If you want to travel the Senegalese coastline at your own pace, don't miss this road trip from Dakar. You will pass through beaches, colour-changing lakes and old colonial cities along the way. A route teeming with history, landscapes that will surprise you and good music at every stop.
Where is Dakar and what does the region have to offer?
Dakar is located at the westernmost tip of Africa, on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. It’s the capital of Senegal and one of the most lively cities in the region, thanks to its strong African traditions, colonial architecture and its own energy.
Some of its main attractions are the local markets and the island of Gorée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Near Dakar, you can surf on beaches like Yoff or Ngor or simply watch the sun go down. If you head north, the roads will lead you to other points of interest such as Lac Rose or the Senegal River delta.
The most practical way to get around this region is by renting a car, as public transport options are limited and not very regular outside the capital itself. What’s more, you can stop wherever you feel like it, whether in fishing villages or local markets. To top it all off, the coastal road between Dakar and Saint-Louis is in good condition and overlooks the ocean. You can pick up your OK Mobility car at our Dakar airport branch.
Road trip from Dakar
This drive from Dakar will show you three different faces of Senegal. The first is the vitality and vibrancy felt in the capital; second, the natural beauty of landscapes like Lac Rose and, third, the historic atmosphere of Saint-Louis, the former capital of French West Africa. A little over 150 miles in total, the trip can be done in two or three days with stops to enjoy each place.
Lac Rose (Lake Retba)
About 20 miles northeast of Dakar is the famous Lac Rose. It gets its name from the pinkish tone of its waters, caused by a microalgae that produces reddish pigments. The colour varies according to the time of day and salt concentration, but the best times to see it are early in the morning or at sunset.
The lake is also abuzz with local life, as you can see the workers extracting salt using traditional techniques. If you fancy it, you can head out in a small canoe to appreciate the reflections of the water. Nearby there are sand dunes with access to the beach, where the legendary Paris-Dakar rally used to finish. If you want to revive this adventurous spirit, you can still go on some 4x4 or quad bike tours.
Lompoul and its desert
If you continue north on the N1 road, there is a must-stop along the way. Lompoul sits about 90 miles from Dakar. It’s a small desert, barely 18 km², but it is striking for its orange dunes, which contrast with the vegetation of the coast. If you like it here, you can spend the night in a tent and appreciate the starry sky when it gets dark, free from light pollution.
It breaks completely with the urban atmosphere of Dakar, and offers an almost Saharan experience without leaving the country. On the way, you can take a detour to visit villages like Kébémer or Louga. They are small, but their local markets allow you to see what rural Senegalese life is like and you can try the traditional cuisine, with rice, fish and spices.
Saint-Louis
After a couple of hours on the road, this road trip from Dakar takes you to Saint-Louis. This city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical importance in Senegal. Founded in the 17th century, it still preserves the colonial urban layout with narrow streets, wrought iron balconies and pastel-coloured houses. Located on an island in the Senegal River, it is connected to the mainland by the Faidherbe Bridge, built by French engineers in the 19th century.
You can stroll through the Ndar Tout district, visit the Museum of Photography or listen to jazz in one of the downtown clubs. If you are a fan of the genre, the Saint-Louis International Jazz Festival is held each May, one of the most prestigious in all of Africa.
On the outskirts, there is the Langue de Barbarie National Park. If you are a nature lover, this is another must-see. There are flamingos, pelicans and other migratory birds that live here among the dunes and marshes. You can also take a canoe out on the Senegal river delta.
Return to Dakar
The road trip from Dakar ends with you returning to where you started. Just follow the same coastal road back the other way. If you have time, make a detour to Thiès. This artisan town is known for its tapestries.
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