Horse riding in Joal is a ride in the saddle between the beach, mangrove-lined lagoons and small villages, with a possible stop facing the shell island of Fadiouth. Instructor and equipment are included, the routes are gentle, and the horses are suited to all levels.

A walking-pace ride, between lagoon and beach

The ride starts near Joal beach and follows the mangrove-lined lagoons, a refuge for many birds. The horse’s unhurried pace leaves time to listen to the pelicans calling, smell the salt air and take in the landscape. The route then passes through small Serer and Bambara villages, where you are welcomed with a smile, and may include a stop in front of the shell island of Fadiouth before following the coast at the end of the day, when the light settles on the water.

Instructor and equipment are included. The organisers offer gentle routes and horses suited to all levels, adults and children alike. Some rides include a passage through the mangrove and the chance to swim on horseback, on the beach or in the lagoon. Most routes include stops in typical villages, sometimes with a picnic or snack under the baobabs.

Booking is strongly advised, especially for groups and during the holidays, to get the right horse and the supervision you want. The best time is the dry season, from November to May, for the climate, the lagoon and birdwatching.

If you live on the Petite Côte, it is a weekend outing that makes a change from the beaches. If you are visiting, it is a way to discover the coast and its villages at the pace of a horse.

Joal, between lagoon and shell island

Joal is at the southern end of the Petite Côte, in the Fatick region. Facing it, Fadiouth is an island built, lane after lane, on centuries of empty shells thrown away by the women who gathered oysters in the lagoon: you walk on millions of shells. The page on Joal-Fadiouth tells the story of the island and its shared cemetery.

Things to do around Joal

After the ride, you can extend the day with an island excursion or birdwatching on the lagoon. Other horse and camel rides are available along the coast, and the Bandia Reserve, the Somone lagoon and the Popenguine reserve are classic outings further north.