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Saint-Louis
A UNESCO-listed colonial island town at the mouth of the Senegal River, linked to the mainland by the Faidherbe Bridge
A UNESCO-listed colonial island town at the mouth of the Senegal River, linked to the mainland by the Faidherbe Bridge
A grid of streets with 19th-century houses, many restored as guesthouses and galleries. It is small enough to explore on foot or by horse-drawn carriage.
Photo: Adjoajo, CC BY-SA 3.0
The 507m iron bridge, opened in 1897, crosses the Senegal River to the mainland and is the symbol of the town. It was restored in the 2010s.
Photo: Mich-nguyen, CC BY-SA 4.0
One of the largest fishing communities in West Africa, where hundreds of painted pirogues line the beach. It is crowded and lively, especially when boats return in the afternoon.
Ask before taking photos.
Photo: Ibfal, CC BY-SA 4.0
South of town, this national park covers the end of the sandy spit and the river estuary, with birdlife and nesting turtles. Coastal erosion has changed the spit since a channel was cut through it in 2003.
Visit by pirogue with a park guide.
Photo: Maktumgueye, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 60km north-east, this UNESCO-listed wetland is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Africa, with large numbers of pelicans, flamingos and migrating birds, best from November to April.
Photo: Deedoo696, CC0
Thieboudienne is said to have originated in Saint-Louis; try it here, with fresh fish. Grilled fish, yassa and mint tea are served in small restaurants on the island.
Several guesthouses in colonial buildings have good restaurants.
Saint-Louis is about 260km from Dakar, roughly 4 to 5 hours by road. Buses, minibuses and shared sept-place taxis leave from Dakar’s main bus station.
The island is walkable; taxis cross to the mainland and Guet Ndar. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US and many other countries have been able to visit Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days, but the government has announced a reciprocity-based e-visa for countries that require visas from Senegalese citizens. Check current rules before you travel.
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is pegged to the euro (€1 = 655.957 XOF). Carry cash for markets, taxis and small restaurants; Wave and Orange Money are widely used.
Prices are approximate and rise during the jazz festival.
Old town and birdlife.
Explore the island on foot or by carriage, cross the Faidherbe Bridge and walk through Guet Ndar in the afternoon.
Take a pirogue trip into the Langue de Barbarie or a day trip to Djoudj.
The Saint-Louis Jazz Festival is held each year in late May or June; book early.
Djoudj is best from November to April.
The ocean side has strong currents.
Dress modestly in town.
Quick answers for planning time in Saint-Louis.
About 260km, 4 to 5 hours by road.
Yes, the island has been on the World Heritage List since 2000.
It opened in 1897.
November to April, when migrating birds are present.
November to May, the dry season.
French and Wolof are the main languages; translation helps outside tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Senegal travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.