The Loumpoul Desert

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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