The Loumpoul Desert

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Loumpoul: the spirit of the desert

In route to St. Louis (north of Senegal) on Easter vacation with my family, we stopped at the desert of Loumpoul, which is located in the Thies Region of Senegal about 15 kilometers West of Kebemer city. The visit to Loumpoul desert may well be a one time experience for our family but the memories will last for a long time. The life, spirit, simplicity, and spirituality of the people who live in the Loumpoul desert left me wondering about my own humanity, sophistication, and needs. During this trip, we learned other aspects of Senegalese life, hospitality, and appreciated deeply the true gift of friendship.

The hospitality and service offered by Abdou, our host in the desert, was excellent. He made us feel at home. He really embodies the Senegalese Teranga. He met us on the shore of “Loumpoul sur Mer” (the fishermen village) and directed us in the desert. We arrived just before dark. We immediately got into our tent and prepared for the evening.

By 8:00 PM, Abdou invited us to join in the main tent for dinner. After sharing a meal together, he and his clan organized a bonfire where the children had the privilege to listen to stories, tales, the wisdom, and the spirit of desert. Despite the chilling temperature, the kids stayed awake through the end of the stories and tales. In the morning hours, we woke up, had breakfast, and started our journey in the desert. It was quite an experience getting on and riding a dromadary. We all had so much fun playing in the sand despite the challenge of furious wind.

Our love to Mytch who organized and convinced all of us to take on the challenge of the Loumpoul desert. We did more than surviving it. We have created deep memories for our family.

Please come and discover the desert of Loumpoul with me and my family through pictures and video postings.

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Photos

posing for the camera
droma

the eye of the droma
look again...

night view of the tent
visitor's tent

view of the campground
where we stayed

close view of a droma
Dromadary

lateral view
logging facility

main tent
dinning room

interior view of main tent
sitting arroungement

lantern
only option for light

lavabo
about four available

toilet
did you wonder about the most needed...

rest area
well thought out...

campground in the desert
braving the wind

setting for dinner
main tent

Abdou: waiting for his visitors
Outside of the main tent

bonfire with mom
setting for desert's tales and stories

bonfire with Abdou's clan
stories with Ataya (tea)

inside view of visitor's tent
double beds setting

inside view -tent
single bed setting

ride in the desert
Dorvilier's clan

Comments

[jf]

logistics
I wish you had added phone numbers, e-mail addresses, prices, etc. I can't seem to find those for this place.

[LOD215]

Contact for Loumpoul Campground
Thank you for mentioning the positive aspect of the entry. Being appreciative is a universal value that could have come handy before your comment. We organized our stay through Origin Africa Travel agency. They are reliable and trustworthy. Their contact number in Dakar: [phone] or in Loumpoul ask for Abdou: [phone].