Senegal: colour, history and nature

Dakar, Gorée, Lake Retba, Casamance and Saint-Louis reveal very different sides of Senegal. A journey here can bring together cities, memory, landscapes and local culture.

What to discover

Dakar is a lively starting point, with markets, music and its own cultural scene. Just offshore, Gorée Island invites visitors to learn about and reflect on the history of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved people.

Lake Retba, also known as the Pink Lake, is associated with salt harvesting. Its colour varies with natural conditions; following the 2022 floods, the water did not always resemble the vivid images often shared online.

Saint-Louis tells another part of the country’s history through its streets and architecture. Further south, Casamance offers green landscapes and a different pace, but the route requires careful planning and up-to-date security advice.

For a nature experience, Fathala Wildlife Reserve offers guided drives. Available activities and sightings depend on the programme and conditions at the time.

When to go

The dry season generally runs from November to May. Many travellers prefer the milder months between November and April, although weather varies by region.

Health and preparation

Book a travel health consultation well before departure. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most travellers of eligible age; whether a certificate is required for entry depends on your point of origin and some transit routes. Other routine and travel vaccinations should be discussed individually.

There is a risk of malaria in Senegal. A health professional can advise on avoiding mosquito bites and appropriate preventive medication. Recheck entry rules and official travel advice close to departure.

Ready to discover Senegal? Tell me your dates, who will travel and the kind of trip you imagine.

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