Skip to main content
Safari Sénégal
Chat on WhatsApp
Sine Saloum

Sine-Saloum Delta: Tours, Mangroves & Islands

Explore the Sine-Saloum Delta national park: pirogue rides, birdwatching, mangroves, and islands like Mar Lodj or Ndangane. Book your tour.

The Sine-Saloum Delta is one of Senegal's most beautiful natural regions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This labyrinth of mangroves, fishing islands, and winding bolongs offers total disconnection just a few hours from the Petite Côte. With pirogue rides in the shade of mangroves and spectacular sunsets, the Saloum is a paradise for nature and bird lovers.

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Atmosphere: pristine nature, ecotourism, birding, pirogue boats
  • Highlights: exploring the bolongs, Fathala, Ndangane
See tours to Sine-Saloum

Top sights in Sine Saloum

Pirogue ride in the bolongs
The best way to discover the mangroves, get close to birds, and soak up the delta’s calm.
Fathala Wildlife Reserve
A nearby reserve offering a mini-safari and the famous "walk with lions" experience.
Mar Lodj Island
A peaceful retreat where Serer traditions remain alive and three religions coexist peacefully.
The village of Ndangane
A lively starting point for pirogue excursions and a great place to stop.
Shell Island (Fadiouth)
At the gateway to the Saloum, boasting streets made entirely of shells.
Bird watching
The delta is home to pelicans, herons, flamingos, and countless kingfishers.

What to do by travel style

Nature lovers
  • Pirogue tour
  • Birdwatching
  • Ecological walks
Seeking relaxation
  • Waterfront lodge
  • Sunset dinner
  • Quiet fishing

Sample itineraries

The Saloum in 2 days (from Saly)
  1. Day 1: Drive to Ndangane, pirogue ride through the bolongs, lunch in a fishing village.
  2. Day 1 evening: Settle into an ecolodge and relax watching the sunset over the mangroves.
  3. Day 2: Visit Fathala (wildlife) or a traditional market, then return to Saly/Dakar in the afternoon.

Practical info

Transport

Driving connects you to Ndangane or Toubacouta. The pirogue is the only way to reach the interior delta islands.

Where to stay

Eco-lodges set on the water or the edge of the mangrove offer total immersion.

Budget

Everything from very affordable camps to luxury eco-lodges is available.

Best time

Excellent year-round. The dry season (November–May) is best for spotting migratory birds.

Safety & culture

Wear a life jacket on pirogues. Mosquito protection is essential at dusk.

FAQ

What is a bolong?
It is a saltwater channel winding through the mangroves, typical of the Sine-Saloum and Casamance.
Where is Sine-Saloum relative to Dakar?
The delta is south of the Petite Côte, roughly a 3–4 hour drive from Dakar.
Do I need mosquito protection?
Yes, mangroves attract mosquitoes at night. A strong repellent and long clothing are necessary.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Many birds (pelicans, herons, egrets), monkeys, hyenas, occasional dolphins in certain areas, and small reptiles.