Lompoul Desert & Pink Lake: Camel Ride, Salt Lake Swim, African Ballet

Summary

From Dakar to Lompoul’s orange dunes and salt-pink lake, camel rides at sunset and desert nights with music linger in memory

You’ll float effortlessly in Senegal’s Pink Lake before heading north for a camel ride across Lompoul’s orange dunes at sunset. Share dinner beneath desert stars while local dancers bring firelight alive with music. Wake up to fishing boats and laughter by the Atlantic before returning home with sand still clinging to your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the wind picked up little swirls of pink dust near Lac Rose — Pink Lake, they call it. Our guide Amadou grinned as he pointed out the salt harvesters, their skin slick with shea butter against the glare. The air smelled sharp and mineral, almost metallic. I dipped my fingers in; it stung a bit. Floating in that lake was strange — you just bob there like a cork, laughing because your legs won’t sink even if you try. Lunch at Chez Salim was simple but good — spicy fish stew and rice, nothing fancy but somehow perfect after all that salt.

Driving north towards Lompoul Desert, the landscape changed so fast — green faded out to sand and then suddenly those orange dunes appeared. I didn’t expect them to be so soft underfoot. The Mauritanian tent where we stayed looked plain from outside but inside it was cozy, rugs everywhere and this faint smell of mint tea someone must’ve spilled earlier. My camel was called Samba — he made these grumpy noises when I tried to pat him (maybe I deserved it). Riding up for sunset felt surreal; everything went quiet except for distant drumming somewhere downwind.

Dinner was outside under a sky full of stars — more than I’ve ever seen at home. The African Ballet started slow, then built up until everyone was clapping along or just staring into the firelight. One of the dancers tried to teach me a step; let’s just say I’m better at watching than dancing. In the morning we wandered down to Lompoul’s fishing harbor — boats painted every color you can think of, kids waving from the sand, fishermen mending nets with quick hands. On the drive back I kept thinking about that silence on top of the dune at sunset. Still kind of miss it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — See Pink Lake and Lompoul Desert

• Visit Pink Lake and observe salt harvesting
• Swim and float in Pink Lake
• Have lunch at Chez Salim hotel
• Travel to Lompoul Desert
• Check in Mauritanian tent accommodation
• Enjoy camel ride at sunset
• Watch African Ballet performance at night

Day 2 — Explore Lompoul harbour and return

• Explore Lompoul fishing harbour
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How far is Lompoul Desert from Dakar?

The drive from Dakar to Lompoul Desert takes several hours by air-conditioned vehicle.

Can you really float in the Pink Lake?

Yes, due to its high salt content (10 times saltier than ocean), you’ll float easily in Pink Lake.

Is camel riding included in this tour?

Yes, a camel ride through Lompoul Desert at sunset is included.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay overnight in a comfortable Mauritanian-style nomadic tent in Lompoul Desert.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your stay; lunch is served at Chez Salim hotel near Pink Lake.

Is there live entertainment during the night?

Yes, an African Ballet performance takes place after dinner in the desert camp.

What do you see at Lompoul fishing harbor?

You’ll see colorful fishing boats, local fishermen working on their nets, and daily village life by the sea.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is provided as part of your tour logistics.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits to Pink Lake with time to swim and float, lunch at Chez Salim hotel, an overnight stay in a Mauritanian nomadic tent with dinner and breakfast provided, a camel ride across Lompoul’s dunes at sunset, all activities including an African Ballet performance under desert stars, plus time exploring Lompoul’s fishing harbor before heading back home.