Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Senegal travel guide

Senegal Tourism | Senegal Guide

You're Going to Love Senegal

Senegal has something for everyone. From relaxing beaches to a bustling nightlife, lush parks, wildlife, deserts and dunes, this vibrant and elegant country is waiting to be explored.

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What to do in Senegal

1. Relax on the Cap Skirring Beaches

The most southern point of the Senegal coast is home to small villages and some of the most stunning beaches where it's easy to relax for days on end.

2. Explore the Nicolo Koba National Park

This park covers very diverse landscapes and a large variety of local wildlife. Join a safari to be able to spot animals such as hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and possibly some lions.

3. Party the Night Away in Dakar

Senegal's capital is known for a very vibrant night scene, so while there, make sure to visit some local bars and nightclubs and listen to mbalax, the local music. During the day, visit the House of Slaves to learn a bit of history, or check out the Grand Mosquee in the Medina quarter.

4. Hike Over Dunes at the Lompoul Desert

For something a bit different, head to the Lompoul Desert, which is located halfway between Dakar and Saint Louis. Travel the dunes on foot or use a camel to make the trip easier.

5. Visit the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

This site is the third biggest bird park in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to about 400 species of birds, the most famous being the flamingos and pelicans.

1. Relax on the Cap Skirring Beaches

The most southern point of the Senegal coast is home to small villages and some of the most stunning beaches where it's easy to relax for days on end.

2. Explore the Nicolo Koba National Park

This park covers very diverse landscapes and a large variety of local wildlife. Join a safari to be able to spot animals such as hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and possibly some lions.

3. Party the Night Away in Dakar

Senegal's capital is known for a very vibrant night scene, so while there, make sure to visit some local bars and nightclubs and listen to mbalax, the local music. During the day, visit the House of Slaves to learn a bit of history, or check out the Grand Mosquee in the Medina quarter.

4. Hike Over Dunes at the Lompoul Desert

For something a bit different, head to the Lompoul Desert, which is located halfway between Dakar and Saint Louis. Travel the dunes on foot or use a camel to make the trip easier.

5. Visit the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

This site is the third biggest bird park in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to about 400 species of birds, the most famous being the flamingos and pelicans.

When to visit Senegal

Senegal in January
Estimated hotel price
$170
1 night at 3-star hotel
Senegal in January
Estimated hotel price
$170
1 night at 3-star hotel

Senegal's dry season is between November and May, and these are the best months to visit the country as they offer pleasant weather and mild temperatures.

How to Get to Senegal

Entry requirements

Citizens of Hong Kong, Yemen, Macau and Kosovo need to apply for visas prior to traveling in order to enter Senegal. Citizens of any other country can either enter visa-free or get a visa upon arrival.

Plane

Senegal doesn't have its own airline, however, nonstop flights are available from the USA with Delta Air Lines and South African Airways, and from Europe and the Middle East through a large number of airlines, such as Air France, Alitalia and Turkish Airlines.

Bus

Limited bus travel is available from Bamako in Mali and from Banjul in Gambia.

Entry requirements

Citizens of Hong Kong, Yemen, Macau and Kosovo need to apply for visas prior to traveling in order to enter Senegal. Citizens of any other country can either enter visa-free or get a visa upon arrival.

Plane

Senegal doesn't have its own airline, however, nonstop flights are available from the USA with Delta Air Lines and South African Airways, and from Europe and the Middle East through a large number of airlines, such as Air France, Alitalia and Turkish Airlines.

Bus

Limited bus travel is available from Bamako in Mali and from Banjul in Gambia.

Popular airports in Senegal

DSSDakar Blaise Diagne
ZIGZiguinchor
CSKCap Skirring

Popular airlines serving Senegal

KLM
Good (1,481 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,882 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,842 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,366 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,292 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,909 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,162 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,559 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,535 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,551 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,732 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,880 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (397 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,187 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,432 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,174 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (991 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,905 reviews)
Transavia France
Good (396 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (585 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Senegal

Where to stay in Senegal

Hotels of all budgets can be found in the main cities and touristy areas of Senegal. For a more economical option, look for guesthouses that are available even in rural areas, while surfer camps and boutique accommodation can be found in Dakar.

Where to stay in popular areas of Senegal

Most booked hotels in Senegal

See all
Terrou-Bi
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, 847 reviews)
$268+
View
Boma Lifestyle Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 523 reviews)
$205+
View
Casa Mara Dakar
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 610 reviews)
$96+
View
Le Lodge des Almadies
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 171 reviews)
$89+
View
Neptune
5 stars
Excellent (8.3, 413 reviews)
$161+
View
International Hotel Dakar
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 820 reviews)
$73+
View

How to Get Around Senegal

Public Transportation

Taxis and buses are the main mode of local transport. Taxis are yellow and black, while public buses are blue in color. The more colorful yellow and blue buses are called Car Rapide but are slower and more crowded than public buses.

Bus

Minibuses called Grand Car offer long distance bus travel in Senegal. They don't always have a fixed schedule and usually leave from the bus station as soon as they fill up all 40 seats. Another popular option for long distance travel are Sept-Place taxis, which are shared taxis that can seat up to 7 persons.

Car

To rent a car while in Senegal, it is possible to use a local driver's license, while in some cases, drivers will need an international driving permit. However, it is also common to rent a car with a driver, which is a good choice for those not comfortable driving on more difficult roads.

Plane

A limited number of flights are offered by Groupe Transair, connecting Dakar, Cap Skirring and Zinguichor.

Boat

Cosama ferry boats are available for travel from Dakar to Zinguichor and back, and from Dakar to Ile de Goree and back. Other islands of Senegal can be reached with pirogues, which are non-motorized boats.

Public Transportation

Taxis and buses are the main mode of local transport. Taxis are yellow and black, while public buses are blue in color. The more colorful yellow and blue buses are called Car Rapide but are slower and more crowded than public buses.

Bus

Minibuses called Grand Car offer long distance bus travel in Senegal. They don't always have a fixed schedule and usually leave from the bus station as soon as they fill up all 40 seats. Another popular option for long distance travel are Sept-Place taxis, which are shared taxis that can seat up to 7 persons.

Car

To rent a car while in Senegal, it is possible to use a local driver's license, while in some cases, drivers will need an international driving permit. However, it is also common to rent a car with a driver, which is a good choice for those not comfortable driving on more difficult roads.

Plane

A limited number of flights are offered by Groupe Transair, connecting Dakar, Cap Skirring and Zinguichor.

Boat

Cosama ferry boats are available for travel from Dakar to Zinguichor and back, and from Dakar to Ile de Goree and back. Other islands of Senegal can be reached with pirogues, which are non-motorized boats.

Best car rental deals in Senegal

Full-size SUV

5 Adults, 2 Bags

$75/day

Full-size SUV
Find car rentals in Senegal

The Cost of Living in Senegal

A cheap meal in Senegal will cost around 2,500 CFA (4 USD), while a mid-range meal will cost around 9,000 CFA (15 USD) per person, and a one-way local bus ticket will cost around 200 CFA (0.35 USD). Credit cards are accepted in major establishments, but cash is the main payment method throughout the country.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Senegal

Popular cities in Senegal

Saint-Louis
Ndangane
Dakar