The Senegal Itinerary You Need

While I grew up in Nigeria, West Africa, I was inspired to visit Senegal after eating a Senegalese meal at a restaurant in Philadelphia circa 2011. It would take me another 10 years to step foot onto Senegalese soil and you can imagine how excited I was! Yes, food was an important part of my Senegal itinerary.

Whether Senegal has been on your radar forever or you’ve just recently added it to your living list, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll be sharing all the details you need to help put together your Senegal itinerary based on my experience and research.  Without further ado, everything I know about planning the ultimate trip to Senegal.

Interesting Facts About Senegal

1. Senegal is the westernmost country on the African continent (i.e. also closest to Eastern USA)
2. The country’s most popular spot is wrestling (Laamb)
3. Senegal has never suffered a coup d’état
4. The biggest exports are peanuts and fish
5. Senegal is known for great food (see above)

Best Time To Visit Senegal

Senegal makes for a great warm-weather destination all year long.  However, travelers may want to keep the following in mind:

• April, May, October and November provide the best conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and diving
• May – September are the best months for sailing due to winds
• July to September make up the rainy season and some travellers may want to avoid that
• November to May makes up dry season, I visited in December 2021 and it was great

Why Visit Senegal?

Why NOT Senegal? Senegal is a popular holiday destination for Beach-seekers, especially from France and Belgium.  The rest of the world has been sleeping on Senegal but I have a feeling that will no longer be the case for long. While I was traveling, and shortly after my trip, I found quite a few people that made Senegal their West African destination of choice during the 2021 holiday season. If you’re reading this then I bet you’re planning a trip, or you’re curious about the country. Either way, I love it. Beyond beaches, Senegal offers great food, a lively art scene, history, and friendly people.

How To Get To Senegal

All international flights into Dakar arrive at Blaise Dagne International airport. Depending on where you are in the world, getting to Senegal may take some time. I flew into Senegal from Lagos, Nigeria after spending Christmas with my family. On my return, I flew directly to the USA. Here’s how to get to Senegal depending on where you live.

• Nigeria – ASKY (via Lome), Air Peace (Direct), and Air Cote D’Ivoire (via Abidjan)
• USA – Delta from JFK (Direct twice a week) or several airlines via transit through Europe or the Middle East
• Europe – Turkish Air, Brussels, Air France, TUI Fly
• Middle East – Emirates

At the recommendation of a friend, I flew from Lagos to Dakar on ASKY airlines and the service was great, flights were smooth although a little delayed. I have no complaints at all, and that’s coming from someone with a somewhat irratuinal fear of flying domestically.

Visas & Money

Citizens from 59 countries can visit Senegal Visa free for 90 days. Some of these countries include:

• All countries of the European Union
• ECOWAS countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo)
• Canada
• United States
• Kenya

The currency is the West African CFA, which can be obtained at ATMs. I also found it pretty easy to exchange US Dollars or Euros at Bureau Du Change or hotels. Keep in mind that hotels do not offer the best rates so I’d recommend ATMS or Bureau du Change over hotels. I only changed at hotels when I had no other option on my last day.

Language in Senegal

Wolof is the most popular national language of Senegal while French is the official language. Since I don’t speak either language, there were some challenges with communicating, especially in Saly as I stayed in an Airbnb. I expected this though and tried to use translator apps where possible. In the end, I’m the guest/tourist so I roll with the punches. If language is a big factor for you, then choose to stay in bigger establishments/hotels as they always  (in my experience) had staff that spoke both English and French.

Personally, I found it quite charming that people mistook me for a local and would speak Wolof or French to me but I reckon they may have been disappointed. I used up all the French words I remembered from elementary school on this trip, it’s amazing how much you’ll remember when you need it. I also practices some words in Wolof on the flight and they came in handy. Locals appreciate when tourists attempt to speak to them in their own language, however poorly we may do.

Getting From The Airport

There are several ways to get to and from Dakar’s airport. You can rent a car, book a taxi on arrival or can arrange for one in advance. In my case, I chose to wing it. I arrived without transportation plans (I do not recommend this for first-time travelers). After going through customs, I was walking towards a shuttle/transport kiosk when a young man approached me asking if I needed transportation. My gut told me to go with him, and I always respect hardworking people that aren’t afraid to ask for the sale (a skill I’m still learning). I said yes and negotiated a fee I felt was fair (I’d googled some services online so I had an idea and paid a little less than the advertised services online). Turns out I made a great decision. I used his services for all my longer trips in Senegal including:

1. Dakar airport to Saly
2. Saly to Dakar
3. Day around Dakar
4. Dakar to airport.

He was ALWAYS on time (actually early), the car was clean and had working air conditioning, and he spoke conversational English and was of great help to me from a language standpoint.  I actually asked how he learned English and he said he picked it up while going to the airport and driving tourists. I told him he gave me hope that I can really learn French someday. To be honest, I returned from Senegal with a renewed desire to be fluent in French. Now, how can I move to a francophone country for a year? If you’d like to be in touch with him, send me an email or a DM on Instagram.

