Boat trip on the Casamance River

The Casamance River and its bolongs connect mangroves, villages and islands. A boat trip, when offered, lets you see this landscape from the water. Routes and sightings depend on the departure point, tides and weather; agree the itinerary and conditions with a local boat operator. The gallery shows a kapok-wood pirogue at Carabane on 16 January 2008 and a sailing pirogue at Ziguinchor on 4 April 2012. These archive photographs document river craft; they do not show a tourist boat offered today or guarantee a sailing trip.

Things to see and do

• Observe mangroves and riverbanks from a respectful distance.
• Ask the boat operator about places along the route.
• Plan the return around tides and daylight.
• Observe different pirogue designs without assuming they offer tourist trips.

Good to know

Check life jackets, duration, price and navigation conditions before boarding. Also confirm the departure point, passenger numbers, return arrangements and weather. Respect fishing areas and ask permission before photographing people.