Home › Destinations › Saly
Saly, Sénégal - Things to Do in Saly

Things to Do in Saly

Saly, Sénégal - Complete Travel Guide

Saly, located on Senegal's Petite Côte about 80 kilometers south of Dakar, is the country's premier beach resort destination. This purpose-built tourist town offers pristine golden sand beaches, luxury resorts, and a relaxed atmosphere that attracts both international visitors and wealthy Senegalese looking for a coastal getaway. The town is divided into Saly Portudal and Saly Niakh Niakhal, with the former being the main tourist hub featuring upscale accommodations, restaurants, and water sports facilities. Despite being a relatively modern development, Saly provides easy access to authentic Senegalese culture through nearby fishing villages, traditional markets, and cultural sites. The destination serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Petite Côte region, including the historic slave island of Gorée, the pink lake of Lac Rose, and traditional Serer villages. With its combination of resort-style comfort and proximity to genuine West African experiences, Saly offers visitors the best of both worlds.

Top Things to Do in Saly

Beach Activities and Water Sports

Saly's main attraction is its beautiful stretch of Atlantic coastline with calm waters perfect for swimming, jet skiing, and windsurfing. The beach clubs and resorts offer equipment rental and instruction for various water sports. Deep-sea fishing excursions are particularly popular, with opportunities to catch marlin, tuna, and other game fish.

Booking Tip: Water sports equipment rental costs around 15,000-25,000 CFA per hour. Book fishing trips through established operators at your hotel for safety, expect to pay 50,000-80,000 CFA per person for half-day trips. Best conditions are during dry season months.

Visit Local Fishing Villages

Explore authentic Senegalese coastal life by visiting nearby fishing villages like Ngaparou and Somone. Watch colorful pirogues (traditional fishing boats) return with their daily catch and observe the bustling fish markets. These villages offer insight into traditional Serer culture and provide excellent photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Hire a local guide through your hotel for 10,000-15,000 CFA per day to navigate language barriers and cultural nuances. Early morning visits (6-8 AM) offer the best chance to see fishing boats returning with fresh catches.

Bandia Wildlife Reserve Day Trip

Take a safari-style excursion to Bandia Reserve, home to giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and various antelope species in a natural baobab forest setting. This 3,500-hectare reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and is one of the few places in West Africa to see large African mammals up close.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 15,000 CFA per person plus vehicle fees. Book through tour operators in Saly for 35,000-50,000 CFA including transport and guide. Best viewing is early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.

Lac Rose (Pink Lake) Excursion

Visit the famous Lac Rose (Lake Retba), known for its distinctive pink coloration caused by high salt content and algae. Watch local salt harvesters at work and learn about this unique ecosystem. The lake's color is most vibrant during the dry season and provides stunning photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost 40,000-60,000 CFA per person including transport and lunch. Choose operators that include stops at nearby Fulani villages for a more comprehensive cultural experience. Bring sunscreen as there's little shade around the lake.

Traditional Music and Dance Experiences

Experience Senegal's rich musical heritage through traditional sabar drumming sessions, mbalax dance performances, and cultural shows. Many resorts organize evening entertainment featuring local musicians and dancers, while some villages offer more authentic community-based performances.

Booking Tip: Resort shows typically cost 5,000-10,000 CFA per person and include dinner. For authentic village experiences, arrange through local guides for 20,000-30,000 CFA per group. Saturday evenings often feature the most vibrant community celebrations.

Getting There

Saly is easily accessible from Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport, located about 60 kilometers away. Taxi transfers take approximately 1 hour and cost 25,000-35,000 CFA, while shared sept-places (bush taxis) are cheaper at around 3,000 CFA per person but less comfortable. Many hotels offer airport transfer services that should be arranged in advance. The coastal road from Dakar is well-maintained, and car rentals are available for those preferring to drive themselves.

Getting Around

Saly is compact enough to walk around the main resort area, but taxis and motorcycle taxis (jakarta) are readily available for longer distances. Taxis within Saly cost 1,000-3,000 CFA for short trips, while motorcycle taxis are cheaper at 500-1,500 CFA. Many visitors rent bicycles from their hotels or local shops for 5,000-8,000 CFA per day. For exploring the wider region, hiring a car with driver costs around 40,000-60,000 CFA per day and is the most convenient option for visiting multiple sites.

Where to Stay

Saly Portudal Resort Zone
Saly Niakh Niakhal
Ngaparou Village
Somone Lagoon Area
Mbour Town Center
Popenguine Nature Reserve

Food & Dining

Saly's dining scene ranges from upscale resort restaurants serving international cuisine to local establishments offering traditional Senegalese dishes. Popular local specialties include thieboudienne (rice and fish), yassa chicken, and fresh grilled fish. Beachfront restaurants provide romantic settings with fresh seafood, while local dibiteries (grilled meat stalls) offer authentic street food experiences. Many restaurants cater to international tastes with French, Italian, and Lebanese options. Prices range from 3,000-8,000 CFA for local meals to 15,000-25,000 CFA for upscale dining experiences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Senegal

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

LE CAFÉ DU RAIL

4.7 /5
(631 reviews) 2
cafe store

La Guinguette D'AMANI

4.5 /5
(244 reviews) 2

La Terrazza de Saly

4.6 /5
(195 reviews)
bar

Restaurant la Bohème

4.7 /5
(151 reviews)

Restaurant Le Baobab

4.6 /5
(144 reviews)

Farmers Coffee Shop Saint-Louis Sénégal

4.7 /5
(132 reviews)
cafe

When to Visit

The best time to visit Saly is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable (24-30°C) and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the coolest temperatures and is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The wet season from June to October brings higher humidity, frequent rainfall, and stronger ocean currents, but also lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists. March to May can be very hot but offers good weather for water activities and fewer crowds than peak season.

Insider Tips

Negotiate taxi fares before getting in, and consider sharing rides with other tourists to reduce costs
Bring mosquito repellent and use it especially during evening hours, even during dry season
Learn basic French or Wolof phrases as English is not widely spoken outside resort areas

Explore Activities in Saly