Senegal Holidays

Museums and markets

Senegal’s capital, Dakar, is within day-tripping distance of the country’s main coastal resorts and has plenty to shout about. The city’s jam-packed with colourful markets peddling everything from fruit to fabric – some of the sprawling stall set-ups are so big, the cab driver will ask which part you want to go to. Dakar goes big on museums, too – you can learn about the country’s dark past at the House of Slaves, or admire ancient carvings and modern-day masterpieces at the Museum of African Arts.

Not your average nature

National parks and nature reserves are Senegal’s highlights and they put some of the continent’s must-see wildlife centre-stage. The best way to see them is to head out on a safari. The Delta Saloum National Park’s home to a whole herd of mammals, from warthogs to green monkeys, plus exotic birds like pelicans and flamingos. At Bandia Animal Reserve, you can spy on rhinos and buffalos going about their daily business.

A corker of a coastline

Along the country’s west coast, Senegal’s beaches steal the limelight. The camel-brown sands at Saly, La Somone and Pointe Sarene play host to a scattering of seafood eateries and top-end hotels. You’ll have no trouble bagging a sunbathing spot, as the main tourist crowds haven’t caught wind of the Petite Côte just yet. More adventurous sorts can dip their toes into Senegal’s watersports offering – deep-sea fishing, jet-skiing and windsurfing are all available when you want a kick of adrenaline.