Senegal · 2026 itinerary
Somone 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Somone: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A long, clean stretch of sand with gentle waves and few crowds. Good for walking or swimming. The beach lacks shade, so bring a hat.
🕐 24 hours
Free entry💡 Head to the southern end near the lagoon mouth for quieter spots and better shell collecting.
Hotels near Somone Beach (Plage de Somone) →A protected mangrove lagoon with rich birdlife and calm waters. You can walk along the shore or hire a local pirogue guide for a low-cost boat tour.
🕐 Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free entry💡 Go at low tide for the best bird spotting; the guides at the boat launch area offer 45-minute trips for about 5000 CFA.
Hotels near Somone Lagoon Reserve →Chez Rasta · ££
N'Iambour · ££
Deeper Into Somone
A long, uncrowded Atlantic beach with fine sand and strong surf. Swim in the lagoon side away from the rip currents. Lined with fishing pirogues.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Avoid the rocks at the southern end. For a quieter stretch, walk 15 minutes north past the baobab tree. No shade — bring an umbrella.
A modest stone monument and small garden dedicated to Senegalese soldiers from World War I and II, with engraved plaques and quiet benches.
🕐 24 hours (garden accessible at all times)
💡 Combine this with a short walk to the nearby 'Arbre de la Paix' (Peace Tree) planted in 2010 – a local photo spot.
A tidal lagoon with mangroves and birdlife. Walk the sandbar at low tide or paddle in the calm water. Local fishermen often work the channels.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Go early morning (7-8am) for the best bird activity. Check tide times at the tourist office — at high tide the sandbar disappears.
A low hill near the lagoon with a wooden viewing platform offering panoramic views of the coast, lagoon, and surrounding savannah.
🕐 Daily, 07:00–18:30
💡 Visit at sunset for the best light; take insect repellent as mosquitoes can be active.
Le Trou cannois
Le coin gourmand
Final Favourites & Departure
A massive ancient baobab tree on the outskirts of town, with a small concrete base and sign. Local kids may offer to show you the hollow trunk. Good photo stop.
💡 It's a 15-minute walk from the main square. The tree is the landmark for the path to the reserve. No facilities nearby.
A protected wetland reserve with walking trails through mangroves. Spot monitor lizards, pelicans, and migratory birds. Self-guided or with a local guide (nomin
💡 Bring insect repellent. The small visitor centre has a free map. Guides ask 1000-2000 CFA — negotiate firmly.
Le Tamarin
La Cabanne
Getting Around Somone
Flag one down at the main road junction west of the hotel. They usually fill up before leaving; expect a cramped seat for short haul.
Get off at the Mbour/Saly junction then take a local taxi to Havre de Paix. Buses are old Peugeot 504s; sit near a window that opens.
Use the Yango app instead of hailing on street—flat fare 1,500–2,000 CFA within Dakar. Orange taxis are unmetered; agree a price before starting.
Email the hotel a day before arrival; they send a reliable driver with your name on a board. Slightly cheaper than freelance taxis and no haggling.
Fix the price before getting in. Expect 25,000–30,000 CFA. Avoid drivers inside the terminal; walk out to the car park to haggle.
Negotiate the fare before you get in. Official fixed-price booths near arrivals charge 30,000 CFA. Drivers outside may ask 40,000–50,000 CFA. Stay firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Somone?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Somone Beach (Plage de Somone) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Somone?
See our full best time to visit Somone guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include L'Orangeraie, Havre de Paix, Le Calao. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.