Palmarin

Palmarin is a rurual community in Fatick.

Understanding

Palmarin is rural community running along a 17km peninsula on the most southern stretches of Senegal's the Petite Côte. To the West are the sandy beaches skirting the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Located to the East is the protected National Reserve of Palmarin, a patchwork delta consisting of mangrove channels, salt flats, grass lands and forest. This unique combination of habitat supports a wide assortment of plant and animal life.

The majority of the area’s residents live in one of five villages, from north to south Ngallo, Ngueth, Gounamane, Diakhanor and Djiffer. The dominant industries in the area are traditional fishing and tourism. Other smaller industries include salt, oyster and clam harvesting. The dominant ethnic group in the area is Sereer, speaking a distinct Soloum area dialect. French and Wolof are secondary languages commonly spoken.

Weather

Travel to Palmarin - Visa Requirements

Travel to Palmarin can be organized through the area's lodging establishments, private car or via public transit options. From Dakar take through Mbour and Joal via route N1. After Joal the road changes from asphalt to laterite. The quality of the road after Joal is poor and can become impassable during the rainy season without a 4x4. Follow the Signs in Samba Dia directing you South to Palmarin.

Via public transit from the Dakar garage, take a sept place or bus rapid to Mbour costing approximately 1500cfa. In Mbour, sept places are available to Djiffer, the most southern village in Palmarin for 2000cfa. Passengers can request to be dropped off at there lodging accommodations or one of the Palmarin villages prior to reaching Djiffer.

An alternative public transit route is from Dakar to Joal (2000cfa) and from Joal to Palmarin (1000cfa). From the northern garage in Joal it is necessary to take a clando taxi 150cfa to the southern garage.

Palmarin tourist attractions and sightseeing

Parc National du Delta du Saloum

Salt Evaporation Pools

Traditional Sereer Wrestling

Traditional Dancing

Palmarin city tours

Kayak the Winding Mangroves Channels of the Palmarin Reserve This pristine area hosts an abundant volume of wildlife. Sightings of various bird species are common including pelican, flamingo, hereon, king fishers, and weavers. More elusive species include mongoose, monkeys, and monitor lizards.

Pierre’s Kayak Tours, offers options half day excursions with optional lunch or overnight camping.

Observe the Hyenas Palmarin has a significant population of wild hyenas living with in the reserve. Expeditions can be arranged through accommodation providers or the Reserve de Palmarin Eco Guides.

Offshore Fishing Fishing in artisanal boats is available through many of the accommodation providers or local guides.

Palmarin souvenirs and shopping

Artisanal Goods Small kiosks selling traditional African crafts are located in or around the majority of lodges. Locally produced goods include concentrated juices and bar soaps.

Palmarin Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Palmarin cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Djidjack

Eden

Gite de Palmarin

La Pointe de Sangomar

La Tulip Noire

Lodge des Collines de Niassam

Royal Lodge

Yokam

Contact

Get out

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