2-Week Itinerary in Senegal with 3 Kids

Hi there, I’m Daouda. I live in Saint-Louis, Senegal. I’m a travel guide and companion—if you’re interested, I can show you a different side of Senegal by staying with locals. For more info, send me a message. Have a great weekend!

..the person is asking for advice, not guided tour services. Staying with locals in Senegal is really simple but not easy at the same time..

It's super easy to find vehicles to go wherever you want. You can hire a seven-seater (shared taxi), or rent a vehicle with or without a driver. But the first question to answer yours is: what kind of trip do you want? An independent "immersion" style trip, or more of a guided tour?

Budget hotels/camps are pretty basic and often have broken or missing equipment. It’s kind of in the spirit of the guide (message above) who offers his services but has an invalid website address. Me, I like it: in Senegal, you’ve got to know how to laugh.

Hello! 😊

What a wonderful project (and a great idea to start your African adventure in Casamance + Sine-Saloum with kids—it’s usually a "gentle" and very exotic introduction).

1) Gorée in an afternoon: yes, it’s worth it

Even if it’s a bit of a rush, it’s definitely worth the trip. The island is small, the atmosphere is unique, and in just a few hours, you can really enjoy it (walk around, explore the alleys, take in the viewpoints, and visit the Maison des Esclaves if you’d like). Since you’re landing at 1 AM, I’d just plan a relaxed morning (rest + late breakfast) and then head to Gorée in the early afternoon without overpacking.

2) Getting around as a group of 5 (with luggage)?

On your itinerary, you’ll be mixing boat, road, and possibly domestic flights (depending on budget and fatigue). For a family of five, the easiest options are usually: • private transfers (more comfortable, no need to negotiate every time, and you leave when you want), • or two taxis when a 7-seater isn’t available.

For your arrival in Dakar and transfers (especially airport/Dakar/Petite Côte), I personally used Lazare Taxi Private Driver, and it was perfect in terms of punctuality, driving, and organization (super handy when traveling with family). 📞 Lazare Taxi Private Driver: +221 77 158 66 03 (I’m mentioning it because when you arrive at 1 AM with three kids, having someone reliable waiting for you makes all the difference.)

3) "Homestay" accommodations

Great choice in Senegal! To maximize the "homestay" experience: • In Ziguinchor/Oussouye, you’ll find plenty of campements/cases/family-run guesthouses, • In Sine-Saloum, the campements along the bolongs are often the most memorable (simple but magical), • On the Petite Côte, there are lots of options (more touristy), but you can still find small, simple guesthouses.

Practical tip: Always ask for mosquito nets, a fan, and a shower/water (availability can vary depending on the place).

4) Your birthday on February 28th in Cap Skirring: "special" ideas

You don’t need luxury to make it memorable—consider: • A sunset + dinner with your feet in the sand (Cap Skirring is perfect for this), • A pirogue ride (postcard-worthy and fun for the whole family), • Or a beach day + a seafood/grill dinner at a small restaurant (simple but unforgettable).

With kids, the "special" moments often work best when they’re about the experience (sunset, music, beach) rather than something complicated to organize.

5) Itinerary: overall solid, but pretty fast-paced

It makes sense, yes, and you’re sticking to your rule of no more than 3 nights in one place. The trickiest part is the transition from Casamance → Sine-Saloum, especially if you take the trans-Gambian route—it can be long and unpredictable (border waits, etc.). With three kids, plan extra time and leave early.

One last thing: the 7 PM ferry after Gorée is doable, but I’d leave some buffer for unexpected delays (traffic, boarding). With kids, the most tiring part is often the rushing.

If you post updates along the way, I’d love to hear about the ferry + Carabane (it’s always interesting for others, especially families). Have an amazing trip, all five of you! 🌍☀️