Island of Gorée, Lac Rose and Lompoul
Let yourself be carried away by the charm of Senegal,passing beautiful villages, nature reserves and beaches. Experience the colonial era in the capital Dakar,where you will visit the Presidential Palace, the Palace of Independence and the Chamber of Commerce building. Local folklore can be found at the markets with a versatile range of clothing and special herbs. The infamous island of Gorée, only 300 by 900 meters, was formerly used as a slave depot, hundreds of thousands of slaves were transported from this island to America. Lac Rose shows you a completely different side of Senegal. This magical lake has a striking rose color, thanks to its high salinity. The setting is beautiful, typical African bush, sand dunes and beautiful deserted beaches. In the Lompoul desert you can, seated on a dromedary, make beautiful trips through the dunes, after which you will spend the night in a Moorish tent under the beautiful starry sky. Barbarie National Park,in the middle of the Senegal River and Atlantic Ocean, is a true paradise for birds. Pelicans, cormorants and ducks parade in front of you on the beach.
St. Louis, Djoudj and Saloum
With a 4WD you will travel past several Pod villages, the stops along the way allow you to get acquainted with the inhabitants and learn more about their way of life. This beautiful ride through the Gandiolais area ends in St. Louis, the Venice of Senegal. With its narrow streets and famous fishing district it is like going back a few centuries in time. Leaving this photogenic city behind you will take you by motorised canoe across the Senegal River. You will be birdwatching in Djoudj park,one of the three most important bird reserves in the world. You end this trip in the charming and authentic Senegalese village of Toubacouta, in the middle of the Saloum Delta. An area so full of life that it is sometimes called the 'Amazon of Africa. You will make trips through mangrove forests, visit the many islands and sail along the sand formations where the oysters, shrimp and large fish (barracudas!) have a wonderful life. Your base is hotel Les Paletuviers,a collection of luxurious sleeping huts spread over a beautiful baobab and flower park.
Tips & Tops Tour by 4WD Charms of Senegal:
- In Dakar, also visit the recently built 'Monument of African Rebirth'
- Dining in Dakar can be very romantic on the balcony of your room or either enjoying swinging live music
- Salt extraction from Lac Rose, mainly by women from surrounding villages
- Lunch overlooking Lac Rose, near the end point of Paris-Dakar
- Relaxing on the beautiful beach of the Senegal River or the Atlantic Ocean at Lompoul
- Djoudj National Park is one of the most important places for birds to hibernate
- From Toubacouta you can also take fantastic excursions to the beach of the Atlantic Ocean
