Gorée Island, Lac Rose and Lompoul
Immerse yourself in the charm of Senegal, passing beautiful villages, natural areas and beaches. Experience the colonial era in the capital Dakar, where you will visit the Presidential Palace, the Palace of Independence and the Chamber of Commerce building. Local folklore can be found in the markets with a diverse range of clothing and special spices. The infamous island of Gorée, only 300 by 900 meters, was formerly used as a slave depot, hundreds of thousands of slaves were transported from this island to America. Lac Rose will show you a very different side of Senegal. This magical lake has a striking pink color, due to its high salt content. The surroundings are beautiful, typical African bush, sand dunes and beautiful deserted beaches. In the Lompoul desert , seated on a dromedary, you can make wonderful trips through the dunes, after which you will spend the night in a Moorish tent under the beautiful starry sky. Barbarie National Park, amid the Senegal River and Atlantic Ocean, is a true paradise for birds. Pelicans, cormorants and ducks parade before you on the beach.
St. Louis, Djoudj and Saloum
By 4WD you will trek past several Peul villages, the stops along the way will allow you to meet the inhabitants and learn more about their way of life. This beautiful drive through the Gandiolais region ends in St. Louis, the Venice of Senegal. With its narrow streets and famous fishing quarter, it is like going back in time a few centuries. Leaving this photogenic city behind, you will sail by motorized canoe on the Senegal River. You will go bird watching in Djoudj park, one of the three most important bird sanctuaries in the world. You will end this trip in the charming and authentic Senegalese village of Toubacouta, in the middle of the Saloum Delta. An area so full of life that it is sometimes called the "Amazon of Africa. You will make trips through mangrove forests, visit the many islands and sail along the sand formations where the oysters, shrimps and big fish (barracudas!) have a wonderful life. Your base is Hotel Les Paletuviers, a collection of luxurious sleeping cabins spread over a beautiful baobab and flower park.
Tips & Tops Round trip by 4WD Charms of Senegal:
- In Dakar, also visit the recently built 'Monument of African Rebirth
- Dining in Dakar can be very romantic on the balcony of your room or either enjoying swinging live music
- Salt extraction from Lac Rose, mainly by women from surrounding villages
- Lunch overlooking Lac Rose, near the Paris-Dakar finish point
- Relax on the beautiful beach of the Senegal River or the Atlantic Ocean at Lompoul
- Djoudj National Park is one of the most important places for birds to spend the winter
- From Toubacouta, you can also take fantastic excursions to the beach of the Atlantic Ocean
