All Dakar Tours & Excursions in 2026

What makes Gorée especially special is its history. Walking through the island and visiting the House of Slaves is an emotional experience that makes you reflect deeply on the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the people who suffered through it. It is a place that should be visited with respect and an open mind.

This tour was a good way to experience a different side of Senegal, combining the wildlife of Bandia Reserve with the peaceful scenery of Somone Lagoon in a single day. At Bandia Reserve, we had the opportunity to see giraffes, rhinos, zebras, ostriches, elands and other animals roaming through the landscape. The visit to Somone Lagoon offered a nice contrast, with a relaxing boat ride through the mangroves where we could observe pelicans and other birdlife, as well as local fishing boats. Most of the group were Spaniards, so the tour was conducted in Spanish, which I did not mind as I understand the language. The guide was multilingual and could switch easily between Spanish, English and French when needed. Overall, it was an enjoyable way to get a quick glimpse of Senegal’s wildlife and birdlife, particularly for travellers who want to combine a safari experience and the lagoon within a limited amount of time.

Don't be afraid to visit Dakar, it is a wonderful experience! This full day tour provided a city tour and all the fabulous architecture, both new and old; insight into the religious aspects of Dakar, and the historic UNESCO site- Goreé Island. We saw and did it all with Samba safely navigating through what appeared to be the chaotic traffic of a bustling city. Our guide, Babacar, showed his pride in his country and did a fabulous job presenting important facts and personal insights into not only Dakar, but several other aspects of Senegalise life. We shared the ferry ride to Goreé Island with about 100 middle school children on a school field day and their exuberance of what was probably a first time boat ride for many added to the excitement of the short trip. Once we arrived on the Island, we saw 100s more school children learning about the slave history of Senegal. Before we began our tour of the Island we sat down for an authentic Sengales dish with rice, fish, carrots, casaba and tamarind...it was delicious! (Tip: Be sure to ask for some chili peppers if you like it hot.) Since it was a private tour, Samba brought us by a grocery store for a quick stop to pick up some snacks before getting us back to the cruise ship and hour before all-aboard time.