3-Week Senegal Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Senegal itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSenegal travel expert at TourRadar
- Days 1-2
Dakar & Gorée Island
Start exploring Dakar, Senegal's buzzing capital. Visit the Museum of African Civilization first thing to beat the crowds. Take the 20-minute ferry to Gorée Island in the morning when the lighting is perfect for photos of the colonial buildings. Visit the House of Slaves early since it gets packed by midday.
- Day 3
Pink Lake & Lompoul Desert
Visit Lake Retba (Pink Lake) in the morning to see salt harvesters at work. Bring water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp salt bed. The drive to Lompoul Desert takes 2 hours on rough roads. Consider motion sickness pills if needed. Your desert camp stay includes traditional drumming and dancing by the campfire.
- Days 4-5
Saint Louis & Touba
Tour the UNESCO city of Saint Louis by horse-drawn carriage. Visit Djoudj Bird Sanctuary at sunrise to spot thousands of flamingos. Remember that women need long skirts and head coverings to enter Touba's Grand Mosque.
- Days 6-8
Niokolo Koba & Kedougou
The drive to Niokolo Koba National Park takes 6 hours through small villages. Get up early for game drives and wear neutral colors. Pack binoculars. The walk to Dindefello Falls is challenging but worth it. Wear good hiking shoes since the trail gets slippery.
- Days 9-10
Toubacouta & Wassu Stones
Take a boat through the Saloum Delta to spot birds and mangroves. Visit the Wassu Stone Circles early before it gets too hot. You'll need sun protection since there isn't much shade.
- Days 11-14
The Gambia
Cross into The Gambia for wildlife viewing. Wear closed shoes for the lion walk at Fathala Reserve. Take a relaxing boat ride through Makasutu Cultural Forest. A recent visitor shared: "The palm wine tasting and traditional lunch at Makasutu gave us real insight into local culture."
- Days 15-17
Return to Senegal
Walk the wooden bridge to Fadiouth's shell-island. Watch your step on the slippery shells. Finish with a game drive in Bandia Reserve near Dakar to see rhinos and giraffes. Book evening flights from Dakar to avoid morning traffic.
- 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.
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.
