Dakar , Senegal

12 Days :Birding Tours in Senegal

Active

12d

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We focus upon the most sought after or rarely seen species :
Here is a short list of birds :
White-backed Night Heron ,Scissor-tailed Kite, Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, Savile’s Bustard , African Finfoot, Quail-plover, Egyptian Plover , Adamawa Turtle Dove ,Four-banded Sandgrouse , Little Grey Woodpecker, Sun Lark, Black Scrub Robin, Dorst’s Cisticola
In Djoudj ,we focus on Sahel specialities : the Arabian Bustard, River Prinia ,Golden Nightjar ...
In Podor the : Sudan Golden Sparrow , Cricket Warbler ,Senegal Eremomela , Sennar Penduline Tit ,Senegal Bâtis ….
In Toubacouta ,the rarely seen : White-crested Tiger Heron ...
In Kaolack we can see thousands of : Swallow-tailed Kite and some Lesser Kestrel ...
In Niokolo Koba Park : The Egyptian Plover ,Lizzard Buzzards,African Finfoot, Grasshopper Buzzard,Carmine Bee-eater ,Shikra Woolly-necked Stork , Saddle-billed Stork ,Battleur , Abyssinian Ground hornbill .
In Toubacouta,we focus on the rarely seen : White-crested Tiger heron

Available options

12 Days :Birding Tours in Senegal

Pickup included

What's included

4x4WD in Niokolo Koba National Parc and local guide

The driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

All 6 Boat rides

Accomodations

My times and services as a bird guide

Fuel surcharge

All parcs entrances and fees

Lunches

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: arrival at Blaise Diagne Intl airport and transfer to Chez hotel Salim at the Pink Lake

Day 2:Podor a bird Sanctuary to see some very rare species :cricket warbler ,Sudan golden sparrow ....Overnight at Mbantou

Day 3 : Birding in Podor and drive to Djoudj . Overnight at Lampsar Lodge .

Day 4:Birding in Djoudj and afternoon boat ride Overnight at Lampsar Lodge

Day 5 : Djoudj Park - 3 Marigots - Langue de Barbarie. Overnight at Cap Saint Louis
Day 6 : Birding NDiaffate and Kousmar for the lesser kestrel and wire-tailed kites .Overnight Relais Kaolack
Day 7 : land birding and boat in Wassadou : Shikra , Egyptian Plover , African Finfoot...Overnight at Wassadou Camp
Day 8 : Birding in Niokolo Koba Park to see : wooly-necked Stork .. overnight in Wassadou Camp
Day 9 : Toubacouta
Birding in Sandicoly . overnight at Keur Saloum
Day 10 :Boat ride on Saloum and bird in Sipo
Day 11 : NDiarogne - Somone Lagoon. Overnight at NDaali
Day 12 : drop off to airport

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Dakar

Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal, is a dynamic city where African tradition meets French colonial influence. Known as the westernmost point of continental Africa, it offers stunning ocean views, rich cultural experiences, and a lively arts scene.

Top Attractions

Île de Gorée

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Île de Gorée is a small island known for its role in the Atlantic slave trade. It features historic buildings, museums, and a serene atmosphere.

Historical Half day Moderate

African Renaissance Monument

This towering statue is one of the tallest in Africa and symbolizes the continent's renaissance. It offers panoramic views of Dakar and the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Marché Sandaga

One of the largest markets in Dakar, offering a vibrant array of local goods, crafts, and food. It's a great place to experience the city's bustling market culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, bargaining expected

Dakar Cathedral

A striking example of modernist architecture, the Dakar Cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It's known for its unique design and cultural significance.

Religious 30 minutes Free

Mamelles Lighthouse

One of the oldest lighthouses in Africa, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the ocean breeze.

Historical 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Thieboudienne

Senegal's national dish, made with fish, rice, and vegetables in a tomato-based sauce.

Main dish Contains fish, can be made vegetarian with tofu.

Yassa Poulet

Chicken marinated in lemon and onion sauce, served with rice.

Main dish Contains chicken, can be made with fish or vegetables.

Mafé

A rich peanut stew made with meat (usually chicken or beef) and vegetables.

Main dish Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu or vegetables.

Bissap

A refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers, often served cold.

Drink Vegan, gluten-free.

Popular Activities

4x4 tours to Pink Lake Surfing at Yoff Beach Beach lounging at Yoff Beach Spa treatments in luxury hotels Visiting Île de Gorée Exploring local markets Attending cultural festivals Surfing

Best Time to Visit

November to June

This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather with clear skies and minimal rain. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: Wolof, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

West African CFA franc (XOF)

Time Zone

GMT

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Dakar is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure.
• Use reputable taxi services.
• Avoid walking alone at night.

Getting there

By air

Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport • 8 km from city center

By train

Available

By bus

Gare Routière de Dakar

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Dakar. It is affordable and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Car Rapid

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plateau Sandaga Ouakam Yoff

Day trips

Île de Gorée

3 km from Dakar • Half day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history and beautiful ocean views.

Pink Lake (Lac Rose)

40 km from Dakar • Full day

A stunning pink lake known for its unique color and salt extraction activities.

Saint-Louis

200 km from Dakar • Full day or overnight

A historic city known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage.

Festivals

Dakar Festival of African Cinema (FCSA) • Annually in May Dakar Biennale • Biennially in May Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) • Varies annually (Islamic calendar)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in French or Wolof to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets for authentic shopping experiences and to practice bargaining.
Explore the city's vibrant arts and music scene, including the popular Mbalax genre.
Take a day trip to Île de Gorée for a historical and cultural experience.
Try traditional Senegalese dishes like Thieboudienne and Yassa Poulet.