The 13 most beautiful places to visit in Senegal

Are you going to visit Senegal and wondering what to do during your stay? Discover the 10 most beautiful places to visit.

In West Africa, Senegal is bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The country of the Teranga is full of unique and exciting sites. Be careful, however, to pay attention to roads, which are sometimes more similar to sand roads... If necessary, don’t hesitate to be accompanied by a local person, discover the treasures of Senegal and its traditions.

We guide you with the 10 must-see sites of this African destination.

1. Dakar

If you visit Senegal, you must go to Dakar, capital of Senegal, which represents above all the economic lung of the whole country. With more than two million inhabitants, the city is renowned for its active life. This agitation is discovered along the many major markets such as Sandaga, Kermel and Tilène. Then place to the visit of the presidential palace , at the Place de l’Independence, at the Grande Mosque de Dakar, at the port of the city... On the nearby periphery, the tip of Almadies is a very popular place. Discover also Soumbédioune artisanal market or the imposing Monument of the African Renaissance. This bronze structure in Ouakam stands at 52 meters high!

2. Lake Rose

How to visit Senegal without seeing Le lac Rose, located 30 kilometers northeast of the capital. Tourists like this trip. Attention, the dewed hue of the lake may vary. The lake appears pinker in dry season, but also in the middle of the day. This shade is due to the presence of an algae oxidizing iron. The colors evolve according to the rays of the sun, which can veer to the purple if the color is very present, or even not make rose appear at all times. Salt workers extract the white gold from the lake in the midst of the many salt dunes. The show is pretty fascinating. From Dakar, it is possible to reach Lake Rose from the beach to low tide or by road number 1 in One hour.

3. The Sahel and reservations

Do you have the soul of a gunman in search of adventures? The Sahel and its large tropical forest border Senegal. This beautiful geographical location is conducive to unique discoveries. Keep the adventure through the desert valleys. Discover impressive centennial baobabs. Amaze yourself with fauna and flora, visit the reserves and parks, quite numerous in Senegal. You're gonna be able to make beautiful pictures. on board your 4 x 4.

Discover the ecological path Mbour Reserve or Madeleine Island located north of Dakar. Go to Hann Forest and Zoological Park, Niokolo-Koba National Park. There is also the National Park of the Saloum Delta and the protection center of the Tortues of Senegal.

4. Saint-Louis

Considered for some people as the most beautiful city of Senegal, Saint-Louis is the former capital. Today it is one of the largest cities in this African country, it is responsible for culture and history. Since 2000, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is undergoing a change with the arrival of the more and more tourists. But she kept her historic buildings as The Governor's Palace, His cathedral and mosques. Well different from Dakar, Saint-Louis is a more traditional town, despite his homonym with the American city. There is a preserved architecture of the colonial era, as well as beautiful houses to be discovered. Saint-Louis was the capital of Senegal between 1872 and 1957. His good situation, close to the river, attracted the English and French settlers until Senegal became independent in 1960. What else to do in Saint-Louis? Going towards the Faidherbe bridge and its harbour city. At a time when fishermen come home with the fish of the day, the animation beats its full.

5. La Casamance

To visit Senegal, don’t hesitate to go to the nearest village in the Casamance region southwest of Senegal, between Guinea-Bissau and the Gambia. It is considered for some as the most beautiful region in the country. It derives its name from the river and has many islands and thousands of birds. With lush vegetation, rice fields and mangroves, you can discover the cities of Ziguinchor, the beaches of Cap Skirring, Oussouye, Kolda, Sédhiou, Vélingara... Between delicious fruits and meetings with the inhabitants, you will multiply the discoveries.

6. The beaches

How to visit Senegal without seeing its beautiful beaches. Some are more often taken in pictures. The most beautiful are located near Dakar, like those on N’Gor Island. Here, surfers and fruit lovers come together. Discover also that of Ouakam or those south of Dakar, generally smaller.

Don't miss Toubab Dialao, with its red cliffs illuminated at night, a must! Visiting Senegal cannot be done without the discovery of fishing and sales places. Attention, however, to the strong smell, but this is part of the local folklore... The fishermen of Mbour, Somone and Thiès are well known. You will even discover how old refrigerators, not functional, are used for the conservation of fresh fish...

7. Gorée

Gorée is a city of Senegal quite popular with tourists for its history related to slavery. The island of Gorée is located not far from Dakar and is accessible by chaloupe every day from the port of Dakar. A symbol of the period of slavery, the city is an ancient hub. It has opened many museums as The Women's Museum or the Slave House. This island without a car opens is quiet.

8. Thiès

The city of Thiès is the second economic lung of the country. This city, both muddy and discreet, deserves a detour. She is pleasant to live and she has been able to preserve her ancient charm. Less stressful than the Dakar capital, we leave here the time to live. You will be able to stroll through the markets, without constantly being asked. To visit Thiès completely, don't miss the neighborhood Ibrahima Sarr , Place de France, the promenade des Thiessois or the Senegalese factory dedicated to decorative arts.

9. Touba

The Senegalese city of Touba has a strong religious footprint with its Muslim brotherhood. Founded in 1887, it is today a beautiful urbanized city. Don't miss visiting the great mosque of Touba or the library with the writings of the founder of the city, namely Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba. On the 18th day of the hégire safar, the whole country of Senegal lives at the pace of the Touba Magal Festival. The different populations participate in this commemoration of the founder's departure in exile. Religious sessions such as meal offerings are carried out.

10. Djoudj National Bird Park

Visiting Senegal is also admiring the fauna and flora that make up it. Djoudj National Park is the most important bird sanctuary in the world. On 60,000 hectares, the place is classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. He cohabits thousands of birds and animals. The Gambia's geese, vultures, pink flamingos, chess, gray pelicans, ducks... But also spatulas, vultures, egrettes, or pythons, red monkeys, varans, crocodiles and phacochères. This magical site is located in 60 kilometers north of the city of Saint-Louis. It's open. November to June.

11. Kédougou

For a total change, the region of Kedougou is a treasure where different ethnic groups mix: Soninkés, Jalonkés (or Dialonké), Bassaris or Bediks. Even if the population is welcoming, it is advisable to take a guide to go there and not hesitate to bring gifts to the inhabitants during the visit. If nature wins you, do not miss visiting Niokolo Koba National Park and its beautiful landscapes.

12. The megalithic circles

Visit Senegal without seeing the Gambia and its megalithic circles UNESCO heritage is unthinkable. These sculptures, located near the burial sites, are well worked and are the best megalithic site in the world, even if the stone circles are smaller than those of Stonehenge in England.

12. Carabane

This quiet and peaceful place reflects the authenticity Senegal. Here, no road, no car, trips take place in canoe or on foot, to discover the rich cultural, traditional, cultural or historical heritage. The site is also classified at UNESCO World Heritage and enjoys with its church of 1885, its beaches and its fishing. In short, visiting Senegal is discovering an artistic and local heritage.

13. The cave of Popenguine

The place houses Black Virgin and various statues of Saints in the cave of Popenguine, 55 kilometers north of Dakar. The site is preserved and attracts more and more visitors every year.