Transformative Travel Experiences in West Africa
Restorative and informative adventures for conscious travelers visiting Senegal, Gambia, Benin & Togo.
Rooted Retreats ── .✦ Community Connection ── .✦ Cultural Immersion ── .✦
Rooted Retreats ── .✦ Community Connection ── .✦ Cultural Immersion ── .✦
Rooted Retreats ── .✦ Community Connection ── .✦ Cultural Immersion ── .✦ Rooted Retreats ── .✦ Community Connection ── .✦ Cultural Immersion ── .✦
CALLING ALL CONSCIOUS TRAVELERS
JOIN US ON A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY
Uproot.ed collaborates with local guides and community to host holistic experiences that integrate culture, spirituality, cuisine, nature, adventure and healing practices, with historical and political context.
Our curriculum offers insight into our interconnected struggles on a global scale, calling us to unlearn colonial conditioning and engage a practice of collective care that transcends borders. Our itineraries are constantly evolving to engage more ethically as we continue our anti-colonial learning journey.
We work to uproot exploitative and extractive travel practices rooted in colonialism while facilitating authentic cultural exchange. We prioritize investing in local economies and are committed to equitably compensating local collaborators. Together, we co-create a future where international travel is accessible, but not essential for their survival.
We welcome a diversity of conscious travelers from across the world, and are especially invested in making these experiences equitably accessible to African descendants from throughout the Diaspora.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, large group, institution or community coalition, we can offer a custom itinerary and curriculum based on your interests.
We build bridges across borders for travelers interested in community connection, cultural exchange and communing with nature. Our immersive experiences activate the senses, soothe the nervous system and raise the consciousness of travelers.
Uproot.ed is an official travel partner of ADA Global Studies, providing culturally immersive study abroad experiences to students and lifelong learners throughout the diaspora.
Restorative Experiences in Senegal & Gambia
These restorative experiences combine cultural immersion and community connection with somatic exercises and facilitated reflection. Attendees will embark upon transformative adventures and develop routines that help heal and sustain their mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Participants will leave with curated care packages and practices to sustainably integrate into their everyday lives.
Experience Ramadan in Senegal 𖦹 Experience Ramadan in Senegal 𖦹
Experience Ramadan in Senegal 𖦹 Experience Ramadan in Senegal 𖦹
For the first half of this experience, we outside - celebration in community, adventures in nature, and visits to historical sites. We’ll then journey inward as we enter the holy month of Ramadan. During this sacred season, we invite visitors of all faiths and practices to deepen their devotion to spiritual growth and community connection while immersing in Senegalese culture.
We'll engage in restorative rituals that reroute us to our roots while reconnecting us to ourselves, one another and our source.
In addition to equitably compensating Senegalese collaborators and investing in the local community, ten percent (10%) of all proceeds are directly redistributed to support Senegalese families through Ramadan.
This is a small group retreat with limited spaces available.
Secure your spot now!
*Early bird rate ends November 30, 2025. Regular registration ends January 14, 2026.
GET ROOTED IN SENEGAL
Join Our Next Retreat!
February 14th - February 21, 2026
Rooted Rituals Retreat
7 Days, 7 cities
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Curated care packages upon arrival and departure, including a combination of care packages in our shop and more! ($250+ value)
Three traditional meals per day
All ground transportation w/AC
Comfortable housing w/AC
Custom Clothing
Admission to activities and historical sites
Daily meditation & mindful movement
Option to participate in communal fasting for 3 days during daylight, and communally break fast at sundown
Breathwork and somatic exercises
Daily journal prompts and facilitated reflections
Cultural exchange & community connection
Restorative massage
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Village Party with Local Community
Pink Lake & Desert Dunes
Goree Island & House of Slaves
Museum of Black Civilization
Renaissance Monument
Artists Village Visit
Interfaith Island Visit
Mutual Aid Collaboration
Holy City of Touba and Grand Mosque Visit
Spiritual Eco-Village Visit
Traditional Cooking Collaboration
Cultural Crafting & Creative Souvenirs
Community Skill Share & Culture Exchange
African Herbal Infusion Workshop
Introduction to Senegalese spiritual practices
Immersion in nature
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peaceful, paced, introspective, restorative, spiritual, connected
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$2,995 if you register and make your deposit by November 30th ($200 off regular price!)
$3,195 after November 30th. Payment plans accepted.
10% off for Sanctuary Members
We can accommodate early arrival or later departure.
