What to do in Lompoul
A night under canvas
This is the heart of the experience, and the only real reason to come all this way rather than settle for the dunes at Lac Rose. The overnight camp lets you spend a night in the dunes, from sunset to sunrise. The nomad-style tents are pitched at the foot of the dunes or in the hollows between them; dinner is shared, often around a fire, sometimes with music. The overnight camp leaves from Dakar, with hotel pick-up, or from the Petite Côte, with pick-up from your home; transport, the night and half board are included, drinks are extra, and the package from Dakar adds a camel ride and a quad bike ride. Comfort varies from one package to another: check on the listing what is included before you choose.
The day trip from Lac Rose or Dakar
No time to stay the night? The Lompoul day trip takes you to the dunes and back, about three hours’ drive each way. It leaves early in the morning from Lac Rose, with transport, guide, lunch at the camp and site entry included; a second package leaves from Dakar (Cicès or Sédima) and includes a camel ride and a quad bike ride, but not lunch. The camel, led on foot by a camel driver, moves at walking pace: it is the gentlest and most photogenic moment. The quad bike is ridden after a briefing, at a pace adapted to the group. It is a long road for a single day: leave early, and check the minimum age for the quad bike on the listing. In Lompoul, the camel and the quad bike are never booked on their own: they are part of the packages from Dakar (day trip or overnight camp) or of the tours, where the quad bike is an option paid on site.
The Saint-Louis & Lompoul tours
Two tours combine the dunes with Saint-Louis: the former colonial capital, its island and its neighbourhoods on one side, a night under canvas in Lompoul on the other, with a camel ride and a horse-drawn carriage on the programme depending on the package. Pick-up is included from the Petite Côte (Saly, the Somone, Ngaparou); from Dakar, there is a transport supplement. It is the most logical way to make Lompoul a stop on the road north. Each tour’s listing details the length and what is included.
Sunset from a ridge
It is not an activity in its own right: it is the moment everything revolves around. Climb a dune half an hour before the sun touches the horizon, sit down and wait.
Lompoul-sur-Mer, the Grande Côte next door
A few kilometres to the west, Lompoul-sur-Mer is a fishing village on the Grande Côte, the long, dead-straight strip of sand that runs up to Saint-Louis. No beach resort here: pirogues pulled up on the beach, casuarinas, the fishing boats coming in at the end of the day. It is the natural complement to a night in the desert, for a walk along the shore the next morning. Leave your swimsuit in your bag: waves and currents make swimming dangerous on this coast.
When to go
| November – February | The best season: mild days, cool or even cold nights under canvas |
| March – May | Still dry, but rising afternoon heat and possible sandstorms |
| June – October | Muggy heat and the rainy season: only for those who cannot choose their dates |
Getting there and getting organised
Lompoul is reached via the Saint-Louis road, through Thiès and Kébémer; the last few kilometres are on a track, and the transfer to the camp is often made in an off-road vehicle. Leave Dakar by late morning at the latest to arrive before sunset. In your bag: a desert turban or scarf against the sand, a warm layer for the night, a head torch, shoes that are easy to empty and cash for small purchases on site.
Nearby
Lompoul is the only destination in Louga Region on QFS, but it is easy to combine. To the north, Saint-Louis and Saint-Louis Region open onto the river, the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and the Langue de Barbarie. To the south, Thiès Region lines the way back to Dakar.
Book an activity in Lompoul with QFS
The day trip, from Lac Rose or Dakar, and the overnight camp are listed in the adventure & outdoors section; the two Saint-Louis & Lompoul tours in guided cultural tours. You pay 20% to secure your booking (the booking fee), and the balance is paid on site, on the day, to the independent local professional who runs the activity. There are no additional official fees, and if you live in Senegal, you get the resident rate: up to 30% off.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Lompoul desert still exist?
Yes, but transformed: in recent years, zircon mining has taken over part of the historic dunes and most of the camps have closed or moved to a purpose-built site to the south. The desert atmosphere remains, but not the untouched scenery of the old photos.
How long does it take from Dakar?
Allow about 3 to 4 hours by road, including the final track. Leave by late morning at the latest to make the most of the sunset.
Is one night enough?
Yes. One night gives you the sunset, dinner, sunrise and a walk in the dunes. Add Lompoul-sur-Mer the next morning if you’re not in a hurry. Without staying the night, the day trip from Lac Rose or Dakar is still an option.
Do you have to pay to get onto the dunes?
No: no additional official fees for the activities in the area. You pay only for the activity you choose.
Can you come with children?
Yes: the overnight camp, the day trip and the Saint-Louis & Lompoul tours suit them well. The packages from Dakar include a quad bike ride: check the minimum age shown on the listing.
Can you swim at Lompoul-sur-Mer?
We strongly advise against it: the Grande Côte has powerful waves and dangerous currents. Come here to walk and see the pirogues.
