Senegal Explorer Tour
Senegal Explorer Tour
Explore Senegal on this 9 day Senegal Tour where we unveil a tapestry of historical gems with tales of antiquity and cultural prominence.
Our tour commences in Dakar, the vibrant heartbeat of Senegal, where history and intellect have intertwined since eras preceding independence. Venturing forth, we set foot upon Gorée Island, an enclave that resonates with poignant echoes of the past, as it was once pivotal in the harrowing transatlantic slave trade. Our tour continues as we discover Saint Louis, the erstwhile bastion of French West African governance during the colonial times.
Venturing into the vast expanse of the northern savannah, we will encounter the world of nomadic herders. Here, we are embraced by the largest African brotherhood, dedicated to the pursuit of a serene Islam that steadfastly shuns all shades of fundamentalism and discord.
This Senegal tour is not confined solely to history and culture, as we explore an incredible variety of natural environments such as desert dunes, savannah, estuaries, forest and mangrove swamps. Birds will be a constant presence along the whole journey, and when we visit Djoudj National Sanctuary, you will discover why it is considered by many as the best bird sanctuary in the world!
Day 1 - Dakar
Arrival in Dakar and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 - Dakar and Gorée
Dakar is located at the end of the Cape Verde peninsula, the western-most point on the African continent and has a population of about 2.4 million people. Nowadays, a large and vibrant African metropolis, it was the cultural and intellectual capital of the former French West Africa.
Senegal’s capital is a window on contemporary art and music and the centre of all kinds of creativity. We will visit the Musée des Civilisations Noires and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Board a ferry and spend a night in Gorée, the island where slaves used to held before being shipped to the Americas. Some restored buildings remain to bear witness to those times.
The Portuguese were the first to establish a presence on Gorée in 1450, where they built a small stone chapel. After the decline of the slave trade from Senegal in the 1770s and 1780s, the island became an important port for the shipment of peanuts, Arabic gum, ivory, and other products of legitimate trade. Thanks to the pleasant breeze and the numerous restaurants and shops, Gorée has become a charming and trendy destination today. In the late afternoon and evening, when the tourists are gone, we will experience the real feeling of this special island.
Day 3 - Lac Retba and Fisher villages
(ferry and drive 30 km – driving time 1 hour)
Waking up in Gorée before the crowd arrives is a pleasure, as you stroll in the tiny stone-paved alleys of this historical settlement. Take the ferry to Dakar and drive to Lac Retba, a shallow saltwater lake surrounded by dunes, also known as Lac Rose. We will drive on the beach by 4×4 (if the tides allow) which will bring us to some of the largest fishing villages in Senegal. More than 4500 wooden painted pirogues come to the shore with the catch of the day and on the beach, the fishermen sell to the local market women. After, you will meet the artisans carving the large pirogues, the painters decorating them with bright colours.
Day 4 - Saint Louis
from Lac Retba to St. Louis (210 km – driving time 4 hrs.)
Saint Louis, known to locals as Ndar, is a charming ancient town that was a French territory from 1673 until 1895 and the capital of all French West Africa colonies from 1895 until 1902, when the capital was moved to Dakar. From 1920 to 1957, it also served as the capital of the neighbouring colony of Mauritania. It has been the base of the “Aeropostale” airmail pioneer operation between Europe, Africa, and South America. Located on two islands between the Senegal River and the ocean at the southern edge of the Sahara, rich in three centuries of history, cultural background, geography, and architecture, Saint-Louis is a bridge between the savanna and the desert, the ocean, the river, and the inland, between tradition and modernity, Islam and Christianity, Europe and Africa. Home to a society with a distinctive lifestyle, Saint-Louis has retained its unique identity. “No one comes without falling in love with the city,” proudly say its people who consider Saint-Louis as the birthplace of Senegalese Teranga, the Wolof word for hospitality. The best way to visit the narrow lanes of Saint Louis is by calash, just as locals do, and walk in the fisherman’s quarters.
Day 5 - Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and Nomadic Tribes
From St. Louis to Ferlo desert (150 km – driving time 4 hrs.)
An early morning departure northwards to discover Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj), a natural oasis formed by hundreds of miles of partially flooded lands that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located between the Sahara and Ferlo desert this is the habitat and nesting site for over a million migratory and resident birds. Out of more than 400 species, pelicans and flamingos are the most common. Apart from birds, there is also a diverse range of wildlife, including warthogs and crocodiles. We take a motorboat excursion led by a local ornithologist-guide.
Depending on the season, considering the time of migration and water levels, a visit to Djoudj may be replaced by a similar experience in Langue de Barbarie, a thin, sandy peninsula adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, located in western Senegal, near the city of Saint-Louis.
In the afternoon, we continue to the Ferlo Desert to discover the arid region where the nomadic Fulani tribe herd large droves of zebu. The Fulani (also known as Peul) are the largest nomadic tribe roaming the West African Savannas, living in a vast area from Senegal to Chad. Their origins remain shrouded in mystery. In the afternoon, a local guide will join us for a visit to the neighbouring villages and shelters. When the herds come back, we might even be invited to witness the milking process.
Day 6 - The Tuba Brotherhood
Ferlo desert to Kaolack (240 km – driving time 5 hrs.)
