Senegal holidays

World-class waves and fresh Atlantic seafood are par for the course in Africa’s westernmost country. But holidays to Senegal have more to offer the intrepid traveller. In Dakar, ‘djembe’ drums provide a soundtrack to vibrant street life, while chimpanzees, elephants and big cats await on safari inland. Venture further still to find tribal communities isolated by mangroves and foothills.

Top destinations in Senegal

Dakar

With an impressive cultural lineup featuring contemporary African art, colourful festivals and storied heritage sites, Senegal’s capital should be on your radar.

Senegal: fast facts

Language

French

Currency

West African CFA franc (CFA)

Time zone

UTC+0 (GMT)

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Senegal holiday highlights

Senegal

Wildlife spotting

The UNESCO-listed Niokolo-Koba National Park is the final stronghold of West Africa’s endangered species. Roam its wetlands, bamboo forests and grassy savannas on the trail of leopards, lions and elephants. Birdwatchers should head for the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. Millions of migratory birds — including one of the world’s largest colonies of white pelicans — stop here on their arduous journey between Europe and Africa.

Colourful markets

From traditional sand art to miles of fabric, there are endless things to see in Senegal’s markets. Head to the HLM market for brilliant batik fabrics and custom-tailored clothing. From there, follow your nose to the fishing district of Soumbédioune, where fishermen return every afternoon with boats full of bounty. Be ready to barter, and always ask permission before photographing locals.

Tribal cultures

Fire eating, drumming and elaborate costumes are all on the cards at the Great Carnival of Dakar each November. Wrestling was traditionally associated with harvest festivals and preparing for war — catch a match while in the capital. Many of Senegal’s remote tribes welcome travellers. Request a visit with the village chief before you head to the Bédik village of Iwol in Bassari country.

Things to do in Senegal

Senegal

Top attractions

Spot buffalo, antelope and possibly a lion on a wildlife safari through Niokolo-Koba National Park. For more action, take a dune buggy tour around Lake Retba, known as ‘Lac Rose’ for its distinctive pink colour. Visiting the Island of Gorée? After exploring its museums, wander the island’s cobbled streets lined with colourful colonial-era buildings, art galleries and traditional craft vendors.

Beaches

A golden coastline spanning hundreds of miles makes Senegal a dreamy beach break. In Dakar, the Copacabana Surf Village has evolved into an international community bonded by world-class waves. The beach at Cap Skirring offers a taste of the tropics with its thick stands of palm trees — though prepare to jostle for space with a herd of sun-worshipping cows.

Nature

Swap the chaos of the city for the tranquillity of the Lompoul desert. Take an organised excursion to feast on traditional fare and dance to the drums around a roaring fire. At night, you’ll sleep beneath the stars with only the camels for company. Off the coast of Joal, Fadiouth is known as ‘Shell Island’ for its millions of mollusc shells that crunch underfoot.

Culture and museums

A quick ferry ride from Dakar brings you to the UNESCO-listed Island of Gorée, home to the most important museum in Senegal. The House of Slaves serves as a memorial to the countless Africans processed here as part of the transatlantic slave trade. On the mainland, the IFAN Museum of African Arts houses an impressive collection of ritual masks and artefacts from across West Africa.

Cuisine

Senegalese cuisine is influenced by the country’s many ethnic groups and time under French rule. Restaurants in Senegal showcase fresh Atlantic seafood, usually served with a heaping of rice or couscous. Don’t miss the national dish, ‘thieboudienne’, a one-pot wonder with a tomato-based sauce and vegetables. It’s customary to eat with your hands, so don’t be shy about having a go.

Family friendly

Prepare for thrilling zip lines and obstacle courses above a canopy of baobab trees at Sindia’s Accrobaobab Adventure park. Or make a beeline for Île de N'Gor’s northern coastline for a day of hanging ten at surf camp. Travelling with a wildlife lover? Take a ‘pirogue’ (traditional canoe) tour of UNESCO-listed Saloum Delta National Park to spot a variety of birdlife.

Find the best time to visit Senegal

Weather in Senegal

June – October: Senegal’s rainy season sees the heaviest downpours in August. Expect hot and humid weather, with temperatures regularly topping 35°C. Pack quick-dry clothing, waterproof shoes and don’t forget your insect repellent — the mosquitoes can be fierce. But it’s a great time to visit for fewer crowds and cheaper prices.

