We Love —
- Discover the splendours of Senegal via private tour on an authentic trip to a country known for its warm hospitality and captivating beauty.
- Visit four incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Gorée, Saint-Louis, Djoudj Park and the Saloum Islands Park.
- Stay in a selection of charming lodges and hotels hand-picked for your comfort throughout your stay!
- Take advantage of a range of included visits and activities, including a Saharan camel ride and local entertainment in Lompoul, and a spectacular shellfish lunch on the shores of the Pink Lake.
- Extend your stay with a stop in Saly at the Hotel Royam 4* where you can enjoy a beautiful palm-lined beach and quality facilities.
Choose your ideal holiday —
Go on an amazing 7-night tour through Senegal and choose to extend your stay with a stop in Saly at the Hotel Royam 4*. Please scroll down to find more information about this tropical retreat by a coconut palm-lined beach.
Our Offers:
Offer 1: 7-night tour through Senegal
Offer 2:
10-nights: 7-night tour & 3-night stay at the Hotel Royam 4*
11-nights: 7-night tour & 4-night stay at the Hotel Royam 4*
12-nights: 7-night tour & 5-night stay at the Hotel Royam 4*
Your Itinerary In Brief —
During your West African adventure, discover Senegal in all its authenticity while staying in charming lodges and hotels throughout your private tour. Marvel at a country rich in culture and witness mesmerising landscapes on a 7-night tour.
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Senegal - Saly
Day 2: Dakar - Gorée
Day 3: Dakar - Lac Rose - Lompoul
Day 4: Lompoul - Senegal River - Saint Louis
Day 5: Djoudj National Park - Saint Louis
Day 6: Thiès - Bandia Reserve - Dionewar
Day 7: Park
This trip takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the country. In some regions, only standard and authentic accommodation is offered. In order to meet your needs, we have rigorously selected for you the best locations according to local standards.
So if you are a lover of atypical destinations, wide open spaces and cultural discoveries, this trip is made for you!
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1 & 2: Dakar
Day 1: Arrival in Senegal - Dakar (55km/1h)
You will receive a warm welcome at the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) 55km from Dakar and meet your transfer to the hotel, located in the city centre. Settle into your Superior Room before heading out to find a spot for dinner at your leisure (not included). Overnight at the colonial charm Le Djoloff.
Day 2: Dakar - Gorée (40km/ 2 hours + 1 hour by boat to and from)
Enjoy a city tour with commentary in the morning and fall in love with an effervescent city at the convergence of the rooted tradition and creative modernity. Discover its numerous markets and visit places of cultural interest. You may choose from a selection of locations and experiences around the city for the remainder of your cultural immersion, such as; the House of President Senghor; the house of celebrated Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow; Museum of Black Civilizations; or an experience meeting the avant-garde designers and inspired craftsmen who make the heart of West Africa beat.
Following a thrilling morning, meet at the port to embark by boat to the island of Gorée and witness a superb panorama of this volcanic island as you approach. Pause for lunch in a typical restaurant on the island, where you will taste the unique menu offered by the kitchen!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has preserved the disturbing contrast between the colonial houses and the slave quarters of the island. Your passionate curator will guide you through the history and significance of the island. Marvel at the panoramic view of the bay of Dakar before your return to the boat. Back at Dakar, your tour continues as you climb the 200 steps to reach the base of the 52-metre copper statue of the African Renaissance Monument.
Sip a cocktail at sunset at the Phare des Mamelle, offering a 360° view of the peninsula.
Dinner is not included this evening, but it is recommended to head to Ngor restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of the Pointe des Almadies, the easternmost point of the African continent.
Overnight at Le Djoloff.
Days 3-8: Dakar - Rose Lake - Lompoul
Day 3: Dakar - Pink Lake - Lompoul (160km / 3 hours + 30 minutes by canoe)
Today you will visit Lake Retba (the real name of the Pink Lake), known for its exceptional characteristics of taking a pink colour and having a salinity higher than the Dead Sea. Cross the lake in a "salt canoe" to discover the salt collectors. Walk along a freshwater lagoon frequented by native birds to reach a deserted beach that extends to Saint-Louis.
