Diali Cissokho
Griot Korist, Percussionist, & Songwriter
Program Overview
Weekend Outings
Goree Island
A small island south of Dakar, Goree Island was one of the earliest European Settlements in West Africa and long served as an outpost for slave trading. This small island is striking, both in its physical beauty and historical significance.
The Desert at Lompoul
Ring in the new year in Lompoul. These rolling desert dunes are located on the Atlantic Coast of Senegal! Ride camels through the desert, watch fireworks light up the sky, and spend a night in tents on the sand under the stars.
Bandia Nature Reserve
Bandia is a small but perfectly formed game reserve on the outskirts of Mbour. Enjoy the assistance of a skilled guide to find a variety of protected animals of the African savannah including giraffe, zebra, rino, impala, antelope, monkeys and more!
Centre Handicape Mbour
Visit Centre Handicape see a stunning show by a group of dancers and musicians, both able bodied and physically disabled, performing together in a spectacular theatrical performance.
Travelers will stay in Mbour, Senegal, a town rich in tradition, pulsing with West African music, and abuzz with local celebrations. Week days will start with a light breakfast of fresh fruit, bread, and spiced coffee, followed by West African drum and dance classes and an informal lesson in basic conversational Wolof and local customs. After class we will share an awesome traditional Senegalese meal for lunch prepared by our house cook, and afternoons will be spent exploring Mbour, from the open-air market and artisan village, to the beautiful local beaches, and many other unique local treasures. Weekends will take us out of town to explore other regional adventures.
The total program cost is $1000. This includes the following: lodging, transportation to and from the airport and all planned activities, all in-house meals, daily music, dance, and language classes, guides and helpers (important to those who do not speak the local languages), and all in-house performances. This does NOT include airfare, tips, snacks, market goods, admission fees, leisure or spontaneous outings, and vaccinations.
Please contact us by email for more information: dialicissokhomusic@gmail.com
Also, check out this awesome article that our good friend Elissa Lerner wrote about our experiences in Senegal this past winter
Without a doubt, you will arrive in Senegal a stranger, stay as an honored guest, and leave as a member of a large and loving family! To the people of Senegal, hospitality or “teranga” is an important part of national identity. It is so identified with the pride of Senegal that the national soccer team is known as “The Lions of Teranga.”
Program Cost
Senegal: The Land of Hospitality
Cultural Exchange in Senegal: December 26 - January 10
LEARN West-African drumming, dance, language, and customs
SAVOR Traditional Senegalese cuisine (and learn how to cook it if you'd like!)
ENJOY Incredible entertainment, exotic wild-life, beautiful beaches, and local flavor
FALL IN LOVE With the people of Senegal and their vibrant culture, loving hospitality, and beautiful country