Day 1: Dakar – Arrive and Explore
Touch down in Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant capital. First, settle into your accommodation. You’ll find a range of options, from budget hostels to mid-range hotels.
Start your visit with a trip to the African Renaissance Monument. At 49 meters high, this bronze statue is the tallest in Africa. Climb to the top for superb panoramic views of the city.
In the afternoon, head to the famous Medina market. It’s a bit chaotic but full of energy. Shop for traditional crafts, and don’t forget to try some local snacks like bissap juice or pastels—fried fish parcels.
Wrap up your day by heading to Corniche, a scenic coastal road. Walk along the promenade, take in views of the Atlantic Ocean, and possibly grab dinner at one of the seaside restaurants. Seafood is a must-try here.
Day 2: Day trip to Gorée Island
After breakfast, take a short ferry ride to Gorée Island. This UNESCO-listed island is both beautiful and historically significant. Visit the Museum of Slavery in the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves). The visit gives you a deeper understanding of Senegal’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The island is small, so you can easily explore it on foot. Stroll around its pastel-colored buildings and winding streets. The peacefulness of today contrasts sharply with its past.

Lunch on the island at a small café, enjoying dishes like yassa (a Senegalese chicken or fish dish cooked in lemon and onion sauce).
In the late afternoon, return to Dakar and consider visiting IFAN Museum of African Arts if you’re keen to explore more culture. Otherwise, relax in a local café or return for another evening along the promenade.
Day 3: Pink Lake and Saint-Louis
Start your day early and head 40 km out of Dakar. Your first stop: Lac Rose (Pink Lake). Its unusual pink hue comes from a mix of algae and high salt content. You can even take a quick dip here, as the lake is as salty as the Dead Sea, making it impossible to sink.
After lunch, drive north to Saint-Louis, located about 4 to 5 hours away. The journey is scenic, with plenty of small villages and Baobab trees along the way.
Once in Saint-Louis, check into your accommodation. Saint-Louis has a colonial feel, evident in its French-style architecture and colorful facades. Spend your evening wandering around the old town, still buzzing with life, and find a nice local restaurant for dinner.
Day 4: Saint-Louis and Langue de Barbarie National Park
Saint-Louis is best enjoyed by walking. Start your day by exploring the streets, seeing the old bridge, the Faidherbe Bridge, built by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same guy who designed the Eiffel Tower).
By late morning, head out to Langue de Barbarie National Park. It’s about an hour from Saint-Louis, a perfect spot for bird lovers. You can take a boat ride through the park to see pelicans, flamingos, and other migratory birds. The serene environment offers a break from the city.

Return to Saint-Louis in the afternoon. Use the rest of the day to stroll around the town or visit a local gallery. Catch a relaxing sundowner by the river before calling it a night.
Day 5: Lompoul Desert
Today’s stop is the Lompoul Desert, which is less than three hours from Saint-Louis. Lompoul is a small but breathtaking desert with rolling sand dunes and the sense of isolation you’d expect from a far bigger desert.
On arrival, check into one of the desert camps. Spending a night in the desert is a unique experience. Many camps offer meals and even camel rides over the dunes. After a day of exploring, share stories with other travelers by the campfire under a sky full of stars.
Day 6: Touba and Kaolack
Leave the desert and head towards Touba, a major religious center for the Mouride brotherhood in Senegal. The Great Mosque of Touba is impressive in scale, making it worth a visit. The town is mainly religious, so respect local customs during your stop here.

In the afternoon, continue on to Kaolack. Known for its peanut trade, the town serves as a good overnight stop as you’re making your way further inland. The Kaolack Central Market is massive but interesting to walk through. It sells various goods, from food to textiles, and is full of life.
Find a quiet hotel, take a rest from the road, and enjoy a calm evening in Kaolack.
Day 7: Return to Dakar
On your final day, make the drive back to Dakar, which will take about 3-4 hours unless you stop along the way.

If you have time, visit Dakar’s Village des Arts, a vibrant community where artists live and work. It’s a cool spot to view contemporary art and chat with local artists.
Wrap up your trip with a laid-back meal at a local restaurant or beach bar. Try thieboudienne (Senegal’s iconic fish and rice dish).
Afterward, enjoy a slow last night in Dakar before heading to the airport for your flight the next day, or stick around if you’re staying in Senegal longer.
Final Tips
Senegal is very welcoming, but always try to learn a few words in French or Wolof—it will go a long way. Make sure to use mosquitos repellent, especially when you’re out in nature. And finally, enjoy the rhythm of the country: things move on “Senegalese time” here, which is slower but less stressful!
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