“...this trip turned out to be deeply healing, educational, and truly unforgettable…””
From the moment I arrived until the day I left, I was struck by the profound sense of community and connection… It reminded me of how much we, in the U.S., often lack that sense of communal care, as individualism and competition dominate U.S. culture.
The safari experience was another magical moment—giraffes are such majestic creatures! Seeing them up close was indescribable. No photos or videos can truly capture their beauty. It was like rediscovering the joy of childhood, and my inner child felt so much joy and healing in their presence.
Another unforgettable part of my trip was visiting Seashell Island. The island, entirely covered with seashells, felt like a dream. Visiting during Ramadan added a layer of spirituality and magic to the experience. Our guide shared that during this sacred time, the seashells hold special energy. He kindly gave us guidance on how to use the shells—blessed by the island and Ramadan—for spiritual baths. I took one home with his permission and later used it to manifest the love of my life.
To all future visitors: believe in the people, believe in the land, and embrace the magic of Senegal. I cannot wait to return!
-Carol Larancuent
CAROL’S STORY: MAGICAL MOMENTS IN SENEGAL
Cultural Immersion Experiences
Get to know our lead local guides and sample routes below. Contact us directly to create your own cocktail of activities with a custom itinerary based on your specific timeline, budget and interests.
SENEGAL ☀︎ GAMBIA ☀︎
BENIN ☀︎ TOGO ☀︎
SENEGAL ☀︎ GAMBIA ☀︎ BENIN ☀︎ TOGO ☀︎
Senegal & Gambia
We collaborate with experienced local guide Cheikh Tidiane Savane to curate immersive travel experiences in Senegal and Gambia. Cheikh is originally from the rural region of Cassamance in southern Senegal, where he received an organic education in indigenous sciences, ancestral technologies and spiritual practices. Having grown up in multiethnic villages, Cheikh speaks the languages of over seven West African ethnic groups and is fluent in French, which allows him to connect travelers to a diversity of communities, from the desert to the jungle.
Cheikh has since lived in the fishing village of Mbour, the smiling coast of Gambia and the bustling city of Dakar while studying law. Now, as a professional guide for over a decade, there’s little terrain in Senegal that Cheikh hasn’t traversed. His wealth of knowledge, hospitality and commitment to community embodies the essence of Senegalese teranga, which includes directly redistributing resources to support local Senegalese communities.
5-7 Day Senegal Immersion
So you’re stopping through Senegal for a good time, not a long time? Let’s make the most of it! From the vibrant vibes in Dakar, to the calming campsite in the desert, and deep connection with community in local villages, the impact of this experience will extend well beyond your week-long stay.
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All ground transportation within Senegal. Flights are NOT included.
All entry fees for itinerary activities
All housing (unless other arrangements are made)
Two traditional meals per day (except during long distance travel)
Welcome & departure gifts
Cultural craft souvenirs
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Historical sites, landmarks & museums, including Goree Island, House of Slaves & Renaissance Monument
Wildlife & Nature Reserve
Cultural cuisine tasting & cooking collaboration in the original home of Jollof rice
Community skill share and language exchange
Senegalese Art Activity
Pink Lake
Quad biking through sand dunes
Interfaith Seashell Island
Traditional Drumming Lesson
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$2998-$3,489 per person for 2 people minimum
8-10 Day Senegambia Immersion
We’ll travel through two countries and up to 10 cities, covering the colorful city of Saint Louis in northern Senegal through the smiling coast and clay roads of Gambia. We’ll connect with community, immerse in local cultures and learn history that contextualizes our present.
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All ground transportation within Senegal. Flights are NOT included.
All entry fees for itinerary activities
All housing (unless other arrangements are made)
Two traditional meals per day
Welcome & departure gifts
Cultural craft souvenirs
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Nature's Adventures: We're surfing sand dunes, swinging between baobabs, sailing through mangroves, and hiking up forested hills to remote villages. (if that’s accessible to you)
Wisdom & Wildlife: We’re learning from the wisdom of wildlife in various ecosystems.
Indigeneity & Animism: Visit local indigenous and animist communities that used spirituality and nature as anti-colonial tools of resistance.
Enchanted ecosystems: You'll play in whimsical waterfalls, immerse in lush forests with healing flora, and learn the spiritual lore of local communities.
Sustainability & Sustenance: Visits to local farms and cooperatives producing some of Sénégal's staple foods, and sustainable resources.
History & Legacy: We'll visit historical sites, museums and landmarks while tracing the history of slavery, colonization, resistance and religion across Senegal and Gambia.
Cultural Immersion & Community Connection: We're dancing, drumming, chanting, crafting, and collaborating across language and cultures.
