Your stay — residence saint james
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Somone.
The Property — residence saint james
Residence Saint James is a low-key, three-star guesthouse set back from the main road in Somone, with sandy grounds, a small pool and a thatched restaurant. It’s more functional than fancy — whitewashed walls, tiled floors, ceiling fans — and suits independent travellers who want a clean, affordable base near the lagoon and beach rather than a resort experience. Standing in the lobby, you smell salt air and hear the occasional car, but the real draw is the short walk to the pirogue launch for the mangrove trips.
Chronicles of Somone
Somone grew from a tiny Serer fishing village into a small tourist stop after the N1 coastal road was paved in the 1970s. The original thatched huts and simple concrete houses have been joined by a strip of small hotels and restaurants, but the town retains a local feel because the lagoon and protected mangrove forest limit development. The nearby reserve, Réserve Naturelle de Somone, was created in 1999 to protect the estuary’s birdlife, and the town’s identity now balances fishing, eco-tourism and low-rise guesthouses. Most buildings are single-story, painted in pastel colours, with sandy streets rather than tarmac.
Best Time to Visit
Full Somone guide →Best months
November to February offer the coolest temperatures (25-30°C), low humidity and minimal rain. These are also the months with the fewest mosquitoes and the calmest Atlantic swell for swimming.
Peak / festival surge
December and January are the busiest, with European Christmas and New Year crowds filling hotels. Prices at Residence Saint James can rise 30-40% from the off-peak rate. The Dakar Rally (now in Saudi Arabia) no longer drives traffic here, but the annual Somone Regatta in late December does draw local visitors.
Budget shoulder season
June and September are the budget sweet spots: fewer tourists, lower room rates and still plenty of sun. June has a few showers but the lagoon is calm for kayaking; September is post-rainy-season with greener landscapes and emptier beaches.
Weather & packing
July is the start of the rainy season and the air feels sticky-thick, with brief downpours most afternoons but still six hours of strong sun. Pack a light waterproof jacket or poncho that folds small, and proper repellent with DEET — mosquitoes are active at dusk.
Live City Briefing — Somone
- The main road through Somone (N1) is being resurfaced in stages, and section near the market has one-lane traffic control until September — expect 10-15 minute delays heading north toward Mbour.
- A new eco-camp has opened on the lagoon’s southern bank, offering guided birdwatching walks in the reserve; it’s accessible by pirogue from the main landing 400m from the hotel.
- The Somone fish market was renovated in early 2026 with new drainage and a canopy, and now opens daily from 6:00am — buying directly from the pirogues is best before 8:00am for the freshest catch.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to residence saint james, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first or second floor at the back of the property, away from the road. Upper floors may give you a glimpse of the lagoon or mangroves, depending on the exact orientation. The small pool area is more peaceful than the front.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or the bar, as they get footfall noise and music from the bar area late into the evening. Also skip rooms facing the main street directly — the N1 road through Somone can have early morning traffic, including motos and minibuses.
Best views
A rear-facing room on the second floor may look over the garden or neighbouring plots — some give a partial view of the Somone Lagoon if the vegetation is low. The front rooms just see the road and other buildings.
Quietest floors
First or second floor, at the rear of the building. The hotel has no lift, so upper floors are quieter simply because fewer people walk past.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel sits on a sandy track off the main N1, so there is no heavy through traffic, but early morning calls to prayer from the local mosque carry across the area. Also, the bar can play music until 11pm or later on weekends. The pool pump runs during the day.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a room on the first floor at the back when booking — there is no lift, so you get more quiet. 2. The pool area is the best spot for an evening drink, but it can get busy; grab a lounger early if you want it. 3. For parking, there is space on the sandy lot in front, but it fills up — arrive by late afternoon if you drive.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — residence saint james
Free fibre-optic WiFi throughout, speed around 30 Mbps down. No login constraints, just a simple splash page accepting terms.
No lift. The hotel has two floors accessible only by stairs.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand. The lobby has a small shelf of magazines in French and English.
Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00. Early bag drop from 09:00 is free if the room is ready. Late check-out (until 18:00) costs 15,000 CFA, subject to availability.
Free luggage storage at reception on check-out day for same-day departure.
No step-free access. The ground floor has one step at the entrance; upper floors are stairs-only. Not wheelchair-accessible.
Free on-site parking is available for 10 cars at a first-come, first-served basis. The nearest public car park is at the Somone market square, 500 metres away, costing 2,000 CFA per night. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: A deposit of 30% of the total stay is required at booking. At check-in, a credit card hold of 50,000 CFA is taken for incidentals.
5-Minute Radius Essentials
La Somone — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
Toubh somone.C — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →West African CFA franc, XOF
Change money at banks or official exchange bureaux in Mbour or Dakar; avoid airport counters which give worse rates.
Cards accepted in larger hotels and some supermarkets in nearby Mbour; most local shops and taxis expect cash.