Possible Optional Activities (to be arranged directly with your tour provider):
- Horseback riding
- Quad biking
Pause for a lunch with exotic flavours in a bamboo restaurant built on a promontory of shells, offering a panoramic view of the lake. Next, you will cross the "Dakar" dunes in a 4x4 truck to reach the glorious stretches of the Grande Côte beaches before heading to the largest artisanal fishing centre, Kayar. The village guide will provide commentary as you watch the arrival of the fishermen. Depending on the tides, you will continue by the beach or the dunes to arrive at the Desert Camp in Lompoul as the sun sets.
Settle into your Saharan accommodation, an oasis amidst the dunes in Khaïmas (traditional 50m2 tents), equipped with a double bed and 2 small beds, and an individual bathroom. Relax with a cocktail, sample delicious Senegalese couscous and taste three Senegalese teas around a campfire to the rhythm of the djembes. Overnight at the Desert Camp.
Day 4: Lompoul - Senegal River - Saint-Louis (100 km/1h30)
Early morning, begin your day with an unforgettable camel ride to the great ochre sand dunes. Witness a panorama of where the desert meets the coast. Stop for refreshment at the camp before hopping back into your driven 4x4 and traversing typical Sahelian landscapes. A fish barbecue is offered to you on a beach overlooking the lagoon. Relax and swim in this unique setting and observe many birds.
Cross the Gandiolais to arrive at the famous Faidherbe bridge in Saint-Louis, the former colonial capital, classified as a world heritage site by Unesco. Check-in to the charming Hotel Le Siki, where you will have time to settle into your room. Tonight, dinner gives you a chance to discover authentic Saint-Louisian cuisine before your first night in the heart of the historic island. Overnight at Hotel Le Siki.
Day 5: Djoudj National Park - Saint Louis (200 km/5h)
Early departure for the Djoudj National Park, the world's third-largest bird reserve. Explore this exceptional sanctuary by traditional pirogue (small boat). Please note: from May to October, drive to Gandiol for an excursion to the Langue de Barbarie National Park.
Return to Saint-Louis for a lunch in a restaurant on the Senegal River before you hop on a tour of the island by horse-drawn carriage with your Saint-Louisian guide. End your discovery with an encounter with "Monsieur Vélo", Meïssa Faal, a genius sculptor who gives new life to recycled metal, notably from old bicycle parts.
You will continue with a guided tour in Saint-Louis with a choice between:
- Museum of Photography and Museum of Aéropostale visits
- Showroom of fashion designer Rama Diaw and a traditional weaving workshop
- Maam Tiouth Gallery (promoting local ceramics, beads, paintings, sculptures, jewellery and textiles) & Ethiopic Galleries exhibiting original works linked to Senegalese culture
Stop for refreshments at the Hôtel de la Poste, a place steeped in the history of the Aéropostale. Stroll through the streets for some souvenirs in boutique shops, discover colourful and fragrant Sor market (open on certain days), and an Old New Orleans style train station. As dinner is not included this evening, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the many restaurants in the heart of the island. Your guide will give you all the information you need to make the best choice. Overnight in Hotel Le Siki.
Day 6: Thies - Bandia Reserve - Dionewar (320km/5h)
Departure for Thiès by road and stop at the basketry market at the entrance to the city. Explore the shaded streets and old colonial buildings of the city before descending to the Thies plateau to reach the Bandia animal reserve and enjoy a superb panorama of the Sindia baobab forest.
Your Safari begins as you set out in an open-top truck and in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Look out for gazelles, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs, and monkeys... and if you are lucky perhaps you may catch a glimpse of a rhinoceros, giraffes, or zebras! Lunch at the crocodile pond in the reserve before continuing towards the Saloum delta by a beautiful track through a forest of palm trees and baobabs.
You will reach Djiffer, the gateway to the Saloum Delta Natural Park, board a boat to reach the island of Dionewar where you will be welcomed at Lodge Keur Papaye, a true haven of peace, facing the ocean, where you will stay in a Sea View Bungalow.
Day 7: Saloum Islands National Park (70km/1 hour 30 minutes round trip; 2 hour pirogue boat)
Board a traditional pirogue boat for an exceptional day in the Saloum Islands National Park, classified as a World Biosphere Reserve.
