Senegal Travel Guide: Dakar, Gorée, Saint-Louis and Beaches

Senegal's tourism agency, the Agence Sénégalaise de Promotion Touristique, groups the country into six destinations: Dakar, Saint-Louis, Casamance, Sénégal Oriental, the Petite Côte and Sine-Saloum.

Dakar, the capital, is at the western end of the African continent and faces the Atlantic Ocean. Gorée Island lies off the coast opposite the city.

Places to visit in Senegal

Dakar

Dakar is the capital of Senegal. The tourism agency lists Gorée Island, the Pink Lake, Ngor Island, the Museum of Black Civilisations and the Monument of the African Renaissance among its main sites. The agency also lists the Îles de la Madeleine National Park near the city.

Gorée Island

UNESCO lists the Island of Gorée, off the coast of Senegal opposite Dakar. It was a slave-trading centre from the 15th to the 19th century, and UNESCO says it now serves as a reminder of human exploitation and a sanctuary for reconciliation.

Petite Côte and Bandia

The Petite Côte starts at the exit of Dakar and is described as having sandy beaches and excursions into wildlife. The agency lists the Réserve de Bandia in this area and describes the nature reserves as places to see giraffes, zebras and other animals.

Saint-Louis

The island of Saint-Louis has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. It was founded as a French colonial settlement in the 17th century and was the capital of Senegal from 1872 to 1957. The Faidherbe Bridge is the only crossing point to the historic island.

Sine-Saloum Delta

UNESCO describes the Saloum Delta as brackish channels with over 200 islands and islets, mangrove forest and 218 shellfish mounds. The tourism agency says you travel its maze of islands by pirogue.

Getting to Senegal

Senegal's international airport is Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). The tourism agency lists four secondary airports: Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, Cap Skirring and Tambacounda.

The agency lists airlines serving Dakar, including Air Sénégal, Air France, Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines and others. Confirm which carriers fly your route when you book.

Getting around

In Dakar, the bus operator Dakar Dem Dikk runs more than 400 buses on urban and intercity lines. A public ferry service, run for the state by the Dakar port authority, connects Dakar and Gorée.

The operator COSAMA runs a passenger ferry between Dakar and Ziguinchor on set weekdays. On the Senegal River, a boat called the Bou el Mogdad sails between Saint-Louis and Podor.

When to go to Senegal

Dry season (November to May)

The tourism agency says temperatures are around 26 degrees Celsius, the sun is present and rain is rare. It calls this the recommended period to visit.

Rainy season (June to October)

The agency says this season brings heat and rain, with temperatures rising to 30 degrees Celsius. It adds that the rain does not last long, and that it lasts longer in the south of the country.

Birds at Djoudj (November to April)

The agency says the Djoudj National Bird Park receives about three million migrating birds each year between November and April.

What to book ahead

• Dakar to Ziguinchor ferry: sailings run on set weekdays, so check the current timetable with COSAMA before fixing your dates.
• Gorée Island: the ferry service from Dakar is run by the port authority, so check the timetable for the day you plan to go.
• Bou el Mogdad river cruise: it is operated by La Compagnie du Fleuve in Saint-Louis, so confirm departures with the operator.
• Guided day trips run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules with the Senegalese foreign ministry or the Senegalese embassy for your country before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Senegal.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main regions of Senegal for visitors?

The tourism agency lists six: Dakar, Saint-Louis, Casamance, Sénégal Oriental, the Petite Côte and Sine-Saloum.

How do I reach Gorée Island?

The tourism agency says a public maritime service links Dakar and Gorée, run for the state by the Dakar port authority. UNESCO places the island off the coast opposite Dakar.

When is the dry season in Senegal?

The tourism agency gives November to May as the dry season and June to October as the rainy season.

Do I need a visa for Senegal?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check with the Senegalese foreign ministry or an embassy before you book.

Which airport serves Dakar?

Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), according to the tourism agency, which also lists four secondary airports.