Senegal is one of West Africa's warmest destinations — a coastal country of 196,700 km² for 18 million inhabitants, 6-h direct flight from Paris. 95% Muslim society, Creole and welcoming, defined by « teranga » (Wolof word meaning hospitality). Capital Dakar (3.5 million inhabitants) on the Cape Verde Peninsula, Africa's westernmost point. 20-min ferry away, Gorée Island (UNESCO 1978) and its House of Slaves — one of the world's most moving memorial sites. To the north, Saint-Louis (UNESCO 2000), former French capital of West Africa. Southeast, the Sine-Saloum Delta (UNESCO reserve, mangroves, birds). Also: Pink Lake, Petite Côte (Saly), and authentic Casamance. Renowned cuisine (thieboudienne, yassa). 7-10 days for a complete immersion.
Duration : 10 days
Route : Dakar (3 nights, Gorée Island, Pink Lake) → 4×4 Saint-Louis (2 nights, UNESCO colonial city) → 4×4 return to Sine-Saloum (3 nights, mangroves, pirogue) → Saly Petite Côte (1 night) → Dakar (1 night)
Duration : 12 days
Route : Dakar (2) → Saint-Louis (2) → Sine-Saloum (2) → Cap Skirring Casamance flight (4, beaches and Diola villages) → return Dakar flight (2)
Duration : 10 days
Route : Pullman Dakar Teranga (3 nights) → Sofitel Saint-Louis Diawling (2 nights) → Le Pelican Saloum (3 nights Sine-Saloum) → return Dakar (2 nights)
November-May is the best period (dry season, ideal 22-30 °C climate, pleasant trade winds, permanent blue sky). Avoid June-October (rainy season, less pleasant, but short — 2-3 months — and allows seeing verdant landscapes). December-February: tourist peak, high prices (Europeans flee winter).
Generally safe (vigilance Dakar pickpockets, not recommended border Casamance south with Gambia/Guinea-Bissau for MFDC rebel zones). No visa for French citizens < 90 days. Cards accepted in hotels and big cities, cash (XOF) elsewhere. Avoid tap water (bottled water). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country. Antimalarial recommended. French omnipresent (official language, colonial heritage). Tipping: 10% appreciated in restaurants, €5-€10 for guides and drivers.
November-May (dry season). Avoid June-October (monsoon).
10 days for Dakar + Saint-Louis + Sine-Saloum. 12 days to add Casamance.
€2,200-€3,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,800-€5,200. Flights: €400-€700.
No for French citizens < 90 days.
Yes, from age 8. Senegal very welcoming for families, Saly beaches ideal for children.
Private car with driver (French heritage, right-hand drive). Air Sénégal domestic flight for Casamance.
Essential. Universal memorial site of slave trade. Strong emotion but essential to understand history.
Tourist region of Cap Skirring and Ziguinchor remains safe. Avoid southern border with Guinea-Bissau (MFDC rebel movement).
Yes: Senegal + Cape Verde (1-h flight from Dakar), Senegal + Morocco, Senegal + Mauritania.
10% appreciated in restaurants. Appreciated for guides and drivers (€5-€10/day).