A pirogue trip in the Saloum Delta means sailing the bolongs (tidal channels) between mangroves, islands and birds, on a shared circuit of one to two hours, a full day or a two-day, one-night bivouac. The price is per person, depending on group size.

From a shared circuit to a bivouac

The range is wide, so you can choose according to your time:

• Shared pirogue circuit, one to two hours;
• Private pirogue ride, two hours;
• Day on a pirogue in the delta, with or without lunch;
• Day with lunch, for groups of 2, 3, 4 to 7, or 8 to 10 people;
• 2-day, 1-night pirogue bivouac, with meals, for the same group sizes.

The price is per person and varies with the number of participants: the larger the group, the better value the day or the bivouac is for each person. The shared pirogue suits a short outing with other travellers; the private pirogue offers a ride in a small group; the full day takes you further into the bolongs and lets you stop on the islands.

The delta is a bird sanctuary: mangroves, islands and birds set the rhythm of the trip. The marine protected area requires a permit per person, where applicable: it is an official fee, payable on site, on top of the price, with a different rate for Senegalese residents and for foreign visitors.

If you live in Dakar or on the Petite Côte, the Saloum is a weekend escape that makes a change from the beach; if you are visiting, it is a chance to see the delta in several formats, from the quick outing to a night on the water.

Mar Lodj, Ndangane, Palmarin

The Saloum Delta lies some 150 km south of Dakar and belongs to the Fatick region. The trips cover several parts of the delta, around Mar Lodj, Ndangane and Palmarin, among villages, islands and mangroves. The Mar Lodj page presents the island, and the Saloum Delta page the wider area.

Extending your stay in the delta

The Fathala Reserve is a safari outing in the region, birdwatching and island excursions extend the time on the water, and guided cultural visits give you a feel for the villages.