As someone who grew up in Africa’s largest city, I’m a city girl at heart. Tourism in most West African countries is based around their major cities e.g. Lagos, Accra, and Dakar. However, many destinations outside these urban hubs often get overlooked. When I visited Senegal for a wedding, the celebrations took place outside Dakar, giving me the opportunity to explore a different side of the country. If you’re eager to venture beyond the capital, here’s a guide to five places worth visiting.
1. Joal Fadiouth
Joal Fadiouth was my introduction to Senegal, as it’s the home of one of my close friends. This destination consists of two distinct areas: Joal, a mainland village, and Fadiouth, a man-made island constructed from seashells. It’s a truly unique place where everything—from the architecture to the crafts—is made of shells.
Just a 15-minute drive away is Baobab Sacré, the largest baobab tree in Senegal. Baobabs hold deep cultural and historical significance in many African countries, and this particular tree is a sight to behold. Its sheer size is impressive, and you truly appreciate it when you step inside its hollow trunk. Hundreds of bats live inside, which can be a little unsettling, but if you’re willing to squeeze through the narrow entrance, it’s a surreal experience.
2. Ngaye Mekhe
Ngaye Mekhe is renowned as the shoe capital of Senegal. My friends and I stopped here on a road trip from Dakar to St. Louis and were greeted by rows upon rows of shoe stores. Senegal is famous for its high-quality leather, and this town is home to generations of skilled artisans crafting beautiful leather products. It’s the perfect place to buy handcrafted loafers, slippers, or sandals at reasonable prices.
Shopping here also helps support local craftsmanship, which faces increasing pressure from cheaper imports. As you travel through the area, you’ll pass stunning bougainvillea flowers and find delicious Senegalese dishes and café touba, a spiced coffee that’s a must-try.
3. St. Louis (Ndar)
I previously wrote about St. Louis in my post on the 7 West African coastlines I visited, but it deserves another mention. While it may not be as bustling as Dakar, St. Louis offers a fascinating journey back in time. It’s known for its French colonial architecture and the historic Faidherbe Bridge, which dates back to the late 1800s.
The city is also a fishing hub, making it an excellent place to experience Senegal’s fishing culture firsthand. At the mouth of the Senegal River, you’ll see beautifully painted wooden boats, many adorned with different national flags—something I jokingly called a mini United Nations. If you visit in the early morning or late afternoon, you’ll hear fishermen singing traditional folk songs as they load and unload their boats. This was one of my favorite experiences in Senegal.
Beyond fishing, St. Louis has a vibrant artisan scene. You’ll find intricate glass paintings and crafts made from recycled materials, showcasing the creativity of local artists. Another highlight is that the city sits at the border between Senegal and Mauritania—walk far enough north along the beach, and you’ll find yourself between two countries.
4. Saly
Saly is one of Senegal’s most well-known tourist destinations, famous for its beach resorts and waterfront hotels. I only spent half a day here, but if you love well-maintained beaches, water activities, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s worth visiting.
Just 20 minutes from Saly is Bandia Reserve, a nature park where you can spot wildlife such as rhinos and gazelles. While it’s not comparable to an iconic African safari, it offers a convenient way to see some wildlife without traveling too far from Dakar. If you’re looking to diversify your experiences in Senegal, Saly and Bandia make for a great combination.
5. Casamance
It’s kind of unfair to lump all of Casamance in one section because this region, located south of The Gambia, is vastly different from the rest of Senegal. I visited Ziguinchor, the main city in Casamance, while traveling to Guinea-Bissau. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying in Ziguinchor for long, it’s a great transport hub for accessing some of the region’s most breathtaking destinations.
Casamance is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Île de Karabane and Niokolo-Koba National Park, the latter being home to elephants, leopards, lions, chimpanzees, and antelopes. Many locals also told me that Cap Skirring, has the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Senegal. If you’re looking for a more authentic and off the beaten path experience, I’d recommend choosing Cap Skirring and Niokolo-Koba over Saly and Bandia.
Final Thoughts…
Dakar has plenty to offer, but exploring other parts of Senegal can be really rewarding. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local craftsmanship, these five places prove that Senegal has so much more to experience beyond its capital. If you ever find yourself in Senegal, I highly recommend venturing outside of Dakar—you might just discover your new favorite place.