In a maze of creeks lined with mangroves, you will meet oyster pickers, cockle collectors, and perhaps a fishermen's pirogue. Observe many birds living amidst the mangroves, fiddler crabs emerging from their mudholes, and jackals scampering away on the rare strips of land.
Sail to the new lagoon-like islets. You will settle on a beach and your guide will prepare a succulent seafood grill. Take a swim at this unique site, sheltered from the ocean currents, or simply enjoy the remote location of this deserted beach.
In the middle of the afternoon, head back to your lodge for the second evening in the heart of the "Ocean Forest".
Day 8: Palmarin - Joal Fadiout - Popenguine
After breakfast at the Lodge, return to the mainland. There is the possibility of a very pleasant one-hour walk in the community nature reserve of Palmarin with a local eco-guide. Discover the Palmarin salt flats, a lunar landscape alternating between water holes and salt heaps. Next stop is Joal-Fadiouth, two twin towns linked by a bridge (Fadiouth is an island), at the gateway to the Saloum delta. Embark on small single-trunk pirogues along the mangrove trees to visit the shellfish island of Fadiouth.
In the middle of the afternoon, you will reach the village of Popenguine on the Petite Côte. You will be offered some final refreshments watching the sunset over the ocean, at the Echo-Côtier, a wonderful Senegalese restaurant. It is in this original place that your trip ends before your transfer to the airport, 2.5 hours before your flight. You will be assisted with the last formalities before you fly home.
Your Hotels —
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
During your trip, you will stay in charming hotels, in Standard Rooms.
Your hotels during the round trip:
- Dakar: Le Djoloff or similar
- Lompoul: Desert Camp or similar
- Saint-Louis: Charming Hotel Le Siki or similar
- Sine Saloum: Keur Papaye
Optionally and for an additional charge, you have the possibility to stay in accommodation of a higher category:
- Dakar: Hotel Boma or similar (in a Standard Bungalow)
- Saint-Louis: Residence or similar (in a Mini Suite)
- Palmarin: Collines de Niassam (Case Baobab)
Le Djoloff:
Beautifully located on the western corniche, 5 minutes from the centre of Dakar and in the immediate vicinity of the small fishing port of Soumbédioune, the Djoloff is a hotel with refined charm. The Saint Louisian architecture as well as the use of local materials make the charm and the singularity of this hotel unique in Dakar.
The Desert Camp:
The Desert Camp, a real nomadic bivouac, is located in the Lompoul desert, halfway between Dakar and Saint-Louis. With a 4x4 vehicle through the dunes or the beach or with any other vehicle by the road to Saint-Louis or the new road to Niayes, you will reach the only desert in Senegal. The khaimas, traditional Moorish tents, are located in an oasis in the heart of the dunes. The Desert Camp consists of 33 charming tents for accommodation, a khaima restaurant and a bar - terrace.
The Siki:
The Siki Hotel is an old colonial house completely restored while keeping its essence. The hotel has 21 finely decorated rooms to make your stay an experience and a good memory of your trip to Saint-Louis. You can enjoy the common areas inside the hotel, the terrace-lounge with a view of the Senegal River and the Faidherbe Bridge and the large inner courtyard.
Keur Papaye:
In the heart of the Sine Saloum National Park, a Unesco heritage site since 1981 for the diversity of its ecosystems, the Keur Papaye Lodge is a true haven of peace nestled on a heavenly island between the sea and the lagoon. Keur Papaye, on the edge of the Bolongs, offers a unique and authentic experience where the discovery of the population and nature are combined with quality services.
The BOMA LifeStyle
A hotel with character and bold architecture, which offers a unique and atypical offer in Dakar: private bungalows, nestled in a vast garden in the heart of the Ngor-Almadies district. In this urban oasis, BOMA invites you to a modern way of life, where gastronomy, festivities and well being complement each other, in the pure spirit of Teranga. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, refrigerator, kettle and desk. Each room at the hotel has a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Hotel la Résidence
Hotel with colonial charm from the 1950s; large white facades, rooms arranged around patios, panoramic terrace. The original decoration was designed by the owners (former mestizo families) and made by local craftsmen (wood, rattan, leather, weavings, terracotta, wrought iron and mosaics...). The hotel was completely renovated in 2015.
