Backpacking Senegal: The Ultimate Guide & Best Tips for 2025
Is backpacking Senegal on your bucket list?
I spent 4 weeks exploring this underrated country, and by the time I left I felt like it had become my second home. If it isn’t on your list it should be!
If I were to describe Senegal with one word, it would be teranga. The word teranga means hospitality in the primary local language of Wolof. But in the daily life of the Senegalese, terenga is the foundation of who they are.
Teranga is a value that is about more than just hospitality. It’s about warmth, community, and generosity, and it’s baked into the people of Senegal from birth, and nurtured as they grow.
Backpacking Senegal gives you an excellent opportunity to experience its teranga.
If you’ve spent much time travelling through Africa, you’ve experienced the wonderful warmth of African people. The Senegalese turn warmth and hospitality into an art form.
It may be your best memory of this very memorable place.
Senegal is also a land of contradiction. A devoted Muslim nation, it’s also a country where women have a loud, if not equal, voice in politics.
As well, it’s a country where it’s easy to find vibrant city nightclubs and people dancing to music with a heady beat. Step outside a city’s limits, though, and small-town friendliness and charm will overtake you.
French is the official language of the country. As well, some 72% of the population speaks Wolof, the language of the largest ethnic group in Senegal.
In fact, there are an estimated 36 languages spoken in Senegal. But just a few words in French or Wolof will go a long way toward smoothy your way with the local people you’ll meet.
If you’re new to Africa, backpacking Senegal will be an awesome introduction for you!
💲CURRENCY:
West African CFA Francs
🌤️ Best Time to Visit:
Winter, between
December and April
🔌 Electricity: Plugin \Type C, D, E, & K
230V & 50 Hz
Backpacking Senegal: Best Places To Visit in 2025
Senegal is a coastal nation, and I encourage visitors to enjoy the beaches and other coastal areas. You’re guaranteed to find uncrowded sand and some amazing waves.
But when you’re backpacking Senegal, there is a lot more to see than its coastline. The capital and largest city of Dakar, for example, is known for its diverse music and vibrant markets.
To the north in the desert is the former capital, the colonial city of Saint Louis. Inland you’ll find the Niokolo-Koba National Park, one of the first national parks in all of Africa.
Let’s explore the best places to visit, and the best places to stay for backpacking in Senegal.
1. Dakar
Dakar took its place as the capital city of Senegal in 1960. The city is worth visiting for its energy and geniality alone.
This colourful and chaotic seaport is famous for its vibrant and chaotic markets, where you can find anything you might be looking for.
Dakar proper is a city of just over 1 million. If you include the surrounding metropolitan area, the population reaches almost 4 million people.
At times it seems like they all hang out at the markets at the same time! The city of Dakar can be overwhelming, and you may want to move on after getting a quick impression.
There are several good museums and cultural facilities in the city. If you are always on the lookout for a new museum or theatre, you’ll want to stop in at one of these.
The best of these include the Grand National Theatre of Dakar, the Théodore Monod African Art Museum, and the Museum of Black Civilizations.
Village des Arts is a famous complex featuring a large garden set with the works of Senegal’s most talented artists.
As well, the complex’s own gallery displays pieces by international and local creators. This is a definite don’t miss for any aesthete.
If you have your heart set on finding the city’s music scene, it’s not a difficult search. Salsa and reggae are big in this town, along with the mix of salsa and Senegalese drums called mbalax, which means rhythm in Wolof.
La Viking is a classic on the local nightlife scene, and always has the best of the best music. If you want to see one of the most well-known hot spots in the city, be sure to stop at Yengoulene.
The perfect place to start when visiting an enormous city like Dakar is with a great
CITY TOUR!
⭐️ Rated 5/5
Where to Stay in Dakar:
✔️ International Hotel Dakar
✔️ Nyéléni Maison Sahel
✔️ Studio Confort Fann Hock
2. N’gor
If you’re like me, N’gor might be more your speed when backpacking in Senegal. It’s a district municipality of Dakar and occupies the westernmost point of the country.
N’gor is a quieter area, and a bit more upscale than Dakar proper. It’s a fairly clean and tidy suburb of the larger city, with a youthful vibe and the sounds of djembe in the streets.
