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.
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.
When to visit Senegal
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.
Popular airlines serving 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
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.
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.