Somone Lagoon Reserve Senegal
A vibrant protected lagoon teeming with diverse birdlife, offering serene pirogue rides and exceptional scenic dining experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Somone Lagoon Reserve Senegal
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant protected lagoon teeming with diverse birdlife, offering serene pirogue rides and exceptional scenic dining experiences.
"Very beautiful place. Protected area with magnificent flora and fauna."
🚗 Avoid GPS for Arrival
Don't trust Waze/Google Maps for car navigation. Take a pirogue from Somone village instead! :car:
🛶 Pirogue is Key
Access restaurants and explore the lagoon via pirogue. It's part of the adventure! :canoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birdwatching Paradise
Somone Lagoon
Witness a vibrant ecosystem teeming with pelicans, flamingos, herons, and egrets. A true delight for nature lovers.
Pirogue Excursion
Lagoon Access Points
Glide through the tranquil waters on a traditional pirogue, offering unique perspectives of the reserve and its inhabitants.
Panoramic Restaurant Views
Malick's Panoramic Restaurant
Enjoy exceptional cuisine with breathtaking views of the lagoon. A highly recommended spot for a memorable meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to the Lagoon
Best Time for Birdwatching
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid GPS for Arrival
Don't trust Waze/Google Maps for car navigation. Take a pirogue from Somone village instead! :car:
🛶 Pirogue is Key
Access restaurants and explore the lagoon via pirogue. It's part of the adventure! :canoe:
Beaches of petite cote
📸 Bird Photography
Bring your zoom lens! The diverse birdlife offers incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your lagoon visit. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid GPS for Arrival
Don't trust Waze/Google Maps for car navigation. Take a pirogue from Somone village instead! :car:
🛶 Pirogue is Key
Access restaurants and explore the lagoon via pirogue. It's part of the adventure! :canoe:
📸 Bird Photography
Bring your zoom lens! The diverse birdlife offers incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your lagoon visit. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Somone Lagoon Reserve's stunning natural beauty and abundant birdlife, calling it a magnificent protected area. The pirogue excursions and the exceptional views from restaurants like Malick's are frequently praised. However, some find navigation challenging due to sandy roads, emphasizing the need for local guidance.
"Very beautiful place. Protected area with magnificent flora and fauna. I recommend the "panoramic restaurant" at Malick's which is just exceptional both for the view and the welcome. You have to park after the Baobab hotel and ask for Malick's canoeist for the crossing. I highly recommend it."
Mamadou Alassane DIOUF
"Be careful, do not listen to waze and google maps to get there, too complicated by car (road full of sand)! To get there go rather to the Somone side and take a pirogue to access the different restaurants (paradise rasta, l'île aux pelicans etc)"
Jajou Tatamo
"Great scenery! The boat ride is great and above all there is a whole ecosystem to discover! Beautiful place to spend your weekend"
Stevy Tambakassa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
It's best to head towards Somone village and then take a pirogue (canoe) to access the lagoon. Avoid relying on GPS for car navigation as roads can be sandy and difficult.
Driving directly can be challenging due to sandy roads. Taking a pirogue from Somone village is the recommended and more enjoyable way to reach the lagoon's attractions.
A pirogue excursion is highly recommended for exploring the lagoon, accessing restaurants, and enjoying the scenery.
You'll typically find pirogue operators near the Baobab hotel or in Somone village who can arrange crossings.
While specific public transport routes to the exact lagoon access points might be limited, you can likely reach Somone village via shared taxis or buses from larger cities like Dakar, and then arrange for a pirogue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the lagoon itself is a protected area, entry fees might apply for specific boat tours or access to certain private restaurants. It's best to inquire locally.
The lagoon is generally accessible throughout the day. However, restaurant operating hours may vary, and birdwatching is best during dawn and dusk.
Yes, local pirogue operators often act as informal guides, pointing out wildlife and interesting spots. You can also arrange for more specialized guides.
Information on specific entrance fees for the protected area can be limited. Often, costs are associated with boat trips or restaurant visits.
For private tours or specific restaurant reservations, it's advisable to contact them directly or through local tour operators in Somone.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lagoon offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially from a pirogue. Focus on the diverse birdlife and the serene water landscapes.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing the birds. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the lagoon.
Yes, pink flamingos are among the species found in the lagoon, offering a fantastic subject for photographers.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful of local customs and wildlife.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Several restaurants are accessible by pirogue, including 'Malick's Panoramic Restaurant' and 'Paradise Rasta'.
Expect fresh seafood and local Senegalese cuisine. Malick's is noted for its exceptional food and welcome.
Prices can vary, but many visitors find the dining experience, especially with the views, to be well worth it.
It's possible to arrange for special meals or events, especially at restaurants like Malick's. It's best to contact them in advance.
The 'panoramic restaurant' refers to Malick's, highly praised for its exceptional views and welcoming atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to pack plenty of sun protection and snacks, as excursions can take a few hours. Choosing a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and good views, like those accessible by pirogue, can make for a pleasant family meal. Ensure children are supervised closely during boat trips and while near the water.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Bring your best camera gear with a zoom lens to capture the vibrant avian life. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for spotting the most activity. Consider hiring a local guide who can help identify species and navigate the best viewing spots within the lagoon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rich Biodiversity of Somone Lagoon
Visitors can expect to see iconic species such as pelicans, herons, egrets, and the vibrant pink flamingos. The shallow waters and mangrove fringes provide ideal feeding grounds and nesting sites. Beyond the birds, the reserve's unique landscape includes a baobab forest and a vast sandy area known as the 'tann', offering a glimpse into the region's natural beauty.
Exploring the lagoon by pirogue is the best way to immerse yourself in this environment. Local guides can point out various species and explain the ecological importance of the reserve. The tranquility of the lagoon, combined with the abundance of wildlife, creates a truly unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a connection with nature.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips from Travelers
Once you're on the water, the experience is often described as peaceful and rewarding. The pirogue rides provide excellent vantage points for wildlife spotting and enjoying the serene landscape. Several restaurants are accessible this way, with Malick's Panoramic Restaurant frequently highlighted for its exceptional views and welcoming service. Other spots like 'Paradise Rasta' and 'L'île aux Pélicans' are also popular choices.
Remember to prepare for the climate. The Senegalese sun can be intense, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. For those interested in photography, bringing a camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended to capture the diverse birdlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit