Somone Travel Guide

Somone Travel Guide

Just 70 km south of Dakar on the Petite Côte, the seaside village of Somone is a peaceful escape where a shallow turquoise lagoon, golden beaches, and mangrove forests create one of Senegal’s most beautiful coastal landscapes. While nearby Saly attracts the crowds, Somone keeps a more authentic, laid-back atmosphere: colorful beach bars on the sand, fishermen’s pirogues gliding across the water, and families strolling along the shore at sunset. It’s the perfect base for travelers looking for nature, calm, and local life instead of big resorts.

Why Somone Should Be on Your Senegal Itinerary

Somone is a small village with a lot to offer:

• Protected lagoon & bird reserve – A marine protected area managed with the local community, home to egrets, herons, pelicans and many migratory birds.

• Beach & water sports – Long sandy beach with gentle waves near the lagoon mouth and stronger Atlantic swells a bit further out, ideal for swimming, kayaking, jet-ski or surfing.

• Relaxed, local vibe – You still see traditional fishing, small markets, and simple beach restaurants serving fresh grilled fish.

For many visitors, the combination of nature reserve + beach + easy access from Dakar makes Somone one of the top “hidden gem” stops on the Petite Côte.

Best Time to Visit Somone

Somone is a year-round destination, but some months are better than others:

• Best time: November to May, during the dry season. Expect sunny days, low rainfall and very pleasant temperatures – ideal for beach days and lagoon boat trips.

• Rainy season: June to October brings higher humidity and short, sometimes intense showers. The surrounding landscapes turn very green, and sunsets over the lagoon can be spectacular.

For birdwatching in the Somone Lagoon Reserve, the end of the rainy season and start of the dry season (roughly October–January) is particularly rewarding, with many migratory species using the area as a stop-over.

Top Things to Do in Somone, Senegal

1. Cruise the Somone Lagoon & Bird Reserve

The Lagoon of Somone is the star attraction:

• Take a motorised pirogue or small boat across the lagoon through narrow mangrove channels.

• Spot migratory and resident birds such as herons, egrets, terns and ospreys, and observe oyster-covered mangrove roots along the banks.

• Many tours include a stop on a sandbank or mini-island where you can swim or relax.

You can book lagoon tours on site with local boatmen, via your hotel, or through organised day trips that often combine Bandia Wildlife Reserve + Somone Lagoon from Dakar or Saly.

2. Enjoy Somone Beach

Somone’s beach is one of the most beautiful on the Petite Côte:

• Soft golden sand and shallow water near the lagoon mouth – perfect for families and less confident swimmers.

• Small thatched beach bars and restaurants where you can order grilled fish, thieboudienne (Senegal’s national dish) or fresh juices with a sea view.

• Options for kayak, paddleboard, jet-ski or boat hire depending on season and providers.

Sunrise and sunset walks along the peninsula-shaped beach are a highlight, with views over both the ocean and the calm lagoon.

3. Day Trip: Bandia Wildlife Reserve & Somone Lagoon

If you’re based in Dakar or Saly, one of the most popular excursions is a combined Bandia Reserve + Somone Lagoon day trip:

• Morning safari in Bandia Reserve to see giraffes, rhinos, antelopes, zebras, monkeys and more from an open safari truck.

• Afternoon boat ride on the Somone lagoon, including birdwatching and time to relax by the water.

This combo is great for travelers with limited time who want both wildlife and coast in one day.

4. Explore Local Life & Nearby Villages

• Wander through Somone village, visit the small market and chat with locals in French or Wolof.

• Join a fishing trip at dawn with local fishermen if your hotel can arrange it.

• Visit nearby spots like Ngaparou, Saly or Guéréo for more beaches, restaurants and viewpoints along the Petite Côte.

Getting to & Around Somone

Getting to Somone

• From Dakar: Around 1.5–2 hours’ drive via the N1 to Nguékhokh, then follow signs to Somone and the coast.

• From Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD): The airport is closer than Dakar; travel time is usually 45–60 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

• Public transport: Shared taxis and minibuses (cars rapides or Ndiaga Ndiaye) go as far as Nguékhokh or Mbour; from there you’ll need a taxi to Somone.

Getting Around

Somone itself is compact:

• Most places in the village are walkable.

• Taxis and local drivers can take you to Saly, Mbour, Bandia or Guéréo.

• Some hotels rent bikes for exploring the seaside road and nearby beaches.

Where & What to Eat in Somone

Somone is a great place to eat fresh seafood with a sea view:

• Lagoon-side and beachfront restaurants serve grilled fish, prawns, calamari, oysters and classic Senegalese dishes like thieboudienne, yassa poulet or mafé.

• Try a lunch stop during your lagoon tour at one of the simple stilt restaurants or beach shacks you’ll see along the sandbanks.

Drinks to try:

• Bissap (hibiscus juice) and ginger juice – refreshing non-alcoholic options.

• Local beers and imported wines are available in many tourist restaurants.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Somone is not a big shopping hub, but you can still find:

• Small roadside stalls and craft stands selling beaded jewelry, wooden masks, woven baskets and fabrics.

• Larger markets and more variety in Saly and Mbour, only a short taxi ride away.

Festivals & Events

Somone doesn’t have major internationally known festivals, but you may experience:

• Religious and local celebrations with drumming and dancing in the village.

• Seasonal events linked to environmental awareness and the marine protected area, sometimes including clean-up days or educational activities.

Ask your lodge or guesthouse if anything is happening during your stay – it’s a good opportunity to connect with the community.

Practical Travel Tips for Somone, Senegal

• Visa & entry: Many nationalities can enter Senegal visa-free or obtain visas easily; always check the latest rules before travelling.

• Money: The local currency is CFA franc (XOF). ATMs are more available in Saly, Mbour or Dakar, so bring some cash for small purchases in Somone.

• Health:

  • Use mosquito repellent, especially around the lagoon and at sunset.

  • Check with a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before your trip.

• What to pack:

  • Light, breathable clothing

  • Hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen

  • Sandals plus light walking shoes

  • Binoculars and a good zoom camera for birdwatching

• Respectful behavior:

  • Ask permission before photographing people.

  • Dress modestly away from the beach and tourist strips.

  • Learn a few words of French or Wolof – greetings are highly appreciated.