Southern Senegal's Casamance region is characterised by forests, rice fields, palm-lined waterways and Atlantic beaches. Cap Skirring is the main coastal resort, while Ziguinchor serves as a gateway to the region's villages and rural landscapes. Boat trips, cycling and visits to local communities are popular ways to explore the area.
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Senegal things to see and do
Casamance
Dakar
Dakar, Senegal's capital, occupies the Cap-Vert Peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is the country's cultural and economic centre. Highlights include the African Renaissance Monument, colourful markets, museums and the coastal neighbourhoods of Ngor and Almadies. The city is also known for its restaurants, live music and thriving contemporary arts scene.
La Petite Côte, Palmarin
Palmarin lies near the southern end of Senegal's Petite Côte, between the Atlantic Ocean and the waterways of the Sine-Saloum Delta. To the west are long sandy beaches, while the Palmarin Community Nature Reserve protects a landscape of mangroves, salt flats, grasslands and woodland. The area is particularly rewarding for birdwatching, pirogue excursions and experiencing the quieter landscapes of coastal Senegal.
Saint-Louis
Located at the mouth of the Senegal River in northern Senegal, UNESCO-listed Saint-Louis was an important colonial administrative and trading centre. Its historic island district is characterised by colourful colonial-era buildings, balconies and narrow streets, while the city is also known for its annual jazz festival.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Located near Saint-Louis, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important refuge for migratory birds. Its wetlands support large numbers of pelicans, flamingos, cormorants and other waterbirds, with boat excursions offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Gorée Island (Île de Gorée)
A short ferry ride from Dakar, UNESCO-listed Gorée Island is known for its colonial architecture and its associations with the history of the Atlantic slave trade. The Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) is its best-known historical site, while narrow car-free streets lined with colourful buildings make the island easy to explore on foot.
La Petite Côte
Stretching south from Dakar along Senegal's Atlantic coast, La Petite Côte is a popular holiday region known for sandy beaches, fishing villages and seaside resorts. Saly is the main resort centre, while nearby Somone has a quieter setting beside a lagoon and nature reserve. The coast is also a convenient base for excursions to the Sine-Saloum Delta and surrounding villages.
La Petite Côte, Popenguine
Popenguine is a small coastal town south of Dakar known for its sandy beach, nature reserve and importance as a Catholic pilgrimage centre. The Popenguine Nature Reserve protects coastal cliffs, savannah and wetlands and has a strong tradition of community involvement in conservation. The town is also home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Deliverance and attracts large numbers of pilgrims during the annual Marian pilgrimage.
La Petite Côte, Toubab Dialao
Toubab Dialao is a coastal village on the Petite Côte that has developed into an important centre for dance and the arts. It is home to École des Sables, founded by Senegalese dancer and choreographer Germaine Acogny, a pioneering figure in African contemporary dance. The village is also known for its sandy beaches backed by distinctive red cliffs, which are particularly atmospheric towards sunset.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
Situated in south-eastern Senegal, UNESCO-listed Niokolo-Koba National Park protects extensive savannah, woodland and wetlands along the Gambia River. Wildlife includes antelope, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species, while populations of lions and chimpanzees are also present but rarely seen.
Sine-Saloum Delta
South of Dakar, the Sine-Saloum Delta is a vast landscape of mangrove forests, waterways, islands and salt flats. Visitors can explore the delta by traditional pirogue, visit fishing villages and observe abundant birdlife, while small lodges and camps provide bases for exploring the region.
Surfing
Senegal is an established surfing destination, with consistent Atlantic swells along the Cap-Vert Peninsula. Ngor and the Almadies area near Dakar have some of the best-known breaks, while surf schools and board hire cater to both beginners and experienced surfers.
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