Senegal is a traveller’s delight located on the west coast of the continent of Africa. This spectacular African country harbours several natural worth-visiting spots. The enchanting beaches, amazing wildlife, spellbinding islands and rich culture attract lots of tourists to explore Senegal. If you are planning to visit Senegal, some of the most popular tourist attractions you should explore are listed below:
- Goree Island
One of the famous tourist spots situated close to the coast of the capital Dakar is Goree Island. It has a history of being a prominent slave-trading centre. It is an important place for African-Americans who visit it to pay their respects to their ancestors.
- Dakar
Dakar is the capital city of Senegal. Ensure you visit the magnificent Dakar IFAN Museum to watch outstanding collections of West African and Senegalese masks, amazing musical instruments, and remarkable statues. Explore the art and cultural artefacts in this fabulous museum.
In Dakar, you can also find some of the worth-visiting markets, such as many main markets and Marche de Tilene. Enjoy a good swim at some of the stunning coastal beaches including the Ile de Madeleinea in the vicinity of this capital city.
- Pink Lake
Pink Lake is also referred to as Retba Lake. It is a spectacular lake with pink-purple colour. It has a large amount of salt content and unique species of bacteria. Watching this spellbinding lake in the reflection of the sunlight offers you a stunning view. Drive for an hour north from the capital Dakar to watch incredible salt harvesting.
- St. Louis
St. Louis, also called Ndar, is one of the oldest French colonial towns where most European squires resided. This fishing town comprises a significant part of the mainland and spreads out on a tiny island.
While exploring this fabulous town, you can find old European houses comprising balconies and old-styled iron gates that reflect the history of the town.
Make sure you visit the oldest church which dates back to the 1828 era. Also, you can find a Muslim cemetery where fishing nets of fishermen cover the grave of the respective net owner.
- Cape Skirring
Cape Skiring is a well-known town situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can find a fabulous seaside resort, a golf course to play golf, and an airport. Also, you can spend leisure time relaxing on one of the enchanting beaches in Africa here. Make sure you explore the white sandy beach adorned with eye-catching coconut trees.
- Petite Cote
At southern Dakar, you would find a peaceful, spectacular beach area popularly called, Petit Cote. This exquisite coastal region stretches more than 150 km. Watch eye-catching golden sandy beaches and spellbinding Atlantic waters and spend a pleasant time on the beach. You can find here some of the biggest tourist-oriented towns, namely Saly Portugal and Mbour and some wonderful hotels. Explore beautiful green areas and play golf on the golf courses.
- Saloum Delta National Park
Don’t miss visiting the Saloum Delta National Park that stretches over 76,000 hectares in the western area of Senegal. It features outstanding biodiversity. You can find here fishes, various species of birds, savanna, and mangrove forests.
You can’t afford to miss eye-catching small lagoons and spellbinding green islands.
One interesting fact is that this incredible park is listed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can have a pleasant experience touring several beautiful green islands using a traditional African boat or pirogue.
- Senegal River
The stunning Senegal River is another wonderful attraction that you should not miss when in Senegal. This majestic river flows covering over 1,700 km. The interesting fact is that this amazing river creates an impressive fertile valley in the middle of the Sahel Desert. Make sure you watch the breathtaking site of fabulous dams and incredible marine life. Discover the historical significance of this exquisite river and how the river had been useful during the era of traditional Senegalese living.
- Casamance
Plan to visit Casamance, a region situated in the southeastern area of Senegal. You get a great opportunity to watch amazing wildlife in the tropical vegetation dominant area here. Ziguinchor is the biggest city in this amazing area of Casamance. Make sure you don’t miss the wonderful experience to spot a dolphin, enjoy snorkeling, try fishing, and discover many other fabulous activities and attractions.
- Lompoul Desert
Explore the desert by visiting the Lompoul Desert in Senegal. Make sure you enjoy fun camel trekking, marvellous vistas and thrilling sand dune buggies. You can also enjoy the celebrations of the Festival du Sahel, an incredible music festival here when vacationing in this marvellous African country.
- Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Are you a birder interested in discovering unique species of birds on your visit to Senegal? If yes, then make sure you pay a visit to the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary when travelling to Senegal.
This destination is extremely popular for having more than three million fabulous birds, particularly in the span between November and April when most of the birds migrate from the European region to the southern area.
Also, this incredible national bird sanctuary is an abode of greater than 30 species of birds that includes the pelican and the spectacular pink flamingo.
- Guet N’Dar
Guet N’Dar is a busy sea town that you must not miss to visit when exploring Senegal. It lies in the south of Saint Louis and is well-connected to the sea. It is more popular as a fishing town. Make sure you watch plenty of boats flowing on the river and sea here and enjoy the experience of catching one of the fresh fishes from the river. Get to see the local culture of this town.
Now that you know these fabulous destinations to visit when in Senegal, make sure you visit each one of them when you explore this amazing country.