The arrival of a group of Western travellers is an unusual event at the sacred city of Tuba. Here you will discover the great sense of hospitality that characterises African fraternities. The inhabitants follow the Muridi movement, which continues to have a significant social and economic impact in Senegal. Tuba is a sacred city. It will therefore be necessary for you to follow some simple rules. Smoking, wearing provocative clothes, drinking alcohol and listening to music are not allowed during the visit. If you abide by these rules, you will be very well received. The Muridi are proud of their city and will appreciate your interest in visiting it.
Day 7 - Sine-Saloum
From Kaolack to Sine Saloum (70 km – driving time 1,30 h)
Transfer to Sine-Saloum. Sine-Saloum is a region of Senegal located north of The Gambia and south of the Petite Côte. It comprises an area of 24,000 square kilometres, about 12 per cent of Senegal and is home to the Saloum Delta National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Flowing very slowly, this delta allows saltwater to enter deep inland.
Day 8 - Sine-Saloum
You will take a private boat excursion to visit the mangroves and discover the many bird species in their natural habitat. There are also reforestation programs, put in place to protect this region.
Day 9 - Depart Dakar
Fom Sine Saloum to the airport (188 km – driving time 4 h)
Early in the morning, we drive to Bandia Reserve, where you can encounter all of Africa’s large mammals in 3,500 hectares of the great outdoors: huge baobabs, thorny bushes, extravagant lianas (Return flight schedule permitting). In the evening, transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Senegal Explorer Tour
Departure Dates
18 October 2025
15 November 2025
27 December 2025
17 January 2026
14 February 2026
21 March 2026
4 April 2026
18 July 2026
10 August 2026
17 October 2026
17 November 2026
Price from £1845 per person, based on two people sharing and a group size of six or more
Single Supplement - £235
Maximum 16 people in the group
Included in the Senegal Explorer Tour
- Assistance at Dakar airport upon arrival and departure.
- Transfers and tour in a variety of different transports, each fitting the different geographical environment, allowing maximum interaction with the local people, comfort, and fun: minibuses /microbuses, 4WD vehicles, local calash (private use), local bush taxis called “taxi brousse” (private use), donkey chariot, domestic flight Cap Skirring-Dakar.
- English-speaking local guide
- Tours and visits as per the programme
- Accommodation in standard rooms/bungalows/permanent tents as per itinerary.
- All meals as described, from breakfast Day 2 to lunch of Day 10. B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
- One bottle of Mineral water in the bus/car each day during the visits
- Entrance fees to parks, concessions, protected areas and cultural sites
Not Included in the Senegal Explorer Tour
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Any visa requirements / fees
- Mineral water and drinks at meals
- Any Photography and Video fees
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips for drivers and guides
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate.
Visas
UK passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to Senegal. If you intend to stay in Senegal for longer than 3 months, you’ll need to register with the local authorities in order to obtain a ‘Carte d’étranger’. You should do this after your arrival in Senegal. You may be refused entry if you don’t have evidence of return or onward travel. Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Local Laws and Custom
Local laws reflect the fact that Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions so that they don’t offend others, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
You should dress and behave modestly in public outside the main tourist areas. Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive, and penalties for drink driving are severe. Kissing as a greeting is acceptable but kissing romantically in public is not.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Senegal’s conservative society. Travelers should be aware that discrimination of LGBT people is frequent. Open displays of homosexuality should be avoided while in the country.
Health
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.
Health facilities in Dakar are reasonable but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Malaria, Dengue fever and other tropical diseases are common in Senegal, especially during the rainy season (June-September). You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. There are occasional outbreaks of cholera.
UK health authorities have classified Senegal as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website
The UNAIDS 2018 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimates the prevalence percentage of HIV in Senegal as at around 0.4% of adults aged between 15 and 49 years, compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
What to bring on the Senegal Explorer Tour
Clothing
Senegal is very warm in general and so light cotton clothes are generally a good idea. You should also bring a hat as the sun is very strong here, even in the winter. In general, shorts are acceptable, although there may be occasions when it is appropriate to where long trousers. Long trousers also provide better protection against insects and are recommended for nature walks. Remember to bringing your swimsuit if you wish to use the swimming pools at the hotels.
Footwear
The ideal footwear would be walking shoes or boots along with a pair of sandals.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a high factor sun cream/sunblock . Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have. Please also take a torch or flashlight for poorly lit areas or for any unexpected electricity outages.
Currency
The currency in Senegal is the CFA franc (XOF). Avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency anywhere other than reputable exchange bureaus. ATMs are widespread and reliable in Dakar but banking facilities are infrequent in the rest of the country, and withdrawal limits may be quite low. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments that cater for tourists. Commission is often added for their use.
Weather in Senegal
The climate in Senegal is very warm, with an annual average of 35 degrees, but has few truly tropical and sticky months. It is warm to hot all year round, inviting bathing at average water temperatures of 25 degrees. The best time of year to visit Senegal is during the dry season which is between November and May. The climate then is mild, with it being not too hot, but also with not too much rain.
Communications
The country code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants in Dakar and larger cities but may be harder to find in rural parts of the country.
Electricity
In Senegal the power plug sockets are of type C, D, E and K. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.