Visiting Senegal

La Pointe des Almadies in Dakar

There is no shortage of things to keep people busy in Dakar when they are visiting Senegal. Here are is my list of the top 5 things to do in Dakar:

1. Take a ferry to the Ile de Goree. The beautiful architecture and rich history of the island make it one of the top places to visit when you are in Dakar. The ferry ride is another highlight, as it offers passengers great views of both the city and the Ile de Goree.

2. Go to the westernmost point in Africa. La Pointe des Almadies is as far west as you can get on the continent. There is a great beach there from which you can watch the sunset, and the sand is lined with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Going to the Pointe des Almadies is not only one of the top 5 things to do in Dakar, but one of the top things to do in all of Africa.

3. Take a day trip to Lac Rose. Not far from Dakar is the famous pink lake, which is so named because in a certain light the water looks rose colored. Visitors can go there for lunch, participate in adventure sports, or go shopping at the craft stalls by the water’s edge.

4. Experience the nightlife in Dakar. The city has some of the best nightlife in West Africa, and no trip is complete without a visit to a bar or club. Dakar also has a vibrant music scene, and going to a live show is a great way to experience the Senegalese culture.

5. Take a day trip to the Village des Tortues. The turtle conservation center is a great place to see large and small turtles alike. It is located near Lac Rose, and can easily be combined with the lake on a day trip. Visiting the two destinations is definitely one of the top 5 things to do in Dakar.

Le Village des Tortues

Le Village des Tortues in Senegal
Address: Noflaye, km 12, Route de Bambilor, BP 655 Rufisque, Senegal
Phone: +221 77 658 99 84

Situated to the northeast of Dakar, Le Village des Tortues is a great place to see West Africa’s wide variety of turtle species all in one place. Opened in 2001, it is home to over 350 turtles, from large ones that weigh up to 100 kilograms to tiny turtles that weigh a mere 40 grams.

Located a short distance from the capital in the special botanical reserve of Noflaye, Le Village des Tortues is a 40km drive from the city center. It is easily reachable by taxi from the city, and makes for a great day trip from Dakar. It can be combined with a visit to Lac Rose as well.

The Village des Tortues in Senegal is spread out across several acres of land. Turtles live in enclosures, usually with two to 10 turtles in each one. There are also several areas for visitors to view baby turtles and very small turtles.

Conservation and repopulation work takes place at the village, and it is not uncommon to see teams of international researchers measuring, weighing, and studying the various turtle populations there. Whenever possible, turtles from Le Village des Tortues are reintroduced into the wild in reserves in northern Senegal.

Visitors can get an information pamphlet at the entrance after paying the entry fee. After that you can follow a guided path around Le Village des Tortues in Senegal to see all of the wildlife. There are also guided tours available for individuals and groups. Visiting hours are from 9:00 to 18:00 daily. The entry fee is 3,000 CFA for nonresident adults.

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.