wheretogo
Senegal

Senegal Highlights

Senegal, situated on the westernmost tip of Africa, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse natural beauty. Dakar, the capital, is a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, colorful markets, and historic sites such as the African Renaissance Monument and the House of Slaves on Gorée Island. Just outside Dakar, the Pink Lake, named for its unique coloration, is a must-see. Further afield, the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers spectacular bird-watching opportunities. Senegal`s cuisine is a flavorful blend of African, Arabic, and French influences, featuring dishes like thieboudienne, a spiced fish and rice dish. Senegal promises an enriching travel experience full of engaging cultural encounters, historical insights, and natural wonders.

Top 10 Attractions

African Renaissance Monument

The African Renaissance Monument, standing taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a massive bronze statue located on the outskirts of Dakar. It symbolizes the victory of Africa over colonialism and slavery, and the ascendance of Africa in the global a... more

The African Renaissance Monument, standing taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a massive bronze statue located on the outskirts of Dakar. It symbolizes the victory of Africa over colonialism and slavery, and the ascendance of Africa in the global arena.

Bandia Wildlife Reserve

At Bandia Wildlife Reserve, you can see African wildlife such as giraffes, rhinos, and crocodiles in a safe and sustainable environment. The reserve is dedicated to conservation and plays a significant role in educating visitors about the importance... more

At Bandia Wildlife Reserve, you can see African wildlife such as giraffes, rhinos, and crocodiles in a safe and sustainable environment. The reserve is dedicated to conservation and plays a significant role in educating visitors about the importance of biodiversity.

Casamance River

The Casamance River flows through the verdant region of Casamance, offering picturesque views and excellent opportunities for boat trips. The surrounding area is known for its vibrant culture, distinct from the rest of Senegal. more

The Casamance River flows through the verdant region of Casamance, offering picturesque views and excellent opportunities for boat trips. The surrounding area is known for its vibrant culture, distinct from the rest of Senegal.

Dakar Cathedral

The Dakar Cathedral, or Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories, is a notable landmark in the city. It`s one of the most important Catholic sites in Senegal and features beautiful stained glass windows and a grand organ. more

The Dakar Cathedral, or Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories, is a notable landmark in the city. It`s one of the most important Catholic sites in Senegal and features beautiful stained glass windows and a grand organ.

Dakar Grand Mosque

The Dakar Grand Mosque, designed by French and Moroccan architects, is one of the most important religious buildings in Senegal. Its minaret is the tallest point in Dakar, and the mosque itself is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. more

The Dakar Grand Mosque, designed by French and Moroccan architects, is one of the most important religious buildings in Senegal. Its minaret is the tallest point in Dakar, and the mosque itself is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for bird watchers. It`s home to nearly 400 species of birds, and during the migratory season, it hosts up to three million birds. more

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for bird watchers. It`s home to nearly 400 species of birds, and during the migratory season, it hosts up to three million birds.

House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves)

The House of Slaves on Gorée Island is a significant site of memory related to the Atlantic slave trade. Despite controversy over the exact role this specific house played, it`s undeniable that the island as a whole was deeply involved in the trade.... more

The House of Slaves on Gorée Island is a significant site of memory related to the Atlantic slave trade. Despite controversy over the exact role this specific house played, it`s undeniable that the island as a whole was deeply involved in the trade. The house now serves as a museum and a memorial.

IFAN Museum of African Arts

IFAN Museum of African Arts in Dakar holds one of the most comprehensive collections of African art in the world. It`s a must-visit for anyone interested in the history, culture, and art of Africa. more

IFAN Museum of African Arts in Dakar holds one of the most comprehensive collections of African art in the world. It`s a must-visit for anyone interested in the history, culture, and art of Africa.

Îles des Madeleines National Park

Îles des Madeleines National Park, located off the coast of Dakar, is an untouched haven. Its rocky cliffs, unique flora and fauna, and clear waters make it an ideal spot for eco-tourism and adventure activities. more

Îles des Madeleines National Park, located off the coast of Dakar, is an untouched haven. Its rocky cliffs, unique flora and fauna, and clear waters make it an ideal spot for eco-tourism and adventure activities.

