Presentism Travel is an endeavor to support people who are committed to traveling for the purpose of tracing their lineage and familiarizing themselves with the history & struggles of Black and Indigenous people, globally.

Senegal, the westernmost country in Africa, is home to a layered history of pre-colonial stature, Transatlantic exploitation, and Pan-African resistance. This trip is designed to explore Senegal beyond linear narratives that plague global understandings of Africa. Senegal is an incredibly peaceful nation, and this trip will place emphasis on highlighting the Senegalese spirit of teranga (hospitality).

Beginning with 7 days exploring Dakar and Joal-Fadiouth* (the birthplace of Leopold Senghor, Senegal's founding father) the first half of this journey will be oriented towards situating Senegal both within and beyond its relationship to the Transatlantic slave trade and Pan-African freedom struggles. We will visit the Door of No Return - the site from which 20 million Africans were trafficked between the mid-1500s and mid-1800s - and spend intentional time processing each leg of the journey. 

The themes that anchor this voyage are: Technologies of Resistance, Négritude, and Sufism in West Africa and its Diasporas. Each theme has a corresponding micro-syllabus that will serve to both prepare travelers to embark on this immersion, and guide reflection while on the journey itself.

The central highlight of this trip will be a voyage to Touba to experience the Grand Magal. The Grand Magal of Touba is a national holiday in Senegal observed on 18th Safar in the Islamic calendar - this year it falls on September 15th. This day sees the largest pilgrimage in West Africa as hundreds of thousands of Sufis make their way to the holy city of Touba. While this trip is geared towards providing an immersion into West African Sufism, people of all faiths are invited and encouraged to join.

Ultimately, this trip aims to serve as an exploration of how to encourage inter-diasporic, inter-faith exchange while addressing the political complexities that complicate such an endeavor.

*Itinerary subject to change depending on final trip size. 

Financial Subsidy: A limited amount of discounted slots will be made available for first-time Black diasporic participants to join the trip. Please contact me directly to inquire about how to secure one. Travelers who have the means to support this subsidy program are invited + encouraged to use the "Pay it Forward" add-on on the trip booking page. 

First-Time Travel Consideration: The Grand Magal will be a transformative experience; however, due to the large influx of people to Touba at that time, it could potentially be overwhelming for first-time travelers. A trip option that excludes the Magal is available. Anyone who is interested in coming to Touba but is unsure of whether it would be a good fit are encouraged to reach out to schedule a call with myself and the local trip guide, Samba, to ask any questions they might have. 

Accommodation: In Dakar, we will be staying in AirBnB(s). In Joal-Fadiouth, we will stay in a local hotel. There are no hotels in Touba, and our days there will be spent at the homes of locals. Travelers can expect to share a room with one other person - those who would prefer private individual accommodation can select that option as an add-on. 

Language: Senegal is a French and Wolof-speaking country. An introductory proficiency in French is encouraged, but not necessary; we will be accompanied by a translator and local guide for the duration of the trip. Travelers who are interested in practicing French and/or Wolof in the lead up to the trip are welcome to reach out and participate in group lessons. 

Dress and Culture: Our primary local guides are queer-friendly. That being said, Touba is a relatively conservative city and modest dress is expected. There will be opportunities to discuss any specific safety concerns one-on-one prior to the trip for all participants. 

Participation Confirmation: An introductory call will be scheduled with each participant in the week following their booking. The deposit will be refundable until after the call, pending mutual confidence that the trip is a good fit.