Senegal offers a vibrant blend of West African culture, French colonial heritage, and stunning Atlantic coastlines. From the bustling markets of Dakar to the historic Gorée Island and the pink waters of Lake Retba, this welcoming nation captivates visitors with its warm hospitality and rich traditions.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Bandia Wildlife Reserve Safari
Open-top 4x4 game drives through 3,500 hectares of savanna to spot giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, ostriches, and hundreds of birds. The most family-friendly wildlife experience near Dakar, only 65km away.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Lake Retba (Lac Rose) Float
Children are fascinated by the pink lake where the salt content is so high everyone floats effortlessly. Watching salt collectors work and playing in the ultra-buoyant water is a unique and memorable experience.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Gorée Island Ferry and Exploration
The short ferry ride and car-free cobblestone island are perfect for children. While the history is heavy, the colorful buildings, ocean views, and lack of traffic make it an engaging family outing.
Duration: 3-4 hours
African Renaissance Monument Climb
Children love climbing Africa's tallest statue and looking out from the observation deck for panoramic views of Dakar, the Atlantic, and the city skyline. Fun fact: the statue is taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Saloum Delta Pirogue Trip
A traditional pirogue boat ride through mangrove channels in the Saloum Delta, spotting dolphins, pelicans, flamingos, and oyster-picking villages. Older children find this magical and educational.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Riu Baobab
Senegal's best family all-inclusive resort at Pointe Sarène beach with dedicated kids club, four pools, direct beach access, multiple restaurants, and extensive entertainment programs for all ages.
Family features: Kids club (4-12 years), babysitting, multiple pools, beach access, all-inclusive meals
Royal Saly Hotel
Good-value family resort in Saly with safe beach access, family rooms, pool, and tennis courts. Friendly staff who know how to accommodate families with young children.
Family features: Family rooms, 2 pools, safe beach, kids menu, proximity to Bandia Reserve
Radisson Blu Dakar Sea Plaza
Dakar's top luxury hotel with a rooftop pool suitable for older children, spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and a safe location on the Corniche for city-based family stays.
Family features: Large rooms, rooftop pool, multiple restaurants, concierge for family arrangements
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Senegalese restaurants welcome children warmly — servers will often go out of their way for families
High chairs are available at major hotels and tourist restaurants but rare at local spots; bring a travel booster seat
Kids menus featuring pasta, pizza, and simple chicken dishes available at Chez Nini and international hotels
Familiar fast food (shawarma, pizza) is widely available in Dakar as a backup for picky eaters
Order thiéboudienne as a family sharing dish — arriving in a large communal bowl makes it interactive and fun
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Malaria prevention is essential for children — consult a pediatric doctor about appropriate prophylaxis well before travel
Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen and rash guards — equatorial sun is intense and children burn quickly
Watch children carefully at beaches due to strong riptides; swim only in designated areas or hotel-managed beaches
Bottled water only for children; avoid ice at non-hotel restaurants