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3985-5985 per person.
14-Day Senegambia North & South
From the desert sands of Lompoul, through the smiling coast of Gambia, to the lush jungles of Cassamance - this route will take us through two countries and 15 cities from northern to southern Sénégal. This enchanting experience offers educational immersion with each ethnic group and ecosystem we encounter.
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All ground transportation within Senegal. Flights are NOT included.
All entry fees for itinerary activities
All housing (unless other arrangements are made)
Two traditional meals per day
Welcome & departure gifts
Cultural craft souvenirs
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Village party & cultural celebrations
Language & culture exchange
Community skill share
Historical sites, landmarks & museums, including Goree Island & Renaissance Monument
Saint Louis, Senegal’s original capital
Interfaith Seashell Island
Holy City of Touba, Grand Mosque & Spiritual Eco Village Visit
Desert camping
Wildlife & Nature Reserve
Agricultural community cooperative
Cashew apple picking
Canoeing through mangroves
Bird sanctuary
Traditional Pottery in Gambian Village
Nightlife Experience
Immersion in nature, culture, & crafts
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$3289-$3,898 per person
Stories from Senegal ✧
Stories from Senegal ✧
“The food is some of the best I have ever had, the people are the kindest I have ever met, and the country is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.”
I rarely visit the same country twice but there is no place like Senegal, so I’ve been back several times. From the pink lake, waterfall hike, and sand surfing, to visiting indigenous animist communities in the lush southern region of Cassamance - this country had some of the dopest experiences I had and hadn't imagined. Each excursion was thoughtfully curated with a desire to educate and expose me to experiences beyond western upbringing and perspective. I can't wait to go back. If you haven't been already - GO!”
-Porsha Shafon
“Traveling with uproot.ed made my first time traveling solo to visit West Africa super seamless.”
I was given a questionnaire to assess my likes and dislikes to create a custom itinerary based on my desired experience. Shannon’s attention to detail made everything so easy. I was able to relax and explore without worrying. I've since traveled with uproot.ed in Senegal several times, and continue to learn so much during each experience. Some of these adventures are the most fun I've ever had, but most recently, I really appreciated learning about the community based agriculture and sustainability systems, as well as the women-led cooperatives crafting beautiful baskets, naturally dyed clothing and organic herbs. Being part of the intergenerational women's circles reminded me of my work as a small business owner back home. There’s so much to see and experience, I look forward to returning every year! I highly recommend visiting Senegal with uproot.ed.
-Juanita
“This trip challenged much of what I’d been taught about cultural practices outside of the US.”
I really enjoyed seeing the contrast between the specific cultures in different villages - from Seashell Island to Saint Louis, but all with the common thread of community connection. Coming from the U.S. where there's religious separation and conflict, I enjoyed seeing how Muslims, Christians and animists live together communally and care for one another. It was also interesting to visit Gambia, and learn the history of this country inside of Sénégal, with a similar culture and people, but with a different language, currency and political identity. I learned so much during this 10-Day experience, I can see why people stay for months at a time. I look forward to returning next summer and continuing to learn with uproot.ed!
- Genesis
Since we are all visitors to this time and place, we are just crossing through. Our goal here is to serve, learn, grow, and love. Then we go back home.
—Aboriginal Proverb featured on a home in Shell Island, Senegal
Benin & Togo
We collaborate with Janvier Adigninou Houlonon to curate immersive travel experiences throughout Benin & Togo. Janvier is a poet, community organizer, and seasoned guide born and raised in Benin, the birthplace of voudou. He is well-versed in Christianity/Catholicism, Islam, animism, and several African traditional religions. Janvier calls upon this breadth of knowledge to defy divisive stereotypes rooted in colonialism, and introduce travelers to the vast spiritual diversity of Benin.
Janvier is fluent in several languages indigenous to the region, in addition to English and French, which allows him to facilitate meaningful experiences between conscious travelers from across the world, and local communities in Benin. Janvier reinvests a portion of the proceeds from immersion experiences into educational programming and resources for local youth.
5-7 Day Benin-Togo
This trip can be perfectly paired with your travels to Nigeria or Ghana, each of which borders Benin and Togo. Together we’ll trace the history of slavery and colonization while immersing in the local nature, spirituality, culture and cuisine.
8-10 Day Benin-Togo
From floating villages and fetish markets to monuments, museums and masked ceremonies, this immersive experience is sure to deepen your understanding of the transatlantic slave trade, challenge stereotypes of voudon and expose you to the beautiful culture of Benin.
12-14 Day Benin - Togo
This journey includes all sites on our shorter itineraries, and covers additional landmarks and lush forests, fresh waterfalls, traditional medicine markets, remote villages couched in mountains and so much more!
“The moment I arrived in Benin for the first time, Janvier welcomed me home, embracing me as a sibling separated by the sea, but forever connected through our shared histories.”
- Shannon Cumberbatch
Hey y’all! It’s meeee, your curator of transformative travel experiences.
Growing up, I didn't have the privilege of international travel. I'd journal about journeys to distant places, imagining myself immersed in the history, nature, art, cuisine, and culture of communities abroad. At the time, I didn’t realize I was writing a roadmap that would route me to my roots.
Consciously connecting with communities abroad allowed me to more deeply connect with myself, and my communities back home. I was exhausted, seeking an escape from systemic oppression in the US, and inspiration for a more liberatory way of living. Instead of an escape, I experienced integration that helped me reimagine my relationship with labor, recover from burnout and establish systems of care that support our collective healing and liberation.
To say intentional travel transformed my world is an understatement. It inspired me to imagine and co-create new worlds, where borders that were once barriers, become bridges that reconnect us to ourselves and one another.
Shannon Cumberbatch
Four Fun Facts About Me ✦︎
Four Fun Facts About Me ✦︎
FOUR FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
EXPERIENCED TRAVELER
Over a period of 10 years, I coordinated my own travel to over 25 countries across 4 continents, with a specific emphasis on immersion in the African Diaspora.
BICONTINENTAL
I straddle two continents, flowing between Senegal and the U.S. East Coast, bridging communities and worlds.
MULTILINGUAL
I speak a bit of Spanish and French, and am studying Wolof, Arabic, and American Sign Language.
CREATIVITY
I’m reconnecting with my most intuitive and easeful forms of creative expression, including poetry, crafting, jewelry-making, and clothing design—all of which you’ll find featured here in my digital home!
Frequently Asked Questions
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At this time, visas are not required for US passport holders when visiting Sénégal for 90 days or less (though that may soon change). Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date, regardless of the length of your trip.
Visas are required for US passport holders traveling through Gambia (a coastal country couched between northern and southern Senegal). Gambian visas can be obtained in advance via the Gambian Embassy in Washington, DC, or on arrival for approximately $150.
US passport holders are also required to obtain e-visas in advance to Benin online for $50, and Togo for around $40 single-entry.
Travelers who are not US passport holders should consult the Senegalese/Beninoise/Togolese embassy in their area, or check with the consulate from country that issued their passport. If you cannot access this information, contact us for possible assistance.
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No vaccination records are currently required for Senegal and Gambia, but malaria prevention medication is often advised, and taken two days before travel, each day during, and 7 days following.
Travelers must present yellow fever vaccination cards upon arrival in Benin and Togo.
We also ask that you test for covid before travel, and that you do not travel if positive or otherwise feeling ill and/or potentially contagious so that we can have a safe and healthy experience together.
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There are many activities and areas of Sénégal that are not wheelchair accessible and that may be challenging to traverse with a walker or crutches. However, we are willing to create custom itineraries mapping accessible paths to visit Senegal, and will provide as much mobility support as possible.
We are also willing to seek interpreters for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and provide guides and visual descriptions for those who are blind or low vision.
Similarly, some activities aren't accessible with a stroller, but we can create custom itineraries for babies, youth and elders alike.
Please contact us directly with any other accessibility concerns.
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We accept credit card, ACH transfers, cash app, zelle, venmo, orange money and wave.
We also process payments via squarespace, which offers gpay, applepay and the option of payment plans through afterpay.
You may also inquire about the possibility of an energy exchange/barter for a reduced rate.
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For Senegal, Delta airlines offers direct flights from JFK to DSS at least twice per week. However, beware that Delta will require you to present the physical card you booked with at check-in, or you’ll be denied travel.
Delta partner Air France also offers flights from JFK to DSS multiple times per week, with layovers in Paris.
United Airlines offers direct flights from IAD in Washington, DC to DSS multiple times per week.
There are several other airlines leaving these hubs that allow for a daytrip layover in places like Spain and Morocco and Portugal.
We recommend doing a quick google flights search as early as possible, and allow flexibility within 1-3 days of retreat dates to see a variety of flight and price options.
BEFORE YOU GO….
Checkout Our Pre-Travel Guide
From currency to communication and culture, our pre-travel guide will equip you with essential information to prepare you for smooth travels in Benin, Togo, Senegal and Gambia.
