Northern Senegal & Saloum Delta Loop
A classic loop for first-timers, heading north from Dakar to the desert and Saint-Louis, then south to Fadiouth Shell Island and the Saloum Delta.
Senegal's most established 10-day route, covering historic cities, World Heritage sites, sand dunes, migratory birds, and mangroves. The drive from Saint-Louis to the Petite Côte is the longest stretch, with a full day dedicated to travel. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary must be visited in the early morning, with winter offering the best birdwatching. Casamance is not included; add about four days if you wish to visit the south. Best suited for first-time visitors to West Africa who are willing to hire a private vehicle with a driver.
The rainy season from June to October can cause flooding on roads in the north and the delta; travel during this period is not recommended.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival in Dakar & Old Town Tour
Dakar（Place de l'Indépendance、Kermel Market、Théodore Monod Museum of African Art）
Hire a car from the airport to Plateau (approx. 1 hour, longer during rush hour). Explore the historic center on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Plateau
Day 2 · Gorée Island & African Renaissance Monument
Dakar（Gorée Island、House of Slaves、Le Castel, Gorée、African Renaissance Monument、Mamelles Lighthouse）
Take a 20-minute ferry from the Port of Dakar to Gorée Island in the morning. Take a taxi to the western coast in the afternoon.
Ferry departures are limited; try to catch an early morning boat.
Stay: Plateau
Day 3 · Lake Retba (Pink Lake) to Lompoul Dunes
Dakar（Lake Retba (Lac Rose)） → Saint-Louis, Senegal（Lompoul Desert）
Drive to Lake Retba first, then head north to Lompoul. Total driving time is about 3 to 4 hours.
Stay: Lompoul Desert Camp
Day 4 · Arrival in Saint-Louis Island
Saint-Louis, Senegal（Faidherbe Bridge、Island of Saint-Louis、Palais de la Gouvernance & Place Faidherbe、Guet Ndar）
Drive from Lompoul to Saint-Louis (approx. 1.5 hours). Explore the island on foot or by horse-drawn carriage in the afternoon.
Stay: Saint-Louis Island Old Town
Day 5 · Djoudj Bird Sanctuary Boat Tour
Saint-Louis, Senegal（Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary、Musée de la Photographie de Saint-Louis、St. Louis Cathedral (Saint-Louis, Senegal)）
Take an early morning round-trip drive to Djoudj (approx. 1.5 hours each way). Explore the sanctuary by motorized boat.
Birds are most active in the morning; an early departure is highly recommended.
Stay: Saint-Louis Island Old Town
Day 6 · South to the Petite Côte (Travel Day)
Saint-Louis, Senegal（Gueumbeul Special Wildlife Reserve） → Saly
Spend the day driving south via Thiès to Saly, covering approximately 350 km (approx. 6 to 7 hours).
Stay: Saly
Day 7 · Joal & Fadiouth Shell Island
Palmarin & Sine-Saloum Delta（Joal Fishing Beach、Fadiouth Shell Island、Fadiouth Mixed Cemetery、Palmarin Beach）
Drive south along the coast to Joal (approx. 1 hour). Walk across the wooden bridge to explore Shell Island, then continue to Palmarin.
Stay: Palmarin
Day 8 · Palmarin Salt Pans & Djiffer
Palmarin & Sine-Saloum Delta（Palmarin Lagoon & Salt Pans、Djifer、Pointe de Sangomar）
Drive to the fishing port of Djiffer (approx. 30 minutes) and board a pirogue to explore the estuary. Return to Palmarin in the evening.
Boat trips depend on the tide; ask your accommodation to arrange a boat in advance.
Stay: Palmarin
Day 9 · Ndangane Pirogue Tour of the Delta
Palmarin & Sine-Saloum Delta（Ndangane、Mar Lodj）
Drive to Ndangane (approx. 1 hour), then take a pirogue through the mangrove channels to Mar Lodj Island.
Stay: Ndangane and Mar Lodj
Day 10 · Bandia Wildlife Reserve & Departure
Drive from Ndangane to Bandia (approx. 2 hours). After the safari, drive to the airport (approx. 40 minutes).
Allow at least 3 hours before your international flight.