The Djoudj trip from Saint-Louis heads north of the town, to a sanctuary for migratory birds. Guide and transport from Saint-Louis are included, as a half day or a full day, with a pirogue ride right up to the colonies, from 2 people.

What you come to see

Between November and April, thousands of migratory birds gather on the lakes of Djoudj National Bird Park: pelicans, flamingos, cormorants. The outing combines the journey with a guide, a pirogue ride in the park and close-up observation of the colonies. It is a watching activity, one that rewards patience and binoculars rather than hurry.

There are two lengths to choose from: a half day and a full day. The guide and the transport from Saint-Louis are included; lunch and drinks are not.

What is paid on site

Park entry (with a reduced rate for Senegalese citizens, and free entry under 10), the compulsory park guide, charged per group, and the shared pirogue are official fees: they are payable on site, on top of the price of the outing. Come with a hat, sun cream and binoculars.

When to go

The best period runs from November to April, the migrant season. It is the period to aim for if you are coming for the birds.

Saint-Louis, the starting point

Saint-Louis, a former colonial capital at the mouth of the river, is the logical base for the park: you stay there, you visit, then you set off early for the Djoudj. The park is in the Saint-Louis region, with its Djoudj page for the offers at the place and the Djoudj National Park page for the site itself. If you live in Senegal, it is a weekend away from the noise of the capital, built around a day of birds; if you are visiting, it is the big nature outing of the north of the country.

Things to do nearby

To complete the trip, the Langue de Barbarie park can be visited at the river mouth, and the Guembeul Reserve is another nature stop near Saint-Louis. Other outings are in the birdwatching category, and a pirogue ride lets you see the water differently.