Your West African odyssey begins the moment your wheels touch down at Blaise Diagne International, where the warm Atlantic air offers the first hint of adventures to come. A private 4x4 whisks you away from Dakar's chaotic pulse, delivering you within the hour to the tranquil luxury of your beachfront hotel in Saly. Here you'll meet the team for a hands-on technical briefing, swing a leg over your Yamaha Ténéré 700, and dial in every lever to your hand before your gear is loaded into the support vehicle. As dusk settles over the Atlantic, a welcome dinner awaits, half-pension and unhurried, the perfect toast to the miles of red dirt and open horizon that lie ahead. Stay: Luxury Resort, Saly
Distance: ~160 km | 80% Asphalt / 20% Sand & Dirt. Southbound on the N1, you'll share the pavement with a colorful procession of 'Sept-Place' taxis before the road begins to narrow and hush as the Saloum Delta draws near. The final 30 kilometers unspool into something altogether more magical: sandy tracks winding beneath ancient baobabs and through sleepy Serer villages, the air rich with woodsmoke and possibility. Your reward is the first shimmering glimpse of the Saloum Delta's endless mangrove labyrinth, a watery maze of green that stretches to the horizon and marks your true arrival in the wild heart of Senegal. Stay: Keur Saloum or similar eco-lodge, Toubacouta
Distance: ~95 km | 40% Asphalt / 60% Laterite Red Dirt. This is the day the tarmac finally lets go, and the true adventure begins. You'll trade the main pavement for the raw, sun-baked 'pistes' of the peanut basin, where the Ténéré 700 finds its rhythm on fast, hard-packed red dirt that seems to glow beneath the West African sun. Share the trail with wandering livestock and creaking horse-drawn carts as you thread through bustling rural markets and roll across savannah landscapes that stretch untouched to every horizon, a landscape as honest and unfiltered as Africa gets. Stay: Traditional Regional Hotel, Nioro du Rip
Distance: ~220 km | 70% Asphalt / 30% Potholed Road & Border Tracks. A long, storied transit day carries you across the towering Senegambia Bridge and into an entirely different rhythm of the road: sharpen your focus for the 'pothole slalom' that awaits on the stretch toward Kolda, where craters rather than traffic direction demand your full attention. But the concentration is well rewarded. Below you unfurls the sheer scale of the Gambia River, and ahead, the lush, deepening green of Casamance rises to welcome you into one of West Africa's most verdant corners. Stay: Relais de Kolda or similar, Kolda
Distance: ~190 km | 100% Asphalt, N6 'Route du Sud'. After days of dust and concentration, the smooth, fast-flowing tarmac of the Route du Sud feels like a well-earned exhale. Ride beneath the dappled shade of teak forests and swaying palm groves as the air thickens with humidity, a clear signal you're closing in on the Casamance regional capital. Crossing the Ziguinchor bridge, you're greeted by a graceful skyline of colonial architecture along the riverfront, a fitting introduction to one of Senegal's most romantic and storied cities. Stay: Kadiandoumagne or similar historic hotel, Ziguinchor
No riding today, just Ziguinchor's languid charm to soak in while your mechanic gives every bike a thorough once-over. Wander the vibrant stalls of the craft markets, and when the heat of the day softens, there's little finer than easing into the hotel pool or gliding out onto the water for a sunset pirogue trip, the sky bleeding gold over the river as Casamance shows off its quieter, more contemplative side. Stay: Kadiandoumagne or similar historic hotel, Ziguinchor
Distance: ~65 km | 20% Asphalt / 80% Technical Sand & Tracks. Short in distance but big in character, this is one of the most technical rides of the entire journey. The tracks toward the coast dissolve into deep, shifting sand, demanding you rise onto the pegs and hold a steady, confident throttle. It's a test that few vehicles besides your Ténéré could pass, which is precisely the point: your reward is arrival in a village that remains genuinely off the map, tucked beside freshwater springs where, if luck is with you, the elusive West African manatee still glides unseen beneath the surface. Stay: Remote Eco-Campement, Pointe Saint-Georges
