The nature hike in the Saloum is done on foot, from a village in the delta, along coastal paths that alternate sand, bush and shaded stretches in the mangrove. A licensed local guide and snacks are included; the walk lasts from 3 to 5 hours depending on the tide and the option.

On foot in the delta

The start is from a village in the delta, often near Ndangane or Mar Lodj. The walk alternates sandy areas, bush tracks and shaded stretches in the heart of the mangrove. The naturalist guide explains the ecological importance of this ecosystem: mangrove trees, migratory birds, shellfish, traditional fishing. Stops let you watch pelicans, egrets and cormorants. A snack break is planned at an eco-camp or on an isolated island, with a swim possible depending on the tide.

The pace depends on the tide level: the walk lasts from 3 to 5 hours depending on the tide and the option. The level required is a good level of walking fitness, but breaks are frequent and the ground is flat. Snacks are included, a traditional lunch can be added on request, and the hike can be combined with a pirogue ride.

Bring light shoes, a hat, sun protection and water. The dry season, from November to May, is more favourable, although the hike is possible all year.

If you live in Senegal, it is a way to discover the delta without a day on a pirogue, with your legs rather than with an engine. If you are visiting, it is a good complement to a boat trip: you see the mangrove from underneath and understand why the villages are organised around the tides.

The Sine-Saloum Delta

About 150 km south of Dakar, the Saloum is a delta listed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1980 and a Ramsar site, born of the meeting of the Sine and Saloum rivers, over more than 180,000 hectares. A territory between land and sea, made of bolongs (tidal creeks), mangroves, baobab forests, islands and villages on stilts. The Sine-Saloum Delta page tells of its Serer traditions, Sine-Saloum brings together all the offers in the area, and the Fatick region gives the setting.

Around the delta

Among the starting points mentioned, Ndangane and Mar Lodj are the reference villages of the delta. The village of Fimela and the island of Simal widen the discovery, and the Fathala reserve offers a safari. To stay on the water, the pirogue ride shows the mangrove up close.