The 13 most beautiful places to visit in Senegal

You’re Going to See Senegal and you are wondering what to do during your stay? Discover the 10 most gorgeous places to go to.

A nation in West Africa, Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean. The State of Teranga abounds in unique and exotic sites. But be careful on the streets, which are sometimes more like sand trails… If necessary, do not hesitate to be accompanied by a local person to discover the paintings of Senegal and its own traditions.

We’ll lead you through the 10 must-see websites of the African destination.

1- Dakar

If you visit Senegal, you should go to Dakar, the capital of Senegal, Which is above all the financial lung of the whole nation. With over two million people, the city is famous for its busy life. You may find this hustle and bustle along with the numerous large markets like Sandaga, Kermel, or Tilène. Then it is time to see the presidential palace, Independence Square, the Great Mosque of Dakar, the town’s port… On the outskirts of town, Almadies Point is a highly popular location. Discover also the craft marketplace of Soumbédioune or the imposing Monument of the African Renaissance. This bronze construction in Ouakam stands 52 meters high!

2- The Pink Lake

How can you see Senegal without visiting Lake Rose, situated 30 kilometers northeast of the capital? Tourists love this trip. Be careful, the pinkish hue of the lake can change. The lake looks pinker in the dry season, but also in the middle of the day. This hue is a result of the existence of iron algae. The colors evolve in line with the sun’s rays, which may turn to mauve whether the color is very current, or not make pink seem at all on specific days. Salt workers extract white gold in the lake in the center of the numerous salt dunes. The spectacle is quite intriguing. From Dakar, it is likely to reach Lake Rose on the shore at low tide or by street number 1 in 1 hour.

3- The Sahel and the reservations

Do you’ve got the spirit of a backpacker looking for adventure? The Sahel And its great volcano boundary Senegal. This gorgeous geographical location is conducive to unique discoveries. Try the experience by crossing the desert valleys. Discover impressive hundred-year-old baobabs. Amaze yourself with the flora and fauna, take a look at the reserves and parks, quite numerous in Senegal. You’ll have the ability to take magnificent photos along with your 4 x 4.

Discover the ecological path of this Mbour book or the island of The Madeleine situated north of Dakar. Proceed to the woods and zoological park of Hann, in the national park of Niokolo-Koba. There’s also the Saloum Delta National Park and the Senegal Turtle Protection Centre.

4- Saint-Louis

Considered by some people as the most beautiful city in Senegal, Saint-Louis is the former capital. Today it is among the largest cities of the African country, it’s full of history and culture. Since the year 2000, it’s been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town is in full mutation with the arrival of more and more tourists. However, it has maintained its historical buildings like the Governor’s Palace, its cathedral, and its mosques. Quite different from Dakar, Saint-Louis is a more traditional town, despite its namesake with the American town. You are going to find a preserved architecture of the colonial period, in addition to beautiful homes to discover. Saint-Louis was the capital of Senegal between 1872 and 1957. Its good location, near the river, brought English and French settlers until Senegal became independent in 1960. What to do in Saint-Louis? Head towards the Faidherbe bridge and its port town. As the fishermen return with the fish of the day, the cartoon is in full swing.

5- The Casamance

For a good trip to Senegal, don’t hesitate to visit the closest villages, in Casamance, a region located in the northwest of Senegal, between Guinea-Bissau and Gambia. It’s regarded by some as the most beautiful area of the country. It takes its name from the river and has many islands and thousands of birds. With lush vegetation, rice paddies, and mangroves, find the cities of Ziguinchor, the beaches of Cap Skirring, Oussouye, Kolda, Sédhiou, Vélingara… Between the yummy fruits as well as the meetings with the people, you’ll multiply the discoveries.

6- The shores

The way to go to Senegal without visiting its beautiful beaches. Some of Them are the most frequently photographed. The most beautiful is situated close to Dakar, like those on the island of N’Gor. Here, surfers and fruit fans rub shoulders. Discover the one in Ouakam or people south of Dakar, generally smaller.

Do not miss Toubab Dialao, with its red cliffs illuminated at nightfall, a must! Visiting Senegal cannot be achieved without detecting the fishing and shopping areas. Beware however of the powerful odor, but this is part of the local folklore. The fishermen of Mbour, Somone and Thies are well known. You may even discover how older, non-functional refrigerators are utilized to conserve fresh fish…

7- Gorée

Gorée is a town in Senegal very popular with tourists for its History connected to slavery. The island of Gorée is situated not far from Dakar and is available by rowboat daily in the port of Dakar. Symbol of the captivity period, the town is an early hub. It has opened several museums like the Women’s Museum or the House of the Slaves. This car-free island opens is silent.

8- Thiès

The city of Thiès is the next financial lung of the nation. This City, at precisely the exact same time bubbling and discreet, deserves the detour. It’s nice to live in and has maintained its charm of yesteryear. Less stressful than the capital Dakar, you have enough opportunity to live here. You’ll have the ability to stroll through the markets without being continuously solicited. To go to Thiès completely, do not overlook the Ibrahima Sarr district, the Place de France, the Promenade des Thiessois, or the Senegalese mill devoted to decorative arts.

9- Touba

The Senegalese town of Touba has a powerful religious imprint with its Muslim brotherhood. Founded in 1887, it’s today a gorgeous urbanized city. Do not miss to see the wonderful mosque of Touba or the library with the writings of the founder of this city, namely Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba. On the 18th day of the Hegira safar month, the entire state of Senegal lives to the rhythm of the Magal festival of Touba. The various populations participate in this commemoration of the founder’s departure into exile. Religious sessions in addition to meal offerings are performed.

10- The Djoudj National Bird Park

To pay a visit to Senegal is also to respect its flora and fauna. The Djoudj National Park is the most important bird sanctuary in the world. Covering 60,000 hectares, it’s classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to thousands of birds and animals. There are Gambian geese, vultures, pink flamingos, waders, gray pelicans, ducks… But also, spoonbills, vultures, egrets, pythons, red monkeys, lizards, crocodiles, and warthogs. This magical site is situated sixty kilometers north of the town of Saint-Louis. It’s open from November to June.

11- Kédougou

For a total change of scenery, the Kédougou area is a Treasure Trove where different cultural groups mingle: Soninkés, Jalonkés (or Dialonké), Bassaris or Bediks. Even if the population is welcoming, it’s highly advisable to have a guide to get there and not be afraid to bring presents to the people throughout the trip. If the character wins you over, do not miss seeing the Niokolo Koba National Park and its beautiful landscapes.

12- The megalithic circles

Visiting Senegal without visiting the Gambia and its megalithic circles classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is unthinkable. These sculptures, placed close to the burial places, are nicely worked and constitute the most effective megalithic site in the world, even if the stone circles are smaller than those of Stonehenge in England.

13- Carabane

This quiet and serene place reflects the authenticity of Senegal. Here, there are no cars or roads, traveling is by dugout canoe or on foot, to discover the rich cultural, traditional, cultural or historic heritage. The website is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pleases with its church of 1885, its shores, and its fishing. In a nutshell, to pay a visit to Senegal is to find an artistic and local tradition.

14- The Popenguine cave

The place is home to the Black Madonna and various statues of Saints From the cave of Popenguine, 55 km north of Dakar. The Website is Preserved and attracts a growing number of visitors each year.