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Last Update: 16 Dec 2010

Riding Holidays | Senegal

Senegal is located on the west African coast and surrounds the smaller country of The Gambia. It is becoming popular as a tourist destination, although accommodation and transport facilities outside the main towns are still limited so it is best to join an organised tour if visiting these areas. The native language is Wolof and most people also speak French. Senegal is known for its pristine beaches and seaside resorts along with lovely game parks offering safari trips, plus adventure tourism such as horse riding, discovery tours and scuba diving. The country has much to offer and cities such as the capital Dakar provide a wonderful cultural centre for music, cuisine and sports like football.

Visiting Senegal for a horseback riding vacation allows you to explore into the rural areas and interact with local people away from the traditional tourist hot spots. Have an equestrian holiday in the Sine Saloum Delta area, riding Arab Barb horses to see mangrove forests, ride along pretty little creeks, past wide lagoons and onto open plains. This area has a lot of wildlife to see, particularly bird species. Or travel south from Dakar to Mbour and visit a coastal horse riding stable for short picturesque rides as part of a mixed activity holiday. There are many horses in Senegal and you will find horse riding stables at a number of the larger towns.

It is well worth combining a Senegal horse riding activity holiday with some extra days relaxation at one of Senegal’s many beach resorts around Yoff and N’Gor. Take time to explore Dakar itself and visit the bustling markets, museums and restaurants. Maybe also head north to Karang and have a game safari tour in the Fathala Reserve to see giraffe, rhino and antelope and many other animal and bird species.

Senegal is quite hot and humid, particularly in the wet season from May to November. Dry season is from December to April. It can be quite windy year round. The north is quite arid with rolling hills and plains, compared to the tropical forests of the south, beaches and deltas on the Atlantic coast.