Where to Stay in N’gor
✔️ Hotel N’Gor Diarama
✔️ Hotel La Madrague
3. Île de N’Gor
While you’re here, try to spend a day on the little island off the coast, Île de N’Gor. The surf and the beaches will make it worth your while, and the village is perfect for a stroll.
Stop for a bite at one of the picturesque little spots by the water before catching a pirogue back to the mainland. They make the 10-minute crossing roughly every hour, beginning at 10 am. The last departure is around 7 in the evening.
When I say roughly, I really mean roughly. There’s an expression common among visitors in Africa – TIA, meaning “This Is Africa”. Things happen in their own time, and it’s best not to schedule yourself too tightly, because you will be late.
It’s just a part of the experience.
Also, be prepared to get wet up to your knees on the pirogue!
Where to Stay on Île de N’Gor
✔️ Fabuleuse Villa Keur Bibou
✔️ Fabuleux Studio Petit Marrakech
(despite the name, this is an excellent little place on Île de N’Gor)
4. Île de Gorée
* UNESCO World Heritage Site
A small island with a brutal past, Île de Gorée lies off the coast of Dakar. Between the 15 century and the 19th, this speck of land was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast.
Today remains the stark contrast between the plush homes of the slave traders against the harsh and sobering slave quarters, now called the House of Slaves.
It’s now a reminder of the depths to which humanity can sink, as well as a refuge of healing.
The island is a 20-minute ferry ride from Dakar, and has a lighter side, as well. You can spend the rest of your day at the outdoor art exhibits and touring the colonial architecture.
Where to Stay on the Île de Gorée
✔️ Chez Coumbis
✔️ Maison Augustin YL
✔️ Chez Eric
5. Yoff
This is another district municipality of Dakar, or a little town that’s part of the city. It’s also a great place to get away from the crush of people and enjoy a slower pace.
Yoff is run by a local Islamic group, the Layim Brotherhood, and so you won’t find any alcohol within its limits. Smoking is also not allowed.
What you will find here is a lovely long beach, and unbeatable views of Dakar. Be sure to stop at the Layen Mausoleum, a monument built to for the founder of the Layim Brotherhood.
The mausoleum is right on the beach, and was constructed with floors made of sand, as I think all buildings on beaches should be.
Where to Stay in Yoff
✔️ Chez Ouly
✔️ Auberge Keur Diame
✔️ Djily Mbaye
4. M’bour & the Petite Côte
M’bour is a city on the Petite Côte, or the Little Coast. About 80 km south of Dakar, it’s the main tourist town on the Petite Côte. It’s surrounded by holiday destinations that the Senegalese people flock to when they have time to relax.
The Petite Côte runs the length of the coast, from Dakar to the Saloum Delta, near the northern border of the Gambia. It’s dotted with beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves, and you can pick and choose which ones sound the best to you.
M’bour itself has an amazing fish market that gets going at sunset, when hundreds of pirogues return to shore after a day on the water.
Their catch is cleaned and sold right on the beach.
It’s a great spectacle – but brace yourself for the smell!
Where to Stay in M’bour
✔️ L’essentiel nianing
✔️ Kuer Ama (Keur means ‘house’)
✔️ Keur Karim sarr
- Bandia Reserve: A little wilderness in a country not known for it, here you can experience a bit of off-the beach-nature.
Get your fill of baobabs, rhinos, and ostriches on a drive through the 35 km² park. Rent a jeep there if you don’t have a car, or have a look at the croc-filled waterhole from the restaurant, no purchase required.
Where to Stay Near the Reserve
✔️ Baobab Soleil
✔️ Le Lodge Dalaal Diam
- Saly: Saly is a great place for watersports. You’ll see fly-boards and jet-skis around, or you can take a tour out on the water for a little game fishing.
This beach resort has 3 separate areas.- The little village of Saly Portudal started as a Portuguese trading post, and is now the place to go if you’re looking for something to eat or a place to sample the beers of Africa.
- Saly Nord is known for its craft markets, casinos, and the Golf de Saly golf course.
