Getaway to the Saloum Delta
Between secret bolongs and century-old mangroves, three days of pure escape in the Saloum biosphere.
Duration
3 days
From
€325/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Stay
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover the Saloum Delta, a land between two waters where earth and sea blend into a network of bolongs, islands and mangroves. This 3-day / 2-night circuit invites you to immerse yourself in nature and discovery in a National Park classified as a World Biosphere Reserve, listed on UNESCO's indicative list. Here, mangroves shelter a rich birdlife, tidal flats and mudflats succeed one another, and shell mounds punctuate the wooded savanna of baobabs, silk-cotton trees and caïcédrats.
Your destination: Les Barracudas, an ecolodge integrated into the environment. We have selected this accommodation for its setting and for a restaurant that showcases the diversity of local gastronomy. The itinerary favors short journeys, local paths and local modes of transport, in the spirit of slow travel. You enjoy a peaceful pace, conducive to observation and encounters, with unique visits in the heart of Saloum.
Our local team ensures the quality of exchanges and is involved in solidarity actions on privileged sites. This stay suits travelers seeking authenticity, families and anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a remarkable estuarine environment, to meet a territory and its inhabitants, faithful to Sénégal's Téranga.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
From Dakar to the Saloum Delta: Foundiougne and Sokone, Between River and Mangrove
Departure from Dakar at 9am, heading to Mbour via the new highway, then towards the Saloum via Fatick and Foundiougne. Depending on schedules, crossing the Saloum river by ferry or pirogue, for lunch by the river. Continue to Sokone.
Check-in at the Barracudas.
Free afternoon: swimming in the pool overlooking the mangrove or relaxing in the sun on the beach terrace by the bolong. Welcome aperitif offered on the terrace, followed by dinner prepared by Lamine, the head chef. Night in the calm of the bush, sometimes disturbed by the cry of a hyena.
Islands and Creeks of the Saloum
In the morning, you embark in a pirogue for a day in the heart of the Saloum Delta National Park, listed as a World Biosphere Reserve. You navigate through a maze of bolongs bordered by mangroves, with this impression of "Amazonian adventure".
Around the bends, you sometimes encounter mangrove oyster gatherers or a fishing pirogue. You observe numerous birds living in the mangrove.
At lunch time, "Robinson Crusoe" barbecue on a deserted beach.
The afternoon continues in the shade, listening to the birds, with the possibility of swimming in the bolong or taking a walk in search of fiddler crabs.
Return to the Barracudas in mid-afternoon; with a bit of luck, you will spot a pod of humpback dolphins, a species typical of brackish environments.
End of day relaxation by the pool. Attentive dinner and a good night after this day with an "Out of Africa" atmosphere. Lamine has prepared a refined meal for you.
Free morning in the Saloum, activities of your choice and return to Dakar
For this last morning in the heart of Saloum, you choose your own pace before returning to Dakar in the afternoon.
Free morning – no extra charge
- Enjoy the tranquility of the place: swimming pool overlooking the mangrove, sunbathing on the beach bordering the bolong, fishing from the pontoon.
- Set off for 2 hours, at dawn or end of day, by kayak, mountain bike or on foot.
- Visit Bambougar village and meet a representative of the village women's group.
Possible excursions with extra charge
- Weekly markets (½ day) : car drive to one of the Luma in the region — Thursday: Touba Nding / Saturday: Passy / Sunday: Touba Mouride. Rates: base 2 people: 20,000 F CFA / person; base 3 people: 15,000 F CFA / person; base 4 people: 10,000 F CFA / person.
- Patako forest and Ndinderlin pottery (½ day) : discovery of a predominantly Mandinka territory, with other types of habitats and customs. Rates: base 2 people: 20,000 F CFA / person; base 3 people: 15,000 F CFA / person; base 4 people: 10,000 F CFA / person.
- Safari at Fathala wildlife reserve (4 hours) : early wake-up, drive to Fathala forest on the Gambia border, then boarding in an open 4×4 safari vehicle offering 360° views. Rates: base 2 people: 55,000 F CFA / person; base 3 people: 40,000 F CFA / person; base 4 people: 33,000 F CFA / person.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Senegal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Senegal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Senegal.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry into the country. Beyond this period, an extension or residence permit must be requested from the competent Senegalese authorities.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return flight or onward connection),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
an accommodation address in Senegal.
Vaccination record – Yellow fever
Presentation of a valid international vaccination certificate is mandatory upon entry to Senegal. Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 9 months of age, regardless of their origin.
This official WHO document must be presented to immigration services on arrival. If not provided, the authorities may refuse entry to the country or require vaccination on-site.
Furthermore, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure to assess the need for other vaccinations (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, rabies) and antimalarial prophylaxis, as malaria is present throughout Senegal.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. It is advisable to carry this document as well as the child's birth certificate.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Senegal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend purchasing one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claim declaration are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
You can stay in Senegal without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry into the country. Entry requirements may change. Check with the Senegal consulate in your country of nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, expect between €130 and €230 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (€450–800 return) are additional. Senegal combines culture, beaches, desert (Lompoul) and safari (Bandia, Niokolo-Koba).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sine-Saloum
Creator of Senegalese Encounters, based in Mbour
Senegal is a country you experience as much as you discover. It's often the encounters, conversations, and shared moments that leave the deepest impression on travelers.
— Didier