Getting Around Senegal/Dakar

There is no Uber in Senegal. Within Dakar, you can hail taxis, or be adventurous and hop on a ‘car rapide’ (local bus). Lastly, you could rent a car and have a driver’s service. While I consider myself adventurous, I traveled by Taxi within Dakar for the most part. While in Saly, I used a taxi service recommended by my Airbnb host (that Taxi was overpriced so I would not recommend them).

Now, let me warn you that there’s a 99% chance that 1 or 2 Dakarois Taxi drivers will try to ‘take you fi idiot!’ I learned the hard way. Now if they pick you up at a nicer hotel, those chances are like 200%. I learned to negotiate and negotiate hard BEFORE going on the ride after I found out one driver had charged me 2.5x the actual fare.

Things To Add To Your Senegal Itinerary

I was in Senegal for five full days and went with a more relaxing itinerary (I only filled half my days with activities) but there’s so much to do whether you have 3 days or one week in Senegal. Personally, I’d recommend at least 5-6 days to be able to see beyond Dakar, the capital. I’ll do a detailed post on Dakar, Senegal but for now, here’s a list of 18 things to add to your Senegal itinerary

1. Eat, Eat, Eat! Senegal is known for amazing food (separate post on food coming up)
2. Take in history on Goree Island
3. Spend A Half Day on Ngor Island
4. Visit Dakar’s Major Markets (Marche Kermel, Marche Sandaga, Marche HLM, and Samboudienne)
5. Have a custom made outfit at Marche Sandaga or HLM
6. Listen to Live Music in Dakar
7. Visit an art gallery
8. Visit the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar
9. Stay in a Beachside villa in Saly
10. Have a few lazy days on the beach
11. Go on Safari at Bandia Reserve outside Dakar
12. Venture into St. Louis, Senegal
13. Visit Pink Lake (Lac Rose)
14. Walk with lions at Fathala reserve
15. Visit the Holy city of Touba
16. Sail the Sine Saloum River
17. Visit the Mosque of Divinity
18. Visit the Museum of Black Civilization

Where To Stay In Dakar, Senegal

An important aspect of putting your Senegal Itinerary together is determining where to stay. While in Dakar, I looked to stay at the best hotels in town. After not traveling internationally for two years, I was not skimping on this trip and my accountant (me) approved. I split my time between two hotels in Dakar and I’d recommend both and also list a few others that I’d looked into.

1. Radisson Blu Dakar Sea Plaza

I’d seen a lot of posts about this hotel on Instagram and it is ranked #2 on Trip advisor so I decided to stay here for one night. I made the reservation on Booking since it was cheaper there. It is one of the best hotels in the city. Set in the Corniche area of town, it is quite popular with business travelers but equally great for leisure travelers. the hotel has lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean, rooms are a great size, and the service was EXCELLENT at every turn.

From the concierge team that took my bags as soon as I got out of the car, to the check-in crew, to the team at the bar, I was really impressed by the team. There was one snafu through (I’d still return). I didn’t realize that a window in my room had been opened before I arrived and it let mosquitos in. That made for a long night, and I didn’t see the open window until the morning, I also didn’t call for assistance (I should have and it probably would have been resolved).

While it has great views of the Atlantic, this hotel does not have beach access. It makes up for that with a large beautiful infinity pool that’s both functional and Instagram-worthy. Love shopping? The hotel is also located right next to a mall. Like hotels in its class, food and drinks are on the pricier side.

Overall would I recommend it? Yes!

2. Dakar Pullman Terranga

The Pullman is rated the #1 Hotel in Dakar on Trip Advisor. I stayed here for the last three nights of my trip. It is located right in ‘downtown’ Dakar and it’s quite close to the ferry port for a trip to Goree island (ten-minute walk and 3-minute taxi ride).  It is also very close to a lot of popular restaurants like Le Legon and Chez Loutcha. The hotel has great amenities including a spa, gym, a small infinity pool, restaurant, and a larger pool and beach access. The staff at the reception was incredibly helpful, as was the friendly gentleman at the gate that always let me practice my terrible French with him.

However, there are a couple of things that should be improved upon. Upon arrival, there was no one to help get my bags from the car to reception and you have to push your bags up a pretty steep ramp. In another occurrence, they were so short-staffed at the restaurant that the one time I tried to eat there, I sat for 30 minutes before anyone offered me even a drinks menu. Not great for a 5-star hotel. Would I stay there again? Yes, but I would report any issues instantly.

I reported the restaurant issue to a gentleman at the front desk and he went above and beyond to try to resolve it and ultimately ended up calling a restaurant and ordering an alternate last meal for me.

Other Hotels in Dakar

Terrou-Bi: I came so close to staying at this hotel, I’ll definitely check it out on my next trip to Dakar. It’s a great location, an infinity pool, and its own private beach. The pricing was pretty close to the Radisson & Pullman during my trip. Those two seemed to be more recently updated, however for beach access this is likely top of the list.

