The must-sees of Sénégal

Airport pick-up in Dakar, then immediate departure towards Lake Rose (Lac Retba), known for its violet waters and high salt content.

Check-in at Chez Salim (or similar depending on availability), in the heart of the dunes and by a swimming pool.

Lunch is scheduled at a bamboo restaurant, set on a mound of shells that offers a view of the lake.

After lunch, you head towards Kayar, presented as the largest artisanal fishing centre.

On site, our village guide accompanies you to observe the arrival of fishermen, the unloading of buckets, the launching of pirogues from the water, negotiations on the sand, the loading of carts, as well as the stages of salting, smoking, drying of non-sellable species and the sale of the finest catches under the market hall.

You then continue on towards Saint-Louis, where you settle into the hotel. Dinner and night by the ocean.

This day takes you first to the Gandiolais, a market gardening region, then to the Langue de Barbarie National Park. You board a pirogue to sail down the river along the Bird Island, where many species come to nest such as terns, gulls and pelicans.

You then set foot on the sandbank, between river and ocean, territory frequented by sea turtles that come to lay their eggs. Navigation continues to the historic mouth of the Sénégal River, with perhaps the possibility of observing pink flamingos.

Lunch is planned at a lodge on the riverside, followed by a time of relaxation and swimming, at the pool, in the river or in the ocean.

In the afternoon, you take to the road to reach the Lompoul Desert. A 4x4 is necessary to cross the dunes and reach this Saharan landscape.

Upon arrival, you settle into a charming bivouac, located in the heart of an oasis in the middle of the dunes.

You then enjoy your first camel ride, in a landscape open to the desert and the coast. At the bivouac, a welcome cocktail awaits you before a traditional meal consisting of goat couscous with vegetables accompanied by Moroccan wine, to the sound of djembes and local dances, followed by Sénégal tea.

The night takes place under khaïmas, traditional Moorish tents equipped with full bedding and a private bathroom.

Heading to the Petite Côte via the "capital of Senegalese footwear", Mékhé, where we visit artisanal workshops. Our next stop is Thiès, airy and shaded, former "railway town" whose past importance is visible through the many colonial buildings. Tour of the central market with its eclectic products: foodstuffs, fabrics, snake skins, traditional remedies, aphrodisiac powders, … a highly colorful and fragrant experience!

We continue via the baobab forest of Sindia to the Nguerigne park for an exceptional lunch in a huge aviary within a lush botanical garden : parrots, cockatoos, crowned cranes and pink flamingos display their countless colors in the enchanting setting surrounding the restaurant. Visit of the park.

Continuation towards the Saloum through a very beautiful bush area, baobabs and Sénégal palm trees then an area of tanns, vast expanses of sand covered with water during the rainy season or at high tides. Arrival in Palmarin, in the heart of the Saloum Delta natural park.

Installation in an ecolodge with mixed architecture located on the strip of sand between the ocean and the Saloum river.

This morning we resume our journey north towards Dakar. Along the way, we stop by the sea in the small town of Joal Fadiouth. Located at the end of the Petite-Côte, it is composed of two communes, Joal and Fadiouth, connected by a wooden bridge. A peculiarity of the place, the island of Joal is entirely made up of shells! We stroll along its main street nicknamed the Champs Élysées and admire other local curiosities: the millet granaries on stilts, the shell cemetery for Catholics and Muslims, and the famous "one-clawed crabs".

Lunch in a restaurant on the Petite Côte.

Upon your arrival at the port, you board the Gorée shuttle boat at the end of the day.

The approach to the island of Gorée reveals beautiful views of the cliffs, colonial houses and flower-lined streets. Upon arrival, you settle into an inn with colonial charm.

The day ends with dinner at the restaurant and an overnight stay on the island.

Early afternoon return by boat to Dakar and city tour: Independence Square, former colonial buildings, train station, cathedral, presidential palace, Kermel market. The corniche offers a magnificent panorama of the Madeleine Islands at sunset. Detour to the Ouakam Mosque then to the African Renaissance Monument.

Farewell aperitif at sunset with feet in the water at the Ngor restaurant, on Pointe des Almadies, the westernmost point of the African continent. Our Sénégal journey comes to an end here! Transfer to the airport, assistance with final formalities.