UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Senegal's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, parks, and experiences across Senegal.

🏝️

Island of Gorée

Visit this poignant island off Dakar, known for its role in the slave trade with the House of Slaves museum.

A somber yet essential site for understanding Senegal's colonial history and resilience.

🏛️

Saint-Louis Historic Centre

Explore French colonial architecture along the Senegal River, including the Governor's Palace.

A blend of African and European influences with vibrant markets and riverfront charm.

🐦

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Observe millions of migratory birds in this wetland paradise near the Senegal River.

Ideal for birdwatchers with boat tours and diverse avian species in a unique ecosystem.

🌿

Niokolo-Koba National Park

Discover savannas, forests, and wildlife like elephants and hippos in eastern Senegal.

A remote wilderness for safaris and hiking, showcasing Senegal's biodiversity.

🌊

Saloum Delta

Navigate mangrove channels and shell middens in this coastal biosphere reserve.

Perfect for eco-tours, fishing villages, and observing traditional Serer culture.

🏔️

Bassari Country

The Land of Bassari

Trek through hills and villages in southeastern Senegal, home to the Bassari people.

Cultural immersion with rituals, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes for adventurers.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

🌅

Pink Lake (Lac Rose)

Float in salty waters and witness the lake's pink hue from algae near Dakar.

Ideal for quad biking, salt harvesting tours, and serene sunsets in a unique setting.

🏖️

Ngor Island Beaches

Relax on pristine sands with clear waters, accessible by a short boat from Dakar.

Family-friendly with snorkeling, fresh seafood, and vibrant local fishing scenes.

🦁

Niokolo-Koba National Park

Spot lions, antelopes, and birds on guided safaris through diverse habitats.

Serene spot for camping and wildlife photography in Senegal's largest park.

🌳

Sine-Saloum Delta Mangroves

Kayak through tangled mangroves and spot monkeys in this coastal wetland.

Urban escape with eco-lodges, birdwatching, and traditional pirogue rides.

🚣

Senegal River Valley

Boat along the river with hippo sightings and fertile floodplains near Saint-Louis.

Hidden gem for fishing trips and riverside villages with cultural exchanges.

🏜️

Ferlo Savanna

Discover nomadic herding and baobab trees with off-road 4x4 explorations.

Rural heritage tours connecting to Senegal's pastoral traditions and vast landscapes.

Senegal by Region

🌆 Dakar Region (West)

  • Best For: Urban energy, beaches, and colonial history with bustling markets like Sandaga.
  • Key Destinations: Dakar for landmarks, Gorée Island, and Lac Rose for natural wonders.
  • Activities: City tours, beach relaxation, slave trade museums, and music festivals.
  • Best Time: Dry season (December-April) for warm 25-30°C weather and festivals.
  • Getting There: Well-connected by flights to Dakar Airport, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🏛️ Northern Senegal (Saint-Louis)

  • Best For: Colonial heritage and riverine beauty as Senegal's former capital.
  • Key Destinations: Saint-Louis for historic sites, Djoudj Sanctuary for birdwatching.
  • Activities: River cruises, colonial walks, wildlife safaris, and local music scenes.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but winter (November-March) for fewer rains and events.
  • Getting There: Dakar Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🌿 Central Senegal (Sine-Saloum)

  • Best For: Delta ecosystems and eco-adventures, featuring mangroves and villages.
  • Key Destinations: Saloum Delta, Kaolack, and Foundiougne for nature and culture.
  • Activities: Boat tours, oyster harvesting, birdwatching, and Serer cultural experiences.
  • Best Time: Dry months (January-May) for activities, with 20-35°C and low humidity.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote delta areas and villages.

🏝️ Southern Senegal (Casamance)

  • Best For: Tropical beaches and lush forests with a relaxed Diola vibe.
  • Key Destinations: Ziguinchor, Cap Skirring beaches, and Oussouye for island hopping.
  • Activities: Beach lounging, sacred forest hikes, rice paddy tours, and wrestling events.
  • Best Time: Dry season (December-May) for sunbathing, with warm 25-32°C and sea breezes.
  • Getting There: Flights to Ziguinchor or ferries from Dakar, with coastal roads connecting towns.

Sample Senegal Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Senegal Highlights

Days 1-2: Dakar

Arrive in Dakar, explore markets and beaches, visit Gorée Island for history, and sample thieboudienne cuisine.

Days 3-4: Saint-Louis & Djoudj

Travel north to Saint-Louis for colonial tours and river walks, then Djoudj for birdwatching safaris.

Days 5-6: Sine-Saloum Delta

Head to the delta for pirogue rides through mangroves, village visits, and eco-lodge relaxation.

Day 7: Return to Dakar

Final day in Dakar for Lac Rose quad tours, shopping, and departure with local music experiences.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Dakar Immersion

Dakar city tour covering markets, Gorée ferry, beaches, and vibrant nightlife with food tastings.

Days 3-4: Saint-Louis

Saint-Louis for historic sites including river cruises and colonial architecture, plus local festivals.

Days 5-6: Sine-Saloum & Lac Rose

Delta boat adventures and oyster farms, then Pink Lake for salt baths and desert buggy rides.

Days 7-8: Casamance Beaches

South to Cap Skirring for beach relaxation, snorkeling, and Diola cultural village tours.

Days 9-10: Eastern Return

Brief Niokolo-Koba wildlife spotting before coastal drives back to Dakar for final explorations.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Senegal

Days 1-3: Dakar Deep Dive

Comprehensive Dakar exploration including museums, beach days, Gorée history, and urban markets.

Days 4-6: Northern Circuit

Saint-Louis colonial walks, Djoudj bird safaris, and Senegal River valley cruises with herder visits.

Days 7-9: Central Adventures

Sine-Saloum delta kayaking, Lac Rose quad tours, and Ferlo savanna drives for nomadic culture.

Days 10-12: Southern Casamance

Cap Skirring beaches, Oussouye forests, and Ziguinchor markets with traditional wrestling.

Days 13-14: Eastern & Dakar Finale

Niokolo-Koba park hikes and wildlife, final Dakar shopping and music before departure.

Top Activities & Experiences

🚣

Pirogue Boat Tours

Glide through Sine-Saloum Delta mangroves for unique views of wildlife and villages.

Available year-round with sunset tours offering peaceful ambiance and bird sightings.

🐦

Birdwatching Safaris

Spot pelicans and flamingos at Djoudj Sanctuary with guided tours across wetlands.

Learn about migration patterns from local experts in Senegal's avian hotspots.

🏝️

Island Hopping

Ferry to Gorée and Ngor Islands for history, beaches, and snorkeling adventures.

Discover coastal ecosystems and traditional fishing techniques with local guides.

🚴

Quad Biking Tours

Ride through Lac Rose dunes and coastal paths with rentals widely available.

Popular routes include beach trails and savanna tracks with guided group options.

🎶

Music & Dance Experiences

Join sabar drum sessions and mbalax dances in Dakar and Saint-Louis venues.

Works by Youssou N'Dour influences with workshops for cultural immersion.

🦁

Wildlife Safaris

Track elephants and hippos in Niokolo-Koba with 4x4 tours and ranger guides.

Many parks offer educational exhibits and night drives for immersive adventures.

Explore More Senegal Guides