The Palms Luxury Hotel: I wanted to stay here because it is locally owned and by a woman. It is located in the Almadies (best area for sunset views and nightlife) but I just could not seem to find enough reviews and I wasn’t willing to take the chance.

Hotel L’Addresse – great reviews, reasonably priced, and located in Almadies

Asides from these options, there are Airbnbs within the city as well

Where To Stay In Saly, Senegal

I’m assuming that Saly is on your Senegal itinerary! When in Saly, Senegal I’d recommend staying in a villa. Saly is actually closer to the international airport than Dakar. I booked all my Senegal accommodation at the airport in Lagos as I was departing for Senegal. Why so late? Well, I can be a little last minute, but this time I also wanted to make sure my COVID test was negative since I hadn’t purchased travel insurance. As such, while I had done a lot of research, most were not available last minute and I ended up going with the second to last option on my list. I stayed in Saly for my first two nights in Senegal.

1. Maison d’Hote Villa Petit Paradis

This is the #1 place on my list of Saly accommodation. This property was thoughtfully designed and is a 10-minute walk from the beach. All rooms have a patio and a desk. The property offers pool views and an outdoor pool. Really, look at that pool! I can already picture myself with my girlfriends or on a couple’s trip popping bottles and eating right there. A continental breakfast is available daily at the property and the restaurant provides an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. So long as they’re open, there’s no question regarding where I’ll be staying the next time I’m in Saly.

2. La Villa Maison d’Hotes

This is the very first Boutique hotel that I found on Instagram months before I visited Senegal. Beautiful photos, great decor, a nice pool (hello floating breakfast), and an onsite restaurant were some of the first things that caught my attention. This hotel was also full for my dates. Check them out on Instagram here.

3. La Maison Vanille

This Boutique hotel was actually recommended by hotel #2 on the list since they were full. This hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a garden. This is another thoughtfully decorated space and if the reviews are anything to go by, it is rated 9.5 stars out of 10 on booking.  One review does mention that US cards are not accepted so prepare to pay in cash or contact the property in advance to confirm

4. Villa Prestige Majorelle

This is where I actually stayed and while it was a great last-minute option, I’d recommend the first three options for a few reasons. On the plus side, This is an Airbnb owned and run remotely by a Senegalese man living in France. He was very responsive and helpful, the property is intimate (just the way I like it with a total of two buildings and four rooms). Breakfast is included in the daily rate and the landscaping is beautifully done. Stunning pool and lots of outdoor space to relax when it isn’t too hot outside. The property has a lady that manages it during the daytime however, it does not have staff around the clock. The lady was very helpful and only spoke Wolof and French and I could have used an interpreter at times. Upon request, she made a couple of meals for me and I was charged at the end. After paying for meals in Dakar, it seemed as though I was charged an exorbitant amount by the lady. Overall great stay, it was the secluded getaway that I needed and I would recommend it with those caveats.

5. Lamantin Resort

I figured I’d share one bigger/luxury resort option for any traveler that desires this option. Lamantin resort is only a few minutes from my hotel and I spent one day at the beach. The hotel is located next to a golf course and is right on the beach. It is a 5-star beach hotel with a full-service spa onsite., did someone say massage? The hotel has 3 restaurants on-site and is popular with couples and families alike. There’s a pool for kids and another for adults, a tennis court, a steam room, and a fitness center. I see this being a great option for families with kids.

Visitors can pay for a day pass and enjoy the beach facilities and this is what I did.

Souvenirs To Get From Senegal

With all my travels, I’ve slowed down tremendously on getting souvenirs when I travel. While I believe that memories are the best souvenirs, I have to say that Senegal has so many great artisans that I did a lot of great shopping there and I love everything I brought back.  You have to be prepared to haggle ALOT. Here are some:

1. Fabric & Clothes – have clothes custom made at Marche Sandaga or HLM
2. Art – Whether at a market or at a Gallery
3. Handmade Jewelry
4. Tea (Ginger)
5. Beautiful iron sculptures that are some of the most unique souvenirs I’ve ever gotten. I’m obsessed!

Trips To Combine With Your Senegal Itinerary

What’s better than one week in Senegal? Another week in a nearby country! If you’ve got the time, consider combining a trip to Senegal with Cape Verde, Togo, Ghana, and The Gambia.

Senegal was so worth the wait, and it is already high on my ‘return’ list. I need a post where I just share the highlights. I have so much to share about my time in Senegal, including more details on Dakar and what food to eat in Senegal. Look out for most posts on that in the coming weeks/months.

With that, you’re on your way to planning your best trip to Senegal! Have you been to Senegal or are you planning a trip? Let me know what you would add or what other questions you may have about my Senegal itinerary.

Thank you for reading,

Till Next Time,

Dee (Ms. Heels.)