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Senegal holidays: Your in-depth travel guide
If you are thinking of a West African adventure for your next getaway, then consider the many merits of Senegal. Booking tickets for holidays to Senegal can be thrilling, especially if you have never been to the African continent before. Find out more about this welcoming country in our guide. While you're at it, check out some of our great deals for cheap hotels and flights to Senegal.
Top things to see during a Senegal round trip
Most flights to Senegal touch down in Dakar, the country's capital city. It is worth staying a few days, even if you want to get further along the coast or into Senegal's rich parklands. Explore the Grand Mosque of Dakar, a superb example of Islamic architecture. It is among the largest places of worship in all of West Africa. A vibrant cultural hub in the capital, Village des Arts is a good place to see contemporary Senegalese art being showcased.
Outside of Dakar, the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a major place of interest and a vast bird migration site. Niokolo-Koba National Park is the perfect spot for checking out wildlife, including giraffes, hippos and lions. Book an organised trip during your stay or plan a safari from home so that your itinerary is mapped out in advance. Either way, you're sure to have some great tales to tell.
Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the country's most-visited attractions. Associated with the transatlantic slave trade, it was a notorious staging post from those times. Inside, you'll find the House of Slaves museum, which, while it might not suit every kind of holidaymaker, is a top tourist site in its own right.
Are package holidays to Senegal worth it?
If you are looking for a hassle-free experience, then booking a package deal to Senegal is worth it. Knowing you have settled your accommodation bills and paid for your flights to Senegal can help you to relax. Not only this, but having transfers and, potentially, wildlife excursions organised is sometimes preferable.
With mid-range accommodation, package holidays to Senegal tend to suit most travellers, especially those who've never been to the country before. However, if you want luxury accommodation, you might want to consider booking last-minute flights to Senegal only. This way, you can decide to move on when you want, perhaps following where the wildlife is, which is often weather-dependent.
What are Senegal hotels like?
Hotels in Senegal range from basic to luxury. The top-rated establishments are in Dakar and upmarket resorts, like Saly and Cap Skirring. Expect spa facilities, air-conditioning and high service levels. Mid-range and boutique hotels may be more quirky, but they often have greater character. Expect good food from local ingredients and cooling courtyards.
If you book an all-inclusive holiday in Senegal, then expect to stay in a luxury hotel. All-inclusive packages don't tend to be offered by city centre establishments. Mid-range hotels offer full-board or half-board options. Drinks tend to be inexpensive by European standards, so you won't feel out of pocket if you steer clear of an all-inclusive deal.
Is it worth booking flights to Senegal only?
It can be worthwhile booking tickets for flights to Senegal and then making up the rest of your holiday thereafter. This approach would not be suited for a family holiday, however, because you might not be able to obtain the sort of accommodation you want. Nor is it a good idea in the high season, when the choice of hotel rooms will be limited. Under such circumstances, book your flights and hotel from home in advance.
If you opt for a flight-only deal, then consider at least reserving a hotel room for the first night of your stay in Dakar. If your flights are delayed and arrive later than expected, this can be a big win. The same goes for your return flight back home. Knowing you have a reservation for at least one night in a hotel near the airport will take the hassle out of your Senegalese holiday.
Is Senegal a family holiday destination?
Senegal is a great place for a family holiday. Thanks to its crystal-clear waters and high-quality resorts, it is often compared to the Caribbean as a holiday destination for families. Most of the family-friendly resorts are geared up for little ones with cots, high chairs and everything else you might need for a comfortable stay.
If you book excursions from your hotel with children, then check that the journey will be suited to younger ones. A day safari is fun but can be tiring, especially in the summer when it is hottest. More leisurely family activities you can book closer to your resort include volleyball, pétanque and water sports.
FAQs about Senegal holidays
Q: Is Senegal expensive to visit?
A: Senegal is best described as a moderately priced destination. However, luxury hotels in big cities can cost just as much as European establishments. That said, dining out and purchasing drinks is much cheaper. With a mid-range hotel, you can enjoy a cheap Senegal holiday.
Q: What is the best month to visit Senegal?
A: Most people want to book flights to Senegal in winter when temperatures are less oppressive. This means any time from mid-November until the end of February. For a beach holiday, consider late October or April. June until the end of September comprises the annual rainy season.
Q: What is Senegal best known for?
A: Senegal has amazing African wildlife, and you can book safari holidays or excursions to see it. The country is also associated with its hospitality, which you'll notice even in big, bustling cities like Dakar. Lake Retba, Senegal's pink lake, is another top tourist attraction in the country. The country is also known for its rich cultural heritage.
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