Ngor Island
Art, culture and ocean views, a short boat ride from Dakar

Just off the coast of Dakar is a little jewel of an island that artists and art lovers and art novices enjoy. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, enjoying beautiful art murals and great conversations with contemporary artists in their studios.

Ngor is also great to visit by kayak, with lovely views of the Atlantic, excellent local seafood, and a chance to relax and swim on the beach just minutes from Dakar.

A group tour with SHIMA offers the option to participate in a Senegalese drum circle, learn traditional dance steps, and experience the “false lion” dance on the island.

Pink Lake – Lac Rose – Lake Retba
A natural wonder, a traditional economy, and a visitor’s adventure

The Pink Lake half-day trip is an educational adventure. Experience Lac Rose, one of Senegal’s natural wonders. With a higher salinity than the Dead Sea —up to 40% in the dry season — this lake, and the miners who harvest salt here, are vital to the Senegalese economy.

Visit the lake by boat and learn about traditional salt harvesting, done by local salt miners who have perfected this trade over generations. You can even try your hand at steering the boat — you will be in for a surprise.

The lake’s striking pink hue comes from Dunaliella salina algae, which produce a red pigment under intense sunlight.

Your adventure continues with camel rides and ATV rides across the sand dunes that separate the lake from the Atlantic Ocean. With its high salt content, the lake lends itself to a buoyant float. Finish up with delicious local cuisine before returning to Dakar.