THE WELLNESS CULTURAL EXCHANGE TRIP

Dakar, Senegal​​

November 19-27, 2023

Yoga. Dance. Art. Discovery.

THE TRIP

 9 days journey to inspire you spiritually, culturally and mentally. 

It is not just about wellness, art, fashion, food and discovery but also TERANGA!

Teranga comes from the Wolof language, one of the many dialects of Senegal. The loose translation is hospitality, but to the Senegalese people, it means so much more. When you meet a stranger you treat them like family. You feed and take care of them until it’s time for them to go on the road again. Senegalese are immensely proud to be known as the country of Teranga.

The Hotel Saly, Sénégal

80 kilometres south of Dakar on the RN1, in Serere country, between the sea and the sacred forest of Bandia, the resort of Saly, which was founded in the 1980s, is the largest seaside resort in West Africa.

At the end of the 15th century, Saly was a flourishing Portuguese port enjoyed by sailors liked for its pleasant climate and grand scenery.

A succession of shallow sloping beaches is what makes the resort popular and the hotels built in the local style have respected nature with their superb flowery gardens, coconut and casuarinas trees for the enjoyment of holidayers.

YOGA & MEDITATION

The teacher will move you through the chakras, from the root to the crown focusing on yoga, meditation, and journaling to open and nourish each of the body sacred centers. If you are not familiar with the importance of the chakras, then this will be the perfect opportunity for you to learn.

AFRICAN DANCE CLASS

Learn Djembe dance and steps of the Djembe styles from the Khasonke people of Mali. Djembe dance can be high-energy and lots of fun. 

CULTURE & DISCOVERY

Maison des Esclaves (“Slave House”) in Gorée Island:

Goree Island, French Ile de Goree, a small island just south of Cape Verde Peninsula, Senegal that was the site of one of the earliest European settlements in Western Africa and long served as an outpost for slave and another trading. This landmass played an important part in the early days of African American history. The most haunting thing about this place is the “door of no return.” The door has become a symbol for the Diaspora, place that urges us all to pause and remember the suffering that millions of slaves endured during the TransAtlantic slave trade.

African Renaissance Monument:

At 160 feet tall, the bronze African Renaissance Monument is over one-and-a-half times the height of the Statue of Liberty. It depicts a man with a bare, ripped torso holding an infant aloft in one arm and guiding a woman with the other. The infant points ahead to indicate the glorious future, while the woman extends her arm behind to acknowledge the troubled past. Her hair is swept back by the wind, as are her scant, gossamer-like garments.

Museum of Black Civilizations:

One of the largest museums of its kind in the world. The museum, dedicated to “decolonizing African knowledge” has been 52 years in the making.

The Bandia reserve: 

The Bandia wildlife reserve is a real ecological jewel in the crown of Senegal. It has succeeded in reintroducing much of the marvellous native flora and of some of Africa’s best loved animals. Many of which had gradually disappeared, some of them centuries ago, due to demographic pressure and poaching.

Pink lake:

A true natural phenomenon located only 30 miles from Dakar, the highly saline Pink Lake lives up to its name.

Art & Fashion

Marché Soumbédioune:

Marché Soumbédioune a good spot for souvenir hunting. It is a market in the area of Médina where local artisans and craftsmen sell their creations, for instance wooden masks, jewellery, clothes, leather goods, pottery or paintings. 

               

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Accommodation: Hotel and Spa located in a peaceful and friendly city of Saly, full of tradition and exoticism. A relaxing paradise to experience the adventure of authentic Africa and its culture. Breakfast and Dinner included.

Transportation: Private transport to and from DSS airport & ground transportation to all included excursions.

Excursions: Goree Island, Reserve de Bandia, Pink Lake and African dance class.

Wellness: Morning and/or evening yoga/meditation classes.

*Hotels and activities are subject to change

Goodies: Welcome gift bag.

Pricing

 A $500 non-refundable deposit is required at booking.

The retreat must be paid in full no later than September 15, 2023

Payment plans reflect after the deposit is paid.

Double occupancy:

$4000/person

4 payments of $875 or 2 payments of $1750

Single occupancy:

$4500

4 payments of $1000 or 2 payments of $2000

who we are

Ngone Mbaye is a Co-Founder and Studio Manager of Greene Moments. Her yoga journey started 7 years ago while working as a French language assistant teacher for Murray Hills Wee Ones Club, a Manhattan-based preschool. Once each week, a yoga instructor taught the children yoga movements. She became inspired by the way the instructor guided the children with games, music, and books while teaching various yoga poses and stretches. A short while later Ngone received her children’s yoga certifications from Little Flower Yoga, Urban Yoga Foundation, and Rainbow Kids Yoga. In 2015, Ngone completed her 200-hour yoga certification and 300-hour yoga certification at Three Sisters Yoga in New York City. In 2017, she completed a 300-hour Hatha yoga certification in Rishikesh, India.

Ngone enjoys teaching yoga to children and adults. She guides all of her students through fun, intelligent, effective yoga classes and focuses on teaching relaxation, correct posture, and mindfulness. Her Goddess Yoga class invites all individuals to be present, honor and share the inner Goddess with others through uplifting movements and breathing. Every shape and all levels are welcome. Ngone believes that yoga is for every body. After each class participants leave with a piece of peace to share with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

Ngone’s classes are gentle and accessible to everyone. Individuals are encouraged to go at your own pace whether you are a beginner or experienced. Her teaching will feed you physically and mentally. Ngone teaches yoga to NYC uncommon high schools, to the incarcerated women of Rikers Island since 2017 and leads international yoga retreats.