Travel and holiday in Senegal
Sun, sand and Teranga
Senegal, the gateway to West Africa, welcomes you with its legendary “Teranga” — that warm hospitality that has made the country famous around the world.
From the fine sandy beaches of the Petite Côte to the meanders of the Saloum Delta, via the hustle and bustle of Dakar and the moving history of Gorée Island, Senegal is a promise of authenticity, human encounters and unforgettable cultural discoveries.
An accessible and welcoming destination, Senegal combines the pleasures of the seaside (Saly, Cap Skirring), historical and cultural riches (Gorée, UNESCO-listed Saint-Louis), natural wonders (Pink Lake, Lompoul Desert, Saloum mangroves) and a vibrant urban life in Dakar, a fast-growing West African metropolis.
Voyages Flammang supports you in designing a tailor-made trip to Senegal: a beach stay in Saly or Cap Skirring, a cultural tour Dakar–Gorée–Saint-Louis, an immersion in the Saloum Delta or community-based eco-tourism in the bush.
Why go to Senegal?
Atlantic beaches, legendary Teranga, history-laden Gorée Island, the Saloum Delta and Pink Lake: Senegal is the ideal African destination for a first trip, combining a complete change of scenery with easy access from Luxembourg.
Discover our best offers for your trip to Senegal
Fancy a beach stay in Saly, a cultural tour in Dakar and Gorée, or an immersion in the Saloum Delta?
We have selected for you our most popular stays in Senegal, designed to meet every desire: all-inclusive beach holidays, cultural and historical tours, community-based eco-tourism and beach-and-bush combinations.
Whether you’re looking for a family sun holiday, a romantic getaway for two, or a discovery tour with friends, every offer can be fully customised to your dates, your budget and your travel style.
Choose your package, and we’ll design a tailor-made trip to Senegal, turnkey from Luxembourg.
€1,276
price per person
Neptune Hotel
- An authentic tropical setting
- The beach at your fingertips
- A varied cuisine
€2,149
price per person
Cape Skirring
- An exceptional natural setting
- Accommodation with authentic charm
- Varied activities to suit all tastes
€1,525
price per person
Solidarity Eco-Tourism in Senegal
- Dakar – Lake Retba – Kayar – Lompoul – Sine Saloum – Gorée
- Cultural Immersion
- Solidarity Engagement
Our ULT travels
2530€
price per person
Senegal
- Insel Gorée
- Lac Rose
- Delta du Saloum
When to go to Senegal?
Senegal has a tropical climate with two clearly defined seasons. The dry season (November to May) is the best time to travel, with maximum sunshine, pleasant temperatures and an almost total absence of rain.
Dry season – Ideal (November to May)
The main dry season runs from November to May and is the prime travel period. Temperatures range between 22°C and 30°C, the sun shines constantly, the beaches are beautiful and the sea is calm. The months of November, December and May are particularly recommended for the combination of good weather + lower tourist numbers outside holiday periods.
Rainy season (wintering) – With caveats (June to October)
The wintering season from June to October brings intense tropical rain (especially in the evening), humid heat and lush vegetation. The months of August and September are the wettest — best avoided for a beach holiday. June, July and October remain suitable for certain activities. Advantage: lower prices and greener landscapes, especially in Casamance.
Dakar
| Jan | Feb | March | April | Mai | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our opinion | ||||||||||||
| Season | ||||||||||||
| Tourist peak | ||||||||||||
| 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 |
Where to go in Senegal? Must-see destinations
Dakar – the vibrant capital of West Africa
Dakar, a bustling West African metropolis, is far more than just Senegal’s gateway. The Monument of the African Renaissance, the Corniche with views over the Atlantic, the lively Kermel and Sandaga markets, the Cape Verde Peninsula, contemporary art galleries and the legendary music scene (mbalax, Senegalese jazz) make Dakar a unique African urban experience. The city deserves at least 2 days of exploration.
Ideal for:
- cultural and artistic discovery
- Senegalese cuisine and restaurants
- starting point for Gorée and Pink Lake
Not to be missed:
- Kermel Market and Sandaga Market
- Monument of the African Renaissance
- Village des Arts and the IFAN Museum
Gorée Island – memory, history and colonial beauty
Just a few minutes by ferry from Dakar, Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of intense emotion. The House of Slaves and its “Door of No Return” are painful witnesses to the slave trade. But the island also charms visitors with its colourful alleyways lined with bougainvillea, its colonial houses with green and orange shutters, and its timeless atmosphere—peaceful and authentic.
Worth visiting for:
- visit to the House of Slaves (UNESCO)
- colonial architecture and a stroll through the alleyways
- panoramic view from Fort d’Estrées
Good to know:
- 20 min by ferry from the Port of Dakar
- No car needed — can be visited entirely on foot
- Ideal as a half-day trip combined with Dakar
Saloum Delta – mangroves and biodiversity
The Saloum Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of West Africa’s natural jewels. This vast network of bolongs (channels), islands and mangroves is explored by pirogue at sunrise, in absolute silence broken only by the song of tropical birds. The Serer fishing villages, the islands of Fadiouth (Shell Island) and Joal offer an exceptional cultural immersion.
Perfect for:
- pirogue trips through the mangroves
- birdwatching (200+ bird species)
- visiting Fadiouth Island
Note:
- UNESCO site — preserved ecosystem
- Eco-tourism lodges available
- 4 hours by road from Dakar (via Mbour)
Petite Côte & Saly – beaches and seaside
The Petite Côte (Saly, Somone, Nianing) is Senegal’s main seaside destination. Its golden fine-sand beaches, warm Atlantic waters, quality hotels and resorts, and wide range of activities (fishing, quad biking, pirogue rides, excursions) make it an ideal place to combine beach time and discovery. Saly is the main tourist hub, with a complete hotel infrastructure for all budgets.
Best for:
- all-inclusive beach stays
- beach, water sports and relaxation
- a base for visiting the Saloum (60 km)
Good to know:
- 1.5 hours from Dakar Airport (Blaise Diagne)
- Wide range of hotels (2 to 5 stars)
- Craft markets — ideal for souvenirs
Saint-Louis & Lompoul – colonial history and desert
Saint-Louis, former capital of French West Africa and a UNESCO-listed site, is one of Africa’s most beautiful colonial cities. Its central island, linked by the famous Faidherbe Bridge, its houses with wrought-iron balconies, and its jazz atmosphere make it a major cultural destination. Nearby, the Lompoul Desert offers a unique Saharan experience: golden dunes, a night under a tent, and a spectacular sunset.
To discover for:
- colonial architecture and the Faidherbe Bridge
- a night in the Lompoul Desert
- Djoudj Bird National Park (UNESCO)
Note:
- 3 hours from Dakar — ideal for a short itinerary
- Saint-Louis Jazz Festival (in June)
- Can be combined with Lac Rose (on the way)
Which trip to Senegal is right for you?
Senegal lends itself to many travel styles: an all-inclusive beach break in Saly, a cultural itinerary Dakar–Gorée–Saloum, community-based eco-tourism in the bush, or a combination of beach and discovery. Whatever you’re looking for, Senegalese Teranga awaits you.
Family trip to Senegal – Teranga and discoveries
Senegal is a remarkable destination for families. The safe, easily accessible beaches of Saly will delight children. Canoe trips in the Saloum Delta, discovering Gorée Island, and meeting local communities offer an unmatched education through travel. Senegalese Teranga guarantees a warm welcome for the whole family.
You’ll particularly enjoy:
- safe beaches in Saly and Nianing
- canoe trips in the Saloum
- visiting Gorée Island and Dakar
Couple’s trip to Senegal – romance and escape
Senegal is a romantic destination that combines a complete change of scenery with a laid-back lifestyle. Sunset over Lac Rose, a candlelit dinner on Cap Skirring beach, a stroll through the flower-filled alleyways of Gorée, or a night in a lodge on the edge of the Saloum: a couple’s trip to Senegal is a string of timeless moments, carried by the human warmth of Teranga.
To experience as a duo:
- a night in an eco-lodge in the Saloum Delta
- sunset at Lac Rose
- Cap Skirring beach in Casamance
Trip to Senegal with friends – adventure and authenticity
Senegal with friends is an authentic, accessible, and welcoming African adventure. Dakar–Gorée–Saint-Louis tour, a night in the Lompoul desert, a pirogue excursion in the Saloum, a Teranga celebration in a village, musical evenings in Dakar: Senegal with friends is an explosion of colors, encounters, and authentic experiences that create unforgettable shared memories.
Not to be missed:
- Dakar–Gorée–Pink Lake–Saint-Louis tour
- a night under the stars in the Lompoul desert
- mbalax evening in Dakar
Practical tips for your trip to Senegal
Senegal is the westernmost country on the African continent. Pointe des Almadies, in Dakar, is the westernmost point in all of mainland Africa — the African land closest to the Americas. The country is also known for its remarkable political stability and for having organized several peaceful democratic transitions since its independence in 1960.
The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). The euro is sometimes accepted in major tourist areas, but it is preferable to have CFA francs for everyday expenses. Bank cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Dakar. ATMs are available in Dakar, Saly, and the main tourist cities.
The inhabitants of Senegal are called Senegalese (men) and Senegalese (women). The country is home to many ethnic groups: the Wolof (the majority, around 40%), the Fulani, the Serer, the Jola (in Casamance), the Lebou, and the Mandinka. This ethnic and cultural diversity is one of Senegal’s greatest human riches.
The official language is French, used in administration, education, and the media. But the most widely spoken everyday language is Wolof, a true lingua franca of the country, understood everywhere from Dakar to Saint-Louis. French-speaking travelers can communicate easily throughout the country, especially in tourist areas.
Senegal mainly uses Type C and E outlets — compatible with standard French and European devices. French two-round-pin plugs generally work without an adapter. A universal adapter is nevertheless recommended. Voltage is 230V/50Hz. Occasional power cuts can occur in less urbanized areas.
From Luxembourg, Senegal can be reached via:
- Brussels Airlines via Brussels — regular connections to Dakar
- Air France via Paris-CDG or Transavia from Orly
- Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca
- Total duration: 6 to 9 hours depending on the stopover. Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) is the main gateway, 50 km from Dakar.
Taxis are the most common way to get around in Dakar (negotiate the fare beforehand). The sept-place (bush taxi) links towns to one another at a low cost. For a sightseeing itinerary, it is strongly recommended to use a local agency with a driver-guide. The main roads (Dakar–Saly–Saloum) are in good condition. Car rental without a driver is possible but reserved for experienced travelers.
Luxembourg citizens are exempt from a visa for stays of less than 90 days. Recommended vaccinations:
- Yellow fever — strongly recommended (mandatory if you are arriving from an endemic country)
- Hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis
- Antimalarials — prophylaxis recommended depending on your itinerary
Tap water is not drinkable — plan on bottled water.
Create your ideal trip to Senegal now
Saly beaches, Gorée Island, the Saloum Delta and legendary Teranga.
We design for you a tailor-made trip to Senegal, fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your desires.
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FAQ: the most useful questions for planning your trip to Senegal
The best time is the dry season from November to May. The months of November, December and May are particularly recommended for the combination of sunshine, pleasant temperatures (24-29°C) and low crowds. Avoid August and September (intense rainy season). The dry season offers ideal conditions for beaches, excursions and cultural tours.
Recommended duration depending on your program:
- 5 to 7 days: beach stay in Saly + Dakar/Gorée excursion
- 8 to 10 days: tour Dakar + Gorée + Saloum + Petite Côte
- 12 to 14 days: complete tour Dakar + Gorée + Pink Lake + Saint-Louis + Lompoul + Saloum
A minimum of 8 days is recommended to discover the essentials of the country.
No, Luxembourg nationals are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays of less than 90 days in Senegal. You just need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date. This is one of Senegal’s practical advantages as a destination for Luxembourg and Belgian travelers.
Teranga is a fundamental concept in Wolof culture that refers to hospitality, generosity and welcoming others. In Senegal, hosting a foreigner is an honor and a social duty. Everywhere in the country, you will be welcomed warmly, invited to share a meal or a tea. This philosophy of life makes a trip to Senegal particularly enriching on a human level.
The must-sees are:
- Dakar — lively capital, museums, markets, Monument to the African Renaissance
- Gorée Island — UNESCO heritage, history of the slave trade
- Pink Lake (Lake Retba) — natural curiosity with pink waters
- Saloum Delta — mangroves and pirogue trips (UNESCO)
- Saint-Louis — colonial architecture and the Faidherbe Bridge (UNESCO)
- Lompoul Desert — dunes and a night under the stars
Senegalese cuisine is flavorful and varied. Must-tries:
- Thieboudienne (ceebu jën) — rice with fish and vegetables, the national dish
- Yassa — chicken or fish marinated with lemon and onions
- Mafé — stew in peanut sauce
- Bissap — red hibiscus juice, refreshing
- Ataya — mint tea ceremony, a sign of hospitality
Pink Lake (Lake Retba) is located about 35 km from Dakar, i.e. 45 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic. It is easily reached by taxi or on an organized excursion from Dakar or Saly. Ideally, visit the lake in the late afternoon for the characteristic pink light of sunset. Also plan to visit the salt collectors on site.
Senegal is one of the safest countries in West Africa for tourists. Its political stability has been recognized since independence. Usual precautions apply in Dakar (be vigilant in crowded places, don’t display valuables). Tourist areas (Saly, Gorée, Saloum, Saint-Louis) are very safe. Check the recommendations of Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure.
Senegal is a paradise for handicrafts:
- Bazin fabric and colorful traditional boubous
- Wood carvings and African masks
- Silver jewelry and glass beads
- Glass paintings — a typically Senegalese art form
- Local spices, dried bissap, cashew nuts
Dakar’s markets (Kermel, Tilène, Sandaga) and Saly’s craft markets are the best places.
Yes, Senegal combines very well with:
- Cape Verde — a volcanic archipelago 3 hours’ flight from Dakar, ideal for a beach extension
- The Gambia — an English-speaking enclave within Senegal, easily accessible from Saly
- Morocco — a cultural combo of North Africa + West Africa
- Mauritius or the Seychelles — a luxury beach extension in East Africa after your Senegal tour
Senegal offers varied wildlife:
- Birds: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (the world’s 3rd largest bird reserve) — pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills
- Mammals: lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos in Niokolo-Koba National Park
- Primates: red colobus monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees in Casamance (Basse-Casamance National Park)
- Reptiles: crocodiles in the Saloum bolongs, monitor lizards