The Best of Senegal

About this trip

Exactly what you do each day, where you sleep, and how it flows — written by us, from the real itinerary.

1. 1
   Day 1 · DakarARRIVAL

   

   Land at Blaise Diagne International Airport, clear immigration and customs, then get transferred to Azalai hotel. What you do next depends on when you arrive—some people rest, others start exploring Dakar straight away.

2. 2
   Day 2 · DakarDAKAR – GOREE ISLAND – DAKAR

   Ferry across to Goree Island for 20 minutes, tour the ethnographic museum and hear from the curator about this UNESCO site. Back in Dakar, hit Tilen Market for medicinal herbs, then visit the Grand Mosque, Presidential Palace and Artisans Market before returning to the hotel.

3. 3
   Day 3 · DakarDAKAR – PINK LAKE – ST LOUIS

   

   Drive north to Saint Louis, stopping at Pink Lake to watch women harvest salt and visit a nearby Fulani village where the Chief may greet you. The pink colour comes from microorganisms and salt concentration. Reach Saint Louis, West Africa's first French settlement and another UNESCO site, for an evening tour.

4. 4
   Day 4 · Saint LouisSAINT LOUIS – DJOUDJ – SAINT LOUIS

   Head to Djoudj National Bird Park, a UNESCO site and major migratory stopover with up to 10,000 bird species including white pelicans and flamingos. Take a pirogue ride to spot cormorants, ducks, various songbirds and possibly crocodiles and boars. Finish your Saint Louis city tour in the afternoon.

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   Day 5 · Saint LouisSAINT LOUIS – TOUBA – DELTA DU SALOUM

   Travel to Sine Saloum Delta, pausing at Touba to see the Mouride Brotherhood's mosque. Reach Ndangane for a pirogue cruise through mangrove forest, then check into Ecolodge Palmarin for the night.

6. 6
   Day 6 · Delta du Saloum National ParkDELTA SALOUM – JOAL FADIOUTH – MBOUR – SALY

   Visit the thousand-year-old Baobab tree of Fadial on the way to Joal, birthplace of President Leopold Senghor. Explore Fadiouth island and its traditional Serrere village market, cathedral, sacred Baobab and the mixed-faith cemetery. Continue to Saly Beach Resort with stops in small villages, arriving in time to see the beach before dark.

7. 7
   Day 7 · Foret de Bandia National ParkSALY – BANDIA – SALY

   Drive to Bandia Game Reserve, a 3,500-hectare conservation area near Dakar. Spot buffalos, antelopes, impala, monkeys, tortoises, giraffes, zebras, white rhinoceros and ostriches. Stop at the crocodile pool where animals gather and see numerous bird species like hornbills, herons and eagles.

8. 8
   Day 8 · SalySALY – DEPART

   Plan your final day activities with your driver and guide. Spend time exploring or relaxing in Saly before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.

What's included

• Guide: Trained, experienced, Bilingual, English/French speaking Guide certified in first aide
• Meals: 13 Meals 7 breakfasts at the hotel, 6 dinners at the hotel and selected restaurants
• Activities: Meet-and-assist services on arrival and departure Daily bottled water Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites Porterage services (when required) All service charges and taxes Assistance with visa application
• Transport: Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle, including: Airport arrival and departure transfers All tours and excursions
• Accommodation: 07 nights Double, Twin or Single occupancy accommodation as requested in the hotels listed NB: All accommodations are subject to change ­

How travellers rate it

Your free day in Dakar

Landing early, staying on, or filling free time? The best-rated day experiences in Dakar — you book on Viator (we may earn a commission).

5Young crowd

Dakar City Tour and Goree island (from 3 people)

4hfrom £105

5Young crowd

Tour of Dakar and Gorée Island

6hfrom £198

5

Gorée Island - Pink Lake excursion 2 persons minimum

9hfrom £157

5

Cultural Excursions ( Goree Island and Lac Rose) with SENEXPAT

4hfrom £109

Common questions