Itinerary Overview

Days 1–3: Dakar and Gorée Island → Day 4: Lac Rose and Thiès → Day 5: Saint-Louis → Day 6: Djoudj Bird Sanctuary → Day 7: Return to Dakar for departure. This journey begins in Dakar and heads north along the Atlantic coast, linking urban centers, historical sites, and nature reserves.

Days 1–3: Dakar and Gorée Island

• Day 1: Arrive in Dakar. Visit the African Renaissance Monument (Monument de la Renaissance Africaine) and the area around the University of Dakar, then watch the sunset by the seaside in the evening.
• Day 2: Take a ferry to Gorée Island to explore the House of Slaves and the UNESCO-listed historic district, then return to Dakar in the afternoon.
• Day 3: Explore downtown Dakar and its markets to experience urban life, and sample local dishes such as thieboudienne.

Day 4: Lac Rose and Thiès

Travel to Lac Rose (Lake Retba), located northeast of Dakar, to see its pink-hued waters caused by salt algae and minerals, and observe salt harvesters along the shore. In the afternoon, relax in the Thiès area and visit local markets.

Day 5: Saint-Louis

Head north to Saint-Louis. Stroll through the colonial-era old town and its UNESCO-listed architecture, and watch the sunset and fishing boats in the river estuary in the evening.

Day 6: Djoudj Bird Sanctuary

Visit Djoudj National Bird Park near Saint-Louis. Take a boat ride through the wetlands to see pelicans, flamingos, and large flocks of migratory birds. This is one of West Africa’s key waterbird conservation areas.

Day 7: Return and Departure

Drive back to Dakar along the Atlantic coastal road. Depending on your flight schedule, you can shop or relax by the beach before heading to Dakar airport for departure.

Accommodation and Connections

Dakar offers a wide range of accommodation options. Saint-Louis and Djoudj mainly have mid-range hotels and guesthouses. The dry season is peak travel time, so it’s advisable to book in advance. The drive from Dakar to Saint-Louis is long, with a possible stopover in Thiès. Exploring Djoudj often takes half to a full day, so allow time for the round trip.

Tips

• The drive from Dakar to Saint-Louis is long, so it’s recommended to arrange a private car or book long-distance transport in advance.
• For trips to Djoudj and Lac Rose, choose a reputable travel agency and agree on prices in advance.
• The northern region has almost no rain during the dry season, but the sun is very strong. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated.