- Senegal Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Senegal This Year<\/a>
- Travel Tips & Practicalities<\/a>
- Attire<\/a>
- A Note on Senegal Cuisine<\/a>
- Is Senegal Safe?<\/a>
- Language<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Stop 1: Dakar | 4 days<\/a>
- Top Things to Do in Dakar Senegal<\/a>
- Day 1: Enjoy Dakar's Markets, Museums & Music<\/a>
- Day 2: \u00cele de Gor\u00e9e<\/a>
- Day 3: Senegal Pink Lake (Lac Rose)<\/a>
- Take a Full-Day Private Senegal Pink Lake Tour & Safari<\/a>
- Day 4: African Renaissance Monument and Beach Day<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Stop 2:\u00a0 Saly | 3 days<\/a>
- Day 5: Beaches of Saly and M'Bour<\/a>
- Day 6: Somone Lagoon Wildlife Reserve<\/a>
- Day 7: Safari\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Senegal<\/a>
- What are the must-visit attractions in Senegal?<\/a>
- What is the Pink Lake in Senegal?<\/a>
- Can you swim in the Pink Lake Senegal?<\/a>
- How many days should you spend in Senegal?<\/a><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n
Travel Tips & Practicalities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Senegal can be easily tacked on to a European itinerary<\/a><\/strong> especially if you’d like to get some warm African sunshine during the winter (the dry season is November to May)<\/strong><\/em>. You can fly from many European cities like Madrid<\/a><\/strong>, Lisbon<\/a><\/strong>, London or Istanbul<\/a><\/strong>. Delta also offers a nonstop flight from New York’s JFK to Dakar (DSS). Search for flight deals as they come up here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although a majority of Senegal’s population is Muslim, you’ll find locals are fairly relaxed and often don’t cover up as much as in more traditional countries. Female visitors shouldn’t worry about covering their hair, and you’ll spot some local women in shorts and tank tops. Some will be in traditional dress, but really, anything goes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Note on Senegal Cuisine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You won’t see much pork on restaurant menus but many restaurants will serve alcohol. Make sure to try palm wine<\/strong><\/em>, a locally produced drink that comes from fermented palms. Pair it with the traditional Senegalese dish thieboudienne<\/strong><\/em> — fish, rice, stewed tomatoes drenched in seasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Is Senegal Safe?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most areas of the country are quite safe, but be prepared for chatty locals hawking goods, and it’s best to leave flashy items at home. Guard your personal items in crowded spaces such as Dakar’s markets as you would in any major city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although many locals speak Wolof, French is the official language, so consider learning a few phrases, or come prepared with a translation app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"West](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/DSC05697-1024x684.jpg\")
Make sure to change your dollars for the local currency, the West African CFA Franc, and have cash in small bills for tipping and market purchases. Photo by Lori Zaino.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Stop 1: Dakar | 4 days<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Top Things to Do in Dakar Senegal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some of Dakar’s best hotel options are the Radisson Blu Dakar<\/a><\/strong> or the Pullman Dakar<\/a><\/strong>. However, many affordable guesthouses and home rentals can be found throughout the city. The best (or most modern) area to stay in would be the city center<\/a><\/strong>, with attractions such as the IFAN museum nearby. For a quieter, beachy stay, consider the Yoff area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We highly recommend booking a private guide and driver ahead of time with Senegal Odyssey Tours<\/a><\/strong>. Private guides are affordable, and it’s worth having a local by your side to show you the ropes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Day 1: Enjoy Dakar’s Markets, Museums & Music<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dakar has an energetic and lively vibe. The hot, dusty streets filled with movement may seem hectic at first, but you’ll be happily ensconced in Dakar’s fervor in no time. Start with one of the bustling markets like Sandanga. Be ready for assertive hawkers and make sure to bargain. If you’re shopping for local goods, confirm they were made in Africa, not in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next stop is the IFAN Museum of African Arts. It’s one of the oldest museums in West Africa. Later in the evening, catch the sunset and enjoy dinner at the trendy Bay\u00e9kou, followed by some live Mbalax music (a mix of African drumming, soul, rock and jazz) at Le Thiossane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Day 2: \u00cele de Gor\u00e9e<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This picturesque, car-free island just a short ferry ride from Dakar has a sordid history. Now a UNESCO Heritage site, the island was once one of the largest slave-trading points on the African coast. The juxtaposition between the slave quarters and the traders’ estates is immense, but now, the island is a memorial, and definitely warrants a day trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ferries run all day from Dakar’s main port, and you can hire a guide after disembarking from the boat in Gor\u00e9e. You can also schedule a day trip in advance with Visit Senegal<\/a><\/strong> to be guided by a local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 3: Senegal Pink Lake (Lac Rose<\/span><\/strong>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/senegal-pink-lake-itinerary.jpg\")
Senegal’s Pink lake: stunning Lake Retba (also known as Lac Rose).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n One of Senegal’s most famous attractions is the Pink Lake, just over an hour from Dakar. You can hire a private driver for the day<\/a><\/strong> in a comfortable vehicle to bring you out. The water actually appears pink thanks to its high saline content and an excess of Dunaliella salina bacteria. Float in the lake Dead Sea-style or pay a fisherman to lap you around in a rowboat. Make sure to admire the locals cultivating the salt from the lake, and the wandering goats that watch them. You can also rent quads and drive over the beaches and banks of the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take a Full-Day Private Senegal Pink Lake Tour & Safari<\/h3>
Take a captivating one-day private safari<\/strong><\/a> to visit Lake Retba, the renowned “pink lake” of Senegal with Senegal Odyssey Tours<\/strong><\/a>. Your journey will begin with an adventurous excursion into the wilderness aboard a 4WD vehicle, offering a chance to spot exotic wildlife such as rhinos, zebras, and giraffes. Following this, witness the local tradition of salt harvesting at the mesmerizing pink lake before returning to Dakar.
Enjoy the journey in the relaxing ambiance of an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring your comfort throughout the tour. A delightful lunch is incorporated within the tour cost. Furthermore, we provide convenient round-trip transfers from your hotel, making your experience hassle-free.
This tour offers an exclusive private experience, tailored for you and your group.<\/p><\/div> - What is the Pink Lake in Senegal?<\/a>
- Day 6: Somone Lagoon Wildlife Reserve<\/a>
- Day 2: \u00cele de Gor\u00e9e<\/a>
- A Note on Senegal Cuisine<\/a>
- Travel Tips & Practicalities<\/a>