Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Senegal's bustling capital and acclimate to the vibrant West African atmosphere with a gentle introduction to the city's colonial heritage and local culture.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in central Dakar. Take time to settle in, refresh, and get oriented with your surroundings. If you arrive early, take a gentle walk around the Plateau neighborhood to begin adjusting to the climate and energy of the city.
2-3 hours
$20-30 (airport transfer)
Arrange airport pickup through your hotel in advance for safety and convenience
Lunch
A traditional Senegalese restaurant near the Plateau
Senegalese (thieboudienne, yassa)
Mid-range
Afternoon
Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories visit
Explore this stunning neo-Romanesque cathedral built in 1929, featuring beautiful stained glass and twin towers that dominate Dakar's skyline. The cathedral represents the French colonial architectural legacy and offers a peaceful respite from the busy streets. Wander the surrounding
Plateau district to admire other colonial buildings and get a feel for downtown Dakar's commercial heart.
2 hours
$5 (donations appreciated)
Evening
Sunset at Corniche and dinner
Stroll along the Atlantic-facing
Corniche Ouest promenade, watching locals exercise and socialize. Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean with fresh catch of the day.
Where to Stay Tonight
Plateau or Almadies (Mid-range hotel in central Dakar)
Central location provides easy access to major attractions and restaurants while offering comfort after your long flight
Exchange money at official bureaux de change rather than airports for better rates. Always carry small denominations of CFA francs for taxis and markets.
Day 1 Budget: $90-130
Dive deep into Senegalese history and culture through museums and sacred sites, experiencing the blend of traditional and contemporary life in the capital.
Morning
IFAN Historical Museum exploration
Spend the morning at this excellent museum showcasing West African art, culture, and history. The collection includes traditional masks, musical instruments, textiles, and archaeological findings from across the region. The museum provides essential context for understanding Senegalese cultural diversity, with exhibits on the Wolof, Serer, Diola, and other ethnic groups. Allow time to appreciate the traditional architecture and crafts displays.
2-3 hours
$5-8
Lunch
A local eatery in
Medina neighborhood
Street food and traditional dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Markets and Evangelical Temple Church
Visit the impressive Evangelical Temple Church, a significant Protestant landmark in Dakar's religious landscape. Afterward, explore the vibrant
Sandaga Market or
Kermel Market, where you can shop for colorful fabrics, traditional crafts, spices, and local artwork. Practice your bargaining skills and immerse yourself in the sensory overload of sounds, colors, and aromas that define Dakar's commercial heart.
3 hours
$10-20 (shopping)
Evening
Live music and dinner
Experience Dakar's renowned music scene with live mbalax or jazz at a venue in
Almadies. Enjoy grilled meats and local beer while soaking in the rhythms that make Senegalese music famous worldwide.
Where to Stay Tonight
Plateau or Almadies (Same hotel as Day 1)
Staying put allows you to settle in and avoid unnecessary packing while exploring the capital thoroughly
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Women should carry a scarf to cover shoulders if needed, and everyone should remove shoes when entering mosques.
Day 2 Budget: $85-115
Take a powerful journey to
Gorée Island's slave trade history, then experience the unique pink waters of
Lac Rose in the afternoon.
Morning
Take the ferry from Dakar port to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sobering reminder of the Atlantic slave trade. Visit the House of Slaves with its famous '
Door of No Return,' explore colonial architecture, and walk the car-free streets lined with bougainvillea. The
island's museums and memorials provide crucial historical context, while its peaceful atmosphere today offers space for reflection on this difficult history.
4 hours including ferry
$15-20 (ferry and entry fees)
Ferries run frequently but arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds
Lunch
Fresh seafood and French-influenced dishes
Mid-range
Afternoon
Drive northeast to the famous pink lake, whose color comes from salt-loving microorganisms. Watch local salt harvesters work in the shallow waters, coated in shea butter for protection. You can take a swim in the extremely buoyant waters or ride a quad bike on the surrounding dunes. The lake's color is most vibrant during the dry season, particularly in the afternoon light.
3-4 hours including travel
$40-60 (transport and activities)
Hire a driver for the day or join a small group tour from Dakar
Evening
Return to Dakar for dinner
Try a Lebanese or international restaurant in
Almadies, reflecting Dakar's cosmopolitan dining scene. Relax after a full day of experiences.
Where to Stay Tonight
Plateau or Almadies (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in Dakar before heading north tomorrow
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for
Lac Rose as the reflection off the salt and water is intense. Don't wear jewelry in the water as the salt concentration can damage it.
