Visiting Senegal

Palmarin, Senegal

The best places to visit in Senegal are dotted throughout the country. Some are cities, others villages, islands, or nature reserves.

A great place to start your travels in Senegal is Dakar. The capital of Senegal deserves a visit, and is a good way to get a feel for Senegalese culture while you are in the country.

Dakar offers a wide variety of things to see and do, including great restaurants and nightlife, a beach on the westernmost point in Africa, and the famous Ile de Goree. The last of these is not only one of the best places to visit in Senegal, but one of the best places to visit in all of west Africa.

Near Dakar, visitors shouldn’t miss a chance to visit Lac Rose and Le Village des Tortues. The former is a lake that turns pink in certain light, and is surrounded by small shops, resorts, and restaurants. The latter is a turtle sanctuary where turtles from all over west Africa can be seen. Le Village des Tortues’ conservation and repopulation efforts are evident throughout the grounds.

Another great place to go in Senegal is Saint Louis. This city in the north of Senegal was made famous by early postal routes that flew from Europe to South America via Africa. Now the city is home to beautiful colonial architecture, long sandy beaches, a huge fish market, and several museums.

Near Saint Louis is the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. Visitors can go on a day trip from Saint Louis and take a boat safari to see thousands of pelicans and other migratory birds. There are also warthogs and other animals on the land there.

South of Dakar, the Petite Cote is famous for its beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Small shops, restaurants, and accommodations line the coast, and the area is very popular with visitors from Europe.

Another one of the best places to visit in Senegal’s southern region is the Palmarin Nature Reserve. Palmarin is located at the southern tip of the Petie Cote above the Sine-Saloum Delta. It is close to the border with The Gambia. Visitors to Palmarin can enjoy the area’s beaches, go on river cruises through the delta, and stay in a treehouse at Les Collines de Niassam lodge.

Le Village des Tortues

If you are visiting Senegal for more than a few days, there are some great day trips from Dakar that are worth doing.

One such trip is to Lac Rose, the famous pink lake. Lac Rose is located on the outskirts of Dakar and is a great place for boating, 4×4 riding, and other adventure sports.

It is also a nice place to enjoy a peaceful lunch or shop at many of the artisan craft stalls by the lake. It is easy to take a day trip from Dakar to Lac Rose if you have a rental car or if you hire a driver for the day.

Another good day trip is to Le Village des Tortues. Close to Lac Rose and Rufisque, the turtle village is located in Sangalkam, about 30 to 35km from Dakar. It is a great place to witness conservation and repopulation efforts of Senegalese wildlife. Visitors can follow a path that passes by all kinds of turtles, from massive old ones to tiny ones that can fit in the palm of your hand.

Closer to the city, the Ile de Goree makes for one of the best day trips from Dakar. It is the perfect place for history lovers and anyone that wants a peaceful escape from the bustle of the capital. Ferries run regularly between the mainland and the Ile de Goree, making it an easy trip.

Ile de Goree

The Ile de Goree is one of the best places to visit in Senegal, and is certainly the highlight of a trip to Dakar.

Below is a list of the top 10 things to do on the Ile de Goree:

10. Get lost in the small, narrow streets of the Ile de Goree

9. Go shopping for local art and souvenirs in the markets

8. Visit the Church of Saint Charles and the mosque on the island

7. Hike up to the castle for great views of Dakar

6. Visit the fort museum on the top of the island

5. Go to the Museum of the Sea

4. Visit the History Museum to learn about the Ile de Goree’s role in Senegalese history

3. Have coffee or dinner at one of the sea front cafes by the ferry port

2. Photograph the brightly colored buildings and flowers near the fort

1. Visit the powerful Slave Museum on the Ile de Goree to learn about Senegal’s role in the historic slave trade