Optionally and for an additional charge, you have the possibility to stay in accommodation of a higher category: Dakar: Hotel Boma or similar (in a Standard Bungalow) Saint-Louis: Residence or similar (in a Mini Suite) Palmarin: Collines de Niassam (Case Baobab)
Your Dining Choices
For your stay in Senegal, you will enjoy some meals included according to your itinerary. From breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6, all meals are included (excluding drinks) with the exception of two dinners. A trip such as this one also involves meeting a particular culture and all its customs. Awaken your taste buds to Senegalese dishes such as Thiéboudienne, meat and rice with vegetables, Yassa, marinated chicken or fish cooked with spices or Ngallax, a mixture of peanut paste, monkey bread and millet.
Hotel Royam 4* —
Located in a lush, tropical garden on the coast of Saly, Senegal stands the Royam Hotel 4*. Enjoy a truly relaxing stay by a coconut palm-lined beach and stay in a thatch-roofed bungalow scattered throughout tropical gardens. Lounge by the swimming pool while enjoying a cocktail from the bar and soaking up the Senegalese sun followed by a relaxing spa treatment.
Take in gorgeous sea views while dining at Le Calao restaurant which serves a range of international and Senegalese cuisine. After a day of exploring, enjoy a live concert on the terrace under the African stars.
Your Room —
This offer is based on a stay in a Standard Room.
Standard Room (20 m²)
The Standard Room gives you lovely views of the garden along with modern amenities, a double bed, free Wi-Fi and a private terrace. Enjoy your time in this calming space with simple decor and earthy tones.
Superior Room
Upgrade to a charming Superior Room, perfect for 2 adults and 1 child, at a size of 20 square metres. The room is decorated in soothing earthy tones and comes complete with air-conditioning, safe, mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi and a private terrace.
Deluxe Room
Take in the dazzling views of the sea when you upgrade to a Deluxe Room. At 20 square metres, this room is the perfect size for two adults and comes with a private terrace, free Wi-Fi and more. Enjoy the sleek decor and modern furnishings.
Your Dining Choices
This offer is based on a Half Board stay (breakfast and evening meal served in the main restaurant - excludes drinks).
Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included in your board basis and may incur a surcharge payable locally. Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only.
Enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast daily. Le Calao restaurant serves food throughout the day, and you can enjoy lunch of either Senegalese or International cuisine and either a buffet-style or à la carte dinner in a gorgeous indoor, outdoor setting with a view of the pool.
Optional Full Board Upgrade
For an even more indulging stay, upgrade to Full Board Basis (breakfast, lunch and evening meal served in the main restaurant - excludes drinks) at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee.
Your Time
There is plenty to do at Royam Hotel 4* to suit every desire and whim. Have a dip in the swimming pool or lounge around on one of the deckchairs, cocktail in hand.
Fully relax with a massage or beauty treatment at the Wellness Centre after a day spent on the beach.
Your Journey to Senegal —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers:
It may be possible to add return airport transfers at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee (flight inclusive offers only - subject to availability). For inbound transfer arrangements, please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.
Your Destinations —
Dakar
The capital city of Senegal is a bustling metropolis boasting many incredible landmarks and is World Heritage City. The busy streets weave between high rise buildings, lively markets and beachfront restaurants. A coalesces of a serene beachfront and an exciting, chaotic city, Dakar is a unique experience.
Be sure to visit the Medina Quarter which is home to the popular Soumbédioune street market, and explore The Twin Hills for sweeping views of the city. Dakar is flanked by two small islands, Île de N'Gor and Île de Gorée, which offer a welcome reprieve from the hectic city. From the city's nightlife to its rich and layered history, Dakar is a destination like no other.
Your Destination
The country known for its "terranga", the famous Senegalese hospitality, offers you a welcoming and colourful stay. For a unique change of scenery, explore its wonderful landscapes such as the Saloum Delta, the Kingdom of the Mangroves or Casamance, a region considered by many to be the most beautiful in West Africa.
Unwind on Saly’s pristine white-sandy beaches and recharge your batteries as you feel the ocean’s warm breeze. Head to Port M’Bour to watch the arrival of fishermen or visit the radiant Pink Lake for an exciting day-trip adventure. Adventure-lovers will get their fix with quad bikes, motorcycle rides and the multiple water sports available.
Are you ready for your next sunshine-filled holiday in a paradisiac setting?
