Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Parc national des oiseaux du Djoudj
A World Heritage site and one of the world's largest bird sanctuaries, where millions of migratory birds gather in winter and boat trips bring you close to tens of thousands of white pelicans in their breeding grounds.
Djoudj lies in the Senegal River Delta about 60 km northeast of Saint-Louis and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1981. In winter some 3 million birds that migrate from Europe spend the season here. The best known are the large white pelican breeding colonies, but flamingos, herons, spoonbills and cormorants are also common. The usual way to explore is a roughly two-hour boat trip from the park's jetty, with early morning and late afternoon the best times. You can reach it from Saint-Louis by hired car or on a day tour, though the roads are rough and the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Entry fees and boat fares are extra. Access is limited outside the dry season, so bring insect repellent and a telephoto lens.
Opening hours
November–April 07:00–18:00 (check with park)
Nearby sights
- Grand Mosque of Saint-Louis
- Sor Market
- Faidherbe Bridge
- Island of Saint-Louis
- Hôtel de la Poste
- Palais de la Gouvernance & Place Faidherbe
- St. Louis Cathedral (Saint-Louis, Senegal)
- Musée de la Photographie de Saint-Louis