Excursion Madeleine islands tour at Dakar

Just off Dakar's western shore is the small group Îles de la Madeleine. Not only is this group a National Park, it has also been placed on the Tentative List as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conditions permitting, from Dakar take a 20-minute motor canoe ride to the islands to cruise around and spot dolphins, sea turtles, and the only colony of Red-Billed Tropicbirds known in Africa. Depending on permission it may be possible to land for some truly unique hiking.

The Madeleine Islands are also called the Sarpan Islands (Sarpan being the first European, a French soldier, to be in the island). This relatively untouched land is inhabited by thousands and thousands of various birds. On the sandy beach, a rare species of sea turtles lay their eggs during the rainy season. Explore the beaches and its incredible variety of shells. As a national park, the Madeleine Islands are protected by environmental laws in order to preserve its fauna and its eco-systems.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: