Senegal Travel Guide

  • Senegal: your gateway to West Africa’s charm

    On the western tip of Africa, Senegal is a land of ancestral cultures, lively markets, serene beaches, and breathtaking national parks. From the mythical Gorée Island to the golden dunes of Lompoul, safaris in wildlife reserves to food tours in Dakar, Senegal offers unforgettable adventures, all sprinkled with ample “teranga”, a word used to describe the outstanding warm welcome of the Senegalese people.

Discover Senegal

  • Cities Worth Exploring
     

    A UNESCO World Heritage site, Saint-Louis is a historical city with a unique cultural heritage. Discover Senegal’s vibrant capital, Dakar, with its bustling markets, relaxing beaches, museums, and nightlife. From Dakar, take a ferry to Gorée Island. Visit Toubacouta, a small 6,000-person resort village that sits on the Sine-Saloum delta, and the sacred city of Touba, known for its Great Mosque. Relax on Mbour’s beaches, take a boat ride through wildlife reserves, and enjoy local culture through music, dance, and artisanal crafts.

  • Nature and Wildlife
     

    Go on a guided safari tour of the Bandia Reserve, Fathala Wildlife Reserve, and Niokolo-Koba National Park. There, you will see various African wildlife species in their protected, natural habitat. Visit the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, one of the world’s most important bird sanctuaries. Ideal for a day trip from Dakar, the Lompoul Desert is the country’s only desert landscape, famous for its golden-orange dunes. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating in the Sine-Saloum Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring mangroves, lagoons, islands, and traditional villages.

  • Historical Sites and Monuments

    Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Senegal’s most historically important destinations due to its connection to the slave trade. Discover its cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings and visit the Museum La Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves), which served as a processing centre for enslaved Africans. In Dakar, gaze at the African Renaissance Monument, a towering statue symbolizing African rebirth and pride. For a surreal landscape, head to the Island of Fadiouth. The entire island is made of seashells, including streets, homes, and even a cemetery! A long footbridge connects Joal to Fadiouth, perfect for a sunset stroll.

  • Beaches and Water Activities

    Float or take part in a salt harvesting tour of the pink-coloured waters of Lake Retba (Pink Lake), whose distinctive colour is due to its high salt content. Enjoy a serene boat ride through the Lagune de la Somone’s mangroves while birdwatching. The charming Ngor Island is the perfect mix of tranquil beach vibes, artistic community, and a surf and water sports destination. For luxury hotels and popular beachfront resorts, head to La Petite Côte, a stretch of coastline with incredible beaches such as Plage Popenguine. In Casamance, relax and swim at beaches like Cap Skirring, fish in the Casamance River, or explore its winding mangroves and waterways in a traditional wooden canoe.

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How to discover Senegal with Transat

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