A red lake, beaches and culture
Situated on the Atlantic coast, Senegal has beautiful beaches, lagoons, and island archipelagos. Inland, there are forests, savannas, and mountains. When visiting Dakar, there are plenty of things to do and see. However, if you want to discover Senegal’s diversity, Dakar makes the perfect base to visit the Pink Lake, Lac Rose, and Jaol Fadouth or visit Île de Gorée.
Île de Gorée
A visit to Île de Gorée is a must for anyone spending time in Dakar. This small island, just off the coast of Senegal, was once the center of the slave trade in West Africa. Today, it is home to several important historical sites and world-class surfing. You can tour the island’s slave fort, visit the House of Slaves museum, and walk through the island’s quaint streets. Stop by one of the island’s cafes for a refreshing cup of Senegalese coffee.
We stayed for about two weeks on Île de Gorée to learn how to surf- We loved getting to know the island’s history and people. To read more about surfing on Île de Gor, check out our blog post on surfing Senegal!
For tourists, a return ticket costs about 5.200 CFA (ca. 7.90 €, US$9.70, £7) and 2.700 CFA (ca. 4.12 €, US$5, £3.60) for children; an additional tourism tax of 500 CFA per person is collected on site.
Current schedule from Dakar to the Island of Gorée:
- https://www.portdakar.sn/en/nos-services/trafic-passager/dakar-goree
Senegal's pink lake
Lac Rose, also known as “Lac Retba,” is a beautiful lake that changes color throughout the year. During the dry season, you can enjoy its pretty pink tones, but if not, there is other magic at your fingertips! You could go for swims or float in salty waters because this place has a high salt content. It is also a great place to take photos. We were sad to only have to spend a day at Lac Rose. Despite the incredible sight, the lake offers a unique glimpse into Senegalese life.
Salt extraction is one of the main economic activities at Lac Rose. It is a manual process that has been used for centuries. During the dry season, the lake’s water evaporates and leaves a layer of salt behind. The salt is then harvested by workers who use large wooden rakes to gather it into piles. The salt is then transported to Dakar, which is used for cooking and other purposes.
Visiting Lac Rose is a great way to learn about Senegal’s history and culture. If you are interested in learning more about the country, its people, and its customs, this is a place you should add to your list!
Gîte du Lac is a cute hotel in case you decide to spend the night and learn more about the fascinating area around Lac Rose.
Joal Fadiouth
Daytrips from Dakar are easy to do, and Joal Fadiouth is another excellent option. You can watch the fishermen returning from their nightly or early morning tour on the beach. The fishermen set out in the dark with small wooden boats into the dark depths of the Atlantic. Unfortunately, the global fishing industry, especially Europe’s fishing industry, has weakened the West African seas, and the people on the coast are also suffering. Nevertheless, it is spectacular to watch how the locals pull their wooden boats out of the water.
Joal Fadiouth is not only known for its fishing culture but also its shellfish islands. The most famous island is Ile Jaol. An impressive footpath leads over a long wooden bridge to the place built on shells. It is said that every year a ton of shells are washed up on the coast, which is then used to build houses or lie around as decoration. It is a beautiful place everyone should have seen once in their life!
The population around Joal Fadiouth is predominantly catholic, the only place in Senegal where schooling is compulsory.
You can only visit the shell island with a mandatory guide.
Joal Fadiouth is diverse and very different from Dakar. The people are curious and communicative. Remember, though, the village is impoverished. During the day you can move around the beach or the village without worry. But it would be best if you did not carry objects that look expensive too obviously. There is not much to do when it gets dark, so you should avoid being alone.
When you finally leave Joal Fadiouth, you will have experienced a different side of Senegal than in Dakar. The hustle and bustle of the big city will probably seem much more bearable after this day. Daytrips from Dakar are something you should consider if you want to get to know the country and its people better!
Popular tours
Practical travel tips for Senegal
What language is spoken in Senegal?
Several languages are spoken in Senegal, as the country is home to a large number of ethnic groups.
The official language is French, which is used in government, education and the media. Various indigenous languages are also spoken, including Wolof, which serves as a lingua franca and is spoken by a large number of people in everyday life. Other important languages are Fulfulde, Serer, Mandinka and Diola, which are spoken according to regional ethnicity.
What is the best time to travel to Senegal?
Senegal has two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season.
The best time to travel to Senegal is during the dry season, which lasts from October to April. During this time, the temperatures are warm and there is less rainfall.
The Harmattan winds, which blow over from the Sahara desert, also begin to blow at this time. These winds can make conditions hot, dry and dusty. However, they usually subside in April when the temperatures rise again.
Is there Maleria & Dengue Fever in Senegal?
Malaria, dengue fever and other tropical diseases are common, especially during the rainy season (June-September).
Tips for avoiding dengue & malaria
You should take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. It is best to sleep under a mosquito net and wear long clothes to sleep. Otherwise, you should also keep a low profile at dawn and dusk.
The health facilities in Dakar are adequate, but they are limited in the rest of Senegal.
Make sure you have sufficient travel health insurance and funds to cover the costs of medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Is Senegal safe?
We always felt very comfortable and safe in Senegal. After dark, however, we were no longer on our own.
What is the currency in Senegal?
The currency in Senegal is the CFA franc, which is used together with 14 other African countries that are part of the Monetary Union of West African States (UEMOA). The CFA franc is issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and has the currency abbreviation XOF.
Public transportation in Senegal
In urban areas such as Dakar, there is a well-developed network of minibuses and cabs, which are often used to transport commuters.
The vehicles are often overcrowded, but they offer an inexpensive way to get around the city.
Buses and shared cabs are a practical option for longer distances, with shared cabs being used more frequently to reach more remote areas.
Train connections in Senegal are limited, but there is a train that connects Dakar with some suburbs.
You must be prepared for different service qualities and have flexible travel plans, as timetables and conditions can vary.
Overall, public transportation in Senegal offers a way to explore the country and interact with the locals, with adventure and cultural insights guaranteed.
Internet and SIM cards in Senegal
The connection is quite good in the cities, but network coverage varies greatly in rural areas. There are three telephone providers in Senegal: Orange, Free and Expresso. In general, data packages in Senegal are affordable.
Can I drink the tap water in Senegal?
The water in Senegal is not drinkable, so bring a water filter or a UV bottle.
What should I look out for on my trip?
Sunscreen: Protect marine life by wearing reef-friendly sunscreen.
Waste: Take your water filter with you not only to keep your water cold, but also to avoid plastic waste. A foldable food container and travel cutlery are also a must!
Photography: The people around Lac Rose and Île de Gorée are prone to taking photos, so be extra sensitive.
Packing list Senegal
Don’t know what to pack for your trip to Senegal? You’ll find everything you need on our packing list, from clothing and equipment to eco-friendly toiletries.
Enjoy your trip without worrying about what you’ve forgotten and immerse yourself in the culture of Senegal with the right equipment.
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