Discover Senegal

Senegal brings together diverse natural and cultural heritage with a rich food culture. Its 700 kilometres of coastline, along with rivers, lakes, lagoons and numerous islands, offer a wide range of nautical experiences. When planning your trip, you can start by considering whether you are particularly interested in wetlands, cultural landscapes, history or local traditions.

Wetlands, savanna and cultural landscapes

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a 16,000-hectare wetland in the Senegal River delta. It is home to more than 1.5 million migratory birds and 365 bird species, including more than 120 Palearctic migratory bird species. Djoudj therefore offers a different focus on nature from Niokolo-Koba National Park, which covers nearly one million hectares and illustrates the key features of the Guinean savanna ecosystem.

The Bassari cultural landscape in southeastern Senegal offers another perspective. It comprises the Bassari–Salémata, Bedik–Bandafassi and Fula–Dindéfello areas. In Bassari, terraces and rice-growing areas shape the landscape, interspersed with villages, hamlets and archaeological sites. The hilly area at the northern foot of the Fouta-Djallon massif also includes natural caves in the mountains. The combination of agricultural land, settlements and archaeological sites makes this landscape a distinct area of interest alongside the country’s large protected areas.

Islands, history and cultural heritage

From the 15th to the 19th century, Gorée was the largest centre of the slave trade on the African coast. Today, the island is a pilgrimage destination for the African diaspora and a place for cultural exchange and dialogue. Those interested in history and its cultural significance today will find a different way to explore Senegal’s cultural heritage here than in the country’s landscapes.

The island of Saint-Louis lies at the mouth of the Senegal River. Its regular urban layout, quays and distinctive colonial architecture define its appearance and identity. The designated protected area covers the entire island, including its riverbanks, quays and the Faidherbe Bridge. The history of a well-known dish is also linked to this place: Ceebu Jën originated in the fishing communities on the island of Saint-Louis.

At the Senegambian Stone Circles complex, the Sine Ngayene site consists of 52 circles of upright stones, including one double circle. Visitor toilet facilities have been provided at both sites in the complex, and Sine Ngayene has an interpretation centre. Check current operating conditions before your visit. Art lovers may also find the Biennale of African Contemporary Art, Dak’Art, a reason to travel: it takes place every two years in Dakar. Check the specific event dates before planning your trip.

Activities and culinary traditions

Explore the islands of the Saloum Delta by pirogue to discover mangroves. Senegal also has trekking, hiking, walking and mountain biking routes through mountains, dunes, plateaus, valleys, forests and bush trails. Routes and local offerings may vary. A special activity is available at the Fathala Reserve in Toubacouta, in the Sine Saloum: lion walks are offered there. Check availability and safety precautions in advance. The Bandia Ranch organises safe safaris where you can observe lions living freely there. Availability and safety precautions may also vary here.

Ceebu Jën is typically prepared with fish steak, broken rice, dried fish, shellfish and seasonal vegetables. It is served as a lunch dish in most Senegalese households and restaurants. Yassa comes from Casamance and is well known both in Senegal and abroad. Ataya, in turn, is a Senegalese tea tradition in which mint tea is prepared and drunk in a three-stage ritual. These dishes and rituals can add a culinary focus to your trip planning, alongside landscapes, architecture and historic sites.

When choosing where to stay, you can focus on the themes that will shape your trip: the art biennale, island history, nature experiences or culinary traditions. This lets you begin your search with the places and experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Palmarin, Dakar, Ngaparou, Saint-Louis, Dakar, Cap Skirring, Somone, Kolda, M’bour, Louga, Tambacounda, Kaolack, Niaga, Fimela, Ndiongo, Ouoran, Boukot Ouolof, Fatick, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, Diourbel, Toubab Dialao, Kedougou, Kafountine, Ziguinchor.

For the broader travel overview: Africa.