2-Day Senegal Tour: Thies, St Louis & Djoudj Park from Dakar

Two days to cross Senegal's interior, from artisan villages to Africa's premier bird sanctuary

A 2-day tour from Dakar to Thies, St Louis and Djoudj National Bird Park (or Langue de Barbarie if the park is closed) with private transportation, English-speaking guide, all meals and site entry. Day one moves through the tapestry-making center of Thies, then explores St Louis by horse-drawn carriage through colonial streets and the fishing village of Guer Ndar. Day two visits Djoudj's wetlands for migratory birds, crocodiles and boars, or substitutes a Langue de Barbarie cruise to see river birds and sea turtles if the park is closed June through October.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Dakar to Thies and Saint Louis

• Leave Dakar early morning
• Stop at Thies tapestry village
• Visit artisanal village in Thies
• Continue to Saint Louis and check in
• Explore Saint Louis by horse carriage
• Visit fishing village of Guer Ndar
• Return to hotel
• Dinner at hotel

Day 2: Saint Louis to Djoudj Park or Cruise

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Djoudj National Bird Park or cruise Langue de Barbarie
• Observe birds and wildlife
• Return to Dakar at noon
• Lunch
• End of services

The experience

The route leaves Dakar early and reaches Thies, Senegal's second-largest city, known for its artisanal textile and craft production. You walk through the artisanal village where local artists sell clothing, textiles, drums, jewelry, sculpture and painting, then continue north to St Louis. The overnight stop is at Cap Saint Louis or a similar hotel.

St Louis was Senegal's colonial capital and remains its cultural center, home to the annual Saint Louis International Jazz Festival. A horse-drawn carriage takes you through narrow streets lined with carved wooden balconies and verandas while the guide explains the city's history. The route includes a stop at Guer Ndar, the fishing village on the river's edge, before returning to the hotel.

Day two centers on Djoudj National Bird Park, one of the world's most important bird sanctuaries and a stop on the Palearctic migratory route. The park holds the world's highest concentration of white flamingos alongside various songbirds, crocodiles, boas and boars. If you travel between June and October when Djoudj closes, the day substitutes a cruise on Langue de Barbarie, a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic and the Senegal River where river birds and several turtle species, including the endangered Hawksbill, are visible. The tour returns to Dakar by noon.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Dakar through both days.
• experienced English-speaking guide.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• admission to Thies artisanal village, St Louis colonial sites and either Djoudj National Bird Park or Langue de Barbarie cruise depending on the season.
• one night accommodation at Cap Saint Louis or similar hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Senior (76 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 10 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Across Africa Tours LLC

Is this one for you?The 2-day length lets you move beyond Dakar's urban center and spend a full day at Djoudj or Langue de Barbarie, but keeps the commitment short enough to fit inside a longer Senegal itinerary. If you have only one day or need to explore further south or east, a different tour length would suit better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (2 to 10 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Thies known for on this tour?

Thies is Senegal's second-largest city and the center of the country's tapestry and textile-making industry. You visit the artisanal village where local artists display and sell handmade clothing, textiles, drums, jewelry, sculpture and painting.

How does the St Louis portion of the tour work?

You spend the afternoon and evening in St Louis, Senegal's former colonial capital. A horse-drawn carriage takes you through the historic streets with their carved wooden balconies while the guide shares the city's history, and you stop at the fishing village of Guer Ndar before checking into your hotel for the night.

What happens if Djoudj Park is closed when I travel?

Djoudj National Bird Park closes from June through October. If you travel during those months, the day replaces the park visit with a cruise on Langue de Barbarie, a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Senegal River where you can see river birds and sea turtles including the endangered Hawksbill.

What wildlife will I see at Djoudj Park?

Djoudj is one of the world's most important bird sanctuaries on the migratory route from Europe to Africa. The park holds the world's highest concentration of white flamingos, various songbirds, crocodiles, boas and boars.

What meals and transport are included?

The tour includes private transportation throughout, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and entry to all listed sites. An English-speaking guide accompanies the full 2 days.