All Dakar Tours & Excursions in 2026 - page 5

A representative was at the pier with a sign with my name waiting to pick us up. We rode in a very nice van to the wildlife reserve. At the park we rode in an open vehicle and we were able to see many animals such as zebras, monkeys, giraffes, buffalo, rhinos, ostriches, alligators, etc. that roam freely in the very large reserve. The reserve was about an 1 1/2 hour ride from the pier and we spent about 2 hours there. Then we rode about an hour to a lagoon where we we able to ride in a boat and we're delighted to see many waterfowl. We returned to our ship without worry.

The safari was very satisfying. It's important to get to Bandia Park as early as possible because this safari is quite popular. My favorite animals to see were rhinos, many monkeys, warthogs, and giraffes -including baby giraffes. Following the safari we had a tasty meal of jollof rice at a restaurant in the Medina nieghborhood of Dakar. Our guide Mamadou was an excellent driver and thoroughly knowledgeable.

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.