Planning your next trip and wondering what to see in Senegal? This country has more attractions than you might think, with a lot of history, a culture worth discovering and breathtaking landscapes.
Senegal is located in West Africa, on the Atlantic coast, and has attractions for all tastes. You will find paradisiacal beaches, a culture full of surprises, a colonial history, music and good food.
The capital, Dakar, is a good starting point to tour Senegal by car, but you can also travel to other tourist spots with a lot to offer. Here are the stops you shouldn’t miss if you are organising a trip through this African country.
Dakar, the capital of Senegal
Any capital city is always an essential stop, and in this case we propose it as the starting point for your route through Senegal. Dakar is a city with lively streets, markets and a multicultural atmosphere that will fascinate you.
Without a doubt, Dakar is the heart of Senegalese life, as here you can enjoy its great cultural offerings. For example, the impressive Gorée Island, discussed below, or the Museum of African Arts. Take note of these other destinations:
- The African Renaissance Monument is considered one of the seven wonders of Africa and, of course, an essential item on our list of things to see in Senegal. It is an impressive 171-foot high bronze structure that celebrates the nation's independence.
- There is a great nightlife, motivated mainly by traditional music, such as mbalax.
- If you are looking for a great beach for your getaway, you have to go to the famous N'Gor Beach to relax or practice water sports.
Gorée Island, a must-visit in Senegal
Another essential stop that you won’t regret visiting is Gorée Island, a few minutes by boat from Dakar. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site and for years it was a clandestine slave trade hub. At the House of Slaves, you can learn first-hand about its dark history and reflect on all that happened.
Its very moving history should be remembered so that we never forget what so many people lived through. Leaving its history to one side, it is a tranquil place with sea views, cobblestone streets and colonial houses. We recommend a stroll through its narrow streets and even along the beaches, weather permitting.
Niokolo-Koba National Park for a stop to appreciate nature
We did say there is a lot of variety in our list of things to see in Senegal. Niokolo-Koba National Park is another mandatory stop on your driving tour through the country. It is located in the southeast of the country and is one of the largest and most important parks in West Africa. It is a refuge for endangered species including lions, chimpanzees and antelopes, and is considered one of the best places to go on safari.
As you can imagine, the park’s scenery is impressive, because you will see authentic jungles, savannahs and rivers. And with any luck, a great variety of wildlife too. It has landscapes that will stick in your memory and the continent’s unique biodiversity.
Lake Retba, a paradise in pink
Also known as Lac Rose, this is another of the most surprising destinations for those looking for things to see in Senegal. As you might be able to guess from its name, it is famous for its pink colour and, as it is one of the most photographed places in Senegal, you have probably seen it in photos and postcards. Here are some other interesting details:
- The pink colour is due to the high concentration of salt and algae, which gives it this unusual tone, especially at sunset.
- It is the perfect stop to disconnect and get away from the noise.
- You can hike along the shore and even take a dip, because Lake Retba is known for its therapeutic properties. Of course, bathing is permitted and also, having so much salt, it is very buoyant. The best part? It is only about 20 miles from Dakar.
Senegal has a number of attractions that are well worth visiting. In addition to the above stops, we also recommend you to visit, if you have time, Saint-Louis, the Lompoul desert, Dindefelo and Sine-Saloum, the fishermen's paradise. The best thing to do is to rent a car in Dakar with OK Mobility and drive around the country at your own pace, for as many days as you like and with as many stops as you want. It’s the best way to travel!
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