3-Week Senegal Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Senegal tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSenegal travel expert at TourRadar
- Days 1-2
Dakar & Gorée Island
Start your journey in Dakar, Senegal's capital. Visit Independence Square and the presidential palace early to beat the crowds. The Museum of African Civilization opens at 9:30 AM - going right at opening helps you avoid tour groups. Take the afternoon ferry to Gorée Island when it's cooler. Visit the House of Slaves near closing time to avoid the midday rush.
- Days 3-4
Pink Lake & Desert Experience
Visit Lake Retba (Pink Lake) in the morning to watch salt collectors at work. The lake's pink color is most vibrant between 10 AM and noon. Next, head to Lompoul Desert for a night in traditional lodges. Bring a headlamp since desert paths are dark at night. Take a morning camel ride for the best desert photos before the sun gets too strong.
- Days 5-6
Saint Louis & Holy City
See Saint Louis by horse-drawn cart - it's the best way to navigate the narrow streets. Visit Djoudj Bird Sanctuary first thing for the best birdwatching. In Touba's Grand Mosque, women need long skirts and head coverings. Get a local guide to understand the mosque's rich history.
- Days 7-9
National Parks & Waterfalls
Take morning game drives at Niokolo Koba National Park between 6-10 AM for wildlife spotting. The Dindefello Falls hike needs good shoes and lots of water. Be careful at the waterfall pool, especially after rain.
- Days 10-12
Into The Gambia
Cross the border into The Gambia (allow 1-2 hours). Visit Wassu Stone Circles in late afternoon when it's quiet. Book the Fathala Reserve lion walk early as spots fill up fast. Check Banjul Arch 22's opening times before visiting.
- Days 13-14
Gambian Culture
Take the Makasutu Forest boat trip early when animals are active. Keep small bills ready for palm wine sellers. Visit Tanji fishing village at 3-4 PM to see boats returning with fresh catch.
- Days 15-17
Return to Senegal
Go back to Senegal via Fadiouth's shell island. Wear good shoes - the shells get slippery. Spend your final days at Bandia Reserve and Saly beach. Book flights after 2 PM to avoid morning traffic in Dakar.
- Days 1-2
Dakar & Gorée Island
Begin your journey in Dakar, Senegal's capital. Visit the presidential palace area and Independence Square then take the 20-minute ferry to Gorée Island. Get to the House of Slaves by 8 AM to beat the crowds. You'll need water and sun protection since the island offers minimal shade. Plan about 2 hours to explore the African Civilizations Museum.
- Days 3-4
Pink Lake & Saint-Louis
Visit Lake Retba (Pink Lake) in the morning to see salt harvesters at work. The pink color looks best between 10 AM and noon. Spend the night at a desert camp in Lompoul. The next day, take a horse-drawn carriage through Saint-Louis's colonial quarter. Visit Djoudj Bird Sanctuary before 9 AM to see active flamingos.
- Days 5-7
Touba & Niokolo Koba
Stop at the Grand Mosque of Touba. Women need long skirts and head coverings available at the entrance. Travel to Tambacounda and Niokolo Koba National Park. Take dawn game drives to spot warthogs, monkeys and possibly lions. Plan river boat trips between November and February for the best wildlife viewing.
- Days 8-9
Kedougou & Dindefello
Visit Bedik villages in the cooler morning hours. The Dindefello waterfall hike takes about 45 minutes each way on slippery terrain. Bring proper hiking shoes. You can swim at the waterfall base. For Saloum Delta visits, plan around high tide for better boat access.
- Days 10-12
The Gambia Introduction
Enter The Gambia to see the Wassu stone circles. Wear good shoes for the uneven ground. Book the Fathala Reserve lion walk ahead of time. Visit Arch 22 in Banjul early before it gets hot. Plan about 45 minutes each way for the Kunta Kinteh Island boat trip.
- Days 13-14
Gambian Nature & Culture
Start early at Makasutu Cultural Forest for active wildlife and cooler weather. Visit Bijilo Forest Park mid-morning for monkey feeding. Head to Tanji fishing village around 3-4 PM when boats return with fresh catch.
- Days 15-17
Return to Senegal
Check tide times to visit Joal-Fadiouth's shell island. Take morning game drives at Bandia Reserve. Book your Dakar departure flight for late afternoon to avoid traffic.
17 Days in West Africa, incl. Senegal and The Gambia
A grand 17-day route winds through Senegal's diverse landscapes from north to south. Three nights in historic Saint-Louis anchor the journey, followed by stays in Toubacouta's Sine Saloum region and the vibrant Casamance area, before a domestic flight returns to Dakar's coastline.
- Days 1-2
Dakar & Gorée Island
Start your journey in Dakar, the bustling capital of Senegal. Take the ferry to Gorée Island on day 2 starting at 7:30 AM. Visit the House of Slaves UNESCO site before 10 AM to avoid crowds. The island's colonial streets have uneven cobblestones so good walking shoes are essential.
- Days 3-4
Desert and Colonial History
Visit Lac Rose (Pink Lake) in the morning to see the best colors. Drive to Lompoul Desert for an overnight stay. The next day takes you on a 3-hour drive north to Saint-Louis, a historic colonial city on an island. Plan extra time for the wooden bridge crossing which often gets busy.
- Days 5-6
Djoudj Bird Sanctuary & Touba
Start early at Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary when bird activity peaks. Bring binoculars and cover up well as mosquitoes are common near the water. The next day visit Touba's Great Mosque before heading to Toubacouta. Women should dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.
- Days 7-8
Sine Saloum Delta & The Gambia
Take a pirogue boat through Sine Saloum Delta's channels during high tide. Cross into The Gambia through Juffureh where you can explore slave trade historic sites on your way to Banjul. The border crossing typically takes 1-2 hours so bring water.
- Days 9-11
Gambian Culture & Casamance Region
Visit Makasutu Forest and browse traditional craft markets in Brikama. Travel south to the Casamance region via Koubalan. The journey normally takes 4 hours but expect longer during rainy season on rough roads.
- Days 12-14
Rural Casamance & Coast
Stay in Ziguinchor to explore Affiniam's bird islands. Visit Cap Skirring's beaches and traditional Diola villages. Weather and road conditions are best from December to February.
- Days 15-17
Return North
Fly from Ziguinchor to Dakar in the morning to avoid common afternoon delays. Spend your final day relaxing at beach resorts in Saly or Somone just 1.5 hours from Dakar airport.