- At Saly Niakhniakhal, the seafront is lined with restaurants and European-style villas. Its picturesque location makes it a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
Where to Stay in Saly
✔️ Keur de Pierre
✔️ Riad Côté Jardin
✔️ A Keumaya
- Joal-Fadiouth: At the far southern end of the Petite Côte is the commune/town of Joal-Fadiouth. It lies about 35 km south of M’bour.
Sometimes referred to as sister towns, or called simply Joal, Joal is located on the mainland, and Fadiouth can be reached by a large bridge. Walk-on only, as no motorized vehicles are permitted.
Fadiouth is a little island made up primarily of clamshells from many, many years of harvesting. The shells are also used in the architecture of the island, and in crafts.
There is a second clamshell island and bridge leading to a unique cemetery. It has the distinction of being a rare space where Muslims and Christians are laid to rest in close proximity to each other.
The population of Joal-Fadiouth contains the majority of Senegal’s Serers, a West African ethnoreligious group, as well as its Catholics.
An interesting sight upon entering Joal is the artisanal fishing port – in other words, fishing without the modern conveniences. It’s the largest such port in West Africa.
The mornings, around 9 am, with the mass of boats going out on the water, and the evening at roughly 6 pm, with them returning loaded down with the catch of the day, are the best times to be there.
If you like a bit of history, stop by the house where Leopold Senghor grew up. This was the country’s first president to give the citizens of the country a sense of stability.
The house offers some personal history, with a glimpse into Senghor’s colonial childhood, as well as some insight into his family.
Where to Stay in Joal-Fadiouth
✔️ Hôtel Joal Lodge
✔️ Chambres D’anne
✔️ Le Thiouraye JOAL
5. Niokolo-Koba National Park
* UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located along the Gambia River, Niokolo-Koba National Park is about 860 km from Dakar. A long way, but if you have the time, it’s the best spot to see wildlife when you’re backpacking in Senegal.
The 900 km² park is a great mix of savannah and forest, with lions, elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, hippos, baboons and derby elands, the largest of the antelope.
There are actually 80 species of mammals in the park, along with reptiles, amphibians, and some 330 species of birds.
Before you make your plans, be aware that the park is only open seasonally. The official opening is December 15, closing April 30. This is Senegal’s dry season; the area is widely inaccessible the rest of the year.
You also need a 4WD in order to be admitted into the park, as well as to travel around it.
Where to Stay Near Niokolo-Koba National Park
✔️ Campement Solidaire De Badian
✔️ Campement Le Dogon Du Fouta
6. Lake Retba
If you move north from Dakar instead of south, you’ll hit Lake Retba within an hour. You can’t miss it due to its unusual pink colour.
The colour is due to a salt-loving algae called Dunaliella salina microalgae. The lake is called Lac Rosa by the locals, for obvious reasons.
The high salt content in the lake encourages the algae to grow. Because the colour comes from the carotenoids the algae produce – the same pigment that gives carrots their colour – it’s safe to swim in.
Fun, too, as the high salt content gives swimmers a buoyancy similar to the Dead Sea. You’ll be sticky afterward, but it’s worth it for the experience.
Where to Stay at Lake Retba
✔️ Gîte du Lac
✔️ Le Calao du Lac Rose
✔️ Hotel Toolbi
7. Saint Louis
* UNESCO World Heritage Site
Saint Louis is an island in the Senegal River known as Ndar by the locals. It’s the capital of its region in northwest Senegal, 292 km from Dakar.
There’s enough to see and do to keep you busy for a few days, so it’s well worth the trip to get to this interesting city when you’re backpacking Senegal.
Saint Louis Senegal is known for being the first French colony in Africa. The historic old town is full of colourful, tired colonial buildings.
Beaches and birdlife are amazing here, and every June you can experience the Saint Louis Jazz Festival. Musicians descend on Saint Louis from around the globe for one of the best festivals in Africa.
Bird lovers should be sure to visit the Parc National de la Langue de Barberie. The park is home to over 160 species of birds.
The beaches near the entrance are great spots to rest after wandering through the park.
If you’d rather not rent a car to get to Saint Louis, it’s possible to book a transfer, which is basically a car and driver. It’s cheaper if you can get a group together, and it makes getting there super easy.
