The Best of Senegal – 8 Days

Day 1: ARRIVE DAKAR, SENEGAL

Upon arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport, proceed through immigration formalities, claim your luggage, and clear customs. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Today’s activities will be determined by your arrival time. You may choose to relax and unwind or start a tour of Dakar and its vicinity.

Meal(s) Included: None

Hotel: Azalai

Day 2: DAKAR – GOREE ISLAND – DAKAR

After breakfast, we depart the hotel for the Gare Maritime Port, where we will take a 20-minute ferry ride to Goree Island. The tour includes a visit to the ethnographic museum and a lecture by the curator on the history of Goree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we return to Dakar for a city tour. We will visit the colorful markets, including Tilen Market, famous for its variety of medicinal herbs and traditional healers. We will also stop by Dakar’s Grand Mosque, the Presidential Palace, and the Artisans Market. After the tour, we return to the hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Azalai

Day 3: DAKAR – PINK LAKE – ST. LOUIS

After breakfast, we depart for Saint Louis, located in the north of Senegal. Saint Louis is West Africa’s first French settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, we will visit Pink Lake, a rare natural phenomenon caused by a unique combination of microorganisms and a high concentration of salts that give the lake its unique pink color. Interact with the women harvesting salt and visit the nearby Fulani village, where you may be welcomed by the Chief.

Continue to Saint Louis, Senegal’s former colonial capital, situated in the middle of the Senegal River. In the early evening, embark on a cultural and historical tour of Saint Louis. Explore the narrow streets flanked by multi-colored houses with carved wooden balconies and verandas, and stop by the vibrant fishing village of Guet Ndar.

After the tour, settle into your accommodations and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Meal(s) Included : Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at La Residence

Day 4: ST. LOUIS – DJOUDJ – ST. LOUIS

After a refreshing night and a sumptuous breakfast, we will visit the Djoudj National Bird Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world. Situated on a major palearctic migratory route, this park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Some of the world’s greatest concentrations of white pelicans and flamingos can be seen here, with up to 10,000 species present.

Enjoy a pirogue ride to get a better view of the many species of cormorants, pelicans, ducks, flamingos, various songbirds, and more. You may also spot crocodiles, boas, boars, and other wildlife.

After the visit, complete your city tour of Saint Louis. The best months to visit this national park are from October to April.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at La Residence

Day 5: ST. LOUIS – TOUBA – DELTA DU SALOUM

After breakfast, we travel to the Sine Saloum Delta, a stunning nature reserve. On the way, we will stop to visit Touba, the holy city of the Mouride Brotherhood, and its magnificent mosque. Continue to Ndangane, where you will enjoy a picturesque pirogue cruise through the mangrove forest. After the cruise, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Ecolodge Palmarin

Day 6: DELTA DU SALOUM – JOAL FADIOUTH – MBOUR – SALY

After breakfast, we will depart for Joal Fadiouth, visiting the thousand-year-old Baobab tree of Fadial along the way. Continue to Joal, known as the birthplace of Senegal’s first President, Leopold Senghor.

Explore the island of Fadiouth and its market, where you can observe the lively daily activities of this traditional Serrere village. Visit the cathedral, the sacred Baobab tree, and the famous cemetery where Muslims, Christians, and Animists are buried side by side.

Proceed to Saly Beach Resort, with stops at small villages along the way. Arrive in time to enjoy the beach before nightfall.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Royam Saly

Day 7: SALY – BANDIA – SALY

This morning, we travel to Bandia National Park, an ecological jewel not far from Dakar. Located in a 3,500-hectare conservation area, Bandia Game Reserve offers an unforgettable safari experience. Here, you will see numerous animal species native to Senegal, including buffalos, antelopes, impala gazelles, monkeys, tortoises, and crocodiles, as well as white rhinoceros, kudu, elands, cape moose, giraffes, ostriches, and zebras.

Stop by the crocodile pool, where animals come to drink and buffalos wallow in the mud. You will also see numerous bird species, including small hornbills, grey herons, eagles, blackbirds, and kingfishers. Bandia Wildlife Reserve has succeeded in reintroducing much of the marvelous native flora and fauna unique to West Africa, which had gradually disappeared due to demographic pressure and poaching.

A cultural experience you won’t want to miss is discovering the tombs for revered Griots created under some of the Baobab trees. Griots, formerly regarded as outcasts, were storytellers, drummers, and singers who were often buried inside the hollow of these Baobabs.

After lunch, return to Saly Beach Resort to enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Royam Saly

Day 8: SALY – DAKAR – DEPART

With the assistance of your driver and guide, decide on your excursions and activities for the day. Enjoy the remaining time exploring or relaxing before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast