Sine Saloum Escape
The mangrove, the bolongs, Mar Lodj island. The Senegal that makes no noise.
The experience
150 kilometres south of Dakar, the Sine Saloum stretches across 180,000 hectares of mangroves, bolongs and inhabited islands. A UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1981. It is the most preserved natural area within reach of Dakar.
TripAfro takes you for a full day in this exceptional delta. Pirogue in the bolongs, picnic lunch under the baobabs on Mar Lodj island, kayak, horseback riding. All included, from Dakar, by air-conditioned bus.
It's the excursion our travellers are still talking about months later.
There are places where time slows down without being asked. The Sine Saloum is one of them. The pirogue glides silently through the mangrove corridors. The water is calm, green, opaque in places. Birds cross from one bank to the other.
On Mar Lodj island, the thousand-year-old baobabs cast a thick shade over the picnic tables. You eat facing the delta. You speak softly. Nobody checks their phone.
That's the Sine Saloum. A place that sets its own pace. And a pace we often need.
The programme
- 7:30
Departure from Dakar
TripAfro air-conditioned bus. Prompt departure from the meeting point (shared 48h before).
- ~10:30
Arrival and welcome drink
Welcome on site with a welcome drink. Programme briefing by the certified TripAfro guide.
- 11:00
Pirogue in the bolongs
Pirogue ride through the mangrove and the bolongs. Through the vegetation corridors, migratory bird watching, aquatic wildlife. About 1h30.
- 13:00
Lunch on Mar Lodj island
Picnic under the thousand-year-old baobabs on Mar Lodj island. Local produce, Senegalese dishes. Mineral water included.
- 14:30
Kayak
Kayak session in the bolongs for participants. Gear provided, supervision included. Beginners welcome.
- 15:30
Horseback riding
Horse ride along the delta banks. Certified riding guide. Open to beginners and experienced riders alike.
- 16:30
Activities & games
Board games, TripAfro activities, relaxation.
- 17:30
Departure for Dakar
Return by air-conditioned bus. Arrival in Dakar in the evening.
What's included
- Round-trip air-conditioned bus transport from Dakar
- Welcome drink
- Pirogue ride in the mangrove and the bolongs
- Full picnic lunch on Mar Lodj island
- Kayak session with equipment
- Supervised horseback riding
- Mineral water both ways
- Certified TripAfro guide
- Activities and board games
Not included
- Extra drinks outside meals
- Personal expenses and on-site purchases
- Individual travel insurance
- Guide tips (recommended)
Why this trip
The Sine Saloum has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011 for its archaeological shell mounds — sites built by prehistoric populations over 4,000 years. Mar Lodj island is permanently inhabited by a fishing community living by ancestral traditions. No cars, no intrusive tourist trade.
It's a destination that deserves not to be rushed. And that's exactly why TripAfro devotes a full day to it — not a half-day, not an hour — a real day.
Practical info
Meeting point
Shared by WhatsApp 48h before
What to bring
Light clothing · Hat · Sunscreen · Closed shoes · Swimsuit · Camera
For children
From age 6 · Supervised pirogue and kayak · Child rate 30,000 FCFA
Season
Available year-round · Summer ideal for the diaspora
Payment
50% deposit at confirmation · Wave or Orange Money
Cancellation
Free up to 72h before
Frequently asked questions
What is TripAfro's Sine Saloum Escape excursion?+
The Sine Saloum Escape is a full-day excursion from Dakar to the Sine Saloum delta (UNESCO). It includes a pirogue ride in the mangrove, a picnic lunch on Mar Lodj island, a kayak session and horseback riding. 35,000 FCFA per adult, all included.
How long is the Sine Saloum excursion?+
The day lasts about 12 hours: departure at 7:30am from Dakar, return in the evening. The drive is about 2h30 each way. On site you have about 6 hours of activities and relaxation.
Is the Sine Saloum excursion suitable for children?+
Yes. Children love the pirogue, kayak and horseback riding. From age 6. Child rate: 30,000 FCFA. The TripAfro guide looks after the group all day.
What are the Sine Saloum excursion dates in July-August 2026?+
4 dates: Saturday 11 July, Sunday 2 August, Saturday 22 August, Sunday 30 August 2026. Book by WhatsApp at +221 76 194 02 37.
Why is the Sine Saloum UNESCO-listed?+
The Sine Saloum delta has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1981 for its exceptional mangroves, its bird biodiversity (300+ species) and its archaeological shell mounds, listed as World Heritage in 2011.