A cheaper overall alternative is a sept-place taxi, a 7-seater shared taxi. It won’t be comfortable, and it may break down on the way, but it’s a Senegal experience you should have a least once on your trip.
Even less expensive is a 15-seat minivan, also uncomfortable and unreliable, but – TIA!
Best Places to Stay in Saint Louis, Senegal
✔️ Saint Louis Immo
✔️ Hotel la Residence
✔️ Chez Titi
Fun Facts About Senegal:
- The first president of this overwhelmingly Muslim country was Catholic. He held the office from 1960-1980, after France left the region.
- The favourite sport of Senegal is wrestling, or Laamb in the local language of Wolof. However, it’s not the type of wrestling we’re generally used to seeing in North America. Senegalese practice 2 forms of traditional folk wrestling.
- Fish and peanuts are the two major exports from Senegal. Peanuts are grown on 40% of farmed land here.
- The tails of sheep are often hung from the rear-view mirror of taxis in Senegal to bring the driver luck. In fact, sheep and goats have spiritual significance in the country and are allowed to roam through markets and houses.
- Senegal is known for its music and markets, as well as the surf and wildlife.
- Cape Verde Peninsula, Senegal is the westernmost point of the African continent.
Backpacking in Senegal: FAQs
Is Senegal Safe For Backpackers in 2025?
Senegal is one of the safest countries in Africa. If you use your common sense when deciding whether or not to walk around at night, especially in cities or on beaches – don’t – or count your money outside the ATM – don’t – you shouldn’t have any problems here.
It’s a huge misconception that all African countries are dangerous. Use your head and you’ll be fine. If you’d like more information, though, on safety in Africa read these 41 Safety Tips.
Is Dakar Safe?
Dakar holds many of the same dangers as other large cities. You need to keep an eye on your pockets, especially in crowded places. Pickpockets can be a problem.
Also, be aware of aggressive touts. Avoid them if you can, or duck into a nearby shop if they get too annoying.
There are a few scams that locals try to use against tourists in Dakar. For example, someone may ask you to take their picture.
When you hand them back their camera, they will “accidentally” drop and break it, then demand payment from you. Don’t agree to take anyone’s picture.
As well, taxis may try to overcharge you. Plan ahead by looking up the route to where you’re going and how long it should take. Ask the driver to use the meter, and enquire how long the trip will take. This way you’ll know if they’re being honest with you.
Just be aware of people being overly friendly near ATMs, or someone trying to distract you. You’ll find that common sense is your best defence. Don’t worry overmuch, but be aware.
How Much Money Should I Budget For Backpacking in Senegal?
On average, a backpacker should budget around US$65 per day to travel in Senegal. This will take care of typical expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and tours.
Save money by investing in a Grayl water purifier bottle, that filters anything that could make you sick. Or consider bringing water purification tablets along. These options can save a lot of money, and waste, instead of buying bottles water.
Of course, how much you spend will depend on whether you decide to use private taxis instead of the sept-place, and what sorts of hotels and restaurants you frequent.
But if you have US$65 a day to spend, you should be able to stay well-fed and happy.
Is Senegal Worth Visiting?
Yes! Senegal has the best of Africa – spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife, and a great options for adventure. And most important, taranga, Senegal’s famed hospitality, community, and respect.
What is the money situation in Senegal?
• Currency = the CFA (SAY-fuh) franc
• As of Dec 9, 2024: US$1.00 = CFA franc 438.51
• ATMs can be found in all large towns.
• Tipping in Senegal is typically done only at more upscale restaurants and for hired guides and drivers, but not taxis.
One More Important Tip…
Before you arrive in Senegal, do a little research on the language. As mentioned, the main languages are French and Wolof.
Knowing a few words and phrases in Wolof will make your days go a bit smoother. Locals anywhere appreciate visitors making an effort to speak the language. This is a great site that can help!
Summing It Up – Backpacking Senegal in 2025!
Senegal is a fascinating and eminently hospitable country, one I think should be on the bucket list of everyone who loves Africa.
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful. Whatever you decide to do in Senegal, you’ll be glad you went.
Happy travels!
Read More:
➦ The Amazing Flowers of Africa
➦ The BEST Things About Going Solo in Africa
➦ Types of Safaris in Africa
