Come to Abene in Senegal!
 In an authentic African village, not yet spoiled by mass-tourism, and situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean, the cultural centre O’Dunbeye Land is organising workshops and individual lessons for djembe drum and traditional African dance. O’Dunbeye Land is a Senegalese centre, led by Thomas Diabang, a professional dancer from Abene. The workshops are led by renowned tutors, who for the larger part come from the surroundings of Abene. They are held on a terrain which is situated directly by the beach. In the program, ample time is allowed to relax: lovely swimming in the Atlantic, strolling through the villages and getting to know the local people. In addition the centre organises, on demand, excursions with as a main theme the African arts and culture. Furthermore there is a possibility for courses in African batik or woodcarving and African cooking
Lodging
The O’Dunbeye Land centre is equipped with simple-style lodgings based on African traditions. Full or half board is possible.
Surroundings
Abene (in the Mandingo language this means: “Meeting-Place”) is a small village situated, in the South of Senegal, the region called “Casamance”, the greenest and most fertile part of Senegal. In addition to the presence of the Atlantic Ocean (Abene is a fishing-village) it is also an area abounding in forest and water, with in the near vicinity a variety of creeks where hundreds of different species of birds reside! In Abene the population are mainly Mandingo and Diola. Besides a number of collective agricultural projects, of which the proceeds are used for mutual aid, a modest form of tourism is coming up. The village has several professional dance-and musical groups, of whom we’ll certainly see some performances! There also is a small artist’s centre, where mainly traditional art objects are made, but also musical instruments and batiks.
Further information
Where are the dance and percussion lessons held, and what’s the fee?The dance lessons are held in the morning time, the percussion sessions take place in the late afternoon. The fee is 7000 cfa (7.20 GBP); to rent a djembe: 2 GBP. As for the classes in batik or woodcarving: the fees will be established on the spot, depending on the number of participants.
What are the charges at O’Dunbeye Land?
| |
Single |
Double |
| Bed |
4.500 cfa |
3.500 cfa |
| Bed & Breakfast |
6.000 cfa |
5.000 cfa |
| Half-board |
9.500 cfa |
8.500 cfa |
| Full-board |
13.000 cfa |
12.000 cfa |
| |
|
|
| Breakfast |
1.500 cfa |
|
| Menu |
3.500 cfa |
|
| African meal |
1.650 cfa |
|
Various excursions
 Day Excursions
- Visit to Isle d’Oiseaux (Pelican Island) and visit pottery centre Colomba (Senegal)
- Visit to a Diola-village Bandjikaky to see and to assist African dances with the women of the village
Multiple day excursions
- To Basse-Casamance. Choice: Visit to Cap Skirring, Djembering or Oussouye, Elinkine and the slave island Karabane.
- To the traditional island Kailo
- Ziguinchor- Forêt de Kalounaye
Guided Walks
- To Artist’s Centre Abene; visit to Banta Woro, a holy tree
- To the village of Niafrang: natural territory where you’ll see various kinds of monkeys on your way
- Along the beach to Kafountine
If requested, you can make a trip with the fishermen at Abene at the Atlantic Ocean. We can also organise trips to Dakar and the Sine Saloum Delta and to the National Park Niokolokoba.
Practical information
Visa: For Senegal a visa is required. This is best applied for in your own country. When you are on holidays in the Gambia, you can arrange it in Banjul.
Other necessary documents
A valid passport and an “International Vaccination Certificate”. Contact your medical centre for the required vaccination and malaria - tablets. Also bring a photo-copy of your passport and keep this separate from the original. If you should have to apply to your embassy or consulate in Gambia or in Senegal in case of theft, a copy can save you much time and trouble !
Currency
In Senegal, the currency is the CFA: 1.000 CFA = 1.02694 GBP = € 1.52449. The best thing is to take cash money and Traveller’s Cheques as well. In the large cities you can exchange Traveller’s Cheques and since recently you can also use your credit-card there. In Gambia, the currency is Dalassi (100 Dalassi is about 2.31119 GBP and € 3.34056. You can exchange pounds there and here also Traveller’s Cheques and credit cards can be used, except American Express.
Recommended reading
Lonely Planet Survival Kit: The Gambia & Senegal, ISBN 0-86442-593-7
The journey
The best time for vacation in West-Africa lies between the months of December and April. The temperature is pleasant then: it won’t be too hot and there will be no rain. You can fly to Senegal’s capital, Dakar. To reach Casamance, where Abene and O’Dunbeye Land are, you can book a flight from Dakar to the Gambia (Yundum Airport). Flight time is less than half an hour. You can also fly to the Gambia (Banjul-Yundum Airport). We will be meeting you at the airport to take you to Abene!
What else should you know?
Please, sent us an email, so we can advise you how to come to Abene: adri@odunbeyeland.com.We hope to meet you in Abene!
Our address
O’Dunbeye Land
Mrs. A.C. Zegers
Phone: +31 (0)73 8516033
Park Eikenheuvel 305
5262 AW Vught
The Netherlands
Email: adri@odunbeyeland.com
In Senegal:
O’Dunbeye Land, chez T. Diabang, Abene
Phone: +221 77524 9600
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