Day 3 Budget: $95-140
Travel north to Senegal's former capital, a UNESCO-listed colonial town on an
island, and explore its distinctive architecture and laid-back atmosphere.
Morning
Drive to Saint-Louis
Depart Dakar early for the 270km journey north to Saint-Louis, Senegal's first French settlement and former capital. The drive takes you through changing landscapes from urban sprawl to rural villages and agricultural areas. Stop at roadside stands to try fresh fruit and interact with vendors. Arrive in Saint-Louis by late morning and check into your accommodation on the historic
island.
4-5 hours
$50-70 (private transport) or $15-20 (sept-place taxi)
Sept-place shared taxis are economical but cramped; private hire offers more comfort
Lunch
A colonial-era building converted to a restaurant on the
island
French-Senegalese fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Saint-Louis
island walking tour
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage
island on foot, admiring the distinctive colonial architecture with colorful balconies and shutters. Cross the famous Faidherbe Bridge, visit the former governor's palace, and wander narrow streets lined with crumbling yet charming buildings. The
island's compact size makes it perfect for leisurely exploration, with photo opportunities at every turn. Visit local artisan workshops where you can see traditional crafts being made.
3 hours
$10-15 (guide optional)
Evening
Sunset horse cart ride and dinner
Take a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride around the
island as the sun sets, then enjoy fresh river fish at a waterfront restaurant. The evening atmosphere is magical with soft light on colonial facades.
Where to Stay Tonight
Saint-Louis island (Charming guesthouse in a restored colonial building)
Staying on the island immerses you in the historic atmosphere and everything is walkable
Saint-Louis is noticeably cooler than Dakar, especially in the evening. Bring a light sweater or jacket for comfortable evening strolls.
Day 4 Budget: $80-120
Discover one of Africa's most important bird sanctuaries and enjoy the unique geography where river meets ocean on a narrow sand spit.
Morning
Langue de Barbarie National Park
Visit this thin peninsula separating the Senegal River from the Atlantic Ocean, home to one of West Africa's most important bird sanctuaries. During migration season (November-April), thousands of flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and terns gather here. Take a pirogue (traditional canoe) through the channels to observe nesting colonies up close. Even outside peak season, the unique landscape and resident bird species make this a worthwhile visit for nature lovers.
3-4 hours
$25-40 (pirogue and guide)
Early morning offers the best light and bird activity; arrange through your hotel the evening before
Lunch
A beachside shack on Langue de Barbarie
Grilled fresh fish and rice
Budget
Afternoon
Beach relaxation and fishing village visit
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the wild Atlantic beaches of Langue de Barbarie, watching fishermen bring in their catches in colorful pirogues. Visit Guet Ndar, the vibrant fishing neighborhood, to see the daily life of Saint-Louis's fishing community. The area is photogenic with hundreds of painted boats lined up on the beach and fish being dried in the sun. Return to the
island for late afternoon rest.
3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Jazz evening and dinner
Saint-Louis hosts a famous annual jazz festival, and the musical tradition continues year-round. Find a venue with live music and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere that made this city a cultural capital.
Where to Stay Tonight
Saint-Louis island (Same guesthouse as Day 4)
Another night to fully appreciate this charming town's relaxed pace
Bring binoculars for bird watching if you have them. The park rangers are knowledgeable and passionate about the ecosystem, so ask questions to enhance your understanding.
Day 5 Budget: $75-110
Journey south to the mysterious Saloum Delta, a labyrinth of mangroves, islands, and channels rich with wildlife and traditional villages.
Morning
Travel to Toubacouta
Depart Saint-Louis for the long journey south to the Saloum Delta region, approximately 350km. Break up the drive with stops in roadside villages to observe rural Senegalese life. Pass through
Kaolack, a major trading city, where you can stretch your legs and visit the bustling market if time permits. Arrive in Toubacouta, the gateway to the delta, by early afternoon.
6-7 hours including stops
$80-100 (private transport)
This is a long drive; start very early and pack snacks and water
Lunch
Local Senegalese dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Centre d'interprétation du Delta du Saloum de Toubacouta
Visit this interpretation center to understand the delta's unique ecosystem before exploring it tomorrow. Learn about the mangrove forests, shell islands, traditional fishing methods, and the Serer people who have lived here for centuries. The center provides valuable context about the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the delicate balance between human activity and nature conservation in this region.
1-2 hours
$5
Evening
Sunset boat ride and dinner
Take a short evening pirogue ride through nearby channels to watch the sunset over the mangroves. Return for dinner at your lodge featuring fresh oysters and fish from the delta.
Where to Stay Tonight
Toubacouta (Eco-lodge on the delta's edge)
Staying near the water allows for early morning boat departures and immersive nature experiences
The delta has mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk. Bring insect repellent and consider taking malaria prophylaxis as recommended by your doctor.
Day 6 Budget: $85-125
Spend a full day navigating the delta's waterways, visiting shell islands, traditional villages, and observing incredible birdlife in the mangroves.
Morning
Saloum Delta National Park boat excursion
Embark on a full-day guided pirogue expedition through the Saloum Delta National Park's maze of channels and islands. Glide past dense mangrove forests teeming with birds including kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles. Visit ancient shell islands (middens) created over centuries by shellfish consumption. The landscape is otherworldly, with twisted mangrove roots emerging from tidal waters and traditional villages accessible only by boat.
Full day with breaks
$60-80 (boat, guide, park fees)
Arrange through your lodge the evening before; bring sun protection and water
Lunch
Picnic lunch on a remote
island or in a village
Packed lunch from your lodge
Mid-range
Afternoon
Village visit and continued exploration
Stop at a Serer fishing village built on stilts to meet locals and learn about traditional life in the delta. Observe women harvesting oysters from mangrove roots and men preparing fishing nets. Continue exploring different channels, watching for dolphins that occasionally visit the delta. The afternoon light creates beautiful reflections on the calm waters, perfect for photography before returning to Toubacouta.
Included in full-day excursion
Included above
Evening
Relaxation and dinner at lodge
After a full day on the water, enjoy a quiet evening at your lodge. Share stories with other travelers and enjoy traditional drumming if available.
Where to Stay Tonight
Toubacouta (Same eco-lodge as Day 6)
Maximize your time in this unique ecosystem with a second night
Bring a dry bag for cameras and electronics as water spray is inevitable. The delta is best experienced at a slow pace, so embrace the tranquility.
Day 7 Budget: $90-130
Visit sacred baobab trees and unique shell islands before exploring a coastal nature reserve protecting diverse ecosystems.
Morning
BAOBAB SACRE DE NIANING visit
Depart Toubacouta and stop at the sacred baobab of Nianing, a massive tree revered by local communities and used for spiritual ceremonies. These ancient trees, some hundreds of years old, are central to Senegalese culture and mythology. Learn about the baobab's many uses in traditional medicine, food, and crafts. The tree's impressive size and the peaceful atmosphere make this a memorable stop on your journey westward toward the coast.
1 hour
$5 (guide tip)
Lunch
A seafood restaurant in Joal-Fadiouth
Fresh shellfish and grilled fish
Mid-range
Afternoon
Réserve naturelle de Popenguine exploration
Visit this small but important coastal reserve protecting savanna, forest, and coastal ecosystems. Walk the trails through diverse habitats, spotting birds, monkeys, and if lucky, the endangered roan antelope. The reserve also features a beautiful beach and rocky coastline. Learn about the community-based conservation efforts that protect this biodiversity hotspot. The reserve offers a peaceful contrast to the busy fishing villages nearby.
2-3 hours
$8-12 (entry and guide)
Evening
Sunset at Popenguine beach and dinner
Watch the sunset from the dramatic cliffs above Popenguine beach, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. The area is known for its relaxed atmosphere and spiritual significance as a pilgrimage site.
Where to Stay Tonight
Popenguine or nearby Saly (Beachside guesthouse or small hotel)
Coastal location offers beach access and positions you for tomorrow's activities
Popenguine is a Catholic pilgrimage site with a beautiful clifftop church. Even if not religious, the views from the church grounds are spectacular.
Day 8 Budget: $75-105
Enjoy Senegal's beach resort area while also experiencing authentic fishing culture and local markets in nearby Mbour.
Morning
Beach relaxation and water activities
Spend the morning enjoying the Atlantic beaches near Saly, Senegal's main beach resort area. The golden sand beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. You can try kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relax under a palm tree. The water is warm year-round, and local vendors offer fresh fruit and cold drinks. This is a well-deserved break after several days of intensive travel and exploration.
