An extraordinary adventure awaits you when you decide on Senegal for your next destination! Discover Dakar, its thronging markets and stirring museums a big draw, then change pace at the paradisiacal beaches and national parks dotted around the country, among the most magnetic in West Africa.

A journey through the unexpected wonders of Senegal

Skirted by the Atlantic Ocean and nestled at the doorstep to the Sahara, Senegal boasts an impressive palette of landscapes. On the coast, Djoudj National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for keen birdwatchers, where millions of migratory birds, pink flamingos and pelicans flock. Away from the shores, Niokolo-Koba National Park is a sprawling ecosystem cohabited by lions, elephants, reptiles and hippos in a stunning natural decor that mixes savannah, woodland, mangroves and seasonal wetlands. All around Dakar, postcard-worthy beaches along the coast at Saly, Cap Skirring and the Petite Côte are prime spots for lounging on the sand and partaking in more active pursuits on the waves. Lake Retba, also known as the “Pink Lake”, its unusual hue down to the high concentration of salt, makes for a breathtaking sight.

From Dakar to the Island of Gorée: a rich and vibrant culture

Senegal is a destination infused with history and culture, too. All about you, the talents of local artisans are on show in the textiles, jewellery and objets d’art – a tangible heritage that is passed on from generation to generation. Saint-Louis, the former capital, is beautifully charming for its colonial architecture and jazz festivals that put the city on the world music map. Dakar, the modern-day capital of Senegal, is a bustling place with a cosmopolitan air and an energy that is contagious. Be sure to get acquainted with the Plateau district, the city’s historic heart lined with colonial buildings and vibrant markets. The city is a mecca for African culture as well, home to riveting institutions like the Museum of Black Civilizations and, within its bay, the Island of Gorée, a poignant site of remembrance that everyone needs to visit to grasp the dark history of slavery.