You cannot visit Senegal without visiting areas of the cultural and natural heritage of the country. As a matter of fact, the country has seven UN-recognized landmarks and pictures do not justify the beauty of seeing them in-person.
If you are visiting Senegal anytime, make sure to visit these places or at least a few.
Gorée Island
Gorée Island is one of the most visited attractions in Senegal. With a history dating back to the 1400s, the island has gone through centuries of suffering.
Prominent figures like Nelson Mandela have visited the island to pay their respects and urged the universal community not to repeat humanity’s mistake. Some prominent landmarks include the House of Slaves and a cannon used during WWII.
Niokolo-Koba National Reserve
If you want to see animals inside of a natural hideaway, this is the place for you. In the southern region of Kédougou, the endangered national park offers tourists and locals the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat.
Furthermore, those visiting can learn from rangers how they are fighting against global climate change and raise endangered animal populations on their own.
The Island of Saint-Louis
The city of Saint-Louis is divided between the mainland and the island. On the mainland, you can find most locals buying goods from the bustling produce and textile markets.
Once you cross the Faidherbe bridge, you enter the island-portion of the city and you can walk around to see the island’s famous French-inspired architecture.
If you want to visit, visit soon because this area is endangered by oceanic submersion in the next few decades. The city was the first capital of Senegal when the French were colonizing the country.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
When it is time to migrate in the winter, over three million birds arrive at this bird sanctuary. Djoudj is also the perfect habitat for other animals, ranging from crocodiles to water buffaloes, throughout the year.
If you are planning to visit the north of Senegal, make sure to make a pit-stop in Saint-Louis before heading to this unique ecosystem.
The natural wonders of southeastern Senegal
The Bassari Country provides visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a natural paradise and experience traditional Senegalese culture.
In addition to being the home of the Niokolo-Koba National Reserve, this is a place where people of Senegalese descent reconnect with their forgotten history.
The Stone Circles of Senegambia
Like Stonehenge, the origins of these formations are a mystery. Archeologists have investigated the stone circles to estimate how long the surrounding areas have been inhabited.
Using their findings, researchers were able to develop a timeline that provided insight into the history of civilization and technology in the region. There are 4 major locations where you can visit these stone circles.
Saloum Delta
Located above the Senegal-Gambia border, the delta is home to over 100 islands. Similar to the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, many species of animals call this area home and you can see them up-close on a boat tour.
If you are adventurous, you can swim in the delta and explore the inside of breathtaking islands.
