About SHIMA — Built on Authenticity, Trust & Cultural Connection
Our Mission
SHIMA Travel Tours offers authentic experiences of Senegal and The Gambia in all their richness and variety — from the vibrant streets of Dakar and its golden coastal shores, to the mystical Sahel Desert. From breathtaking wildlife safaris, to timeless villages untouched by outside influence.
We invite you to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural and historical landmarks, bustling local markets, exciting nightlife and mouth watering local cuisine. Our services include reliable airport transfers and local taxi and shuttle services in and around Dakar. SHIMA Travel Tours ensures that every journey is seamless from the moment you arrive. Each experience is curated with care by local, English-speaking guides whose patience, deep knowledge, and warmth bring every moment to life.
Rooted in local expertise and a deep love and respect for the land, its traditions, and its people, SHIMA Travel Tours crafts experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Every tour is an opportunity to connect with culture, discover history and geography, and feel the living spirit of the region. With SHIMA, every journey becomes an unforgettable story.
Our Story
Mamadou Cisse Fall and Shindy Johnson visit Ngor Island — August 2025
SHIMA Travel Tours is a partnership founded by Mamadou Cisse Fall of Senegal and Shindy Melanie Johnson born in Guyana, and now a US citizen based in Brooklyn, New York.
What began as a connection between a seasoned Senegalese guide and a traveler who has lived, worked, and toured across Africa, grew into a shared vision — to help guests experience Senegal’s vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and rich history with authenticity and care.
Having explored Africa herself, Shindy brings an understanding of what travelers value most — comfort, trust, and genuine connections. Mamadou brings the expertise, cultural insight, and deep pride that makes every journey extraordinary.
Mamadou’s deep cultural knowledge and years of guiding international guests combine well with Shindy’s global perspective and commitment to elevating the guest experience through innovation, design, and service. Together, they created SHIMA Travel Tours — a brand where heritage meets hospitality, and every journey feels like coming home.
Mamadou Cisse Fall: Co-founder
Mamadou Cisse Fall is a native Wolof Senegalese, fluent in both French and English. He boasts years of experience guiding visitors from around the world on authentic, custom-curated explorations of Senegal and The Gambia.
Formerly the owner and manager of EFCM Taxi Services — a highly rated travel and tour company — Mamadou now brings that same expertise , professionalism and warmth to his role as co-founder and managing partner of SHIMA Travel Tours.
Shindy Melanie Johnson: Co-founder
Shindy Johnson, a Guyanese native and Brooklyn, New York resident, fell in love with Senegal after her first visit touring with Mamadou.
In 2025, Shindy joined Mamadou to co-found SHIMA Travel Tours, with a shared vision to elevate your in-country experience. We achieve this through modern, comfortable transportation services and enhanced digital tools.
Our Company
In a few short months SHIMA Travel Tours has grown into a bi-national partnership registered in New York, USA. Our motto is “Authenticity, Local Expertise, Global Excellence.” Our bi-national structure enables us to offer our clients deep local knowledge and connections along with sophisticated digital options for booking and payment. SHIMA Travel Tours delivers logistical excellence and seamless experiences every time.
Our Promise
We don’t just design tours; we create moments of genuine connection. Whether you’re discovering Dakar’s museums, exploring Gorée Island, or venturing into the Sahel, our mission is to help every traveler discover something magical in Senegal.