Senegal: 7-Day Private Tour with Locals, Desert & Wildlife

Summary

Private Senegal journey with city tours desert & wildlife

You’ll cross bustling Dakar streets with your local guide, ferry out to Gorée Island’s haunting history, ride camels in Lompoul desert at sunset, and share laughter over drumming firesides. From salt-harvesting at Lac Rose to wildlife walks in Fathala Reserve and boat rides through Saloum Delta villages — this private Senegal tour lets you feel every texture of West Africa.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through Dakar’s morning traffic when our guide, Cheikh, pointed out the African Renaissance Monument — it’s massive up close, honestly bigger than I expected. The city buzzed around us; you could smell fresh bread mixing with car exhaust and hear a dozen languages at once. Later that day we took the ferry to Gorée Island. The ride was only twenty minutes but felt like crossing into another world. Walking through the Slave House, I didn’t say much — just listened to our guide’s quiet voice echoing off the old stone walls. It’s heavy history, you know?

The next morning we left Dakar behind for Lake Retba — locals call it Lac Rose because of its wild pink color. We watched women harvesting salt from the water (their hands coated in white crystals), and I tried scooping some myself but mostly just splashed around. After that came a long drive north to Saint Louis. The city still carries its French colonial bones — faded balconies and fishermen mending nets by the river. We toured in a horse-drawn carriage; kids waved at us and one old man tried to teach me a Wolof greeting (I definitely mangled it).

Lompoul desert was something else entirely — sand everywhere, camels snorting in the wind, and drumming after dinner that went late into the night. I lay awake listening to laughter drift across campfires under a sky so clear it almost hurt my eyes. There was this moment at sunset where everyone just stopped talking for a second as the dunes turned gold-orange… I still think about that view.

Later we visited Touba’s great mosque (shoes off, heads covered), then wound down south through Toubacouta and into Fathala Reserve for a lion walk — which is exactly what it sounds like: walking near lions with rangers who somehow seemed completely calm about it all. In Saloum Delta we took a boat through tangled mangroves to meet Serer villagers; their welcome was shy but warm, and lunch tasted like peanuts and woodsmoke.

The last day felt both too short and just right — baobab trees looming over Joal Fadiouth’s shell island, then Saly’s beachy calm before heading back to Dakar or wherever you’re going next. Seven days is enough to feel changed but not quite ready to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dakar city and Goree island visit

• Explore Dakar city highlights
• Ferry to Goree island
• Visit slave house and sites
• Return to Dakar

Day 2 — Pink lake and travel to Saint Louis

• Check out from Dakar lodging
• Drive to Pink Lake
• Boat ride and salt harvesting
• Drive to Saint Louis with lunch break
• Check into hotel and rest

Day 3 — Saint Louis tour and Lompoul desert

• Check out from Saint Louis hotel
• Horse carriage city tour
• Lunch in Saint Louis
• Drive to Lompoul desert
• Check into camp and camel ride
• Watch sunset and enjoy desert nightlife

Day 4 — Touba mosque and Toubacouta stay

• Optional sunrise view
• Breakfast
• Drive to Touba mosque
• Visit Touba mosque
• Drive to Toubacouta with lunch break
• Check into hotel and free time

Day 5 — Fathala reserve and Delta Sine Saloum

• Check out after breakfast
• Drive to Fathala reserve
• Lion walk at reserve
• Drive to Delta Sine Saloum
• Check into hotel and rest
• Boat ride and village visit
• Return to hotel for dinner

Day 6 — Joal Fadiouth and Saly visit

• Check out after breakfast
• Drive to biggest baobab tree
• Visit Joal Fadiouth seashell island
• Drive to Saly
• Enjoy lunch and check into hotel
• Free time in Saly

Day 7 — Final day and departure

• Confirm final destination
• Airport drop or stay in Saly

Top questions

What does the 7-day private Senegal tour include?

The tour includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, all entry fees and taxes, air-conditioned vehicle transport, local guides throughout each region, and activities such as boat rides and camel trekking.

Is pickup included for this Senegal private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included at the start of your trip.

How long is the ferry ride to Gorée Island?

The ferry from Dakar to Gorée Island takes about 20 minutes each way.

Do I need special fitness for this tour?

No special fitness level is required; it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfasts are included with your hotel stays; lunches are provided during travel days as mentioned in the itinerary.

Where do we stay overnight during the trip?

You’ll stay in hotels or camps in Saint Louis, Lompoul desert, Toubacouta-Ndangane area, Saly, and other listed locations.

Can infants join this Senegal private tour?

Yes; infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What are some highlights of this Senegal itinerary?

Main highlights include Dakar city tour, Gorée Island visit, Lac Rose salt lake experience, Saint Louis colonial town exploration by carriage, Lompoul desert camel ride and campfire evening, Touba mosque visit, Fathala Reserve lion walk, Saloum Delta boat trip to Serer village, Joal Fadiouth shell island visit.

What’s included

Your week includes hotel accommodation with breakfast each day plus all entry fees and taxes covered along the way. You’ll have an air-conditioned vehicle throughout your journey with local guides leading every stop — from city tours to boat rides in mangroves or camel treks across Lompoul dunes — plus convenient hotel pickup at the start of your adventure.