A treck in the mangroves

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This past weekend I went off into the bush in search of adventure. Friday morning, 7:30 am- I leave Dakar- nine hours, two buses, a taxis, two decrepit station wagons, a motor bike, a boat and a mule drawn cart later I reached my destination: Keur Bamgboun outside of Toubakouta. Keur Bamgboun is a village campment constructed four years ago with the help of a French environmental NGO and the hard work of 14 neighboring villages. In 2004 the area became a natural preserve, the tiny cluster of solar power equipped huts were built, and an economy built on ecotourism began. I was their sole overnight patron, which allowed me the tranquility that I searched. I spent the weekend kayaking and hiking through the mangroves. I saw a number of beautiful birds, red backed monkeys, and monitor lizards. Before leaving Dakar I printed out a star chart and spent my first evening looking at the stars in the darkest sky I had ever incountered.

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Photos

my hut
I woke up early for the sunrise... breathtaking

foot steps
low tide

the mangroves
view from my kayak

Crab
This is my guide with a crab. These boogers are eveywhere and just love snapping at feet.

big spider.
no one could tell me what it was called besides "big spider"

Comments

[Paul Ballou]

Sounds like fun and a real adventure, although I don't know how much tranquility i would have felt under the same circumstances. I would have loved to to see those dark skies!

[Julie Ballou]

It looks like you has a lot of fun on your trip, but I want to hear about your journey getting there, it sounds crazy! And that is a huge spider! I would have freaked out!!! Miss you <3