southern France. Every inch a modern city, Dakar is a frenetic buzz of activity, which can be startling. Perhaps sample the popular mint tea and try your hand at bartering in the colourful craft markets for traditional embroidery, woodcarvings, metalwork and costume jewellery.