Hiking in Senegal: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Since your trip to Senegal will begin and end in Dakar, take some time to explore the ancient African city. Place de l’Indépendance, Mosque of the Divinity, Ngor beach, are among the places you definitely should not miss when touring the city. Take some time to explore the farmer’s markets, trying local cuisine as you go, and head out for a quick swim in the sea in the afternoon.

The rest of Senegal is no less excellent and deserves as much time as you can give it as well. In the southeast, Niokolo-Koba National Park is one of the most spectacular places in the whole country, home to incredibly green rolling hills and forests. Take the time to see some of the rare flora that lives here as well.

Farther north, you encounter the Sahel as well as the steppes near Ferlo. Take the chance to see some of the local wildlife, including elephants, and enjoy this unique stretch of the world that separates the Sahara Desert from Africa’s rainforests. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries for your camera.

Stunning scenery

From the steppes and valleys in the Ferlo region of Louga to the lovely beaches on the western shoreline and lush rainforests in the east of the country, there is plenty of natural beauty to come and experience. Lake Retba, which is well-known locally for its pinkish-red waters are something that is a must-see when you are here, especially as the sun sets. Dakar too si spectacular in its own right. Take some time to enjoy its beaches and unique architecture while you visit.

Off the beaten path

Unlike other popular tourist destinations on the African continent, Senegal is not frequented nearly as often. This means, you will get to enjoy, much of the scenery all to yourself as you cross the steppe, walk along the beach or head out into the rainforest. This is the perfect place to come and unplug for a while and just enjoy nature at its finest. Be sure to leave the land as beautiful and untouched as it was when you came.

Come for the culture

Among the numerous cultures you will come across on a hiking expedition to Senegal is the Sahelian. These people have lived on the arid steppe for hundreds of years and could teach the rest of us a thing or two about using scarce water resources most efficiently. As we go, we will get to meet these people and see how they live as well as learn from them and how they have coped in this harsh environment for so many centuries.

From December to April is the dry season. During this time of year, you can expect hot winds to blow across the steppe. Toward the coast, expect average temperatures around 25 °C at this time of year with temperatures rising in the interior of the country.

Any trip to Senegal will begin with a flight into the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR) in the capital Dakar. Most guides will opt to meet you here and arrange transport to the start of the trip. DKR is easily reached by direct flights from Paris, Frankfurt, Buenos Aires and Istanbul.

French, Wolof

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West African CFA Franc (XOF)

December to April