Lake Retba Day Trip
The lake that turns the water pink. 35 km from Dakar.
The experience
35 kilometres from Dakar, Lake Retba owes its pink colour to the micro-organisms that thrive in its hyper-salted waters. It is one of the least-known natural wonders in the world. And yet you are less than an hour's drive from the capital.
TripAfro takes you for a full day: boat on the lake, quad in the dunes, seaside lunch, activities, swimming. All included from Dakar. 28,500 FCFA per adult. Infants free.
The ideal excursion for families, couples and anyone who wants to get out of Dakar without any hassle.
There is something strange and beautiful about seeing Lake Retba for the first time. You don't quite believe it at first. The water really is pink — not faintly tinted, truly pink, especially in late morning when the sun is high. Women harvest the salt by hand from the colourful boats. White sand dunes ring the lake.
It is one of those places that look like nothing else. And that happen to be 35 kilometres from Dakar.
The programme
- 8:00
Departure from Dakar
Board the TripAfro air-conditioned bus. Prompt departure from the meeting point shared at confirmation.
- ~9:30
Arrival at the Pink Lake
Welcome on site. Programme briefing by the certified TripAfro guide.
- 9:45
Boat on the lake
Boat ride on the pink waters of Lake Retba. Watch the salt harvest, the micro-organisms and the local wildlife. About 45 minutes.
- 11:00
Quad in the dunes
Quad session in the white sand dunes around the lake. Equipment provided, supervision included. Open to ages 12 and up.
- 13:00
Lunch
Full lunch by the sea — local and international dishes. Mineral water included.
- 14:30
Pool & activities
Pool access, board games, TripAfro activities. Free time to enjoy the setting.
- 15:30
Optional activities
Camel or horseback ride (optional, not included). Swimming possible.
- 17:00
Departure for Dakar
Return by air-conditioned bus. Arrival in Dakar around 6:30pm depending on traffic.
What's included
- Round-trip air-conditioned bus transport from Dakar
- Boat on Lake Retba
- Quad in the dunes
- Full lunch (local and international dishes)
- Pool access
- Mineral water both ways
- Certified TripAfro guide all day
- Activities and board games
Not included
- Extra drinks outside meals
- Camel or horseback ride (paid option on site)
- Personal expenses and purchases
- Individual travel insurance
Options
- Balade en dromadaire (en supplément)
- Balade à cheval (en supplément)
Why this trip
Lake Retba has been Ramsar-listed since 2017. Its salt is exported across West Africa. The women who harvest it pole the boats standing up, as they have for decades. It's a scene you won't see anywhere else.
For diaspora families, it's often the first real excursion with the children. And often the one they're still talking about on the way home.
Practical info
Meeting point
Shared by WhatsApp 48h before the excursion
What to bring
Swimsuit · Sunscreen · Hat · Comfortable shoes · Camera
For children
From age 0 · Infants 0-5 FREE · Child 6-12: 25,000 FCFA
Payment
50% deposit at confirmation · Balance 48h before · Wave or Orange Money
Cancellation
Free up to 72h before departure
Group
Maximum 35 people per bus
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pink Lake in Senegal?+
The Pink Lake, or Lake Retba, is a lake 35 km from Dakar whose waters are naturally pink because of micro-organisms (Dunaliella salina) that thrive in its hyper-salted waters. It is one of Senegal's most spectacular natural curiosities.
How much is the Pink Lake excursion with TripAfro?+
The Pink Lake Day Trip is 28,500 FCFA per adult and 25,000 FCFA per child (6-12). Infants 0-5 are free. Everything is included: transport, boat, quad, lunch, pool, guide.
How do I get to the Pink Lake from Dakar?+
TripAfro provides round-trip air-conditioned bus transport from Dakar. Departure at 8am, return around 6:30pm. The meeting point is shared 48h before the excursion.
Is the Pink Lake suitable for families with children?+
Yes. It's one of the most popular excursions with families. Infants free, reduced child rate, suitable activities (boat, quad, pool, games). The TripAfro guide looks after the group all day.
What are the Pink Lake excursion dates for summer 2026?+
4 dates available: Saturday 4 July, Sunday 26 July, Sunday 9 August, Saturday 29 August 2026. Book by WhatsApp at +221 76 194 02 37.
