tourism of senegal

Must-see attractions in Senegal

Île de N'Gor

For a quick escape from the frenetic streets of Dakar, head to peaceful Île de N'Gor, a tiny island just off Dakar's north shore. It has a few calm…

Musée Théodore Monod

The is one of Senegal's best museums. Exhibitions delve into African art and culture with over 9000 objects on display. Lively displays of masks and…

Pont Faidherbe

Transferred to Saint-Louis in 1897, the Pont Faidherbe is the city's most significant landmark. The metal arches of this bridge linking Saint-Louis to the…

Maison des Esclaves

Set in a former grand home allegedly used as a departure point for slaves, this is one of the most important monuments to the slave trade and features the…

Fathala Wildlife Reserve & Lodge

For those not heading to wildlife parks in other parts of Africa, this 60-sq-km reserve might be worth adding to your itinerary. This reserve was created…

Mlomp Musée de la Tradition Diola

Set amid towering kapok trees on the main road between Oussouye and Elinkine, this striking case à impluvium houses an exhibition dedicated to Diola…

Parc National du Delta du Saloum

Established in 1976, this lush national park is a water-filled wonderland with mangroves, salt marshes, islands and woodland all part of the great delta's…

African Renaissance Monument

Allegedly Africa's highest statue, the African Renaissance Monument was unveiled in 2010 to commemorate Senegal's 50 years of independence from France. At…

Mamelles Lighthouse

A photogenic 1864 lighthouse graces the top of one of Dakar's few hills. It's worth making leisurely 20-minute walk, with sweeping views across the city…

Plage de N'Gor

Plage de N'gor is a small beach popular with families and football-playing youths, and there are a few snack spots with tables on the sands. It's not a…

Plage de Virage

Plage de Virage is a popular spot with surfers. This small beach gets packed on weekends with a mostly local crowd, though a few foreigners pass by,…

Parc National de Niokolo-Koba

At 900 sq km, Niokolo-Koba is Senegal's largest national park. It's listed as a World Heritage Site in danger, as park resources barely suffice to…

Alliance Franco-Sénégalaise

This is easily Ziguinchor's most stunning building, a giant case à impluvium (a large, round traditional house) decorated with blindingly busy South…

Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie

This park includes the far southern tip of the Langue de Barbarie peninsula, the estuary of the Senegal River (which contains two small islands) and a…

Réserve Naturelle Somone

This serene 700-hectare reserve is a great spot for seeing some of the avian wildlife along the coast. Pelicans, egrets, herons and flamingos are among…

Village des Arts

An arts tour around Dakar is simply not complete without a visit to this famous art complex, where some of Senegal's most promising and established…

Musée Jean Mermoz

This small museum gives a glimpse into the life and times of Jean Mermoz, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and other pilots who flew during the golden era of…

IFAN Historical Museum

Gives a glimpse of island (and regional) history dating back to the 5th century. Exhibitions cover cultural lore, megalithic sites, key figures in the…

Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj

From November to April, some three million birds migrating south from Europe stop here, because it's one of the first places with permanent water south of…

Plage de Yoff

Like all of Dakar's beaches, Yoff's stretch of sand isn't very clean. That doesn't stop beach-goers and surfers who come for the consistent waves. Aside…

IFAN Museum

This heritage, art and culture museum contains photos of famous Saint-Louis personalities, an informative history section (in French) and exhibitions on…

Place de l'Indépendance

Dakar's central square is the beating heart of the city. Symmetrically laid out and home to countless cars, crooks and 1960s concrete blocks, it also…

Layen Mausoleum

In Yoff village, take a look at the Layen Mausoleum, a shrine to the founder of the Layen Muslim brotherhood. Residents of Yoff are noted for their strong…

Place Faidherbe

With its statue of the French governor who led the colonial expansion eastwards and initiated many ambitious infrastructural projects, this square sits…

A bustling popular quartier with tiny tailor's shops, a busy Marché Tilène and streets brimming with life, the Médina was built as a township for the…

Right opposite the Pont Faidherbe, the Governance (usually referred to as 'la Gouvernance') is built on the ruins of the 18th-century colonial fort. This…

Palais Présidentiel

Surrounded by sumptuous gardens and guards in colonial-style uniforms, the presidential palace was originally built for the colonial governors but now…

Grande Mosquée

The impressive Grande Mosquée, built in 1964, sits in the heart of Médina, a lively neighbourhood where tiny tailor shops fight for space with improvised…

Guet N'Dar

On the Langue de Barbarie, Guet N'Dar is a fantastically busy fishing town worth checking out to observe local culture. Come here to watch dozens of…

Grand Mosque

The Maghreb-style building of the Grand Mosque in the north was constructed in 1847 by order of the colonial administration to appease the growing Muslim…

Climb to the top of the Castel, the southern tip of the island, for great views, and seek out the cluster of tiny arts workshops filled with pieces by…

In the south, next to the governor's palace, you'll find the Cathedral, an 1828 building with a neoclassical facade that is one of the oldest operating…

Post Office

The city's post office is one of Central Ziguinchor's colourful colonial buildings. Although you can go inside, there isn't much to see at the small…

Chambre de Commerce

On the northwest corner of Pl de l'Indépendance stands this grand colonnaded building, erected in 1910. It played a pivotal role for developing trade and…

Rogniat Casernes

On opposite sides of Place Faidherbe, these two 19th-century buildings were used as soldiers' barracks during the colonial days. The building on the south…

Governor's Palace

Overlooking the leafy Place Faidherbe is this classic 19th-century building, once the residence for the French colonial governor.

Train Station

The elegant facade of this train station inspires ideas of romantic train journeys (which are quickly wiped away once you enter the bleak interior).

Gouvernance

A grand building anchoring the Place de l'Indépendance, la Gouvernance was the seat of power for the French colonial administration of Senegal.

Conseil Régional

One of Ziguinchor's colonial buildings today houses the region's excellent tourism office.

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Visit Senegal: My Detailed Senegal Travel Guide & Itinerary

Last Updated on March 15, 2023

Visit Senegal for a peek into West African culture and history. Here’s my detailed Senegal travel guide and itinerary.

Perched on the westernmost tip of Africa, Senegal beats to a different rhythm as its neighbors. The country is lined with beaches popular with surfers and dotted with islands that are home to crumbling but charming French colonial buildings.

The Senegalese pride themselves on the teranga , or warm hospitality in Wolof language. It’s one of the many reasons that makes Senegal so special in my eyes and is at the core of their culture. I traveled solo in Senegal, and met many people along the way who made a difference to my trip.

As one of the most stable countries in West Africa , Senegal is easily the best place to go for an introduction to the region. Whether it’s your first or 10th time in Africa, a trip to Senegal is never dull. Here’s my detailed guide with everything you need to know about Senegal travel.

Table of Contents

When to Visit Senegal

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The Blaise Diagne International International Airport is the main gateway to Senegal. The airport is brand new, opened in December 2017, and it’s amazingly efficient. But it is located 27 miles (43km) from downtown Dakar (1-hour car journey).

Dakar Airport is easily accessible by direct flight from major cities in Europe, including Lisbon and Paris. Major airlines that serve this airport include Emirates, Air France, TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines.

The cheapest way to fly to Dakar is from Lisbon on TAP Portugal . Flights from Lisbon to Dakar usually cost around $500 return. But I got a great deal: my flight from Amsterdam to Dakar cost only US$280 return!

Those flying from the US will have to fly via Europe. Flights from New York to Dakar cost around US$850 return (16-hour journey). Flights from Los Angeles to Dakar cost around $1000 return with stopovers in Chicago or Toronto.

Search for Flights to Senegal

Senegal has borders with Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia . The most notorious border crossing is the Senegal-Mauritania border at Rosso. It’s just two hours from Saint Louis and there’s a free ferry crossing to get you across the Senegal River. Some travelers have reported attacks at the border crossing. Read this blog post for details. 

Another border crossing that is open is the Senegal-Gambia border in Karang/Amdallai. This border has frequent protests and closures. Karang is about a 5-hour journey from Dakar. After crossing the border, you’ll need to catch a taxi to Barra and from there, a ferry to Banjul, capital of Gambia.

Overland travel in Senegal is only recommended for those who have traveled West Africa and who can handle rough situations.

The best time to visit Senegal is during the dry season from November to February . These are the coolest months and the best time to see wildlife.

It’s best to avoid the rainy season from late June to September. Some national parks can become inaccessible and even closed. The heat and humidity can be extreme and malaria is a serious problem. If you’re planning to travel only around Dakar, you won’t have to worry about malaria.

I visited Senegal in early June and the weather was perfect. It wasn’t too hot or cold. The average temperature during the day was around 75 deg F (24 deg C) and it was dusty but not rainy.

I spent one week in Senegal and got to explore three areas: Dakar, Saint-Louis and the Langue du Barbarie National Park. It gave me a good sense of the country, though I wished I had more time to go down south.

The best thing about traveling to Senegal is that it’s easily accessible from Europe where I’m based. Flights from Europe are short (3.5 hours) and cheap (mine cost $350 return). So I can easily come back anytime!

If you have the time though, I recommend having at least two weeks in Senegal. This will give you enough time to go to the desert and wildlife parks. See my Senegal itinerary at the bottom of the post.

Senegal is known as one of the safest countries in West Africa. With relatively low levels of crime and disease, plus a stable democracy, Senegal is quite a safe travel destination.

As a solo female traveler, I felt rather safe when traveling around Senegal. I got hassled a lot though, with usually 3-4 men (and women) approaching me each day. Mind you, they’re usually not that persistent.

West Africa tends to be more challenging than other parts of Africa for those who don’t speak French. I recommend hiring a guide if you’re not confident being alone. I traveled independently in and around Dakar and then hired a guide to explore Saint-Louis and a nearby national park. I didn’t get hassled one bit while traveling with him.

How to Get Around Senegal

It is possible to rent a car in Dakar and drive around on your own. Roads in Senegal are actually not too bad, especially those connecting Dakar with major cities/sights.

But there are quite a few unpaved roads so it’s best to hire a 4×4. I’d advise driving only if you’re an experienced driver and can navigate unpaved roads and crazy drivers. A 1-week car rental from Dakar Airport cost around $285 for a compact car and $1000 for a 4×4.

Rent a Car in Senegal

A popular way of getting around cities is by Ndiaga Ndiayes (colorful 30-seater minibuses). These buses aren’t the most comfortable way to get by but give you an interesting local experience.

To get from one city to another, the best way is by sept-place (Peugeot cars converted into 7-seaters). These cars leave from the main taxi station of each city and depart only when they’re full. Be prepared to be squashed!

Taxis are common and easy to get everywhere, but be sure to bargain. Prices to get around the downtown area are around 1000 CFA.

From downtown Dakar to Ngor shouldn’t cost more than 3000 CFA each way. And a taxi from Dakar to the airport is priced at 25,000 – 30,000 CFA each way.

West Africa tends to be more challenging than other parts of Africa for those who don’t speak French.  I traveled independently around Dakar and then used the service of a guide to explore the north. I hired Moctar, founder of From Dakar , that focuses on immersion trips. He’s multi-talented guy who’s also a photographer and media company owner.

If you prefer to travel with a group, check out this 10-day Senegal and Gambia adventure with small-group operator G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them many times (to Mongolia, Antarctica, Brazil, Nepal etc.) and can highly recommend them. Every single trip was epic and I made many lifelong friendships on my trips with them.

Alternatively, you can book day tours on Viator to have a guide only on certain days.  Here are some day tours from Dakar worth checking out :

• Museum and Mosques: Exploring the Cultural Fabric of Senegal
• Day trip around Dakar and Goree Island  
• Day trip to Bandia National Park and Pink Lake
• Solidarity Tourism in Traditional Villages

There are lots of affordable choices when it comes to accommodation, especially in Dakar. A good resource for apartment or villa rental in Senegal is MyAfric.com (akin to the Airbnb of West Africa). If you’re an upscale traveler, then that’s the best place to find comfortable accommodation.

Blaise Diagne Airport: Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio

If you’re arriving late into Dakar, I recommend booking a hotel near the airport as Dakar is an hour away by taxi. This is the only airport hotel (albeit around 20 minutes away) with a free airport shuttle. It’s a proper 5-star hotel with an excellent pool and restaurant. Check the latest rates.

Dakar: Villa Renaissance

This was the best place I stayed at in Senegal. The private mansion has been converted into a comfortable boutique hotel with clean and stylish rooms and a swimming pool. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature 4-poster beds and a turquoise beach theme. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the beach in Ngor. Check the latest rates.

Dakar: Hotel du Plateau

I also stayed at this clean and pleasant hotel located right in the heart of downtown Dakar. This area is where all the colonial buildings stand and there’s quite a lot to see here. But it is a gritty area, so be prepared for some hassling. The hotel is a great escape from the chaos of the city though, with comfortable air-conditioned rooms. Check the latest rates.

Saint-Louis: Hotel La Residence

This is one of Saint-Louis’ oldest hotels, located right in the heart of the island. The owners (an ancient Saint-Louisian family) have done a great job in evoking the sense of history. The heritage hotel is well located and definitely the best place to stay in town. Check the latest rates. Check the latest rates.

Langue du Barbarie: Zebra Bar

Located on the edge of the Senegal River, this campsite has awesome views and access to the bird reserve of Langue du Barberie. The spacious kid-friendly camp has accommodation in simple huts and big bungalows. Check the latest rates.

Senegalese food took me by surprise: it’s hearty, spicy and comforting. Traditional Senegalese dishes often come with rice and a dollop of chili or mustard.

Fish and seafood are staples of Senegalese cuisine. You’ll find grilled sole, dorade and calamari in many restaurants. Otherwise, chicken and goat are always available. Vegetarians might have some difficulty finding options in Senegal as meat is found in almost every dish here.

There are the three main Senegalese dishes you need to try:

• Thieboudienne (pronounced Chebu Jen) literally means “fish and rice” in the local Wolof language.
• Yassa is a sauce of onions, lemons and garlic. It is used to garnish chicken and fish.
• Mafé is a succulent peanut butter-based sauce that is usually served in curry form with beef, pork, goat, or chicken.

There are lots of cheap eateries and patisseries all over the main cities. Food hygiene may be a problem at street-side stalls and some dibuterie (barbecue meat stands), so be careful.

Here are some of the best places I ate at:

• Keur N’Dya, Dakar — This is undoubtedly one of the best places to try thieboudienne in Dakar. They serve traditional Senegalese dishes that are sometimes accompanied by the kora (West African harp-like instrument).
• Chez Katia, Ngor — This hip restaurant in Ngor is particularly popular with Senegalese. It’s got an affordable menu that includes amazing pastries, grilled meat, and pizza.
• Le Reveil, Saint-Louis — This humble restaurant/bar in the heart of Saint-Louis serves up amazing mafé with goat meat. My guide said it’s the best place to eat in Saint-Louis.

The currency used in Senegal is West African Franc (CFA). The exchange rate is roughly US$1=580 CFA. You can get a decent exchange rate at the airport, so changing money at the change bureau near baggage claim is definitely worth it.

Senegal is generally cheap when it comes to accommodation and transport. You can get a room at a guesthouse/campsite for around $20/night and a comfortable air-conditioned room in Dakar for $50-70/night.

Food isn’t as cheap as you’d think. A dish of thieboudienne in a local eatery usually costs 2000-3000 CFA ($3.70-5.50), and grilled fish or calamar in a tourist town costs around 4000-6000 CFA ($7.50-11).

The majority of Senegalese are Muslims, but they tend to be less conservative than their counterparts elsewhere in Africa.

Most Senegalese are understanding of western cultures, with many adopting western-style dress themselves. It is acceptable to dress in singlets and dresses, but you should still be mindful of local cultural practices and beliefs. Cover up when entering religious buildings.

In particular, take extra caution during religious festivals. During Ramadan, it’s not polite to eat and drink on the street during daylight hours, while most are abstaining.

The Senegalese take pride in “teranga”, a Wolof word for hospitality.   You’ll hear that a lot during your Senegal trip.

People tend to be open and welcoming towards visitors. I lost count of the number of locals who approached me to strike up a conversation. The hassling can be annoying, but stay firm and calm.

Most of the time, they want to show you their shop or be your guide. I usually respond with a firm “no”. But if I sense that the man is trying to make an honest living, I would hire him for a short tour and pay 2000 CFA for his time.

The main languages spoken in Senegal are Wolof and French. But I’ve found quite a few people who speak English, particularly the young Senegalese who are constantly hassling tourists.

Don’t expect taxi drivers or waiters to speak English. Knowing a few key words in French or Wolof can be very useful. Start with a friendly   “Bonjour” (Hello) and “Ça va? Bien?” (How are you? Good?) in French. Even better, say “Salaam Alaykum” to greet locals and “Jërejëf” (Thank you in Wolof).

I can understand a bit of French (but can’t really speak it), and didn’t find it difficult to get by. You can always find help at your hotel or use Google Translator.

In recent years, Senegal has made vast strides in the battle against malaria, with cases falling from over 30% in the early 2000s to less than 5% in 2015.

Dakar and Saint-Louis can be visited without malaria medication . But you should take precautions during the rainy season (late June – September) and if heading inland (especially the southeast). I visited in early June and didn’t take any malaria medication. It didn’t rain at the all when I was there and mosquitoes were very few.

Though a yellow fever vaccine isn’t required to enter Senegal, it’s recommended. Once you get one, it’s effective for life. Remember to bring a good mosquito repellent, tissue and sunblock.

Senegal Travel Itinerary: Things to Do in Senegal

I’m sharing my 1-week Senegal itinerary to help you plan your Senegal trip. Many of the interesting sights like Lac Rose and Goree Island are near Dakar, so it’s easy to base yourself in Dakar and explore the area.

Downtown Dakar is where most of the old colonial buildings are found. It is quite rough, be prepared for some hassling.

Some of the points of interest in downtown Dakar worth checking out are Le Musée des Civilisations Noires , Gare du Dakar, Hotel du Ville and Marche Kermel (street market).

Continue to the Ouakam fishing village that is home to two major sights: Monument de la Renaissance Africaine (tallest statue in Africa) and Mosquée de la Divinité.

Île de Gorée (or Goree Island) is a gorgeous island and UNESCO site just 1.8 miles (3km) from downtown Dakar. The tiny island makes for an ideal day trip, as it’s just a 20-minute ferry ride from the Gare du Dakar.

The island’s sandy car-free lanes and pastel-colored colonial buildings flanked by lush bougainvillea flowers and baobab trees are undeniably alluring.

But don’t let the bright colors here fool you — the island bears witness to some of the worst brutalities in human history. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the Senegalese coast.

Next morning, head to Ngor, a fishing village that is one of Dakar’s most attractive areas . A taxi ride from downtown Dakar to Ngor costs around 3000 CFA ($5).

Ngor itself has a nice beach with lots of colorful boats lined up on the sand and kids frolicking in the water. Next to the seafront is an interesting labyrinth-like residential area where locals live.

Then head out on a pirogue (leaves whenever it is full) to Ngor island or Île de N’Gor, just off the shore. The peaceful islet has a few calm beaches with some legendary surf on the norther end. The sandy walkways are flanked by surf camps, eclectic art galleries and artistic houses.

It’s time to head out to explore the countryside of Senegal. Saint-Louis is a 4-hour journey from Dakar on the sept-place (7-seater). Catch a sept-place from the Gare Routiere Pompiers.

Saint-Louis was the first French settlement in Africa, founded in 1659. It became a thriving trading centre, and eventually the capital of the French colonial empire.

The old town stands on an island in the middle of Senegal River. Today it’s a shadow of its former self, existing as a sprawl of dilapidated colonial buildings which hint at former glory. A  few of the beautiful buildings have been wonderfully restored such as the Museum of Photography and Keur Fall Artisan shop .

There is a lot to Saint-Louis so I recommend spending another day wandering its dusty roads and checking out the interesting shops and museums.

The best way to explore every corner of Saint-Louis is by horse-drawn carriage, the original mode of transport here. Make a stop at the Faidherbe Bridge, the city’s most significant landmark. It was designed by Gustav Eiffel, the famous engineer behind Eiffel Tower.

Cross the bridge and you’ll find a very different side to Saint Louis. The fishing district of Guet Ndar is an extremely lively area with thousands of pirogues parked on the beach and gritty houses lining the dusty roads.

Located around a 30-minute taxi ride from Saint-Louis, the Langue du Barbarie National Park is a protected area around the estuary where the Senegal River and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

It is home to many bird species, including the flamingo, pelican, cormorant heron and egret. Catch a pirogue and you’ll see them in big flocks, especially from November to April. 

There are also lots of small villages within the national park. We took a stroll to a village just outside Zebra Bar and it was fascinating to visit the market and see how locals live in the rural area.

It’s time to head back to Dakar. Spend some time in the morning wandering around Saint Louis (lots of markets, interesting shops and boutiques) before catching a sept-place back to Dakar.

I’d advise staying near the Blaise Diagne airport if you have a morning flight to catch as Dakar is an hour away. There’s not a lot going on around the airport and the only hotel that’s near is the Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio.

Other Things to Do in Senegal

• Lac Rose — A pink lake that shimmers under the sun due to the cyanobacteria that flourish in the water.The degree of pinkness depends on the season.
• Toubab Dialow — My local guide’s favorite surfing spot in Senegal. The cliffs drop off to the Atlantic Ocean beneath. This fishing town is home to a hippy campsite and backpackers’ favorite, Sobo Bade.
• Sine-Saloum Delta — If you have more than 1 week in Senegal, I highly recommend visiting this delta. About three hours from Dakar, Sine-Saloum is a beautiful area of shimmering flat plains, palm groves, salt marshes and lagoons.
• Desert du Lompoul — Near the Grand Cote lies giant dunes that stretch from the coast far into the country’s interior. You can stay in Mauritanian desert tents right in the middle of the dunes.
• Bandia Wildlife Reserve — If it’s your first time in Africa and you’re dying to see big animals, head to Bandia Reserve just outside Dakar.

Did I miss out on anything? Ask me anything in the comment field below!

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Thank you for sharing your trip Nellie! I’m planning a trip with my family to spend five full days in Dakar. Is that too short to include Saint-Louis?

hi Raymond, yeh five days might be too short to include Saint Louis if you want to see everything I mentioned in Dakar. That said, if you’re not traveling with young kids and you’re all able to move fast, then it is possible with 3 days in Dakar (including a day trip to Ile de Goree) and 2 days in Saint Louis. You can even hire a whole sept-place if you’re a family of four/five.

Thanks Nellie! I sent you a message via your FB wildjunket channel, do you mind checking if you get a chance?

hi Raymond, I just answered your message. Hope you have a good trip to Senegal!

Lisa E Lynde

Hi! I am looking at a quick trip to Dakar in a couple weeks and would love to find out a reputable tour company that can guide me through the downtown and to Goree. I will be a solo female traveler and don’t speak French, so it makes sense I go the tour route (though I normally don’t like them!) :) Would love suggestions!

hi Lisa, I shared my guide’s contact above, in the ‘tour operator’ section. But here it is again: I traveled with Moctar, founder of From Dakar, that focuses on immersion trips. He’s multi-talented guy who’s not just a tour operator, but also a photographer and media company owner.

Peggy Vander Meulen

Loved your informative and up-to-date guide to Senegal. Is there a way to download a printable or pdf copy of your travel guide? I’d be willing to pay! I can’t find any guidebooks newer than 2019. Our family lived in Dakar for 7 years back in the 1990s and we’re returning for two weeks Feb. 2022. Thank you. Peggy

hey Peggy, thank you for your kind words! Glad you find it useful! At the moment, I don’t have a PDF version (although I’m in the process of hiring a designer to create PDFs for some of my articles.) But you can actually click on the printer icon on the left and print out this whole article. It might be quite a few pages though. I’ll let you know when a PDF is available for this article. Thank you!

Hi Nellie thank you for you sharing your experience in Senegal. I have 9 days to spend in the area…Does it worth going to Gambia? tks

hi Debora, I’ve been to Gambia too and it’s a beautiful country that definitely deserves more time. I don’t think you’ll have enough time to see both Senegal and Gambia in 9 days. Here’s a link to my Gambia articles in case you’re interested to see what you can do there.

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Senegal Travel Guide

Travel & tourism.

Senegal has it all: it is one the most beautiful countries of the West African coast. Most tourists come for the region’s exceptional weather—more than three thousand hours of sunlight per year—and dazzling, sparsely populated beaches. But Senegal also offers a broad variety of crafts and textiles, and the country’s six major game parks and reserves have great opportunities for hunting, bird watching, and ecotourism.

The Senegalese capital, Dakar, is known for its nightlife, and the country boasts one of Africa’s most varied music scenes. French jazz, American funk and hip-hop, and percussion-based genres all thrive in the country, and Senegal’s many musical exports include Youssou N’Dour,  Daara J , and Akon.

What to Do in Senegal

1. Dakar:  Despite everything Senegal has to offer, you could easily schedule your entire trip within Dakar, the country’s capital, which has a population of more than 1.5 million. Open-air markets sell art, Senegalese food, jewelry, and many other items, whose prices can often be bargained down to very reasonable levels. The museums, especially the Musée Théodore Monod (for African art) and the Institut Français Léopold Sédar Senghor (for African art of French influence), are on a par with the best museums in European and American cities.

2. Lac Rose:  Also known as the Pink Lake, this shallow, salty lake is one of Senegal’s most popular tourist destinations. On sunny days, the water appears bright pink, owing to the water’s high salt content. Tourists are welcome to swim in the lake’s warm waters or watch the local salt traders scrape salt from the lake’s bottom by hand. Some inns offer horseback riding in the area.

3. Île de Gorée:  An important stop on the slave transport route from the 16th to the mid-19th century, the island is a short ferry ride from Dakar. It has a number of historic forts, houses, and museums, including La Maison des Esclaves, where visitors can see where slaves and their traders lived while waiting to be transported to the New World. Despite its unpleasant history, the island is known for its beautiful Mediterranean architecture, and many travelers find in the Île de Gorée a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Dakar.

4. Beaches:  Senegal’s beaches are among the most photographed in the world and are not to be missed. Some of the best (and most popular) beaches near Dakar are the ones on the Île N’Gor and Toubab Dialao, a site famous for its stunning red cliffs. Beaches farther south of Dakar are generally larger and less crowded, the Petite Côte spanning over 94 miles (151 kilometers.) The Casamance region is known for its beaches as well, and the region is welcoming to tourists. Resorts in the city of Saly, near M’bour, offer a variety of water sports, including jet skiing and scuba diving.

5. Fathala Reserve:  One of the most accessible ways to experience Senegal’s natural beauty is to visit the Fathala Reserve, part of the Parc Nationale du Delta du Saloum. The park is known for its forest and wetlands, with hundreds of species of wildlife. Excursions on pirogues (small boats), fishing trips, and hiking tours can be purchased in the charming village of Missirah.

6. Saint Louis:  A namesake of the American city, Saint Louis retains much of its colonial-era architecture. It offers excellent shopping and walking tours, as well as easy day trips to the Djoudj and Langue de la Barbarie national parks.

7. Stone Circles:  Spread throughout central Senegal and Gambia, stone circles make up the largest group of megalithic complexes in the world, and they are protected World Heritage Sites. The stones weigh up to ten tons apiece. Smaller than the ones in Stonehenge, their carvings are nonetheless quite sophisticated, and although they are found near burial grounds, their exact purpose is unknown. The two main locations in Senegal, Sine Ngayène Kaolack and Wanar Kaolack, have visitor centers that offer guided tours.

8. Keur Moussa:  A large Benedictine complex, Keur Moussa is secluded in the hills outside of Dakar. Tourists are welcome to observe mass, which incorporates indigenous musical instruments into the liturgy. Locals and visitors alike praise the goat cheese sold by the monks after services.

9. Sine Saloum Delta:  Although the Delta offers easy access to the Petite Côte, its highlights are the gorgeous rivers and forest groves, which have many opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and boat tours.

10. Bassari Country:  This remote area in Eastern Senegal is worth the trip. It has good accommodations, especially in the city of Kédougou, and provides a rare opportunity to observe life in tiny, rural villages that adhere to traditional lifestyles. This region is best explored by means of hiking, and guides can be found in most of Kédougou’s hotels.

11. Goree Island: Goree Island is one of the famous tourist spot situated on near the coast of the capital Dakar. It has a history of prominent slave-trading center. It is crucial place for African-Americans who visit it to pay their respects to the past of their ancestors.

12. Pink Lake: Pink Lake, also well-known as Retba Lake, is a spectacular lake full of pink-purple color. It has known to possess large amount of salt content and unique species of bacteria. Watch this spellbinding lake in the reflection of the sunlight offers you a stunning view.

13. Saloum Delta National Park: Don’t miss visiting the Saloum Delta National Park that stretches over 76,000 hectares in the western area of the Senegal. It features outstanding biodiversity. You can find here fishes, various species of birds, savanna, and mangrove forests.

14. Senegal river: Another wonderful attraction that you should not miss when in Senegal is the stunning Senegal River. This majestic river flows covering over 1,700 km. The interesting fact is that this amazing river creates impressive fertile valley in the middle of the Sahel Desert.

15. Lompoul Desert: Have an experience of exploring the desert by visiting the Lompoul Desert in Senegal. Make sure you enjoy fun camel trekking, marvelous vistas, and thrilling sand dune buggies.

We recommend visiting Senegal during its dry season, between December and April. Heavy rains during other times of the year mean that some national parks may close and overland travel can be difficult.

When planning your trip, you will want to take Ramadan into consideration. While the evening festivities are among the most exciting and memorable experiences available to visitors, most restaurants are closed during the day, and the country’s nightlife goes dormant for the monthlong fast. The  dates of Ramadan  are based on the lunar cycle and vary from year to year.

Getting In and Around

Visas:  If you are a citizen of the United States, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Canada, South Africa, Japan, or Israel, you do not need a visa. Tourist visas are modestly priced but cannot be purchased at the airport.

Your passport must be valid for three months after your intended stay. If you are coming from an infected area, you will need certification that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever.

Transportation:  Senegal’s only internal airline went out of business in 2010, but plenty of other options exist for travel within the country. Ferries and large passenger boats run from Dakar to Casamance, the Île de Gorée, and other islands and towns and are convenient and cost-effective. Long-distance buses and bush taxis provide transport to smaller cities and rural destinations, and Dakar has a number of minibus and taxi services

Safety and Security

Concerned about your safety as you plan travel to Senegal? We at Africa.com, together with our friends, family and colleagues, travel extensively throughout the continent. Here are the resources we consult when thinking of our safety in Senegal:

• UK Government Senegal Travel Advice Guidance

Africa.com comment: Very timely and frequently updated. Perspective assumes that you ARE going to travel to Senegal, and seeks to give you good guidance so that you understand the risks and are well informed.

• U.S. State Department Travel Advisory on Senegal

Africa.com comment: Can sometimes be considered as overly conservative and discourage travel altogether to destinations that many reasonable people find acceptably secure. On the other hand, they have the resources of the CIA to inform them, so they know things that the rest of us don’t know. See what they have to say about Senegal.

The Top 5: Travel Advice

1. Senegal’s five official languages are French, Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, and Mandinka. Most business is done in French and Wolof, and it will be helpful to learn a few phrases in both languages.

2. Ninety-four percent of Senegal’s population is Muslim (the remaining 6 percent consists of either Christians or followers of indigenous religions). Although locals in Dakar and other tourist centers are accustomed to seeing visitors in Western garb, it is best to dress conservatively, especially in rural areas. Leave the low-cut tops and short shorts at home; instead, consider loose-fitting shirts, pants, and long skirts, which will also protect your skin from the region’s harsh sunlight.

3. Since Senegal’s short-lived 1982 union with Gambia, a violent separatist movement called the MFDC (Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance) in the southern region of Casamance has occasionally clashed with authorities. Peace talks with the group started in 2005. The MFDC does not target tourists, and Casamance’s beaches remain a popular destination. Locals are often happy to explain Senegalese politics to foreigners, but be careful not to start an argument.

4. Senegal’s currency is the West African CFA franc, which is fixed to the value of the euro and is used in seven other West African countries. It should not be confused with the Central African CFA franc, which looks similar but is not accepted in Senegal. ATMs are common, especially in Dakar and other major cities, although service can be unreliable in rural areas.

5. The most popular newspapers in Senegal are L’Observateur, Le Populaire, and the government-owned Le Soleil, all in French. Wi-Fi access is available in many hotels and restaurants and is usually cheap or free.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Senegal

Mainland Africa’s westernmost country occupies a colossal cut out of the Sahel. It ranges from the fringes of the Guinean woods to the bottom of the Sahara, and throws up fascinating destinations aplenty.

Take the capital, Dakar: a town of pandemonius markets and endless energy. Or, look to the ports of Saint-Louis, which bustle with ships and Parisian-style arcades. Out in the wildernesses and Senegal has more treats for the traveler, ranging from the winding channels of the Gambia River to the shimmering beaches of the coast. Animals like hippos and hyenas all mingle here, while rustic communities continue to tick over.

And the cherry on the top? Despite a dangerous Ebola outbreak, Senegal has been one of Africa’s most stable places for decades. Fair elections and peaceful power transfers all add up to make this one accessible and fun place for the worldly explorer.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Senegal :

Dakar has seriously outgrown its perch on the Cap-Vert Peninsula.

It now sprawls eastwards into the arid dust plains to the east, and bursts out over the dockside jetties in a medley of lively trader ships and fish-scented marketplaces.

The port is what has driven the boom in both population and size, not to mention imbued the city with an enticing multiculturalism and energy.

So, be sure to drop by the curious Soviet-esque rises of the African Renaissance Monument, the acclaimed Museum of African Arts, and the old Dutch slave trade ruins on Goree Island, before delving into the curious medley of Lebanese eateries African embroidery bazaars, roasted peanut stalls and raucous beer bars around wild Sandaga Market.

2. Saint-Louis

There’s actually not as much separating the Saint-Louis of northern Senegal and its namesake across the great Atlantic pond in the Deep South of America as you might think.

Check out the arched steel construction of the Faidherbe Bridge, straddling the Senegal River like something on the Mississippi.

Or, delve into the heart of the old city of Saint-Louis to discover the French-style colonial builds, whitewashed frontispieces in the plantation style, and shady arcades.

There are even famous jazz fests held here every May! Still, the similarities do end eventually, especially as you dip into the salt-washed fishing hamlets of Guet N’Dar, or begin wonder at the craggy cliffs and exotic creatures of the Barbarie Peninsula.

3. Ziguinchor

A patchwork of pastel-painted colonial builds and age-stained frontispieces dressed in European filigrees and Parisian designs, there’s no denying the immersive colonial character of Ziguinchor.

And while the major sights here are few and far between – the bustling Marche Saint Maur des Fosses, the curious roundabouts of the Place Jean-Paul II – the real draw is the earthy African character of the place.

What’s more, Ziguinchor also happens to be the gateway of choice to the Casamance region: a place where pirogue canoes weave along the river ways, and the plains of the Sahel begin to transform into verdant Guinean woods.

4. Popenguine

Located south of the capital, on the panhandle of the Cap-Vert Peninsula, the small town of Popenguine is the gateway to one truly beautiful medley of natural attractions.

The main draw has to be the protected Natural Reserve of Popenguine, which boasts a clean and pretty boulder-peppered beach, nestled between two arid headlands of dramatic cliffs.

The area also boasts the rugged rock walls of the Cap de Naz, jutting out into the Atlantic, and a particularly famous lagoon, where nesting birds of all shapes and sizes draw crowds of spotters throughout the year.

The epicenter of the mystical Mouride order of the Sufis, Touba emerges from the rolling Sahel of central Senegal with its colossal Great Mosque, looming minarets, and countless other pilgrimage shrines and attractions (not least of all the tomb of the Mouride founder himself: Shaikh Aamadu Bamba Mbakke). The town booms with visitors during the yearly Grand Magal, when thousands come to honor the social and Islamic programs of the Sufi scholar and teacher.

The focal point is the majestic mosque, which is strictly run and has some gorgeous arabesque interiors and one soaring 87-meter-high minaret known as the Lamp Fall.

6. Joal-Fadiouth

The fascinating fishing town of Joal-Fadiouth is one that time forgot.

Alive with salt-stained timber pirogues and oodles of bobbing jetties, the town’s locals still utilize the age-old hand catching techniques of centuries gone by.

They can be seen haggling over prices of huge swordfish all along the coast by morning, while the eateries – unsurprisingly – serve up some of the best seafood in the country.

Meanwhile, the island of Fadiouth across the bay is another one to write home about – it’s almost totally formed from accumulations of sea shells!

7. Kafountine

Laid-back little Kafountine is the place to come and sample the undeniable beauties of the Casamance coast.

Great long stretches of golden sand are what draw most of the people here.

They run the gamut from wide bays washed by the rollers of the Atlantic to bustling strips peppered with the faded fishing pirogues of the locals closer to the town.

And then there’s the croc-spotted riparian habitats of the Foret des Narangs nearby, where rare birds flit through the canopies, macaques swing overhead, and wild West African creatures roam the undergrowth.

8. Tambacounda

Sat on a far-flung crossroads, the town of Tambacounda is often visited by travelers starting a West African odyssey through the countries of Gambia, Guinea-Bissau or Guinea to the south.

However, those who can suffer the scorching Sahelian climate just a little longer will discover an interesting spot; a place where a couple of French colonial remnants still mark the streets and earthy farming communities dominate the backcountry.

Tambacounda is also one of the best jump off points for explorations in the legendary Niokolo-Koba National Park – the upland reaches of the mighty Gambia River.

Situated on a small headland that bubbles out into the meanders of the Saloum River, the town of Kaolack is known as a center of Islamic teaching, and as an industrial hub of Senegalese salt production.

Its attractions start with the vast central square of Medina Baye – look up to see the turquoise-domed tops of the great minarets.

Kaolack Market then comes with a heady fray of lean-to shops and ramshackle sellers, while the rustic reaches of Coofog are dotted with bulbous baobab trees and tell stories of the historic Serer Kingdom that once ruled in these parts.

10. Kedougou

Nestled in the far south-eastern corner of the country, where the Guinean forests spill out and down to the Sahelian plains, the city of Kedougou has a character all of its own.

For starters, its geography and topography are unlike any other area in the nation – expect lush rainforests and verdant, mist-topped hills.

Kedougou also gets quite a lot of rain, giving rise to oodles of agricultural land in the surrounding region (for those who don’t mine gold, that is). And then there’s the wonderful reaches of the Niokolo-Koba National Park: a huge swathe of greenery where the Gambia River erupts in the company of hippos, lions, elephants and leopards.

Mboro is an interesting little place that can be reached in just over an hour from the capital city at Dakar.

It’s the hub of one of the most fertile regions in the nation, and produces oodles of vegetables to fill the bustling markets of the city to the south.

Mboro has an immersive market of its own too, and visitors love flitting between the food stalls and colorful farmer emporiums here, haggling for the curious local tie-dye costumes and tasty preserves.

The beach is another must, and although swimming can be risky, simply settling on the sands and watching the fishermen and luminescent plankton in the rollers is a real treat!

12. Palmarin

Encompassed by great swathes of verdant mangroves, brackish lagoons and salt flats to the east, and stretches of chart-topping Atlantic beachfronts to the north, the town of Palmarin might be hard to get to (there are hardly any real roads connecting this one with the greater infrastructure of Senegal), but it’s certainly got its fair share of attractions.

There are dense groves of palm trees to wander, palm tree wine to taste, and some excellent sands close to the center, not to mention packs of wild hyenas around town, folksy wrestling competitions, and even ancient burial mounds attributed to the Sereer folk.

While Fatick itself is hardly a chart-topper, and will likely never make the headlines of travel brochures with its humble boulevards and dusty cottages, its surrounding region is certainly something to write home about.

Peppered with the relics of ancient Serer prehistory, the hinterlands on the edge of the town are home to curious carved megaliths and totems dating as far back as the 9th century.

You’ll find thousands of old tumulus houses between the xeric woods of the old Baol, countless religious shrines, and places holy to the Serer religion.

Cheaper than the capital and a cheerful place all round, Thies is often used as an alternative overnight stop for expats and visitors who don’t like the frantic energy of Dakar.

It fulfils the role perfectly, and the dusty streets here are laden with smiling and welcoming locals, a few charming (if ramshackle beer bars) and some decent shops.

Thies is primarily a market town too, which means you can get a taste of the haggling and hawking that defines Senegal’s mercantile side.

There are also some good spots to sample local menus of benachin rice and fish – just look for the joints in the center.

15. Richard Toll

Curiously-named Richard Toll, a town just a stone’s throw from the border with Mauritania in the extreme north of the country, still finds a way to honor its one-time park planner, the botanist Jean Michel Claude Richard.

An interesting place that fuses cultures, it comes to life with the bustle of Xhouma Market, awash with sugar traders and craft stalls aplenty.

There are also some relics of the French colonial age to see, like the muddied face of the grand Chateau de Baron Roger.

Richard Toll also has an industrial edge, with refineries and fishing depots lining the river.

15 Best Places to Visit in Senegal:

• Saint-Louis
• Joal-Fadiouth
• Tambacounda
• Richard Toll

Africa , All Destinations

Senegal travel guide: things to do and travel tips.

If you’re planning a trip to West Africa, this Senegal travel guide is for you!

Senegal is by no means among Africa’s most visited countries, but it’s been making strides on the tourist scene in recent years.

In this West African nation, baobabs dot the landscape as majestic river deltas part the land.

Wildlife reserves, while not quite as impressive as their counterparts in East Africa, offer the chance to see giraffes, zebras and rhinos.

The coastline that hugs the country is characterised by its white-sand beaches, with the city of Dakar sitting on a peninsula.

While tourism in Senegal is still in its infancy, a fair few high-end hotels have opened in recent years, and it’s getting easier to travel around the country.

Here’s all you need to know!

Senegal facts

• Capital: Dakar serves as the political and cultural heart of Senegal, boasting a mix of modernity and tradition.
• Population: Approximately 17 million people call Senegal home .
• Area: Covering about 197,000 square kilometres, Senegal sprawls from the arid Sahel region in the north to lush forests in the south.
• Official Language: French is the official language. However, local languages like Wolof are widely spoken. English is increasingly spoken, but as a traveller a few words of French (or Wolof!) will help a lot.
• Currency: The West African CFA Franc is the standard currency here. You’ll find that ATMs are mostly available in larger cities and towns.
• Climate: Senegal has a tropical climate, characterized by a dry season from November to May, and a rainy season from June to October.
• Religion: About 95% of the population identify as Muslim, with most of the remainder being Christian. Most Senegalese people pride themselves on religious tolerance and harmony and the country is secular.
• Food: Senegalese food is a blend of African and French influences. The national dishes include “Thieboudienne,” a fish and rice meal, and “Yassa,” a tangy chicken dish (fish yassa is also available). It’s not the easiest place for vegetarians, but I managed it!
• Entry Requirements: Visitors from the UK, USA and a range of other countries do not need a visa for visits of fewer than 90 days. Always check your official government website (for example, Gov.uk ) before travelling.

Getting to Senegal 

Senegal’s Blaise Dignane International Airport has flights to various European destinations, including Paris and Lisbon, with a London charter flight in the peak tourist season. 

The airport is about equidistant to Dakar and the beaches of the Petite Côte (Saly, Pointe Sarene), around an hour’s drive to each. 

All of Senegal’s land borders – to Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea and Mali – are open, although Senegal is certainly the most well-connected country in the region and some of these crossings can be rather hair-raising! 

However, the Senegal/ Gambia crossing isn’t too bad – we crossed it after our trip to Senegal.

Getting around Senegal

While Senegal has tonnes of things to do and wonderful places to see, I do think at the moment it’s let down a little by less than stellar transport infrastructure!

Private transport and tours

Private transfers and tours are readily available, but they are expensive – we were quoted around £200 for a day tour from Dakar to Touba (around 2 hours away). 

Group tours aren’t common unless you’re booking through TUI or another accommodation provider. 

Public transport in Senegal 

Public transport in Senegal consists of buses and sept-places. 

Dakar Dem Dikk runs buses to and from the capital, with connections to places like St Louis (in the north, near the Mauritania border) and Kaolack (a couple of hours from the Gambia border). You can book tickets via the Youmba app – full instructions in this article (coming soon!).

The buses have the potential to be great, but our 2.5-hour bus was over four hours late!

Sept-places are cars which have been converted to add extra seats in the boat. As the name translates to, the car has “seven places”; they can each accommodate seven people. 

We paid 2,000 XOF for an hour-long journey in a sept-place.

These fees are fixed, so you shouldn’t be overcharged and can’t negotiate, but there is an extra, negotiable fee for baggage, which we paid 1,000 XOF for. 

Places to visit in Senegal

Senegal is scattered with nature reserves and atmospheric towns and is lined by a golden coastline. Here are the best places to add to your itinerary:

The capital of Dakar is a labyrinth of streets that weave around each other and lead to the coastline that surrounds it on nearly all sides.

It’s a hectic city, brimming with traffic and usually sweltering under the baking sun! 

However, there’s plenty to do here and it’s worth spending a couple of days to take it in.

The standout spot is Goree Island , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a sombre history; it was where slaves were imprisoned before they were transported to North America.

While it’s an emotional place to visit, I’d definitely recommend doing so to come to terms with this side of history. 

Ngor Island, on the other side of Dakar, cumulates some of West Africa’s best surfing, SCUBA diving and tropical beaches leading to street art-lined beaches. Plus it’s only a 10-minute boat ride from Ngor Beach ! 

The African Renaissance monument is an enormous statue overlooking the bay (pictured) and is worth climbing up to.

Then there’s the Mosque of the Divinity which overlooks the sea and is right by a small fish market.  

The Petite Cote 

The Petite Cote is what’s helping Senegal tourism huge strides in recent times. 

Pointe Sarene is a fishing village turned seaside hotspot, and Saly’s a buzzing coastal town. 

Stay in a luxe hotel, grab a cool drink and toast to a beach holiday in Senegal! 

In the northwest corner of Senegal, St Louis is a city where French and African influences merge.

The streets are a showcase of colonial architecture that are now homes for local businesses.

The Senegal River bisects the city; Faidherbe Bridge is one of the best sunset spots that spans from the mainland.

Take a trip to the Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie to enjoy birdwatching; pink flamingos and pelicans call this area home.

The second-largest city in Senegal, Touba is the spiritual heartland of the Mouride Brotherhood, a significant Sufi Muslim order.

The Grand Mosque is the focal point, and while its interior is off-limits to non-Muslims, the imposing exterior warrants admiration, with resplendent minarets and intricate geometric designs.

If you’re visiting Touba, dress modestly and consider hiring a guide to fully detail the city to you.

Lompoul Desert

Easily accessible from both Dakar and St Louis, the Lompoul Desert is a slice of Saharan landscape within Senegal.

Accommodations often include staying in traditional Mauritanian tents, which offer more comfort than their exterior might suggest, with comfortable bedding and sometimes even en-suite bathrooms.

Sandboarding and camel rides are popular activities here.

And don’t forget to catch the sunset, as the waning light casts the dunes in a golden glow.

Fathala Wildlife Reserve 

Probably my favourite place to visit in all of Senegal, Fathala’s a huge nature reserve encompassing bushland, 4×4 trails and mangroves. 

In Fathala, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and one solitary rhino mingle, visitable on game drives. 

Bush walks incorporate birdwatching, and rivers weave through the lush mangroves. 

Fathala’s often visited on a day trip from the Gambia, but stay in a luxury safari tent at Fathala Wildlife Lodge. 

Bandia Wildlife Reserve 

Fathala’s little sister, Bandia is equidistant to the beaches of the Petite Cote and Dakar and is a popular day trip from both. 

It’s much smaller than Fathala – although this does mean that wildlife sightings are virtually guaranteed – and safaris typically take 1-2 hours. 

It’s fenced in and does have a slightly zoo-like atmosphere, but you’ll see giraffes, zebra and potentially one of the only two rhinos in the park!

Saloum Delta

The lush Saloum Delta forks into the coastline of Senegal, sprawling over 180,000 hectares as rivers turn into tributaries lined by mangroves. 

This national park is one of the most biodiverse areas of the country, and civilizations have prospered here for centuries thanks to its abundance of seafood and plant life. 

Learn all about this in the Saloum Delta Museum in Toubakouta (French only, but the Google Translate app can handily translate entire blocks of text using your camera) and take a boat tour out on the mangroves. 

Visit Shell Island – an island that’s been gradually formed by shells collecting and compounding – and Île des Oiseaux , where at sunset you’ll see an array of colourful bird life.

If you’re staying in Toubakouta you can arrange boat trips with your hotel, but you’ll be able to get it cheaper by heading down to the pier and seeing if a local fisherman can take you.

If you want to pre-arrange something, I have the WhatsApp contact of the guy who took us – just drop me an email ( [email protected] ) if you’d like it. 

He knows a few words of English but we spoke mainly in (poor, on my side) French – but he is super enthusiastic, so if you can speak a little French or are okay with speaking through Google Translate/ body language he’ll be happy to take you!

Best hotels in Senegal 

There are some excellent hotels in Senegal, both five-star resorts and some more local resorts. Here are some that we stayed at to consider when you visit:

Hotel RIU Baobab, Pointe Sarene

The Hotel RIU Baobab opened in 2022; it’s a deluxe property with multiple pools, a waterpark, three restaurants, a buffet, a pool bar and a private beach.

The airy lobby is kitted out with plants and home to squashy sofas, and the luxurious rooms have African artwork, a spacious seating area and a super comfy bed.

We spent four nights here and it was among the best resort hotels I’ve been to.

Check out Hotel RIU Baobab by clicking here.

Fathala Wildlife Reserve and Lodge, Fathala 

Fathala Wildlife Reserve sees plenty of day trippers from Gambia each day, but if you have the time, I’d definitely recommend staying here for a little longer.

The lodge boasts stunning safari tents with four poster beds, baths and outdoor showers.

The aircon works fantastically (you won’t even notice you’re in a tent!) and there’s no better experience than sitting outside your tent with a cup of coffee, listening to the birds waking up around you.

There’s a small swimming pool which is overlooked by a restaurant, where you’ll enjoy top-quality food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Check out Fathala Wildlife Reserve and Lodge by clicking here.

Cabane du Pêcheur, Dakar

Another great place we stayed at in Senegal – although it was slightly different to the others – was Cabane du Pêcheur in Ngor Beach, Dakar.

Translating to the “house of the fisherman”, this lodge has comfy rooms with mosquito nets and leads out to a fish restaurant which overlooks the sea.

The restaurant’s a little expensive, but the food is good – I don’t even eat fish but I adored the pesto and mozzarella ravioli.

Check out Cabane du P êcheur by clicking here.

Health and safety tips for Senegal

I’m covering this in full in my article is Senegal safe ?, but here are a few pointers. 

Senegal is generally a safe country , although there are the occasional protests which can turn violent. As a tourist, it’s fairly easy to avoid these. 

Pickpocketing can happen , particularly in downtown Dakar. 

There is quite a lot of poverty in Senegal, and many people are living day to day, trying to get by. I didn’t actually encounter much begging, but found a lot of people wanted to sell me things (souvenirs, tours, etc). 

It’s totally understandable, and I supported small local businesses where possible, but obviously, I couldn’t buy things from everyone. Sometimes, you do have to be firm. 

Don’t drink the tap water and be careful with food hygiene – after a few bouts of traveller’s diarrhoea in the past, I avoided salads in most places in Senegal and was very careful with not consuming any water, which generally meant I avoided too many gastro issues. 

Speak to your doctor before travelling about any necessary vaccinations you might need. 

I’d recommend taking malaria tablets , especially if you’re travelling close to the wet season or travelling to any inland regions (including Fathala or the Saloum Delta). 

Senegal is aiming to stamp out malaria by 2030, and there are less cases nowadays than there used to be, BUT every local who I spoke to had had malaria multiple times. 

What to wear in Senegal

Most of the year, Senegal’s hot – but it’s also a fairly conservative country.

95% of the population is Muslim, but traditional attire is a bit different to North Africa and the Middle East.

Some women cover up, whereas others wear short or even strappy sleeves. I didn’t see many Senegalese women wearing short skirts or shorts.

If you’re by the pool or on the beach, shorts and strappy tops (and even swimwear) are fine, but personally I wouldn’t wear anything too revealing in other places (some tourists do though).

Do also bear in mind that one of the best ways to avoid mozzie bites (and subsequently mosquito related diseases) is to wear long clothes. Bearing this in mind, I tried to completely cover my arms and legs every evening and when I was in wooded areas.

When to visit Senegal

I’d recommend visiting during Senegal’s dry season , from November to May. We visited in October and while it didn’t rain much, it was still incredibly hot.

Temperatures from November to May are much more moderate, usually ranging between 75-85°F (24-29°C).

Christmas and New Year’s are among the most popular times, but don’t expect Senegal to be overrun with tourists; it’s generally fairly easy to move around and find accommodations (although I’d always recommend booking at least a day or two in advance, more if you want to stay somewhere specific).

I wouldn’t recommend visiting during the wet season – it brings increased humidity and a heightened risk of malaria and mosquitos.

If you do travel during these months, be extra cautious with mosquito protection.

Cost of travel in Senegal

Like many African countries, Senegal isn’t particularly cheap for tourists (I found Gambia to be much more cost-efficient). But some things are still budget-friendly!

Some guesthouses are as low as $20-$30 per night, but these do vary in quality.

Mid-range and luxury hotels range from $50 to well over $200 for high-end properties.

Senegal doesn’t have much in the way of street food, but you can often pick up its famous fish and rice dish Thieboudienne in small restaurants – often costing as little as $2 (although you may be charged a more expensive tourist price).

Sit-down restaurants, particularly in Dakar, can range from $5 for a basic meal to $30 or more.

Add $1-$3 for a bottle of Gazelle, the local beer, or perhaps a glass of bissap, a local hibiscus drink.

Transport also ranges hugely.

Local buses and shared taxis are the most pocket-friendly, usually costing less than $5-10 for journeys of 2-4 hours.

I’d recommend using the Yango app in Dakar for flat-rate taxis (it works like Uber but you’ll need to pay in cash).

Tours often come at a premium. A day trip to Gorée Island, including the ferry and museum entry and with a guide and lunch, can cost up to $70 (you can definitely DIY for cheaper!).

Bandia wildlife reserve costs from around $20.

If you shop for souvenirs, be prepared to haggle. We were originally quoted $40 for a tiny wooden giraffe statue, and eventually paid $10 – then saw similar ones on sale in a shop for $5.

While I try not to haggle too much over small amounts, some of the quoted prices were quite wild!

SIM cards with data packages are affordable, costing around $10 for 15GB of data. You could also use Airlo e-sim cards; these can be activated as soon as you enter the country, but they’re much more expensive than physical sim cards.

Cash is king in most of Senegal, apart from some hotels (but usually not small local guesthouses).

ATMs are readily available in the cities and accept foreign cards.

Do bring some cash to exchange when you’re there – I’d recommend Euro rather than USD because it has better exchange rates and more places change it (presumably due to the French tourist market, which is by far the biggest).

How to plan a trip to Senegal!

I hope that this article helped you plan your trip to the West African nation! I’ll be talking much more about both Senegal and The Gambia, so do check back. Plus, check out my Instagram page to see more posts from Senegal.

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Senegal travel guide

Senegal is often known as 'The Country of Teranga'. Teranga means hospitality in the local tongue of Wolof, and you will indeed find Senegal to be one of the friendliest spots in West Africa. The locals are hospitable - once you get to know them, you may find yourself being invited to share a steaming cup of tea or even some delicious home-cooked meals.

A simple wander around the local markets will unearth handmade fabrics and authentic arts and crafts, while on almost every street corner in the towns and cities you'll find musicians full of energy. It is also worth checking out bustling restaurants that serve up rich Senegalese cuisine influenced by the Maghrebis (inhabitants of northern Africa), French and Portuguese.

Most visitors land in Dakar, the chaotic, fast-growing capital, packed with great nightlife and restaurants. However, Senegal also offers beautiful, untouched rural scenery, along with golden beaches, tropical rainforests and semiarid grasslands. Suffice to say, Senegal offers something unique for every traveller.

Indeed, the diversity of Senegal is perhaps its best feature. The southern Casamance region boasts palm-fringed tropical beaches. The western region is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a series of wetlands teeming with biodiversity, including one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds in the world. Then you have the relatively flat plains which give way to the mountainous region in the southeast – this is where the highest point of Senegal is found, reaching an elevation of 581m (1,906ft) near Népen Diakha.

Adventurous travellers come to Senegal to surf some of the best waves in West Africa in year-round warm waters, hike through lush tropical rainforest-clad mountains, discover towering waterfalls or go deep-sea fishing in the depth of the continental shelf. With birds, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, lions and panthers abound, wildlife viewing is also high on the agenda among some travellers.

Highbrow tourists won't be disappointed either. There are year-round music and art festivals such as the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, as well as well-managed museums displaying some of the most interesting artefacts found in the region. You'll also find well-preserved colonial ruins and sites that remember the dehumanising Transatlantic slave trade.

Senegal is easily accessible from Europe and the USA. The country offers an array of experiences, has warm temperature year-round and one of the best infrastructures in the region, so it is time to put Senegal on your radar and come for a visit.

196,712 sq km (75,951 sq miles).

16,657,759 (UN estimate 2020).

87 per sq km.

Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye since 2024.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko since April 2024.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers

LGBT+ travellers

• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications  when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Senegal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Senegal in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Senegal.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Senegal, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Senegal without a visa for up to 3 months.

You need to show border officials evidence of return or onward travel and proof of your arranged accommodation. If you do not have these, you may be refused entry.

If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you must register with local authorities after you arrive. They will issue you with a Carte d’étranger , which you must carry as identification.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk . This includes if you have transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Babies aged 9 months and under are exempt.

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Senegal.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Senegal guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Senegal (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Senegal .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Senegal

Terrorist attacks in Senegal cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorist groups in the Sahel region in West Africa have shown their capability and intent by mounting attacks in Mali, which shares a border with Senegal.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a threat of kidnapping in the wider Sahel region, which incorporates Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, so take precautions to reduce the risk of kidnap in remote regions and border areas.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

Political situation

There are frequent demonstrations about political issues in Dakar and other cities. These are likely to increase in the build-up to presidential elections in February or March 2024.

Demonstrations can turn violent. Protestors sometimes block major roads, including the road between Blaise Diagne International Airport and the city of Dakar.

Monitor local media and ask local contacts about possible upcoming protests. Ahead of big demonstrations, if you’re in Dakar or another major city, consider stocking up on food, water and fuel. Once they have begun, you should:

• continue to monitor local media for information
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• stay away from areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution

If you are in doubt about where protests are taking place, or the level of safety of an area, stay at home or in your hotel.

Foreign nationals have been prosecuted for attending protests that have not been approved by the government.

Street crime

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially from scooters or motorbikes, are common in Dakar.

This type of crime is more common in the run-up to religious festivals. It can also increase early in the month after salaries are paid. To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid walking alone in the evening and after dark, especially if you are a woman
• avoid wearing conspicuous jewellery and keep any handbags or satchels on the side of your body that is furthest from the street
• step inside a shop or restaurant if you need to use your mobile

Bogus taxis at the airport

There is a risk of bogus taxi drivers pretending to know you and then overcharging you for the journey from the airport. Pre-arrange transport with your accommodation or an authorised operator. If you’re expecting someone to collect you at the airport, make sure they show you their ID.

Fake currency

Be cautious when changing cash, as there is a risk you will be scammed with fake money. Use ATMs or reputable exchange bureaux.

Laws and cultural differences

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress and behave modestly in public, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. In the main tourist areas there is more acceptance of western-style holiday clothing.

Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive and penalties for drink-driving are severe.

Kissing as a greeting is acceptable, but kissing romantically in public is not.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not drink alcohol or wear revealing clothes in public during Friday prayers between 1pm and 3pm.

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening when traffic will also be heavier than usual
• be patient and show tolerance

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. People accused regularly spend lengthy periods on remand before being tried. The maximum sentence for trafficking is 20 years.

Prison conditions in Senegal are considerably poorer than in UK prisons. There may be problems such as overcrowding, lack of adequate meals, clean drinking water and electricity, and poor sanitation.

Only use reputable exchange bureaux to change your money. Dakar has ATMs that accept foreign bank cards, but there are few ATMs or bank facilities in the rest of the country. Withdrawal limits can be low, and ATMs regularly run out of money, including in Dakar.

Larger or more upmarket establishments that cater for tourists usually accept foreign credit cards. Mobile payment applications, such as Orange Money and Wave, are also widely used around the country.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Same-sex relationships are generally not tolerated in Senegal’s conservative society.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

 Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Senegal, see information on driving abroad .

You can drive in Senegal with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. A 1968 international driving permit may be helpful in offering a translation for traffic officials. If you’re staying longer or living in Senegal, you must get a Senegalese driving licence.

Road conditions

Most main roads are of good quality, but minor roads can be in very poor repair. During the rainy season from June to September, torrential rains can cause floods and landslides which damage roads.

Driving standards are not the same as in the UK. Drivers can make sudden movements without signalling and speeding is common. Many taxis and public mini-buses (‘cars rapides’) are not roadworthy by UK standards. Driving after dark is more dangerous because of poorly lit roads and vehicles without lights.

Traffic congestion gets worse in the run-up to and during religious festivals.

If you have an accident, you must contact the police on 17 and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Do not move your car until a police officer gives you permission. In remote areas, go to the nearest police station to report the accident.

This section has safety advice for regions of Senegal. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Northern and eastern border areas

Take particular care in remote areas of Senegal near the border areas with Mauritania and Mali, and to the east of the city of Podor as far as Kidira.

Casamance Region

Casamance, the spur of land south of The Gambia, has suffered from decades of low-intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces. Be on alert for clashes if you are travelling in the region. The risk of attacks is lower in the main tourist areas of the Casamance.

When driving:

• avoid travelling at night
• stick to main roads
• travel in convoy if possible
• do not pull over if anyone tries flag you down
• be aware that many roads in the Casamance are of low quality

Senegalese forces carry out minor operations near the border with The Gambia to combat wood trafficking.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 15 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Health risks and recommended vaccines

Check TravelHealthPro’s current advice on Senegal to find out how to reduce the health risks you’ll face there, including:

• yellow fever

TravelHealthPro also lists the recommended vaccines that could apply to you. At least 8 weeks before you travel, check how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

You’ll find pharmacies which accept UK prescriptions in major cities. The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Senegal

Medical facilities in Dakar are reasonable, but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Senegal where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Senegal

Ambulance: 15

Call 123 for the military police, who may be more responsive if you are in the countryside.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers ,  funeral directors  and  translators and interpreters  in Senegal
• dealing with a  death in Senegal
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Senegal
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications  when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Senegal and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Dakar .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Senegal on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Related Articles

16 things to know before travelling to Senegal

Palm-fringed beaches, colourful cities and a reputation for world-class hospitality, Senegal deserves a spot on any seasoned traveller’s bucket list

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• Things to do in Senegal

Cultural tourism

Seaside resort tourism.

Senegalese culture is extremely rich and diverse. Senegal’s traditional architecture, cuisine, festivals, folklore ceremonies, craftsmanship and social organization modeled on ancestral values, its taste for traditional sports, music, dance, clothing, is of a huge unique culture. The country is divided into several ethnic groups and large cultural areas and this makes it a crossroads of the peoples of West Africa. These ethnic groups live harmoniously together and some have settled in the country for a long time and others were added later for various reasons. There are four major groups and several other minority groups or subgroups. Cultural tourism made up “one of the levers of sustainable development” of the Senegal tourism sector, in the framework of diversification of the offers.

The tourist destination of Senegal has mainly developed around seaside tourism thanks to its proximity to the major markets of outbound tourism in Europe. With 700 km of coastline, Senegal is a seaside destination of choice. Idleness is ensured on the marvelous beaches of fine white sand, which are sheltered with coconut trees and having a variety of pleasurable nautical activities. The main seaside resorts are the Petite Côte, found a few kilometers south of the capital and Cap Skirring in Casamance. You will find many hotels and holiday villages belonging to internationally renowned groups. If you are a lover of beaches lined with coconut trees, wet by a blue ocean, Senegal offers you a multitude of beautiful seaside destinations with a maritime coast opening on the Atlantic Ocean.

Historic Tourism

Hunting tourism.

Senegal abounds with a rich heritage of remarkable natural and historical sites. Colonial buildings, monuments and museums that will delight lovers of history and architecture. Some of these ancient remains are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will discover historical monuments such as the House of Slaves which is a historical building located on the island of Gorée, near Dakar which was built in 1776 by the Dutch and was the last slavery of Senegal, the Podor Fort, historical museum that housed the various commanders of the French army and was built on the banks of the Senegal River in 1744, the René Caillé Pavillon and the Bakel or “Faidherbe” Fort in Eastern Senegal and many other beautiful historic sites.

Senegal has several hunting areas that have been specially developed and well equipped around national parks. The MISSIRA hunting camp, for example, is 35 km south of Tambacounda. That of DIANA 90 km South East. And that of Boundou, 50 km east of the latter. Each territory is 60,000 ha and is located on the edge of the Niakolokoba National Park. You can practice: hunting in front of you, in group for the small game in particular the francolins, hares and guinea fowl. Individual “post” hunting for turtledoves, pigeons and green pigeons. The hunt for the “past” for the gangas, in the morning or in the evening at nightfall at the different water points. You can also practice hunt for the “approach” for warthogs.

Business and Congress Tourism

Sports tourism.

As a commercial hub for West Africa, Senegal offers immense business opportunities. Senegal has several infrastructures required for business tourism. Prestigious reception venues, conference rooms and numerous centers equipped to host conferences, seminars, conventions and other trade fairs. With a modern communication network and hotel infrastructure of international standards, Senegal has several advantages that make it one of the best African destinations for business, congresses and seminars.

On foot, by car, canoe, kayak and even on horseback, Senegal has several must-see trails for sports tourism. Hikes in unknown lands in total communion with nature, off the beaten track, to discover sites nestled in the heart of lush landscapes (forests, savannahs and waterfalls, islands etc …). A varied range of circuits awaits you. Hiking on plateaus, ridges and valleys are proposed to meet the warm populations. Several peaks will allow you to escape to altitude.

Agricultural tourism

Sustainable tourism.

Agritourism is a form of tourism whose object is the discovery of the agricultural know-how of a territory. It regroups services such as reception and lodging and attracts every year more and more amateurs of nature. It brings together agricultural producers with foreign tourists thus allowing the discovery of the Senegalese rural agricultural heritage. This generates economic development for Senegalese farmers.

The term sustainable tourism generally describes all forms of alternative tourism that respect, preserve and sustainably enhance natural, cultural and social resources so as to minimize the negative impacts they may generate. The promotion of sustainable tourism in Senegal will allow local population’s access to international visitors and thus create employment/business opportunities while preserving the environment.

Religious tourism

Also known as tourism of faith, religious tourism is the fact of apprehending holy places in the context of tourism for the purpose of pilgrimage, religious gathering or for purposes of leisure. Senegal is a secular state distinguished among others by its religious diversity whose followers live peacefully together. Religions and various beliefs occupy an important place in the culture and day to day life of Senegal. It is a country in which beliefs and traditions mingle with modernity. The Senegalese population is 94% Muslim, Christians, mainly Catholics, represent 5% and traditional beliefs are credited with 1%.

Senegal has several ecotourism sites that will allow you to get away from the stress of the bustling city life, to immerse yourself in an elegant, virgin and pure nature, to smell its odour, to breathe the fresh air of the rainforest, to relax, to make trips by pirogue, to go hiking, to contemplate animals and to forget the worries of everyday life. Senegal is one of the last African wild treasures and has a breath-taking animal concentrate.

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13 Best Places to Visit in Senegal | Senegal Tourist Attractions

With natural sites of great beauty, enchanting fauna and flora, warm welcome from its inhabitants and breathtaking seaside resorts, Senegal is a dream destination to be made with the utmost urgency . Bordered by Atlantic Ocean, Senegal is and will remain one of the most beautiful countries of West Africa.

• 1) Visit the alleys, the markets, the shopping streets.
• 2) Get drunk on Dakois nights: restaurants, nightclubs, dances.
• 3) Bathing in the beaches of Bel Air, N’Gor, Yoff, Ouakam, Anse des Madeleines, etc.
• 4) Surfing and windsurfing.

  2. Saint-Louis

• 1) Visit the Fanal de Saint-Louis during the holidays.
• 2) Visit beautiful city of Saint-Louis.
• 3) Go to museum of the research and documentation center of Senegal.
• 4) Go to the beach of St. Louis.
• 5) Go out to listen to music in the streets of Saint-Louis.
• 6) Visit the bird parks of Djoudj.
• 7) Visit the park of the Language of Barbary.
• 8) Visit the famous bridge faidherbe.

• 1) Canoe trip on the Senegal River.
• 2) Boat trip.
• 3) Bathing in the river.
• 4) Walk along the river.
• 5) Make crossings.

• 1) Discover the different species of birds.
• 2) Visit the national bird park of Djoudj.
• 3) This park is open from November to April.
• 4) The entrance of the park costs 2 000 CFA francs (3 €)
• 5) Possibility of excursions in pirogues 3 000 fransc CFA (4,6 €)

  6. Niokolo-Koba National Park

• 1) Explore animals in Niokolo-koba Park.
• 2) Hike in the park.
• 3) The best visit period is from March to May.
• 4) The park costs 2 000 CFA francs (3 €) per day and per person.
• 5) Rental of vehicle costs 5 000 CFA francs (7.62 €)
• 6) Visit the village of Badi with its dancers next to the park.

• 1) Discover beautiful city of Ziguinchor.
• 2) Visit the exhibitions and shows at the cultural center of the Franco-Senegalese alliance.
• 3) Purchase trinkets at the St-Maur-des-Fossées market.
• 4) Attend the traditional fighting battle of Lower Casamance.

• 1) Bathing and sunbathing on the beach.
• 2) Walk along the sea on foot.
• 3) Canoe trip.
• 4) Seaside activities (Quads, horse riding, fishing, water sports, etc.)

• 2) Walking by the sea on foot and in dugout canoe.
• 3) Enjoy many activities, activities and tourist attractions.

Enjoy it ! Don’t hesitate to leave comments and share your memories of holidays in Senegal! If you know of other places of exceptions to visit in Senegal! Share it !  

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From Paris to Dakar by plane is 5 hours, 4 hours from Madrid, 6 hours from London, Brussels and Frankfurt and 8 hours from New York.

The official language of Senegal is French. Senegal is a multilingual country with several national languages, including Wolof, Pulaar, Mandingue, Serer and Diola.

Senegal has a mild climate all year round, with over 500 km of beaches and 3,000 hours of sunshine.

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Top 10 tourist attractions in Senegal. Is Senegal worth visiting?

Intriguingly nestled within the embrace of the shimmering Atlantic coast of West Africa, Senegal emerges as a mesmerizing mix woven from the threads of history, culture, and landscapes that paint an indelible mark upon the canvas of travel enthusiasts’ hearts. Step into this vibrant realm, and you’re immediately greeted by a harmonious chaos—a symphony where the notes of tradition dance with the avant-garde, and the whispers of nature compose a melody of awe. Let’s go on a virtual journey and find out the best tourist attractions in Senegal and much more information about this beautiful African country.

Behold Dakar , the heartbeat of Senegal, where the old and the new engage in a graceful tango of existence. Navigate the labyrinthine alleys of vibrant markets, where colors converge in a kaleidoscope of offerings while the cadence of local life reverberates through the thoroughfares, carrying with it tales of generations. Yet, the city’s embrace extends beyond its bustling exterior; it opens its arms to embrace the serenity of natural marvels. Lake Retba, a whimsical creation with its blushing pink waters, is a testament to Senegal’s union with the extraordinary. A testament to the unexpected, this saline marvel whispers secrets of ages past, leaving you in rapt contemplation.

Venture further to Gorée Island—a hallowed ground cradling history’s weight in its embrace. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it stands as a somber sentinel, its shores echoing the haunting stories of a tumultuous past. And then, like a passage through time’s mist, the enigmatic stone circles of Wassu emerge from the landscape, akin to sentinels of antiquity, evoking wonderment and questions that float like shadows in the mind.

Senegal’s story, however, extends far beyond the embrace of cityscapes and the enigma of ancient relics. It’s a story woven by the hands of its people—a landscape of festivals that explode in a riot of colors, each brushstroke a stroke of culture’s legacy. Like the land, the people are warm and inviting, enveloping you in their hospitality like a cherished friend returning home.

So, let curiosity be your compass and adventure your guide as you embark on a journey through Senegal’s mosaic of wonders. It is a journey that not only introduces you to the tourist attractions of Senegal but invites you to partake in the living, breathing narrative of a nation that wears its history not as a burden but as wings that carry it into the future.

Here you have the best hotels in Dakar

Do you want to go to Senegal? Here you have the best flight tickets to Senegal:

Best tourist attractions in Senegal

1. gorée island, 2. djoudj national bird sanctuary, 3. lac rose (pink lake), 4. saint-louis, 5. niokolo-koba national park, 6. casamance, 7. cap skirring, 8. joal-fadiouth, 9. saloum delta national park, tips and tricks for those who want to travel to senegal, 1. what are the essential travel tips for visitors planning a trip to senegal for the first time, 2. which is the best time of the year to visit senegal, 3. what are the primary entry points for international travelers arriving in senegal, 4. is senegal a safe country what safety precautions should you take and where, 5. what are the best 3 senegalese dishes for travelers to try during their visit, 6. what are the available options for transportation within the country, and which is the most practical for tourists, 7. how do local customs and etiquette vary across different regions of senegal, and what should travelers be aware of, 8. could you provide insights into the range of accommodations available in senegal, from luxury to budget options, 9. what unique cultural festivals or events take place in senegal that travelers might want to plan their visit around, 10. which are the most popular beaches in senegal.

