Senegal Tours
Senegal Explorer Tour
A small group escorted tour through Senegal.
Tour Overview
Explore Senegal on this 9 day tour. Along the way, we unveil a tapestry of historical gems with tales of antiquity and cultural prominence.
Our tour commences in Dakar, the vibrant heartbeat of Senegal. Here history and intellect have intertwined since eras preceding independence. Venturing forth, we then set foot upon Gorée Island, an enclave that resonates with poignant echoes of the past. This is because it was once pivotal in the harrowing transatlantic slave trade. After that, our tour continues as we discover Saint Louis. It was 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. They are embraced by the largest African brotherhood. It is also dedicated to a serene Islam that steadfastly shuns all shades of fundamentalism and discord.
However, this Senegal tour is not confined solely to history and culture. We also explore an incredible variety of natural environments. For example, these include desert dunes, savannah, estuaries, forest and mangrove swamps. Birds will be a constant presence along the whole journey. Moreover, many consider Djoudj National Sanctuary the best bird sanctuary in the world. When we visit, you will discover why!
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Dakar
Arrival in Dakar and transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2
Dakar and Gorée
Visit the Musée des Civilisations Noires and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Dakar. The city is the former cultural and intellectual capital of French West Africa. Then board a ferry for a night in Gorée, where slaves were once held before shipment to the Americas. The Portuguese established a presence here in 1450. Today, however, the island is a charming, trendy destination once the crowds depart in the evening.
DAY 3
Lac Retba and Fisher Villages
First, take the ferry back to Dakar. Then drive to Lac Retba (Lac Rose), a shallow saltwater lake surrounded by dunes. After that, drive on the beach by 4×4 (tides permitting) to some of Senegal's largest fishing villages. Here over 4,500 wooden painted pirogues bring in the day's catch. Meanwhile, artisans carve and decorate the boats.
DAY 4
Saint Louis
Drive to Saint Louis (approx. 4 hours), known locally as Ndar. It was the capital of French West Africa from 1895-1902 and a base for the Aeropostale airmail pioneers. The city is located on two islands between the Senegal River and the ocean. First, explore its narrow lanes by calash. Then walk through the fishermen's quarters, birthplace of Senegalese "Teranga" hospitality.
DAY 5
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and Nomadic Tribes
Depart for the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland habitat. It shelters over a million migratory and resident birds, most commonly pelicans and flamingos, plus warthogs and crocodiles. A local ornithologist-guide leads a motorboat excursion. However, a visit to Langue de Barbarie may replace this depending on season. Then, in the afternoon, continue to the Ferlo Desert to meet the nomadic Fulani (Peul) people. They herd zebu across the West African savannas. A local guide also leads a visit to neighbouring villages. Finally, there is a chance to witness milking when the herds return.
DAY 6
The Touba Brotherhood
Visit the sacred city of Touba, home to the Muridi movement. This movement continues to have significant social and economic impact in Senegal. Simple rules apply during the visit: no smoking, provocative clothing, alcohol or music. However, visitors who abide by them are warmly received.
DAY 7
Sine-Saloum
Transfer to Sine-Saloum, a region north of The Gambia covering 24,000 square kilometres. It is home to the Saloum Delta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2011. Here the slow-flowing delta allows saltwater deep inland.
DAY 8
Sine-Saloum
Take a private boat excursion through the mangroves to discover the region's many bird species in their natural habitat. You also see local reforestation programs protecting the area.
DAY 9
Depart Dakar
Take an early drive to Bandia Reserve (flight schedule permitting). Here you encounter Africa's large mammals across 3,500 hectares of baobabs, thorny bush and lianas. Finally, an evening transfer takes you to the airport for departure.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Assistance at Dakar airport upon arrival and departure
Transfers and tour in a variety of transports suited to each environment. These are minibuses/microbuses, 4WD vehicles, local calash, "taxi brousse" bush taxis and donkey chariot. A domestic flight Cap Skirring-Dakar is also included.
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
One bottle of mineral water in the bus/car each day during the visits
Entrance fees to parks, concessions, protected areas and cultural sites
What’s Not Included
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
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Senegal Explorer Tour.
What the tour status means
- Available
- Places are open for booking. This departure needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and your booking could be the one that guarantees it. Contact us to find out how close it is.
- Guaranteed
- Enough travellers have booked, so this departure is confirmed to run.
- On Request
- There are only a few places left, or the date is close to departure. Contact us and we'll check with our local team before confirming your place.
- Full
- This departure is sold out. Get in touch and we can add you to a waiting list or suggest another date, or a private tour on dates that suit you.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you’d like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Senegal.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of return. We also strongly advise that it contains a minimum of two blank pages, ideally opposite each other. This is because local immigration authorities may require this. UK passport holders don't need a visa to travel to Senegal. However, if staying longer than 3 months, register with local authorities for a 'Carte d'étranger' after arrival. You may be refused entry without evidence of return or onward travel. Finally, check via TravelHealthPro whether a yellow fever certificate is required.
Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Therefore, respect local traditions, customs and religions, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. Also, dress and behave modestly outside main tourist areas. Alcohol is available in bars and restaurants, but drunkenness is considered offensive. Moreover, drink-driving penalties are severe. Kissing as a greeting is acceptable, but romantic public displays are not. Drug offences carry severe penalties, including lengthy jail sentences. Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Senegal's conservative society. Therefore, avoid open displays of homosexuality while in the country.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Health facilities in Dakar are reasonable but limited elsewhere in Senegal. Therefore, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance. You also need accessible funds for medical treatment and repatriation. Malaria, dengue fever and other tropical diseases are common, especially during the rainy season (June-September). In addition, Senegal carries a risk of Zika virus transmission.
What to Bring
Senegal is very warm generally, so light cotton clothes are a good idea. Also bring a hat for the strong sun, even in winter. Shorts are generally acceptable. However, long trousers are appropriate on some occasions and offer better protection on nature walks. In addition, bring a swimsuit for hotel pools. Walking shoes or boots plus a pair of sandals are ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a high-factor sun cream and insect repellent (including bite spray). Finally, bring a torch or flashlight for poorly-lit areas or unexpected power outages.
While You're There
The CFA franc (XOF) is the local currency. Avoid exchanging large amounts anywhere other than reputable bureaus. ATMs are widespread and reliable in Dakar. However, banking facilities are infrequent elsewhere, with low withdrawal limits. Larger tourist establishments also accept credit cards, often with a commission added.
Senegal is warm year-round, averaging 35°C. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season (November-May), when conditions are mild with less rain. The country code is +221, and local prepaid SIM cards are available for unlocked phones. Wifi is available in most Dakar hotels and restaurants, although it is harder to find rurally. Finally, Senegal uses type C, D, E and K plugs, on a 230V/50Hz supply.
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