Some countries are worth exploring at your own pace, making as many stops as you need. For example, a driving tour of Senegal is a great way to immerse yourself in a place full of contrasts with an impressive cultural richness.
Situated on the west coast of Africa, it stands out for its hospitality, its landscapes and a history that will surprise you. Get a feel for life in Dakar, the capital city, the fishing villages along the coast and the national parks.
The climate here is mainly warm, with a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October. If you are planning a driving tour of Senegal, it is best to do so in the dry season, when temperatures are more pleasant.
Dakar, the starting point of your driving tour of Senegal
The capital is the best start and end point for a driving tour of Senegal. Dakar exhibits a certain level of organised chaos, it is full of life and the sounds of the city mix with the rhythms of mbalax, the traditional Senegalese music. A good starting point is Independence Square, surrounded by colonial buildings and street markets.
From there, we recommend taking the ferry or boat to Gorée Island, about 20 minutes from Dakar. It is a small island with colourful houses, narrow streets and one of the best places to learn about the African slave trade. The Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) is an essential stop on this route. And back in Dakar, you also have to see the African Renaissance Monument (it's not exactly hard to find).
To round off the day, you can stroll through the Soumbedioune market, where fishermen bring the catch of the day and artisans sell handmade products.
Saint-Louis, history and colonial charm
From Dakar, the driving tour of Senegal continues north, specifically to Saint-Louis, the first French colonial city in Africa. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Louis retains its nostalgic air with cobblestone streets and houses with wrought iron balconies. The best way to explore it, like almost any other city, is to lose yourself in the streets of the historic centre. In addition, take in:
- The Faidherbe Bridge, which connects the island of Saint-Louis to the mainland and is considered a masterpiece of colonial engineering. There, hit the streets, visit the cathedral and enjoy the local gastronomy in one of the restaurants.
- If you are a nature lover, a short distance away is the Lengua de Barbarie National Park, a paradise of mangroves and beaches inhabited by flamingos, pelicans and other migratory birds.
Niokolo-Koba National Park to go on safari
Nature lovers or those travelling with children simply have to immerse themselves in the wild nature of Senegal. Drive southeast to Niokolo-Koba National Park, the largest wildlife refuge in the north of the country and one of the biggest parks in West Africa.
It is the perfect place to go on safari and see hippos, antelopes and maybe a leopard or lion or two, if you’re lucky. The park has signposted routes where you can travel by car, but it is best to have a local guide to enjoy the experience much more.
Casamance, a hidden gem
Casamance, in the south of the country, offers quite a contrast to the rest of the country and is a good stop on a driving tour of Senegal. You will find rice fields, meandering rivers and tropical forests. Arriving by car from Niokolo-Koba involves going through Gambia, so keep this in mind when crossing the border.
At the heart of Casamance is Ziguinchor, a quiet town with markets full of exotic fruits and a leisurely lifestyle. From here, we recommend heading to the Diola villages, home to an ethnic group with unique traditions and architecture based on mud houses with thatched roofs.
From here, to finish off the driving tour of Senegal, it is time to return to Dakar. From Casamance, you can make the journey by road or on the ferry that connects Ziguinchor with the capital.
It's the best way to explore every corner of the country at your own pace, and all you have to do is rent a car in Dakar with OK Mobility. Here begins a journey of contrasts that should be experienced at least once in your life, because it will change you forever.
post
