Madalaya Travel Planner is your one-stop shop for discovering Senegal in a new way. We create tailor-made trips designed to be safe, authentic, and truly memorable. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the region and our trusted network of certified guides, hotels, transportation providers, and artisans, every detail is carefully orchestrated to ensure your stay reflects your desires and pace.
Our vision extends beyond Senegal. We also open the doors to Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, two unspoiled gems of West Africa, where unspoiled coastal landscapes, cultural richness, and rare authenticity blend together. With Madalaya, you travel differently, at the heart of unique and lasting experiences.
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Top Attractions
Dakar is the capital of Senegal, in West Africa. It’s an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Its traditional Médina quarter is home to the Grande Mosquée, marked by towering minaret. The Musée Théodore Monod displays cultural artifacts including clothing, drums, carvings and tools. The city’s vibrant nightlife is inspired by the local mbalax music.
Mosque of Touba is the preeminent building in the city of the same name in Senegal. It is the largest mosque in the country and one of the largest on the entire African continent.
What to eat in Senegal?
Senegalese cuisine is one of the richest and most varied in West Africa, characterized by flavorful and colorful dishes. It uses ingredients such as fish, chicken, beef, rice, millet, and peanuts, as well as local vegetables. Popular dishes include Thieboudienne (fish rice), Poulet Yassa (chicken marinated with lemon and onion), and Mafé (meat in peanut sauce).
Thieboudienne (pronounced Chebu Jen) literally means “fish and rice” in the local Wolof language. It is a flavorful Senegalese rice and fish dish, considered as the country's national dish and a UNESCO- recognized culinary art. It originated in the coastal city of Saint-Louis, Senegal, likely in the 19th century, and is deeply associated with Senegalese culture and history.
Yassa is a flavorful and tangy Senegalese dish made with marinated poultry, fish, or lamb braised in a sauce of caramelized onions, lemon, and Dijon mustard. It is one of the most popular dishes in West Africa, with a distinctive taste that balances the sweetness of the onions with the sharp acidity of citrus.
Mafé, also spelled maafe or maffe, is a creamy and savory West African peanut stew. Considered as a staple dish in much of the region, it is especially popular in Senegal, Gambia, and Mali. The stew is characterized by its rich, nutty sauce made from groundnuts or peanut butter, combined with a tomato base and hearty vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you need a visa to visit Senegal depends on your citizenship; many nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, and the EU, are exempt
from requiring a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, travelers from other countries
may need to obtain a visa, and it is mandatory for some visitors to have a pre-paid e-visa before arrival. You will always need a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel.



The African Renaissance Monument is a 52-metre-tall bronze statue located on top of one of the twin hills known as Collines des Mamelles, outside Dakar, Senegal.
Phare des Mamelles Hilltop 1864 peninsular lighthouse offering scenic views, guided tours & camp; summer music performances.
The Mosque of Divinity is a mosque located in Ouakam, Senegal. Completed in 1997, the mosque has two minarets and provides a view of the Atlantic Ocean, as it is located near the Corniche-Ouest shore.
Ngor Beach/ Ngor Island is an island off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. There are many beaches on all sides of the island. A popular activity in summer is swimming from Dakar to Ngor. The island is reachable by boat, with a travel time of about 10 to 15 minutes from the mainland.
Lake Retba or Lac Rose is named for its pink waters caused by Dunaliella salina algae and is known for its high salt content, up to 40% in some areas.


Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Senegal Riverdelta, known as one of the world's largest bird reserves. It is situated in the Senegal River delta, about 60 km north-northeast of Saint-Louis, near the Mauritanian border. It's a vital wetland habitat for over-wintering waterfowl and has a wide variety of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and aquatic warblers. In addition to birds, the park is home to other animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, gazelles, and warthogs.
Saloum Delta or Sine-Saloum Delta is a river delta in Senegal at the mouth of the Saloum River where it flows into the North Atlantic Ocean. The delta covers 180,000 hectares. It extends to 72.5 kilometers along the coastline and 35 kilometers inland.
The Niokolo Koba National Park is situated in south-eastern Senegal. With a size of more than 9000 km², it is one of the largest national parks of West Africa. Founded in 1954, it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981 and was added to the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 2007. Approximately 350 different bird species and about 80 mammals including six primate species can be found in the park. In addition to Guinea baboons, the park hosts chimpanzees, green monkeys, patas monkeys, Temminck’s colobus monkeys as well as Galagos.
Cap Skirring located near Ziguinchor in Casamance, is a popular seaside resort and tourist destination.
Somone lagoon, a mangrove area spanning 700 hectares, is a great place to see waterbirds on La Petite Côte, Senegal. But there’s more than just birdwatching.

