Dakar and Gorée Island
A vibrant capital with its markets, its corniche and the Pointe des Almadies; twenty minutes away by ferry, Gorée and its memory.
See the short break →
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Destination guide
Senegal
Teranga, the Atlantic and colours that stay with you long after you return home.
Senegal reveals itself first through its welcome. Teranga, Senegalese hospitality, is not a slogan: it is a way of receiving guests, sharing a meal and taking the time to talk.
Within a few hours' drive, you go from the energy of Dakar to the silence of the Sine-Saloum bolongs, from the beaches of the Petite Côte to the colonial façades of Saint-Louis. A compact country, easy to get around and remarkably varied.
Tukkiji was born here. We know the addresses, the guides and the families that make the difference between a trip and a memory.
Practical information
The essentials before you go.
- Capital
- Dakar
- Languages
- French (official language), Wolof and many local languages
- Currency
- CFA franc (XOF): €1 = 655.957 FCFA, fixed exchange rate
- Flights
- About 5 h 30 direct from Paris, 4 h from Madrid or Lisbon
- Time difference
- GMT all year round: 1 hour behind Paris in winter, 2 hours behind in summer
- Entry requirements
- Passport valid for 6 months after your return; no visa needed for EU citizens (stays of under 90 days)
- Health
- Antimalarial treatment advised outside Dakar; yellow fever vaccination recommended
- Electricity
- 230 V, type C and E sockets (as in France)
When to go
The best time to travel, month by month.
Senegal has two main seasons: a dry season, sunny and breezy, from November to June, and a rainy season, hot and lush, from July to October.
- Jan25 °CIdeal time
- Feb25 °CIdeal time
- Mar26 °CIdeal time
- Apr26 °CIdeal time
- May27 °CGood time
- Jun29 °CGood time
- Jul30 °CRainy season
- Aug30 °CRainy season
- Sept31 °CRainy season
- Oct31 °CRainy season
- Nov29 °CIdeal time
- Dec27 °CIdeal time
- Ideal time
- Good time
- Rainy season
Average daytime temperatures in Dakar. The interior (Saloum, Casamance) is hotter. The rainy season remains pleasant for anyone who loves green landscapes and peace and quiet: showers are often short.
Must-sees
The places not to miss.
The Petite Côte
From Toubab Dialaw to Saly: beaches, fishing villages and charming hotels, an hour from Dakar.
See the short break →
The Sine-Saloum Delta
Mangroves, bolongs and shell islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Senegal at the rhythm of the tides.
See the short break →
Saint-Louis and Djoudj
The former colonial capital, a World Heritage Site, and one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Africa.
See the short break →
Pink Lake
Lake Retba, its waters pink in the dry season, its salt harvesters and its dunes, an hour from Dakar.
Casamance
The lush south: rice paddies, giant kapok trees, the beaches of Cap Skirring and Diola villages.
Travel with Tukkiji
Trips and short breaks.
Ready-to-book journeys that we tailor to your dates and wishes.
7 days · 6 nights
Senegal, Atlantic light
from €2,450
3 days · 2 nights
A romantic weekend on the Petite Côte
from €290 / person
3 days · 2 nights
Discovery weekend, Dakar & Gorée
from €240 / person
4 days · 3 nights
Escape to the Sine-Saloum
from €420 / person
4 days · 3 nights
Long weekend in Saint-Louis
from €460 / person
Frequently asked questions
What travellers often ask us.
Do I need a visa for Senegal?
Not if you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland or many other countries, for a stay of under 90 days. A passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date is all you need. Check the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Senegal?
From November to May: this is the dry season, sunny and breezy, ideal for the beach as well as for excursions. From December to March, it is also the season for migratory birds in Djoudj and the Saloum.
How many days do you need in Senegal?
A weekend is enough to discover Dakar and Gorée, or to treat yourself to a break on the Petite Côte. Allow a week to combine Dakar, the Sine-Saloum and Saint-Louis, and ten to fifteen days to add Casamance.
Is Senegal safe to visit?
Senegal is one of the most stable countries in West Africa, renowned for its hospitality. The usual precautions apply, as anywhere. Check your government's travel advice before you leave; once there, our team is by your side.
What currency is used in Senegal and how do I pay?
The currency is the CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. Bank cards are accepted in hotels and many restaurants in Dakar; bring cash for markets and villages. ATMs are plentiful in the towns and cities.
What vaccinations do I need for Senegal?
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (compulsory if you are arriving from a country where it is present), as is antimalarial treatment outside Dakar. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Ask your doctor or a travel vaccination clinic for advice.
Your journey, at your own pace.
Tell us what you dream of: we design a tailor-made trip and reply within 48 hours.