4–5 hours
2 languages
Private tour
Mobile ticket

Highlights

The twin villages of Joal-Fadiouth are located approximately 110km south of Dakar, at the terminus of the coastal road. Joal, the birthplace of Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, sits on the mainland. In contrast, Fadiouth is a small island accessible only by a long wooden bridge. Remarkably, the island is composed entirely of oyster and clam shells deposited over centuries; these shells line the narrow maze of streets and are even embedded into the walls of the houses. The community is renowned for its religious tolerance, where Christians and Muslims live in perfect harmony. This is reflected in the town's architecture, where shrines to the Virgin Mary and a large church stand alongside an equally prominent mosque. A second wooden bridge leads to a massive, ancient shell mound that serves as a shared cemetery for both faiths—a final, peaceful testament to the village's spirit of unity.

Inclusions

What's included

Private transportation
Lunch

What's not

breakfast, diner, accommodation and alcohol

Itinerary

The twin village of Joal and Fadiout are about 110km south of Dakar at the end of tar road that runs along the coast. Joal the birth place of the first president ( Leopold Senghor) is on the mainland while Fadiout is on a small island reached by a long wooden bridge. The island of Fadiout is composed entirely of oyster and clam shell that have been deposited over the centuries. The village of Fadiout covers the island and everything is made of shells. They cover the maze of narrow streets and are embedded the walls of the houses. The centre has a definite charm. The citizens of Joal and Fadiout are rightly proud of their religions tolerance. Christians and muslims live in harmony there, with Fadiout’s shrines to the virgin Mary and large church complemented by an equally large Mosque. The overall feel is one of harmony , and Fadiout has a very relaxed atmosphere. A huge ancient shell mound is reached by another woden bridge and is home to both a Christian and muslim cemetery. On the way you will visit the famous sacred baobab.
1 hAdmission included

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.8

Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Pickup: Pickup is included for everyone.
Ticket type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by: sensafari excursion

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

How it compares in Dakar

Its from-price is 32% above the median of the 38 day trips we list in Dakar.
It is shorter than most of them.
By number of reviews it ranks 22 of 38.

About Dakar

Dakar, the capital of Senegal, sits on the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Africa, a city of markets, music and ocean beaches.

Dakar occupies the tip of the Cap-Vert peninsula, jutting into the Atlantic at the westernmost point of mainland Africa. The city mixes colonial boulevards with busy markets such as Sandaga and fishing beaches where painted pirogues unload at Soumbédioune. The African Renaissance Monument, a huge bronze statue of a man, woman and child on a hilltop at Ouakam, overlooks the coast.

Top-ranked sights in Dakar: Gorée Island, Maison des Esclaves, Lake Retba (Lac Rose).

See all 153 experiences in Dakar