Custom travel to Senegal

Senegal is one of West Africa's warmest destinations — coastal country of 196,700 km² (one-third of France) for 18 million inhabitants, 6-h direct flight from Paris. Independent 1960 (former French colony 1659-1960). 95% Sunni Muslim society (with powerful Sufi brotherhoods — Mourides Touba, Tijanes), Creole and welcoming. Iconic concept: 'teranga' (Wolof word meaning 'hospitality' — guest is sacred, you share everything you have, you welcome with open arms). Capital Dakar (3.5 million inhabitants, on Cape Verde Peninsula — westernmost point of mainland Africa, one of West Africa's largest ports, cosmopolitan city with Plateau, Ngor, Almadies districts). Gorée Island (UNESCO 1978, 20-min ferry from Dakar, former slave trade island from 15th to 19th century, House of Slaves turned museum memorial — one of the world's most important memorial sites after Holocaust memorials). Saint-Louis (UNESCO 2000, former capital of French West Africa AOF 1895-1957, preserved colonial city, international jazz festival). Sine-Saloum Delta (UNESCO reserve, mangroves, birds, traditional fishing). Pink Lake (Lac Retba, extraordinarily pink salt lake due to algae, floating bathing). Langue de Barbarie National Park. Casamance (south, more authentic, Diola ethnicities, palm groves). Renowned Senegalese cuisine (thieboudienne national dish — fish rice, yassa lemon chicken). Cradle of African beach tourism (la Saly, Cap Skirring). 7-10 days to discover this welcoming and authentic country.

Highlights

  • Gorée Island (UNESCO, slavery memory)
  • UNESCO Saint-Louis (colonial capital)
  • Sine-Saloum (UNESCO delta, mangroves)
  • Pink Lake (unique pink salt lake)
  • Dakar: cosmopolitan capital
  • Teranga: Senegalese hospitality

Frequently asked questions

When?

November-May (dry season). Avoid June-October (monsoon).

How long?

10 days for Dakar + Saint-Louis + Sine-Saloum. 12 days to add Casamance.

Budget?

€2,200-€3,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,800-€5,200. Flights: €400-€700.

Visa?

No for French citizens < 90 days.

Family?

Yes, from age 8. Senegal very welcoming for families, Saly beaches ideal for children.

How to get around?

Private car with driver (French heritage, right-hand drive). Air Sénégal domestic flight for Casamance.

Gorée Island: mandatory visit?

Essential. Universal memorial site of slave trade. Strong emotion but essential to understand history.

Casamance: safety?

Tourist region of Cap Skirring and Ziguinchor remains safe. Avoid southern border with Guinea-Bissau (MFDC rebel movement).

Combine?

Yes: Senegal + Cape Verde (1-h flight from Dakar), Senegal + Morocco, Senegal + Mauritania.

Tips?

10% appreciated in restaurants. Appreciated for guides and drivers (€5-€10/day).