3-Week Senegal Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Senegal tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSenegal travel expert at TourRadar

• 17 Day Senegal & Gambia Itinerary, incl. Dakar and Banjul

  

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  • 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.

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• 17 Days in Senegal & Gambia, incl. Dakar and Banjul

  

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  • 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.

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• 15 Day Senegal Itinerary, incl. Dakar and Saint Louis

  Eight distinct regions unfold across fifteen enriching days, featuring multiple nights in key locations. Rich cultural immersion awaits with three nights in Kedougou's tribal communities. The route includes two-night stays in Dakar and Saloum Delta, complemented by distinctive desert camps and historic hotels.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Dakar

    Start your journey in Senegal's bustling capital. Use the first day to rest and get your bearings with a relaxed evening walk. On day two, discover the city's mix of old and new. Visit the Museum of African Civilization first thing in the morning at 9:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Later, take a short ferry ride to Gorée Island when it's quieter. A recent visitor shared: "The Door of No Return was a sobering experience. Visit in late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos and the day-trippers have left."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Pink Lake and Lompoul Desert

    Get to Lake Retba (Pink Lake) early to see the brightest pink colors before 10 AM. Watch local salt collectors at work, then head to Lompoul Desert. The drive to your desert camp is rough, so secure your belongings well. Pack warm clothes for cold desert nights. You can enjoy traditional Jembe drum sessions by the campfire and take camel rides at sunrise.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Saint Louis

    It takes about 2 hours to reach Saint Louis, Africa's first French settlement. Take a calèche ride through streets full of old wooden balconies. Want a great photo? Catch the Faidherbe Bridge at sunset. Book a hotel in the old quarter to be close to everything.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Touba and The Gambia

    Start with the Grand Mosque of Touba but remember modest dress is required. The trip to The Gambia goes through Kaolack. Expect to spend 1-2 hours at the border crossing. Visit Banjul's Albert Market in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Kedougou Region

    The 7-8 hour drive east takes you to Senegal's most traditional area. Stay in Kedougou to visit Bedik and Bassari villages. One traveler noted: "The trek to Iwol village is steep—wear proper hiking shoes and start early before the heat. The cultural experience is worth every step."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Saloum Delta

    This area is perfect for spotting birds among the mangroves. Book morning boat trips when birds are most active. Stay in Ndangane or Simal for the best location. You can visit fishing villages and try catching fish with locals.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Petite Côte

    Finish your trip in Saly or Mbour. See Joal-Fadiouth's shell island in the morning before it gets too hot. Book a late afternoon flight from Dakar to avoid morning traffic.

    

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