Round up taxi fares and leave 5-10% in restaurants if service charge not included; small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant coffee with milk at a small buvette or street stall for about 300-500 XOF.
Plate of thieboudienne or yassa from a local dibiterie for 1,500-2,000 XOF.
Grilled fish with rice and sauce at a simple seaside grill for around 2,000-3,000 XOF.
Along the main road through Somone and near the beach you'll find stalls selling grilled fish, brochettes, and fried doughs.
No big supermarkets in Somone; buy basics from small boutiques or travel to Mbour for larger stores like Casino or Citydia.
No dedicated clothes markets here; head to the weekly markets in Mbour for affordable second-hand or locally made clothes.
Shared sept-place taxis or minibuses (250-500 XOF for short hops); from Dakar airport take a sept-place to Somone for about 3,000-5,000 XOF.
Eat at local dibiteries and buy fresh fish from the beach. Use sept-place taxis instead of private ones. Negotiate prices for crafts or tours upfront.
Emergency Contacts
SomoneIn Senegal, dial 17 for police, 15 for ambulance, and 18 for fire. For general emergencies or tourist assistance, call the national emergency number 116 (available for non-urgent advice) or contact the local gendarmerie at 16.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Somone, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at residence saint james
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · La Somone — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Somone Junction (N1) → Havre de Paix, 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.
Ceebu Jen Stop, Somone → Saly Station
💡 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.
Anywhere in central Dakar → Centre Culturel Dieufe Dieule
💡 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.
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) → Havre de Paix, Somone
💡 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.
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) → Havre de Paix, Somone
💡 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.
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) → Centre Culturel Dieufe Dieule
💡 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.
Place de l'Indépendance (central stop) → Centre Culturel Dieufe Dieule
💡 Bus 2 or 7 drop you about 500 m from the centre. Have exact change; conductors don't break large notes. The stop is signposted 'Sicap Liberté'.
Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) → Gare des Bateaux, Dakar (near hotel)
💡 Cheaper than a standard taxi at 5,000 CFA per person. Runs to the ferry terminal; then it’s a 10-minute walk to Dieufe Dieule. Buy ticket at the airport kiosk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at residence saint james?
Request a room on the first or second floor at the back of the property, away from the road. Upper floors may give you a glimpse of the lagoon or mangroves, depending on the exact orientation. The small pool area is more peaceful than the front.
Which rooms should I avoid at residence saint james?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or the bar, as they get footfall noise and music from the bar area late into the evening. Also skip rooms facing the main street directly — the N1 road through Somone can have early morning traffic, including motos and minibuses.
Is residence saint james noisy?
The hotel sits on a sandy track off the main N1, so there is no heavy through traffic, but early morning calls to prayer from the local mosque carry across the area. Also, the bar can play music until 11pm or later on weekends. The pool pump runs during the day.
Which rooms have the best views at residence saint james?
A rear-facing room on the second floor may look over the garden or neighbouring plots — some give a partial view of the Somone Lagoon if the vegetation is low. The front rooms just see the road and other buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at residence saint james?
1. Ask for a room on the first floor at the back when booking — there is no lift, so you get more quiet. 2. The pool area is the best spot for an evening drink, but it can get busy; grab a lounger early if you want it. 3. For parking, there is space on the sandy lot in front, but it fills up — arrive by late afternoon if you drive.
What time is check-in at residence saint james?
Check-in at residence saint james is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does residence saint james have Wi-Fi?
Free fibre-optic WiFi throughout, speed around 30 Mbps down. No login constraints, just a simple splash page accepting terms.
Is there a city or tourist tax at residence saint james?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near residence saint james?
Plate of thieboudienne or yassa from a local dibiterie for 1,500-2,000 XOF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from residence saint james?
Shared sept-place taxis or minibuses (250-500 XOF for short hops); from Dakar airport take a sept-place to Somone for about 3,000-5,000 XOF.
When is the best time to visit Somone?
November to February offer the coolest temperatures (25-30°C), low humidity and minimal rain. These are also the months with the fewest mosquitoes and the calmest Atlantic swell for swimming.
Top Attractions in Somone
💡 Head to the southern end near the lagoon mouth for quieter spots and better shell collecting.
💡 Go at low tide for the best bird spotting; the guides at the boat launch area offer 45-minute trips for about 5000 CFA.
💡 Arrive before 9am for the best action. Don't photograph people without asking — a polite smile and 'bonjour' goes a long way. Buy fresh fish cheaply if you have cooking facilities.
💡 Buying direct from the maker at the back stalls gets you lower prices and more personal stories.
💡 Avoid the rocks at the southern end. For a quieter stretch, walk 15 minutes north past the baobab tree. No shade — bring an umbrella.
💡 Combine this with a short walk to the nearby 'Arbre de la Paix' (Peace Tree) planted in 2010 – a local photo spot.
💡 Go early morning (7-8am) for the best bird activity. Check tide times at the tourist office — at high tide the sandbar disappears.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best light; take insect repellent as mosquitoes can be active.