This excursion leads into the bush, far from the bolongs, to a Serer or Fulani village in the Saloum: baobabs, termite mounds, crops, isolated hamlets and a shared local lunch. A half day, with transport, guide and lunch included.

The Saloum, land side

The Saloum is best known for its delta of water and mangrove; this outing shows its other half, dry and cultivated. The route follows bush tracks, among baobabs, termite mounds and fields, to a village where you discover the family compounds, the granaries, the growing areas, the animal enclosures and the gathering places in the shade. The landscape varies with the season, dry or green.

Serer villages are renowned for their farming tradition (millet, groundnuts, rice depending on the area) and their link to ancient rituals. Fulani villages stand out for a pastoral way of life organised around herds. Depending on the season, you may see millet growing, threshing, the groundnut harvest or preservation techniques, and, among the Fulani, a day organised around the livestock.

Lunch, length and tips

A local lunch is included, served simply; it can be requested in a milder version if you do not like spicy food. Time in the village lasts about 2 to 3 hours, the rest being given to the journey and the shared lunch. Travel is by vehicle then on foot, on easy paths. The bush can be hot: light clothes, a hat and water are recommended. The villages visited may change depending on accessibility or the day, and in the rainy season some tracks mean adapting the route.

In the delta, village side

The Saloum Delta lies about 150 km south of Dakar, in the Fatick region, and is listed by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The Saloum Delta page describes this territory of water, islands and Serer traditions. If you live in Senegal, the outing completes a weekend in the delta with a look at the inland; if you are visiting, a way of seeing that the Saloum is not only about pirogues.

To extend your trip

To see the water, pirogue rides let you discover the mangrove and bolongs, and birdwatching gathers the delta’s outings. The island excursions widen the choice, and other traditional sites and villages offer comparable visits.