November – May: Sunny skies, low humidity and little to no rain make the dry season the best time to visit Senegal for outdoor activities like safari excursions and beach days. Average temperatures hover around 25°C, and coastal areas benefit from cooler breezes. Be aware that winds from the Sahara often affect visibility and air quality between November and mid-March, especially around Dakar.

Events in Senegal

Saint Louis Jazz Festival (May): Billed as Africa’s biggest jazz festival, this multi-day event celebrates jazz, African rhythms and global music. Past headliners include Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller.

Kaay Fecc (May to June): Held annually in Dakar, this dance festival spotlights traditional and contemporary choreography from Senegal and around the world.

Festival International du Film de Quartier (December): Head to Dakar for one of Senegal’s largest film festivals. You’ll find screenings by African filmmakers at venues across the city, including restaurants, museums and cultural centres.

Abéné Festival (December to January): Djembe and percussion players take centre stage during this festival held in Abéné. Alongside percussion music, expect nightly dance performances and Senegalese wrestling matches.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Greet people with a smile and a handshake and say ‘as-salamu alaykum’ (peace be upon you). Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, especially in rural areas, and avoid public displays of affection. If you’re eating with your hands in a traditional setting, use your right hand, as the left is considered unclean.

Health and safety

Many advisories recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and yellow fever before visiting Senegal. Malaria is also a risk. Protect yourself by taking antimalarial medication, applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers. Senegal is hot, especially during the dry season. Use high-SPF sun cream and drink plenty of bottled water to avoid dehydration.

Budget

A cheap holiday in Senegal is not hard to come by. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost an average of 3,000 West African CFA francs (CFA). Wash it down with a domestic beer for less than half of that. A short taxi ride will set you back around CFA2,000.

Getting around Senegal

Senegal

Public transportation

Buses: Buses are affordable, though their comfort and reliability can vary. ‘Car rapides’ and ‘Ndiaga Ndiaye’ minibuses cover regional routes, while government-operated ‘Dem Dikk’ buses offer more reliable intercity services. Shared taxis are also popular for longer journeys and can carry up to seven passengers between towns and cities.

Trains: Affordable, frequent and reliable Train Express Régional (TER) services connect Dakar to Diamniadio and the Blaise Diagne International Airport.

Boats: Overnight ferry services operate between Dakar and Ziguinchor in the Casamance region. There are also regular 30-minute ferry rides between Dakar and Gorée.

Domestic flights

Air Senegal and Transair are two of the main airlines operating domestic flights in Senegal. They connect Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport with regional cities like Ziguinchor, Cap Skirring, St Louis, Kédougou and Tambacounda. Though less frequent than international services, domestic flights are a convenient alternative to long overland journeys.

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Driving

With varying road and traffic conditions, driving in Senegal can be a challenge. While main roads are generally in decent shape, smaller roads are often poorly maintained and may become impassable in the rainy season. Driving at night can also be risky due to poor lighting.

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FAQs about Senegal holidays

Be sure to check with your local government for travel advisories in Senegal. Nevertheless, this is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, making it an ideal introduction to the continent. Be sure to always keep a safe distance from wildlife when on a safari.
Senegal is a moderately priced destination, though costs for luxury hotels and tourist attractions can add up. Save money by using public transport when possible and opting for budget eats at street food stalls and local restaurants.
You’ll use West African CFA francs (CFA) while in Senegal. Few businesses accept credit card payments here. While it’s always best to carry cash, currency exchange beyond euros and US dollars can be tricky. You’ll find ATMs in all major cities. Though not mandatory, tipping is much appreciated.
The official language of Senegal is French. But the country’s majority language is Wolof, with other languages including Pulaar, Serer, Diola and Mandinka also spoken. Consider hiring a guide to get the most out of your trip.
The best time to visit Senegal is during the dry season, which lasts from November until May. You’ll find that temperatures creep up from February onwards. If you can handle the heat, schedule your trip for May to catch Africa’s biggest jazz festival in St Louis.
First time in Senegal? Head to Dakar for its museums, markets and events. If a relaxing beach break is more to your liking, try Saly on the Petite Côte, known as Senegal’s answer to the French Riviera.