3-4 hours
$10-20 (beach activities)
Lunch
A beachfront restaurant with ocean views
International and Senegalese seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Mbour fishing port and market visit
Drive to nearby Mbour to witness one of Senegal's most active fishing ports. Watch hundreds of colorful pirogues return with their catches in a chaotic, energetic scene. The fish market is an assault on the senses with vendors selling everything from small sardines to large sharks. Continue to the main market to browse textiles, crafts, and produce. This authentic experience contrasts sharply with the tourist-oriented Saly area.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Dinner and evening entertainment
Return to Saly for dinner at a beachfront venue. Many restaurants offer live music and dancing in the evenings, showcasing Senegalese rhythms and sometimes traditional wrestling demonstrations.
Where to Stay Tonight
Saly or Popenguine (Same accommodation as Day 8)
Second night allows for a more relaxed pace and proper beach time
Visit Mbour market in the afternoon when it's most active. Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas and be prepared for vendors to be very persistent.
Day 9 Budget: $70-100
Travel south to the lush
Casamance region, separated from the rest of Senegal by The
Gambia, known for its distinct culture and tropical landscapes.
Morning
Begin the long journey south to
Casamance, Senegal's southern region. You'll pass through The
Gambia (ensure you have the necessary documents) or take the longer route around. The landscape becomes increasingly green and lush as you approach
Casamance. Stop at the Gambian border town for formalities and perhaps a quick meal. The journey is long but fascinating, showing the diversity of landscapes and cultures in this region.
7-8 hours including border crossing
$100-130 (private transport with border crossing)
Ensure your passport and visa allow for Gambian transit; alternatively, take the ferry from Dakar (overnight)
Lunch
A roadside stop in The
Gambia or southern Senegal
Local dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Arrive in
Ziguinchor,
Casamance's main city, situated on the
Casamance River. Check into your hotel and take a walk through this relaxed town with its wide boulevards and tropical vegetation. Visit the local market to see the region's agricultural abundance including cashews, mangoes, and palm oil. The Diola culture predominates here, distinct from the Wolof-dominated north, with different traditions, architecture, and cuisine.
2 hours
$5
Evening
Riverside dinner and rest
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the
Casamance River. Try regional specialties like palm wine and Diola dishes. Rest early after the long journey.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ziguinchor center (Comfortable hotel near the river)
Central location provides access to markets and restaurants while offering comfort after a long travel day
Casamance has a more laid-back atmosphere than northern Senegal. The region receives more rainfall, so vegetation is lush and the climate more humid.
Day 10 Budget: $95-140
Venture into the hills of southeastern
Casamance to discover Senegal's highest waterfall and experience authentic village life in a pristine natural setting.
Morning
Drive to Dindefelo region
Depart early for the journey to Dindefelo in the Kedougou region, near the
Guinea border. The drive takes you through increasingly hilly terrain, quite different from the flat landscapes of coastal Senegal. Pass through traditional villages where you can observe daily life and agriculture. The region is home to the Bassari and Bedik peoples, known for their traditional cultures and initiation ceremonies.
3-4 hours drive
$60-80 (private transport)
This is a long day trip; alternatively, stay overnight near Dindefelo if you prefer a slower pace
Lunch
A simple guesthouse in Dindefelo village
Local village cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Waterfall of Dindefelo hike
Trek through the forest to reach the Waterfall of Dindefelo, Senegal's most impressive cascade, plunging 100 meters into a pool surrounded by lush vegetation. The hike takes you through beautiful landscapes with opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, and diverse plant life. You can swim in the natural pool at the waterfall's base, a refreshing reward after the trek. Local guides from the village lead the way, sharing knowledge about the forest and their culture.
3-4 hours round trip
$15-25 (guide and village fee)
Wear good hiking shoes and bring swimwear; guides are mandatory and beneficial
Evening
Drive back to
Ziguinchor in the evening. Have a late dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant, reflecting on the day's adventure in
Casamance's wild interior.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ziguinchor center (Same hotel as Day 10)
Return to familiar comfortable base rather than packing and unpacking
The trail to Dindefelo can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and snacks as facilities are minimal. The waterfall is most impressive during or just after the rainy season.
Day 11 Budget: $90-130
Experience Senegal's largest national park, a vast wilderness area home to lions, elephants, and diverse wildlife in West Africa's most significant protected area.
Morning
Transfer to Niokolo-Koba National Park
Depart
Ziguinchor very early for the journey northeast to Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal's premier wildlife destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive takes several hours through changing landscapes. Enter the park and begin your safari experience, keeping eyes open for buffalo, warthogs, baboons, and various antelope species that are commonly seen. The park covers nearly 1 million hectares of savanna, forest, and wetlands.
