Mountain biking in Popenguine, with or without electric assistance, follows the tracks that run along the red cliffs, the coastal villages and the wild beaches. Bike, helmet, water and guide are included, for an outing of 2 h 30 to 3 h, from age 12.

A bike ride between cliffs and bay

After a briefing on safety and handling the bike, the guide leads you along sandy paths and bush tracks to the coast. The route offers views over the Atlantic, with regular stops to admire the Popenguine cliff, Ndayane Bay and the protected areas of the reserve. At the end of the ride, you head back quietly to the village, where a snack and refreshments await the participants.

The level is flexible: an intermediate level is enough, and electric bikes (e-bikes) make the hills easier, while the keenest riders prefer pedalling on mixed terrain. You can choose a standard mountain bike or an e-bike. The ride covers about 15 to 25 km depending on the group and the weather.

Included are the bike, the helmet, the guide and water. The activity is open from age 12. Bring closed shoes, sunglasses, sun cream and light clothing.

If you live in Senegal, it is a sporty outing of under three hours that fits easily into a weekend on the Petite Côte. If you are visiting, it is the quickest way to see the wild coast, the cliff and the villages without having to choose a route.

Popenguine, cliffs and reserve

Popenguine is a small town on the Petite Côte, about 70 km south of Dakar, known for its Marian sanctuary, its nature reserve and its cliffs. The Popenguine Reserve describes its red cliffs and birds. The Thiès Region ties it administratively to the rest of the coast, and the town also goes by the name Ndayane, the bay the route follows.

Things to do around Popenguine

You can extend the outing with the Marian sanctuary, lunch by the sea or some beach time at Ndayane. To change pace, guided hikes on foot let you walk in the reserve, and the pirogue ride shows the neighbouring Somone lagoon.