Colourful fishing pirogues lined up on a rocky beach in Dakar, overlooking Gorée Island.

Travel and stay in Senegal

Q: What is the currency and how to pay in Senegal?

The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF) . The Euro is sometimes accepted in very touristy areas (hotels, some shops), but it is preferable to have CFA Francs for everyday expenses. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in big cities. It is advisable to withdraw cash from ATMs (available in Dakar and main tourist cities) or to exchange Euros upon arrival.

Q: What are the inhabitants of Senegal called?

The inhabitants of Senegal are called Senegalese .

Q: What language is spoken in Senegal?

The official language is French . However, many national languages are spoken, the most widespread being Wolof (especially in Dakar and the western part of the country). French is used in administration, education, and media.

Q: What type of electrical plug is needed in Senegal?

In Senegal, electrical plugs are mainly of type C, D, E and K . Type E is compatible with French devices. It is nevertheless prudent to bring a universal adapter. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.

Sun, sand, and Teranga.

Senegal, the gateway to West Africa, welcomes you with its legendary “Teranga” – the warm hospitality for which the country is renowned. From the fine sandy beaches of the Petite Côte to the meandering delta of Saloum, through the vibrant city of Dakar and the historic Gorée Island, our stays in Senegal promise authenticity, encounters, and cultural discoveries. Explore our offers and be enchanted by the colours and rhythms of Senegal!

What to remember about Senegal in 4 points

The Senegalese Teranga

An exceptional hospitality and sense of welcome that will mark your trip.

A rich cultural and historical heritage

Explore Gorée Island, a witness to the history of the slave trade, discover vibrant music, dance, and contemporary Senegalese art.

Varied natural landscapes

From the Atlantic beaches to the mangroves of the Saloum delta, through the Lompoul desert and national parks housing diverse wildlife.

A unique African atmosphere

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of markets, traditional villages, and Senegalese daily life.

Current offers

plage sénégalaise bordée de palmiers avec rangée de transats en bois et parasols en chaume face à la mer

Africa Senegal

From

€1,044

price per person

Neptune Hotel

An authentic tropical setting
The beach at your fingertips
A varied cuisine

Learn more

Bar décoré de sculptures métalliques en forme d’oiseaux devant un mur orange

Africa Senegal

From

2,044€

price per person

Cape Skirring

An exceptional natural setting
Accommodation with authentic charm
Varied activities to suit all tastes

Learn more

Africa Senegal

From

€1,525

price per person

Solidarity Eco-Tourism in Senegal

Dakar – Lake Retba – Kayar – Lompoul – Sine Saloum – Gorée
Cultural Immersion
Solidarity Engagement

Learn more

Ultimate travel with us

Discover Senegal

http://Ruelle%20sableuse%20bordée%20de%20maisons%20coloniales%20colorées%20sur%20l’île%20de%20Gorée,%20avec%20vue%20sur%20l’océan%20Atlantique.

http://Homme%20récoltant%20du%20sel%20dans%20une%20pirogue%20sur%20les%20eaux%20roses%20du%20lac%20Retba%20au%20Sénégal.

What are the must-visit places in Senegal?

Senegal offers a multitude of fascinating sites. Dakar, the vibrant capital, is a starting point with its African Renaissance Monument, lively markets like Kermel and Tilène. The Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a moving and essential visit for its history linked to the slave trade. The Lake Retba (Pink Lake), famous for its pink colour due to microorganisms, is a natural curiosity. The Saloum delta, also a UNESCO site, can be explored by pirogue through its mangroves, islands, and fishing villages. The Lompoul desert offers a Saharan experience with its ochre sand dunes. To the north, Saint-Louis, the former capital of French West Africa, charms with its colonial architecture and Faidherbe Bridge. National parks like Djoudj Bird National Park (the third largest ornithological reserve in the world) or the Niokolo-Koba National Park (for African wildlife) are major stops for nature lovers. The Petite Côte (Saly, Somone) is renowned for its beaches and seaside resorts.

What are the most beautiful cities and regions to visit in Senegal?

Casamance: A lush region in the south, with a distinct culture (Cap Skirring for the beaches).
Dakar: The bustling capital, cultural and economic centre.
Saint-Louis: A historic city with colonial charm, listed by UNESCO.
Gorée Island: A place of memory and history.
Saloum Delta Region: For its mangrove landscapes, islands, and biodiversity.
Petite Côte (Saly, Somone, Nianing): For its beaches and seaside activities.

Sun loungers and straw parasols on a golden sandy beach in Saly, Senegal.

What is the climate in Senegal?

Senegal has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

The dry season (November to May): This is the most pleasant time to travel, with mild temperatures (22°C to 30°C) and low humidity, especially on the coast. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, may blow.
The rainy season (hivernage, from June to October): Characterised by higher temperatures, high humidity, and tropical rains (often intense but short showers, especially late in the day). Nature is then lush. The best time to visit is generally during the dry season.

Grilled chicken and shrimp skewers served with fragrant white rice, presented on a plate on a colourful African tablecloth.

What to eat in Senegal? Gastronomy in Senegal

Senegalese cuisine is renowned for its rich and friendly flavours. The national dish is thieboudienne (or ceebu jën), a delicious rice with fish and vegetables. Yassa (chicken or fish marinated in lemon, onions, and spices, then grilled) and mafé (meat stew with peanut sauce) are also must-tries. Taste thiakry (dessert made from millet couscous and curdled milk), bissap (hibiscus juice) and bouye juice (baobab fruit). Freshly grilled fish is excellent on the coast. Mint tea (ataya) is a hospitality tradition.

When to visit Senegal?

Dakar

	Jan	Feb	March	April	Mai	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Our opinion
Season
T° max	26°C	27°C	27°C	27°C	28°C	30°C	30°C	30°C	31°C	31°C	30°C	28°C
Rainy days	1 d	1 d	0 d	0 d	0 d	2 d	5 d	10 d	9 d	2 d	0 d	0 d
T° sea	20°C	19°C	19°C	20°C	21°C	25°C	27°C	28°C	28°C	28°C	26°C	23°C
Beach
Hiking

Practical tips for your trip to Senegal

Senegal is the westernmost country on the African continent. The Almadies point in Dakar is the furthest west of the entire African mainland.

The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). The Euro is sometimes accepted in very touristy areas (hotels, some shops), but it is preferable to have CFA Francs for everyday expenses. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in big cities. It is advisable to withdraw cash from ATMs (available in Dakar and main tourist cities) or to exchange Euros upon arrival.

The inhabitants of Senegal are called Senegalese.

The official language is French. However, many national languages are spoken, the most widespread being Wolof (especially in Dakar and the western part of the country). French is used in administration, education, and media.

In Senegal, electrical plugs are mainly of type C, D, E and K. Type E is compatible with French devices. It is nevertheless prudent to bring a universal adapter. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.