Resting on the coast at the westernmost tip of West Africa’s bulge, Senegal is best known for its dramatic natural landscapes of scenic desert, lush tropical forest, and pristine white-sand beaches. While those seeking urban distractions typically head for the capital city of Dakar, with its colourful markets and vibrant live music scene; travellers eager to relax can make their way to the nearby Goree Island or the laidback beaches of Yoff and N'Gor. When the novelty of the beach wears off, there are plenty of inland nature reserves, the lovely Casamance River, and the bright pink Lake Retba to explore. Other must-see sights include: the Fathala Game Reserve, inhabited by some of Africa’s most exotic wildlife; and the Old Town area of the historical city of Saint-Louis, filled to the brim with exquisite French Colonial architecture.
Situated on the Cape Verde Peninsula, the Atlantic port city of Dakar serves as the capital of Senegal. Originally put on the map as a tourist hotspot for the renowned Dakar Rally, Dakar has become a sprawling city that offers visitors a unique blend of modern living combined with historic traditions. The city features a vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, a variety of museums, sacred mosques, and a traditional medina quarter. Visitors can view the soaring minarets of the Grande Mosque, experience authentic Senegalese hospitality and spend their days browsing the lively markets and enjoying sunset drinks overlooking the crashing waves.
Located along Senegal’s spectacularly scenic coast, in the Petite Cote region, Saly was once a Portuguese trading post, and today it is a popular beach resort area. It is said to be the top tourist destination in all of West Africa, boasting a vibrant nightlife, entertaining bars, shops and a host of holiday activities, including a variety of watersports. This popular spot features coconut palm-fringed beaches scattered with local restaurants, ocean-front hotels and lovely villas. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of wonderful activities, including deep-sea fishing, sunbathing on sun-drenched beaches, sipping cocktails, sampling local cuisine and exploring the 700-hectare Reserve Naturelle Somone.
Stretching over 6000 hectares of protected forest landscapes, Fathala Wildlife Reserve is located in Toubakouta, Senegal. Within this African wilderness sanctuary, visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities, including guided game drives, where visitors can spot a host of wildlife, lion safaris to catch a glimpse of these majestic beasts in their natural habitat, scenic mangrove trips, offering dolphin and crocodile-spotting opportunities, as well as bushwalking and birding to spot a variety of coloured exotic birds such as the rose-ringed parakeet, long-tailed glossy starling, and the Abyssinian roller. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditionally prepared fish barbeque while on a village and local market tour. Other commonly spotted species include little bee-eater, roan antelope, western giant Lord Derby eland, hooded vulture, Burchell's zebra, red patas monkey, rhino, giraffe, crocodile, warthog, pink-backed pelican, western reef heron and much more.
Situated on the Petite-Cote 77 kilometres south of Dakar, Senegal’s seaside resort town of Somone is an idyllic destination offering breathtaking natural scenery, a diversity of animals, and an array of fun activities. Stunning white beaches lapped by turquoise waters and fringed by palm trees offer wonderful respit, and plenty of water sports. Try jet skiing, water skiing, catamaraning, kayaking, and windsurfing, or head to the Bandia Nature Reserve to see giraffe, rhino, zebra, ostrich, antelope, buffalo, bush pigs, and impala. The Reserve de la Somone is a birdwatcher’s paradise with its huge variety of birds. Don’t miss a trip to the Accrobaobab Adventure Park, where you can slide, swing, and climb on ziplines, obstacle courses, and other structures among the beautiful baobab trees.
