Dakar: Pink Lake Private Day Trip with Boat & ATV or Jeep

Summary

Private day trip from Dakar to Lac Rose with boat tour and sand adventure

You’ll leave Dakar behind for a private day trip to Lac Rose—ride a boat across its pink waters, watch locals harvesting salt up close, then choose between an ATV or jeep ride over wild sand dunes. Lunch is included before heading back. You might come home with sand in your shoes and a new respect for this place.

What’s the experience like?

We were bouncing along in the van before I’d even finished my coffee—Dakar faded behind us, and the road out to Lac Rose (that’s the pink lake everyone talks about) just sort of unspooled. Our guide, Mamadou, had this easy way of pointing out little things: women balancing baskets on their heads, goats in impossible places. The air changed as we got closer—saltier, almost sharp—and then suddenly there it was: this weirdly pink stretch of water, kind of shimmering under the sun.

I didn’t expect the lake to smell so clean. We climbed into a flat-bottomed boat with two local guys who were already laughing at something Mamadou said (I never did catch the joke). Out on the water you could see people scraping up piles of salt by hand—it looked exhausting. They let us try for a minute; my arms gave up immediately. I still have grains of salt in my shoes. Took a bunch of photos but honestly it’s hard to capture how bright everything feels out there.

Afterwards we got to pick: ATV or jeep over the dunes. I went for the ATV—probably looked ridiculous with my scarf flapping everywhere but it was pure fun. Sand in my teeth, wind in my ears, and that huge sky overhead. Lunch came after (fish and rice—spicy enough to make me cough), eaten outside while someone nearby sang softly in Wolof. On the drive back to Dakar I kept thinking about those salt harvesters out on Lac Rose—there’s something stubborn and beautiful about what they do every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private tour to Pink Lake and activities

• Pick up from Dakar or Saly
• Drive 1.5 hours to Pink Lake
• Boat ride to see salt harvesting
• Take photos and explore the lake
• Choose ATV or sand dunes jeep tour
• Enjoy lunch
• Return to Dakar and drop off

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Dakar to Pink Lake?

It’s about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Dakar to Lac Rose (Pink Lake).

Is hotel pickup included for this Pink Lake private tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Dakar, Saly, or Mbour—just choose your location when booking.

What activities are included at Lac Rose?

You’ll get a boat ride on the lake to see salt harvesting and can choose either an ATV ride or sand dunes jeep tour.

Is lunch provided during the Pink Lake day trip?

Yes, lunch is included after your activities at Lac Rose.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Do I need special fitness for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for activities like ATV or jeep rides.

Can I take photos during the boat ride?

Yes, you’re free to take photos while on the lake and during other parts of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Dakar (or Saly/Mbour), all entry fees and taxes covered, a guided boat ride across Lac Rose to see salt harvesting up close, your choice between an ATV adventure or sand dunes jeep ride, plus lunch before returning you back to your place in Dakar.