Somone guide: lagoon, pirogue trips and where to stay

Somone sits about 70 km south of Dakar and is the quietest village on the Petite Côte. This Somone guide covers everything you need for a smooth stay: a pirogue ride through the protected lagoon, birdwatching, waterside lunches, picking a place to sleep, and getting to Saly, Ngaparou or Guéréo. To compare hotels, restaurants and rental agencies, browse the Somone travel and tourism listings on SeneFinder.

The lagoon and its nature reserve

Since 1999, the Somone lagoon has been a community nature reserve, managed together with the surrounding villages. Locals replanted the mangrove, and today the mangrove trees shelter fish, oysters and crabs. At low tide, the exposed sandbanks draw in flocks of birds.

• Entry fee: a small ticket is charged at the reserve entrance and funds local management, so carry some FCFA in small notes.
• Want more detail? Our article on the Somone lagoon and its reserve covers the history of the site and its walking paths.

Pirogue rides and birdwatching

A pirogue trip is the highlight of any visit. Boatmen leave from Somone beach or from Guéréo on the far side of the lagoon, and follow the mangrove for one to two hours. Expect to pay roughly 5,000 to 15,000 FCFA per person depending on duration and group size. Always agree on the price and route before you get in.

You are likely to spot pelicans, grey herons, egrets, cormorants, terns and sometimes flamingos. The best season runs from November to April, when European migrants winter on the Petite Côte. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer light and livelier birds.

Guéréo, the neighbouring village, is worth half a day for its market, fishing beach and down-to-earth atmosphere. It is a few minutes away by pirogue, or a short drive around the lagoon.

Where to stay and where to eat

Accommodation is spread between the lagoon front, the village itself and quieter areas such as Gouye Sagal, set back from the beach. Options include hotels with pools, guesthouses and rental villas that suit families and diaspora groups on holiday.

• Guesthouse or simple room: around 20,000 to 50,000 FCFA a night.
• Mid-range hotel: around 50,000 to 100,000 FCFA a night, depending on the season.
• Villa with kitchen: good value from four people, but book early for December and August.

The restaurants along the lagoon focus on grilled fish, thiéboudienne, prawns and mangrove oysters. Budget 5,000 to 12,000 FCFA per person for a full meal. For more ideas along the coast, see our roundup of restaurants in Somone and Ngaparou.

Getting there and getting around

From Dakar, take the toll motorway to Diamniadio, then follow signs for Mbour. Depending on where you start (Plateau, Almadies, Mermoz or Parcelles Assainies), the drive takes one to one and a half hours without traffic. Blaise Diagne International Airport is only about 30 minutes away, which makes Somone an easy first or last night of a trip.

Once there, renting a car gives you the most freedom, from about 25,000 to 45,000 FCFA a day for a small car. Check the insurance, the tyres and the fuel level when you collect the keys. Without a car, taxis reach Ngaparou in around ten minutes and Saly in about fifteen, for 2,000 to 4,000 FCFA a ride. Saly has more shops, banks and nightlife, while Ngaparou is residential with a lovely beach.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Royal Horizon Baobab : hotel, Somone
• Bout d'Brousse Guesthouse : guesthouse, Gouye Sagal
• Restaurant L'Île aux Pélicans : restaurant, Lagune de la Somone
• Paradise Rasta : restaurant, Lagune de la Somone
• Kassé Location de voiture : car rental, Somone

To widen your search, see all addresses in this category or explore the Somone directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner to plan the drive from Dakar or the airport.
• FCFA currency converter to work out your budget.
• Practical guide with emergency numbers, transport and local tips. In an emergency, dial 17 (police) or 18 (fire brigade).
• Recommend a place you enjoyed in Somone.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Somone lagoon?

November to April brings dry weather and plenty of migratory birds. The rainy season, July to October, is hotter and more humid.

How much does a pirogue ride on the lagoon cost?

Expect roughly 5,000 to 15,000 FCFA per person, depending on duration and the number of passengers. Settle the price and route before setting off.

Do I need a car to stay in Somone?

Not necessarily, since taxis easily connect Somone with Saly and Ngaparou. A rental car quickly pays off if you want to explore the Petite Côte or make several trips to Dakar.