Joal Fadiouth

Joal Fadiouth is a unique village built entirely on shells. The shell mounds of Fadiouth, along with the connecting footbridge between Joal and Fadiouth, are the main attractions here. more

Joal Fadiouth is a unique village built entirely on shells. The shell mounds of Fadiouth, along with the connecting footbridge between Joal and Fadiouth, are the main attractions here.

La Mer à Table

This restaurant in Dakar is well-known for its excellent seafood. The ocean view, combined with the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, make it a delightful culinary experience. more

This restaurant in Dakar is well-known for its excellent seafood. The ocean view, combined with the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, make it a delightful culinary experience.

Lake Retba (Lac Rose)

Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is a unique natural feature of Senegal. Named for its pink waters, caused by a type of halophilic bacteria, the lake is also known for its high salt content. Locals harvest the salt, and it`s quite a sight to see t... more

Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is a unique natural feature of Senegal. Named for its pink waters, caused by a type of halophilic bacteria, the lake is also known for its high salt content. Locals harvest the salt, and it`s quite a sight to see the salt collectors at work in the lake.

Le Lagon 1

This restaurant in Dakar offers fine dining with a fantastic view of the sea. It serves a variety of international dishes, but the seafood is particularly acclaimed. more

This restaurant in Dakar offers fine dining with a fantastic view of the sea. It serves a variety of international dishes, but the seafood is particularly acclaimed.

Lompoul Desert

The Lompoul Desert, with its golden dunes and luxury desert camps, offers a taste of Saharan landscapes in Senegal. Camel rides, traditional music performances, and star-gazing are some of the activities you can enjoy here. more

The Lompoul Desert, with its golden dunes and luxury desert camps, offers a taste of Saharan landscapes in Senegal. Camel rides, traditional music performances, and star-gazing are some of the activities you can enjoy here.

Mbour Fish Market

The Mbour Fish Market offers a slice of local life. Watch the fisherman haul in their daily catch, and feel the vibrant energy of this bustling market. more

The Mbour Fish Market offers a slice of local life. Watch the fisherman haul in their daily catch, and feel the vibrant energy of this bustling market.

Niokolo-Koba National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Niokolo-Koba National Park is a haven for wildlife. It`s home to numerous species including lions, elephants, and various types of monkeys. The diversity of the park`s ecosystem makes it an excellent destination for natu... more

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Niokolo-Koba National Park is a haven for wildlife. It`s home to numerous species including lions, elephants, and various types of monkeys. The diversity of the park`s ecosystem makes it an excellent destination for nature lovers.

Palais Présidentiel

The Presidential Palace in Dakar, with its beautiful gardens and impressive architecture, is a symbol of the Senegalese state. Though not open to the public, it`s worth seeing from the outside. more

The Presidential Palace in Dakar, with its beautiful gardens and impressive architecture, is a symbol of the Senegalese state. Though not open to the public, it`s worth seeing from the outside.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the first French settlement in West Africa. Its colonial architecture, vibrant music scene, and the famous Faidherbe Bridge are some of its highlights. more

Saint Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the first French settlement in West Africa. Its colonial architecture, vibrant music scene, and the famous Faidherbe Bridge are some of its highlights.

Saloum Delta National Park

Saloum Delta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a rich biodiversity and a unique cultural landscape shaped by the shellfish harvesting practices of the Serer people. Its mangrove forests, salt pans, and numerous islands offer a uniqu... more

Saloum Delta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a rich biodiversity and a unique cultural landscape shaped by the shellfish harvesting practices of the Serer people. Its mangrove forests, salt pans, and numerous islands offer a unique blend of natural and cultural treasures.

Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Named after the French naturalist, the Théodore Monod African Art Museum in Dakar boasts a comprehensive collection of West African artifacts, making it an essential visit for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of the region. more

Named after the French naturalist, the Théodore Monod African Art Museum in Dakar boasts a comprehensive collection of West African artifacts, making it an essential visit for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of the region.

More