Saloum Delta
Location: South West Senegal
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The Saloum Delta is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem located in Senegal, where the Saloum River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The delta is characterized by a series of islands, sand dunes, mangrove forests, and lagoons, which provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The area is also home to several traditional fishing communities, whose livelihoods depend on the natural resources of the delta.
Prominent Features: The Saloum Delta is a vast and diverse ecosystem, with several notable features, including:
History: The Saloum Delta hasbeen inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and is home to several traditional fishing communities that have lived in harmony with the natural environment for generations. The delta has also been shaped by colonialism and global trade, with the arrival of European traders and the transatlantic slave trade leaving a lasting impact on the region.
Fun Fact: The Saloum Delta is home to several endangered species, including the West African manatee, the African slender-snouted crocodile, and the African fish eagle.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the diverse ecosystem of the delta, go birdwatching at one of the many bird sanctuaries, or visit a traditional fishing village to learn about the culture and traditions of the local communities.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for visiting the Saloum Delta.
How to Reach It: The Saloum Delta is located in southwestern Senegal, and can be reached by car or boat from several nearby towns and cities. The closest major city is Dakar, which is approximately 250kms away by car. There are also several local tour operators that offer guided tours of the delta, including boat trips and birdwatching excursions.
You can take a bus from Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, to the town of Foundiougne, which is located near the Saloum Delta. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic, and there are several bus companies that operate this route, including Dakar Dem Dikk and TATA.
Shared taxi: Another option is to take a shared taxi from Dakar to Foundiougne. These are usually faster than buses, as they make fewer stops along the way, but they can be more expensive. You can find shared taxis at the Gare Routiere in Dakar.
Once you arrive in Foundiougne, you can hire a local guide to take you on a boat tour of the Saloum Delta. You can also explore the surrounding villages and wildlife areas on foot or by bicycle.
Note that the transportation options may vary depending on your location and the time of year
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located near the Saloum Delta, including the Royal Lodge Hotel and the Hotel Les Cordons Bleus. Alternatively, visitors can stay in one of the traditional fishing villages within the delta, where there are several options for guesthouses and homestays.
Next Stop: Stone Circles of Senegambia
Year of Inscription: 2011
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v)to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
Overview: The Saloum Delta is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem located in Senegal, where the Saloum River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The delta is characterized by a series of islands, sand dunes, mangrove forests, and lagoons, which provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The area is also home to several traditional fishing communities, whose livelihoods depend on the natural resources of the delta.
Prominent Features: The Saloum Delta is a vast and diverse ecosystem, with several notable features, including:
- The Saloum River: The delta is formed by the confluence of the Saloum River and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a complex network of waterways, lagoons, and islands.
- Mangrove Forests: The delta is home to extensive mangrove forests, which provide important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including rare birds and sea turtles.
- Bird Sanctuaries: The delta is an important stopover point for migratory birds, and is home to several protected bird sanctuaries, including the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and the Delta du Saloum National Park.
- Fishing Communities: The delta is home to several traditional fishing communities, whose livelihoods depend on the natural resources of the delta.
History: The Saloum Delta hasbeen inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and is home to several traditional fishing communities that have lived in harmony with the natural environment for generations. The delta has also been shaped by colonialism and global trade, with the arrival of European traders and the transatlantic slave trade leaving a lasting impact on the region.
Fun Fact: The Saloum Delta is home to several endangered species, including the West African manatee, the African slender-snouted crocodile, and the African fish eagle.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the diverse ecosystem of the delta, go birdwatching at one of the many bird sanctuaries, or visit a traditional fishing village to learn about the culture and traditions of the local communities.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for visiting the Saloum Delta.
How to Reach It: The Saloum Delta is located in southwestern Senegal, and can be reached by car or boat from several nearby towns and cities. The closest major city is Dakar, which is approximately 250kms away by car. There are also several local tour operators that offer guided tours of the delta, including boat trips and birdwatching excursions.
You can take a bus from Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, to the town of Foundiougne, which is located near the Saloum Delta. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic, and there are several bus companies that operate this route, including Dakar Dem Dikk and TATA.
Shared taxi: Another option is to take a shared taxi from Dakar to Foundiougne. These are usually faster than buses, as they make fewer stops along the way, but they can be more expensive. You can find shared taxis at the Gare Routiere in Dakar.
Once you arrive in Foundiougne, you can hire a local guide to take you on a boat tour of the Saloum Delta. You can also explore the surrounding villages and wildlife areas on foot or by bicycle.
Note that the transportation options may vary depending on your location and the time of year
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located near the Saloum Delta, including the Royal Lodge Hotel and the Hotel Les Cordons Bleus. Alternatively, visitors can stay in one of the traditional fishing villages within the delta, where there are several options for guesthouses and homestays.
Next Stop: Stone Circles of Senegambia