Map with best places to see in Senegal (zoom for details):

Gorée Island , located approximately 2 kilometers from Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a testament to human history’s dark chapter. During the 15th to 19th centuries, the island served as a pivotal trading post for European colonizers engaged in the harrowing transatlantic slave trade. The Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves), a haunting yet essential stop on any visit, offers a sad reminder of this past. Visitors can walk through the halls where enslaved Africans were held captive before being shipped across the ocean, a profoundly moving experience that fosters reflection and remembrance.

Beyond its sad history, Gorée Island also enchants visitors with its vibrant culture and stunning scenery. The island’s narrow cobblestone streets wind through colorful colonial-era houses adorned with bougainvillea and hibiscus. The tranquil ambiance is enhanced by the absence of motor vehicles, making strolls an absolute delight. The inviting beaches, such as Plage de l’Île de Gorée, offer a serene escape where visitors can bask in the sun and enjoy the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Art galleries and local craft shops showcase the talent of Senegalese artisans, providing an opportunity to take home unique souvenirs. A journey to Gorée Island, with its historical weight and undeniable beauty, is a pilgrimage that offers both reflection and rejuvenation.

Spanning over 16,000 hectares, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a vital pit stop for millions of migratory birds that traverse the trans-Saharan flyway. Situated near the town of Saint-Louis, this wetland paradise serves as a seasonal home to an astonishing variety of bird species. The highlight of a visit to the sanctuary is undoubtedly the gatherings of majestic pink flamingos, whose numbers can reach an astounding 1.5 million during the peak season. These elegant birds create a surreal sea of pink, leaving visitors awe-struck. Moreover, Djoudj hosts over 400 other bird species, including pelicans, herons, cormorants, and ducks, making it a dream destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike.

Embarking on a guided boat tour through the tranquil waters of Djoudj’s intricate channels and lakes unveils an unparalleled spectacle of avian diversity. The expert local guides not only provide insights into the ecological significance of the sanctuary but also offer a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between the resident and migratory bird species. Djoudj’s unique ecosystem, characterized by freshwater ponds, floodplains, and dense aquatic vegetation, also supports a variety of reptiles, mammals, and plant species. A visit to Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary promises an immersive experience in one of West Africa’s most significant bird habitats and a testament to Senegal’s dedication to conservation.

Lac Rose , often referred to as the “Pink Lake,” is a captivating natural wonder located just northeast of Dakar in Senegal. Renowned for its unique rosy hue, this saltwater lake offers a remarkable experience that marries natural science with breathtaking scenery.

Lac Rose’s distinctive pink color results from a mesmerizing combination of high salt concentration and a specific type of algae that thrives in such conditions. The sun’s angle and intensity further enhance the lake’s color, creating a stunning interplay of pink, mauve, and gold that changes throughout the day. The lake’s high salinity, similar to that of the Dead Sea, allows swimmers to float effortlessly on its surface, a sensation that’s both exhilarating and relaxing. Besides its enchanting aesthetics, the lake serves as a hub for salt harvesting, providing visitors with an insight into the local traditional industry. Guided tours often include visits to salt mines and the opportunity to interact with the hardworking salt gatherers, adding a cultural dimension to the natural spectacle.

A trip to Lac Rose offers a multi-faceted experience that engages the senses and the mind. Whether taking a leisurely swim, admiring the shifting colors of the water, or learning about the lake’s ecological and cultural significance, visitors are sure to be captivated by this pink jewel nestled in the Senegalese landscape. 

Saint-Louis  is a historic town nestled on the northwest coast of Senegal. As the country’s former colonial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Louis exudes a captivating blend of colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and a unique geographical location.

Established in the 17th century, Saint-Louis is a living testament to Senegal’s rich history. Its narrow streets are lined with well-preserved colonial buildings that reflect a fusion of European, African, and Islamic influences. The iconic Saint-Louis Bridge, connecting the town to the mainland, adds to the town’s allure. Once a key hub for French colonial administration and trade, Saint-Louis’s strategic position at the mouth of the Senegal River contributed to its historical importance. Visitors can explore the vibrant local markets, where the aroma of fresh fish and spices fills the air, and interact with the friendly locals, known for their warmth and hospitality.

Beyond its historical significance, Saint-Louis is a cultural hotspot. The town hosts the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival annually, attracting international artists and music enthusiasts. The town’s distinct neighborhoods, including the lively Sor district and the tranquil Langue de Barbarie peninsula, offer diverse experiences. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, located nearby, is a must-do. As the first French settlement in West Africa and a melting pot of cultures, Saint-Louis encapsulates the essence of Senegal, making it a captivating destination for history buffs, art lovers, and curious travelers seeking an authentic Senegalese experience.

Located in southeastern Senegal, this vast protected area spans over 9,000 square kilometers and offers a remarkable blend of diverse ecosystems and a rich array of wildlife species, being one of the last remaining strongholds of West African wildlife.

Niokolo-Koba National Park  is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Its varied landscapes encompass riverine forests, savannah grasslands, and rugged hills, creating a mosaic of habitats supporting astonishing biodiversity. The park is home to many iconic African species, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and various antelope species. It also boasts a remarkable birdlife with over 300 species recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The Gambia River flows through the park’s heart, serving as a lifeline for wildlife and local communities. Immersing oneself in Niokolo-Koba’s rugged beauty and pristine landscapes can be done through guided safari tours, boat rides along the river, and even cultural interactions with indigenous communities on the park’s fringes.

Preserving the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and the needs of neighboring communities is at the core of Niokolo-Koba’s management strategy. The park’s UNESCO status underscores its exceptional value and the urgent need to safeguard its unique ecosystems. Visitors to Niokolo-Koba National Park not only have the chance to witness the raw beauty of Africa’s wild heart but also contribute to the region’s sustainable development. 

Renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant traditions, and serene ambiance, Casamance , nestled in the southern part of Senegal, offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Senegal’s diverse tapestry.

Casamance’s verdant beauty is shaped by its meandering rivers, mangrove swamps, and picturesque beaches along the Atlantic coastline. The region’s fertile land supports a tapestry of rice paddies, cashew plantations, and vibrant markets brimming with local produce. What sets Casamance apart is its distinct cultural identity, with strong ties to the Diola people who call this region home. Traditional villages, adorned with thatched huts and intricate wood carvings, provide a glimpse into the daily lives and age-old customs of the Diola communities. The annual Casamance Carnival is a colorful celebration of local music, dance, and art, drawing visitors into the heart of this energetic culture. However, it’s important to note that in recent history, Casamance has faced some political and security challenges, which travelers should stay informed about before planning their visit.

For intrepid travelers seeking an authentic Senegalese experience, Casamance offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Exploring its tranquil waterways by boat, venturing into its vibrant markets, and engaging with the local communities provides a profound insight into the rhythm of life in this enchanting region. As a responsible traveler, it’s advisable to stay updated on the current situation and local conditions. Still, with proper preparation, a journey to Casamance can be a rewarding experience like no other in Senegal.

Cap Skirring  is a serene beach destination along the stunning coastline of southern Senegal. Known for its pristine sandy shores, azure waters, and laid-back atmosphere, Cap Skirring is a hidden gem that offers travelers a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty.

Nestled within the Casamance region, Cap Skirring boasts some of Senegal’s most captivating beaches. The golden sands stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, providing ample space for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, and water sports. The region’s mild climate makes it an attractive year-round destination. Visitors can indulge in surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking, taking advantage of the favorable wind conditions and gentle waves. Beyond the beaches, the lush surroundings of Cap Skirring offer opportunities for eco-tourism and exploration. Nearby, the Boucotte Forest and the Oussouye Forest Reserve showcase the region’s rich biodiversity, home to various bird species and wildlife.

Cap Skirring also embraces the local Diola culture, infusing authenticity into the travel experience. Traditional fishing villages dot the coastline, providing insight into the daily lives of the communities that rely on the sea for their livelihood. Travelers can immerse themselves in the rhythms of everyday life, from watching colorful pirogues (traditional fishing boats) returning with their catch to sampling freshly caught seafood at local eateries. With charming accommodations, from boutique hotels to beachfront resorts, Cap Skirring offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a serene beach getaway with a touch of Senegalese authenticity.

Joal-Fadiouth  is about a unique and harmonious blend of history, religion, and stunning coastal beauty in Senegal. Located along the Petite Côte, this captivating destination offers travelers a glimpse into the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and a chance to explore the intriguing juxtaposition of two distinct communities.

Joal, the larger of the two towns, is renowned for being the birthplace of Senegal’s first President, Léopold Sédar Senghor. A visit to his childhood home, now transformed into a museum, provides a fascinating insight into his life and legacy as a poet, philosopher, and statesman. Adjacent to Joal lies Fadiouth, a tiny island accessed by a long wooden bridge. What sets Fadiouth apart is its intriguing ground, entirely composed of seashells. This unique feature provides a stunning backdrop to the island’s Christian and Muslim cemeteries, where ancestors of both faiths rest. This symbolizes the region’s remarkable religious harmony and coexistence. The island also boasts a vibrant market, where local artisans offer crafts and fresh seafood entices visitors’ taste buds.

The atmosphere of Joal-Fadiouth is serene and welcoming, reflecting the warmth of its inhabitants. Strolling through its quaint streets, adorned with colorful bougainvillea, one can feel the fusion of cultures and faiths that shape the town’s character. The tranquil beaches invite leisurely relaxation, while the vibrant markets and cultural sites provide ample opportunities for exploration. 

This enchanting delta, where freshwater from the Saloum River meets the Atlantic Ocean, creates a delicate ecosystem teeming with wildlife, mangroves, and stunning landscapes.

Spanning over 76,000 hectares,  Saloum Delta National Park  is a sanctuary for an impressive bird species, making it a haven for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts. Migratory birds from Europe and Asia find refuge here, while resident species, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and kingfishers, thrive in the lush wetlands. Guided boat tours along the meandering waterways offer an opportunity to witness this avian spectacle up close, where the mangroves’ stillness and the birds’ distant calls create a tranquil ambiance. The park is also home to various terrestrial animals, including the West African manatee, crocodiles, and several monkey species.

Beyond its biodiversity, Saloum Delta National Park is a cultural treasure trove. Indigenous communities, such as the Serer people, reside in the park’s vicinity, carrying forward traditional fishing and harvesting practices. Visiting these communities provides an immersive cultural experience as you learn about their way of life, craft traditions, and vibrant ceremonies. The park’s unique ecosystem, a fragile balance between land and water, underscores the importance of sustainable conservation efforts.

Dakar , Senegal’s capital and the most important city, is a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modernity. Situated on the westernmost tip of Africa, this bustling metropolis is a gateway to the country’s rich heritage and a hub of contemporary African art, music, and cuisine.

Dakar’s bustling markets, such as the colorful Marché Kermel and the lively Sandaga Market, provide a sensory journey through local life and commerce. The African Renaissance Monument, an iconic towering sculpture overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizes Senegal’s resilience and determination. The city is also a center of cultural expression, with venues like the Institut Français and the Théâtre Daniel Sorano showcasing a vibrant array of theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. The Gorée Island, just a short ferry ride away, is a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade and offers a reflective experience through its historical sites and captivating architecture.

Dakar’s appeal extends to its culinary scene, a melting pot of flavors reflecting the diverse ethnicities that call the city home. From savoring a traditional Thieboudienne (Senegal’s national dish) at a local restaurant to enjoying vibrant street food stalls offering mouthwatering snacks, the city caters to all palates. Dakar’s energetic nightlife pulses with the beats of Senegalese music genres like Mbalax, and venues such as Just4U and Biscuiterie de Médina offer a chance to dance the night away. With its mix of heritage, modernity, and vibrant energy, Dakar encapsulates the essence of Senegal and serves as a captivating introduction to the country’s cultural and artistic richness.

Now that we’ve seen which are the most popular tourist attractions and best places in Senegal let’s find out some other things about this beautiful African country:

When planning a trip to Senegal, it’s essential to consider a few key travel tips. Firstly, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Checking with your local embassy or consulate for any visa requirements is also advisable.

Secondly, it’s important to research and understand the local customs and etiquette. Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, so it is respectful to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. It is also customary to greet people with a handshake and converse politely before getting to the main topic.

Thirdly, it’s recommended to take precautions regarding personal safety and health. While Senegal is generally a safe country, it’s always wise to take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional regarding necessary vaccinations or medications before traveling to Senegal.

The best time to visit Senegal largely depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to engage in. Generally, the dry season, which runs from November to May, is considered the best time to visit. The weather is typically warm and sunny during this period, making it ideal for exploring the country’s attractions, wildlife reserves, and coastal regions.

However, it’s worth noting that Senegal experiences a distinct wet season from June to October, characterized by higher rainfall and humidity. Despite the rain, this season also has its advantages. The countryside becomes lush and green, and birdwatching enthusiasts will find migratory birds abundant. Traveling during this season can also offer more affordable prices and fewer crowds.

The primary entry point for international travelers arriving in Senegal is Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), located near Dakar. This modern airport serves as the main gateway to the country and offers connections to various international destinations.

Another entry point is Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport (DKR), also located in Dakar. Although this airport is mainly used for domestic flights, it also receives some international flights from neighboring countries.

Travelers should check their flight itineraries and consult with airlines to determine the available airports and routes.

Senegal is generally considered a safe country for travelers. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Senegal:

• Be vigilant with your belongings, particularly in crowded areas or tourist sites.
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or gadgets, as it may attract unwanted attention.
• Use reputable transportation services and avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Stay informed about local news and heed any travel advisories or warnings from your embassy or consulate.
• Be cautious when swimming in the ocean and adhere to any warning signs or instructions from local authorities.

It’s also advisable to consult with locals, hotel staff, or reputable tour operators for guidance on specific safety precautions in the areas you plan to visit.

Senegal is a culinary paradise that offers a variety of flavors and dishes influenced by its diverse ethnic groups. Here are three must-try Senegalese dishes for travelers:

Thieboudienne : Considered the national dish of Senegal, Thieboudienne is a flavorful rice and fish dish. It typically consists of fish, vegetables, and rice cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with herbs and spices. This delicious and hearty meal is an accurate representation of Senegalese cuisine.

Yassa : Yassa is a tangy and aromatic dish made with marinated chicken or fish, onions, mustard, and lemon juice. The ingredients are cooked together to create a flavorful sauce that infuses the meat with delicious flavors. Yassa is often served with rice or couscous.

Maafe : Maafe is a traditional Senegalese dish with a thick peanut sauce, meat, vegetables, and spices. It can be made with various meats such as beef, lamb, or chicken and is often served with rice or couscous. Combining the creamy peanut sauce and tender meat creates a delightful and comforting dish.

These are just a few examples of the many delightful dishes that Senegal has to offer. Exploring the local cuisine is essential to experiencing the country’s vibrant culture.

Senegal offers several transportation options for travelers to explore the country. Here are the main modes of transportation available:

• Taxis : Taxis are a common form of transportation in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. They can be easily hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands. Negotiating the fare before starting the journey is advisable, as taxis in Senegal usually do not use meters.
• Car Rental : Renting a car is convenient for travelers who prefer more independence and flexibility in their itinerary. Several international car rental agencies operate in Senegal, particularly in major cities and airports. However, it’s important to note that driving conditions in Senegal can be challenging, and road signage may be limited in some areas.
• Public Transportation : Senegal has a well-developed network of public transportation, including buses and minibusses known as “cars rapides.” These options are more affordable than taxis and are commonly used by locals. However, they can be crowded and may not always adhere to strict schedules.
• Domestic Flights : Domestic flights are available for longer distances or to reach more remote areas. Air Senegal operates scheduled flights to various destinations within the country, including Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, and Cap Skirring.

For most tourists, a combination of taxis, public transportation, and organized tours is often the most practical way to get around Senegal. Organized tours can provide convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, particularly for visiting attractions outside major cities.

Senegal is known for its warm hospitality and vibrant cultural traditions. However, customs and etiquette can vary across different regions and ethnic groups. Here are a few general customs and etiquette tips to keep in mind:

• Greetings : It is customary to greet people with a handshake and converse politely before getting to the main topic. When greeting elders or people of higher status, it’s respectful to use both hands during the handshake.
• Dress Code : Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, and it’s advisable to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Women should consider wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Men may also find it appropriate to dress conservatively in certain situations.
• Punctuality : Senegalese time can be more relaxed than in some other cultures. It’s not uncommon for events or meetings to start later than the scheduled time. However, punctuality is still advisable, particularly for formal occasions.
• Respect for Elders : Senegalese society places great importance on respect for elders. Showing deference and using appropriate titles when addressing older individuals is customary.

While these customs apply to many regions in Senegal, it’s important to note that cultural norms can vary across different ethnic groups and communities. It’s always advisable to observe and respect local customs and seek guidance from locals or tour guides when in doubt.

Senegal offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, here are some options to consider:

• Luxury Hotels and Resorts : In major cities and popular tourist destinations, luxury hotels and resorts provide world-class amenities and services. These establishments often feature swimming pools, spas, restaurants, and other facilities. Some notable luxury hotels in Senegal include Terrou-Bi in Dakar, Lamantin Beach Hotel in Saly, and Les Almadies in Cap Skirring.
• Mid-Range Hotels and Guesthouses : Mid-range hotels and guesthouses are widely available for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations at more affordable prices. These establishments offer clean and comfortable rooms, often with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and on-site restaurants. They can be found in both urban areas and tourist destinations throughout Senegal.
• Budget Guesthouses and Hostels : Budget-conscious travelers can find a range of guesthouses and hostels that offer affordable accommodation options. These establishments provide basic facilities and are often located in urban areas or near popular tourist attractions. They are popular among backpackers and those looking to connect with fellow travelers.

Researching and booking accommodations in advance is important, particularly during peak travel seasons or for popular attractions. Websites such as Booking.com and TripAdvisor can provide a comprehensive list of available accommodations and reviews and ratings from previous guests.

Senegal is a country rich in cultural traditions, and there are several unique festivals and events that travelers might want to plan their visit around. Here are three notable cultural festivals in Senegal:

• Saint-Louis Jazz Festival : Held annually in the historic town of Saint-Louis, the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival is a celebration of music that attracts local and international artists. This festival showcases a fusion of traditional Senegalese rhythms with jazz, blues, and other genres. Travelers can enjoy live performances, street parades, and vibrant music-filled evenings.
• Festival du Sahel : The Festival du Sahel is a cultural extravaganza that takes place in the city of Ziguinchor in the Casamance region. This festival celebrates the region’s cultural diversity with music, dance, theater, and traditional ceremonies. It provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant traditions of the Casamance people.
• Grand Magal of Touba : The Grand Magal of Touba is an important religious pilgrimage attracting millions of Mouride Brotherhood followers. The pilgrimage takes place in the holy city of Touba and commemorates the life and teachings of Sheikh Amadou Bamba, the founder of the Mouride Brotherhood. Travelers can witness the spiritual fervor and participate in various religious ceremonies.

These are just a few examples of the many cultural festivals and events in Senegal throughout the year. Travelers are encouraged to check local event calendars and plan their visit accordingly to experience the rich cultural heritage of Senegal.

Senegal is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine beaches that attract beach lovers from around the world. Here are three of the most popular beaches in Senegal:

Saly : Located on the Petite Côte, Saly is one of Senegal’s most popular beach destinations. It offers a range of resorts, beachfront hotels, and water sports activities. The beach at Saly is known for its golden sands, warm waters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Cap Skirring : Situated in the Casamance region, Cap Skirring is a picturesque beach town known for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It offers a more laid-back and tranquil setting compared to the bustling tourist areas of Dakar and Saly.

N’Gor Island : Just a short boat ride from Dakar, N’Gor Island is a hidden gem that offers a secluded beach getaway. The island is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and excellent surfing conditions. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking a quieter beach experience.

These beaches are just a few examples of the many coastal destinations that Senegal has to offer. Whether you prefer lively beach resorts or secluded stretches of sand, Senegal has something to suit every beach lover’s taste.

In conclusion, Senegal is a captivating travel destination with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From exploring the bustling streets of Dakar to witnessing the natural wonders of national parks, Senegal has something to offer every traveler. By following essential travel tips, respecting local customs, and planning your visit around unique festivals, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip to this extraordinary country.

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Senegal Tours & Trips

Senegal is a country on the Atlantic coast whose vibrancy is infectious. Tour the Sahelian regionand wander through Saint Louis to witness the influences of French architecture and eat Capitaine fish, then go to the south to Casamance region for an eco adventure and pirogue from Ziguinchor.

28 Senegal tour packages with 55 reviews

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Authentic Cultural Experience of Senegal, 6 Days

Abou deserves a galaxy of stars!!! My school, Wells Preparatory Academy, engaged in a cultural tour of Senegal. It was everything and more than we could have ever dreamed. Abou and staff were attentive, patient, and caring. I can’t thank them enough!!!

• €149 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Senegal Highlights 8 Days / 7 Nights

This was a lovely trip, off the beaten track, seeing some of the highlights of Senegal. A really interesting eye opener as I really did not know what to expect. My tour guide and driver were really lovely and looked after me (I was the only person on the trip). I loved the variety in places I stayed from a standard hotel to desert tent to cute resort hut to a more refined beach resort. There are very long drives to get from one place to another so that is something you need to be prepared for, more time driving than at the sights, however I saw a lot of real life in several Senegalese towns from the car. The national dish of thieboudienne did not make its way on tourist restaurant menus, but after saying how much I wanted to try it, my tour driver took me to a place to try it on my final day...it was worth the wait :). This trip has a lot of spare time in the evenings so plenty of time to rest ahead of the next day. We usually set off soon after breakfast, between 8am and 9ish..so sociable times and on most days I was dropped off at my accommodation at around 5ish. So a big thank you to Dioudiou the driver and my tour guide Mr Jang (I think that was his name, we got introduced after I got off the plane and I didnt double check!) for their wonderful hospitality, it felt like having my own little family abroad.

The Best of Senegal – 8 Days

Its was the first time I took a private tour and loved it! Our guide Abou made all our wishes happen, we had a smooth ride and a lot of fun. Sénégal was a great destination to visit, people are nice, weather was fantastic and there is much to visit.

From Saloum River to Casamance River, 10 days

Wonderful, individual tour through Senegal. Good communication. Thank you very much!

Senegal Highlights 8 Days / 7 Nights ( Comfort)

Tribes of Senegal, 10 days

Senegal and The Gambia

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Looking for tours beyond just Senegal?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Senegal.

Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey

Everything to be expected on a trip like this to West Africa. Its not 5 star hotels and bug free but that is ok and makes it more of an adventurous and exciting tour. Our guide Abdou was the best and kept us entertained and fed many times a day. I def recommend doing this trip early November at the beginning of the dry season with less mosquitoes. Although mossy nets are provided throughout the trip. Im also a part time bird watcher and spotted over 200 species in 10 days. This is my 2nd trip with Penguin and will use them again in 2024.

Discover Senegal, 7 Days

Ali and Ibrahim were excellent as guide and driver. Both were very pleasant and helpful. They were always on time and I felt safe with Ibrahim driving. I learned a lot about Senegal and had a wonderful experience. The itinerary was well planned and hotels well chosen. I would definitely recommend Continent to anyone visiting Senegal.

Senegal Highlights 8 Days / 7 Nights ( Comfort Plus)

• Festival & Events

Saint Louis Jazz Festival & Biennale in Dakar on May 2024 8 Days/ 7 Nights

14 Days 13 Nights Senegal Safari Tour

Backroads of Senegal

Saint Louis Jazz Festival, 8 days (May 14 to 21, 2024)

SENEGAL, Enter Africa 8 days - 7 nights

What people love about senegal tours.

Mr Lamp Fall (Mamadou Diagne) & his driver Doudou were both simply amazing guides. I felt very safe with them. The tour itself was fantastic - the itinerary was great! My only recommendation was to add Djouj Bird Sanctuary (which we did, per Mr Fall's recommendation & per my request as well), I realize that portion is seasonal. I also recommend making it very clear that the tour Starts in Dakar but ENDS in Saly- it was a little confusing because there was a discrepancy between what the itinerary said versus the actual VOUCHER. Also, a faster responsiveness from both Tour Radar and/or the tour operator would definitely make a positive difference! I also suggest adding on the "Things You Must Know list" = is to add that most places we went for shopping do NOT take credit cards so to bring lots of CASH (for shoppers) & small change as many merchants seemed to be short on change. Also to bring personal toilet paper as many public bathrooms do not have it. Otherwise, the tour overall was FANTASTIC & I highly recommend it!!

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Senegal Tours starting in

• Starting in Dakar (18)