Gorée Island & Dakar Tour: History and Street Life

Walk through centuries of colonial architecture, then climb inside a towering bronze statue.

This day trip combines a guided tour of Dakar's landmarks with a boat crossing to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site central to the Atlantic slave trade. You'll see the Presidential Palace, Kermel Market, Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, and the African Renaissance Monument before taking a boat to Gorée to explore the slave house, colonial buildings and island churches. A live guide in English or French leads the full route, which runs seven to eight hours and includes hotel pickup. Lunch is available on the island at your own cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dakar and Goree Island

• Visit Place de l'Independence
• Explore Kermel Market
• Pass by Presidential Palace
• Visit Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires
• See African Renaissance Monument
• Visit Dakar Station
• Boat trip to Goree Island
• Tour House of Slaves and landmarks
• Optional lunch near ocean on Goree Island
• Return to residence

The experience

The tour starts in central Dakar at Place de l'Indépendence, where colonial-era government buildings (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Governor's office and the Chamber of Commerce) frame the city's political heart. From there you move through Kermel Market, a UNESCO-recognized 1860 building rebuilt identically after a 1994 fire, where vendors sell fresh produce and artisans display their work in bright, crowded stalls. The Presidential Palace, built in 1902 as the residence of the Governor General of French West Africa and still the seat of Senegal's Head of State, sits immaculate with its red carpet and peacocks. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, completed in 1936 with materials imported from Sudan, Gabon, Tunisia, Benin and France, rises white and imposing on Boulevard de la République.

The African Renaissance Monument anchors the second half of the Dakar portion. This 52-meter bronze statue, inaugurated in 2010, depicts a man, woman and child facing the sun: symbolizing Africa's emergence toward light and openness to the world. You can climb the 198 steps inside the statue itself. On the 15th floor, in the head of the man figure, a viewing platform overlooks the entire peninsula. Ground-floor exhibits trace the monument's construction and Africa's history.

A boat then carries you from Dakar's port to Gorée Island, a small, densely built settlement of colorful ocher-facade houses that preserve centuries of colonial influence. The slave house, built in 1786 and fully restored, stands as the only remaining slave hut on the island and serves as a primary memorial to the trade that shaped the Atlantic world. You'll also see the west coast cannon, the castle memorial, the Church of St. Charles of Borromeo and the mosque: Senegal's oldest Islamic stone building. The island's narrow streets and Mediterranean-touched architecture move through time visually. Restaurants near the ocean offer lunch if you choose to eat there. The guide speaks English or French throughout, and hotel pickup is included in the price.

What’s included

• All entry fees and taxes.
• a live guide in English or French.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Dakar.
• boat transport to and from Gorée Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (27 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (17 to 26 years) · Child (7 to 16 years) · Infant (under 7): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Agsil Senegal Travel Tour

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so choose the language you're comfortable following for a full day of colonial history and island exploration. The seven- to eight-hour pace suits travelers who want to see both the city's landmarks and Gorée without rushing through either.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (17 to 26 years); Child (7 to 16 years); Infant (under 7): 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.

How do I get to Gorée Island from Dakar on this tour?

You travel by boat from Dakar's port. The crossing is part of the day's itinerary after you've seen the city landmarks, and the return boat brings you back to the city at the end of the day.

What is the slave house on Gorée Island?

The slave house is a restored structure built in 1786 and the only remaining slave hut on the island. It documents the centuries-long history of the Atlantic slave trade and stands as one of the strongest symbols of that era across all of Africa.

Can I climb the African Renaissance Monument?

Yes. The 52-meter statue is the largest in the world that can be climbed inside. A stairway of 198 steps leads up through the monument. The 15th floor sits inside the head of the man figure and offers views of Dakar and the peninsula.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included, but restaurants on Gorée Island near the ocean are available if you want to eat there during your time on the island.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup in Dakar is included. The tour runs seven to eight hours total and returns you to your hotel at the end of the day.