There are a number of fascinating destinations and attractions to look forward to encountering during your Senegal holiday. From diverse wildlife and nature enjoyed amid the wonderful climate of Senegal, to the colourful markets and beautiful beaches. It is safe to say, your holiday in Senegal will be defined by a packed itinerary whether you are staying in the Sine Saloum Delta, just north of The Gambia, or in Casamance to the south.
Sine Saloum Delta
The Sine Saloum Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers a huge area formed where two rivers – the Sine and the Saloum – flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing and shellfish gathering has sustained human life in the area for many thousands of years. The delta is one of West Africa’s ecological highlights, rich in flora and fauna and a wonderful region to explore whether on foot, by car or by boat.
Toubacouta
In the south of the Siné-Saloum Delta, Toubacouta is a beautifully calm and authentic village that’s reputedly one of Senegal’s best locations for birdwatching, and is also where two of our properties are located.
On top of this, it’s a great place to discover Mandinka village life. Explore the craft market or visit a local school, you can even learn about West African cuisine here, from buying the ingredients to helping prepare a Senegalese meal, followed by a traditional tea ceremony, all with a local family.
Foret de Sangako
The Sangako Forest is a great place to observe the diverse wildlife of the area, including baboons and patas monkeys, warthogs and a wonderfully diverse bird population. If you’re lucky you may also see a Western Red Colobus, one of many endangered species of primate.
Missirah
Visit the fishing village of Missirah, the gateway to the Parc National du Delta Saloum, and see how the fish are traditionally dried. There’s also a gigantic 1,000 year old kapok tree here that is a remarkable sight.
Local Market
Once a week, a looma, or large market, is held here near Toubacouta, selling everything you can imagine – from fruit and vegetables to cattle and textiles.
Kousmar Island
A must for any bird watching enthusiasts is a visit to Kousmar Island between January and March, when thousands of Lesser kestrels and African swallow-tailed kites gather on the branches of the baobab trees.
Sipo
A sprawling collection of thatched huts on the island of Sipo, where the elderly Queen of Sipo enthusiastically greets every new visitor to the fishing village. En route as you travel by boat through the riverine landscape, you will pass women collecting shellfish on sandbanks and harvesting oysters from the mangroves.
Le Reposoir
Each evening at sunset, hundreds of birds come home to roost on this little mangrove island. It’s an equally impressive sight at sunrise as they all take flight once again.
Plage d’Or
A beautiful golden sand beach where the delta meets the Atlantic Ocean in the Parc National du Delta Saloum. It’s another fabulous birdwatching area and oysters are harvested here throughout August and September. It is possible to spend a relaxing day here enjoying lunch on the magnificent near-deserted beach.
Kaolack
Kaolack is a town on the north bank of the River Saloum about 60 miles from the border with The Gambia. It is an important regional market town and is Senegal's main peanut trading and processing centre.
Grand Marché
The Grand Marché is the second-largest covered market in Africa (after Marrakesh). Oriental arches and arcades, a grand entrance, a large central patio and an imposing clock tower surround it. It’s a great place to just have a wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
Grande Mosquée
This large Moroccan-style mosque is the pride of the Tijaniyya brotherhood, built in 1964 with its landmark minaret, floodlit at night. The mosque is closed to the public, but it is worth coming here to see the magnificent architecture and the surrounding area.
Casamance
A low-lying area dominated by the Casamance River, the region’s Jola population has few cultural links with the rest of Senegal. Still largely untouched by tourism, although now slowly growing in popularity, it is particularly lush and green along its coastline where its beaches are among the most beautiful found anywhere in West Africa.
Cap Skirring
Situated in a beautiful and unspoilt region benefiting from cooling sea breezes, Cap Skirring has a stunning coastline of white sand beaches interrupted by occasional rocky outcrops, all backed by a smattering of villages, palm forests and rice fields.
You’ll also find a 9-hole golf course here, meandering creeks to explore by canoe, and mountain bikes available for hire to venture inland or quad bikes to ride along the beach.
Kafountine
Kafountine is a traditional fishing village located on the Atlantic coast of the Casamance area of Senegal, halfway between the Gambian border and Ziguinchor, the region's capital. The village of approximately 5,000 inhabitants has traditionally lived on fisheries and rice farming, but tourism is developing thanks to the fantastic beaches.
Kafountine is also the starting point for excursions by canoe to the Karon Islands, through a thick mangrove forming an inextricable labyrinth. The area is also renowned for birdwatching and fishing opportunities.