4-5 hours travel plus initial game viewing
$120-150 (transport, park entry, guide)
This requires advance planning; consider booking a package from
Ziguinchor or
Tambacounda that includes transport, guide, and accommodation
Lunch
Picnic lunch in the park
Packed meals
Mid-range
Afternoon
Niokolo-Koba National Park safari
Continue your exploration of this vast park, searching for its more elusive residents including lions, leopards, elephants, and chimpanzees. While sightings of large predators are rare, the park's birdlife is exceptional with over 330 species. Drive along the
Gambia River where hippos and crocodiles can often be spotted. Your guide will explain the ecosystem and conservation challenges facing this important wilderness area. The landscape varies from dense gallery forests to open savanna.
4-5 hours
Included in morning cost
Evening
Stay at basic accommodation near the park entrance or drive to
Tambacounda for more options. Enjoy dinner and share wildlife sightings with fellow travelers.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Niokolo-Koba or Tambacounda (Simple lodge or guesthouse)
Proximity to the park allows for early morning game viewing if staying another day
Wildlife viewing is best early morning and late afternoon. The dry season (December-May) offers better visibility as animals congregate near water sources. Bring binoculars and patience.
Day 12 Budget: $130-180
Begin the journey back to Dakar, stopping at interesting sites along the way and reflecting on your Senegalese adventure.
Morning
Morning in park or early departure
If you stayed near Niokolo-Koba, enjoy an early morning game drive when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler. Otherwise, depart early from
Tambacounda for the long journey back to Dakar. The route takes you through the heartland of Senegal, passing through numerous villages and agricultural areas where you can observe peanut farming, the country's main cash crop.
3-4 hours initial driving
$80-100 (transport to Dakar)
Lunch
Senegalese regional specialties
Budget
Afternoon
Kaolack market and continued journey
Stop in
Kaolack, a major trading center, to visit its enormous covered market, one of West Africa's largest. Browse peanut products, crafts, and textiles while experiencing the commercial energy of interior Senegal. Continue the journey to Dakar, arriving by evening. The landscape gradually transitions back to the drier coastal zone as you approach the capital.
4-5 hours including stop
$10 (market shopping)
Evening
Arrival in Dakar and farewell dinner
Check into your Dakar hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps trying dishes you haven't yet sampled. Reflect on your journey from the capital to the delta, south to
Casamance, and through the wilderness.
Where to Stay Tonight
Almadies or Plateau (Comfortable hotel in Dakar)
Return to the capital for your final night with good amenities and proximity to the airport
This is a very long driving day. Break it up with interesting stops rather than rushing. Consider flying from
Ziguinchor to Dakar if budget allows for a more comfortable return.
Day 13 Budget: $95-135
Spend your final hours in Senegal visiting any missed attractions, shopping for souvenirs, and preparing for your departure with lasting memories of Teranga hospitality.
Morning
Last-minute sightseeing and shopping
Depending on your flight time, visit any Dakar attractions you missed earlier or want to see again. Consider the Baobab Sacré if you're interested in sacred trees, or visit the Massalikoul Djinane Mosque to admire its striking modern architecture. Alternatively, shop for last-minute souvenirs at the Village Artisanal or
Soumbedioune craft market, where you can find woodcarvings, paintings, jewelry, and textiles to bring home.
2-3 hours
$20-50 (shopping)
Lunch
A favorite restaurant from earlier in your trip
Your choice of Senegalese specialties
Mid-range
Afternoon
Parc Forestier de
Hann or relaxation
If time permits before your flight, visit the Parc Forestier de
Hann, a green space in Dakar featuring a small zoo with West African animals and walking trails. It's a peaceful spot to spend your final hours. Alternatively, relax at your hotel, organize your purchases, and prepare for departure. Ensure you've exchanged remaining CFA francs and confirmed your airport transfer.
2 hours
$5-10
Evening
Airport transfer and departure
Head to Blaise Diagne International Airport, allowing plenty of time for check-in and security. Depart Senegal with memories of incredible landscapes, wildlife, culture, and the legendary Teranga (hospitality) of the Senegalese people.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure day)
End of journey
The airport is about 50km from central Dakar, so allow at least 90 minutes for the transfer. Keep some CFA francs for airport purchases or tips until the very end.
Day 14 Budget: $60-90