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Senegal✨ 10 best things to do in Senegal

Things to do in Senegal

1. Visit Gorée IslandTake the ferry to a car-free island of pastel houses and the House of Slaves memorial.
2. Explore Saint-LouisRide a horse-drawn carriage through colonial streets on a UNESCO-listed river island.
3. See Lac RoseWatch salt collectors at work on Lake Retba, which can turn pink in the dry season.
4. Paddle the Sine-Saloum DeltaExplore mangroves, shell islands and fishing villages by pirogue.
5. Dance to mbalaxCatch a live music night in Dakar and dance to Senegal's signature sound.
6. Watch birds at DjoudjSee pelicans and flamingos at one of the world's major bird sanctuaries.
7. Relax in CasamanceUnwind on palm-lined beaches and visit Diola villages in the green south.
8. Surf in DakarCatch waves at N'Gor and Ouakam, where Africa's westernmost point meets the Atlantic.
9. Eat thieboudienneTry the national dish of fish, rice and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce.
10. Watch Senegalese wrestlingExperience the drumming and rituals of laamb, the country's hugely popular sport.

Senegal🗺️ Where to visit in Senegal

Where to go in Senegal

• 📍
  DakarCap-Vert · capitalA vibrant capital with markets, music, beaches and the African Renaissance Monument.
• 
  Gorée IslandOff Dakar · historyA UNESCO-listed island and important memorial to the Atlantic slave trade.
• 
  Saint-LouisNorth · colonial cityThe former capital, with colonial architecture and a lively fishing district.
• 
  Sine-Saloum DeltaCentre-west · mangrovesA peaceful world of waterways, birds and island villages.
• 📍
  CasamanceSouth · beaches & cultureA lush region with beaches at Cap Skirring and traditional Diola culture.
• 📍
  Lac Rose (Lake Retba)Near Dakar · salt lakeA salt lake famous for its pink hue and salt harvesters.
• 📍
  Djoudj National Bird SanctuaryNorth · wetlandsA key wintering site for millions of migratory birds.
• 📍
  Niokolo-Koba National ParkSouth-east · wildlifeA large park with savannah and gallery forest along the Gambia River.

Senegal🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Senegal

Best time to visit Senegal

Senegal has a tropical climate with a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from July to October. The coast around Dakar is cooled by ocean breezes, while the interior is much hotter.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Dakar (approximate averages).

Senegal🎉 Festivals & events in Senegal

• Varies (Islamic calendar)
  Grand Magal of ToubaA huge pilgrimage to Touba commemorating the exile of Cheikh Amadou Bamba.
• May-June
  Saint-Louis Jazz FestivalOne of Africa's leading jazz festivals, held in the historic city of Saint-Louis.
• May-June (even years)
  Dak'Art BiennaleA major contemporary African art exhibition across Dakar.
• Varies (Islamic calendar)
  TabaskiThe Senegalese name for Eid al-Adha, the year's biggest family celebration.

Senegal🧭 Senegal itinerary ideas

How many days in Senegal?

Senegal🎒 Backpacking Senegal – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $30–50 a day

• Sept-place shared taxis and minibuses are cheap ways to travel between towns.
• Dakar's N'Gor and Yoff neighbourhoods have relaxed guesthouses near the surf.
• Eat at local restaurants for thieboudienne, yassa and mafé at a fraction of tourist prices.
• Campements in Sine-Saloum and Casamance offer simple, affordable stays.
• Haggling is expected in markets, so start low and keep it friendly.

Senegal🛡️ Safety & money in Senegal

Emergency: 17 police · 18 fire

Senegal🛬 Getting to Senegal

Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar is the main gateway. Land borders connect with Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia.

✈️ Cheap flights to Senegal: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Senegal💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Senegal

• Dakar's Pointe des Almadies is the westernmost point of mainland Africa.
• The African Renaissance Monument in Dakar is taller than the Statue of Liberty.
• Senegal almost entirely surrounds The Gambia.
• Senegal's first president was a celebrated poet and member of the Académie française.
• Lac Rose was long the finishing point of the Paris-Dakar Rally.

Senegal❓ Senegal travel FAQ

Senegal travel questions