Distance: ~85 km | 70% Piste / 30% Asphalt. Today you wind deep into the storied 'Kingdom of Oussouye,' riding beneath the cathedral canopy of massive kapok trees whose silk-cotton branches shade narrow, firm tracks through sacred forests and timeless Diola villages. In Mlomp, you'll pause before the remarkable two-story mud houses that have sheltered generations, a rare architectural marvel and a quiet testament to the ingenuity of Casamance's Diola people. Stay: Local Boutique Lodge, Bignona
Distance: ~110 km | 60% Asphalt / 40% Coastal Piste. Turn your wheels north toward the coast, where the final 20 kilometers unfold across shifting sand and mud, the terrain changing with the tide and the season alike. Abéné greets you with an unmistakably artistic soul: a laid-back village presided over by the 'Batam Wora,' an ancient and sacred giant tree, where the rhythm of djembe drums seems to drift on every breeze, an invitation to slow down and let the coastal magic take hold. Stay: Esperanto Lodge or similar eco-chic beachfront lodge, Abéné
Distance: ~140 km | 80% Asphalt / 20% Ferry/Border Delays. Cross back into The Gambia for one more taste of its bustling market energy, and, depending on your guide's call, board the storied Banjul-Barra ferry for a crossing that's equal parts chaos and spectacle. It's a day that rewards patience with the sheer sensory theatre of West Africa in motion, before the calm of Toubacouta welcomes you back into the fold. Stay: Keur Saloum or similar eco-lodge, Toubacouta
Distance: ~160 km | 90% Asphalt / 10% Resort Tracks. The homestretch beckons as you retrace your path north, rolling past Kaolack's gleaming salt mounds, a striking, almost lunar landscape that lingers in memory. Traffic builds gradually as Mbour and Saly draw near, but there's time yet for one final, unhurried group lunch on the road, a chance to swap stories from the trail before the satisfaction of completing the loop washes over you back at the motorcycle base. Stay: Luxury Resort, Saly
Your final morning is unhurried: a last breakfast in Saly, one final inspection of your trusted Ténéré 700, and a fond farewell to the machine that carried you across two countries and every kind of terrain in between. From here, a mid-day transfer carries you back toward Dakar, with time, if your flight allows, for one last taste of the capital. Stop before the towering African Renaissance Monument, Africa's tallest statue at 52 meters, gazing out over the peninsula, or slip across to Ngor Island for a seafood lunch just five minutes from shore yet a world away from the city's bustle. Your driver delivers you to Blaise Diagne International three hours before departure, leaving you with a head full of red dirt roads, river crossings, and a journey that will not soon fade.
We select only premium 3/4-star lodges and boutique hotels that reflect the character of the region. Expect secure parking, Wi-Fi, excellent on-site dining, and often, stunning views or spa facilities.
4 to 5-star luxury resorts with full spa facilities, beach access, and high-speed Wi-Fi
High-end riverside eco-lodges known for mangrove views, swimming pools, and birdwatching
Functional, clean hotel providing a gateway to the local savanna
Standard 'Comfort' hotel with air conditioning and pool—an essential oasis in the hotter inland region
Historic riverside hotel with tropical gardens and colonial architecture; centrally located for the rest day
Authentic, solar-powered bungalows focused on nature and manatee sightings
Immersed in Diola culture with traditional architecture
Eco-chic beachfront lodge with 'feet-in-the-sand' style, focus on local arts and music
- Full-face helmet (ECE/DOT approved) — your first and last line of defense
- Riding jacket and trousers with armor that includes elbow, shoulder, chest, and back protection — ideally ventilated, built for long days in the saddle
- Gloves and sturdy boots that rise above the ankle — no shortcuts here
- Full protective knee guards
- Rain suit tucked away, just in case the coastal mist decides to visit
Fitness Level
Riding across Senegal's sandy terrain is physically strenuous due to the combination of challenging surfaces and high heat. You should be in good physical condition with high cardiovascular endurance to handle long riding days of up to 220 km. Pre-tour training recommended: engage in weekly rides or gym sessions.
Required Skills
Medium-High difficulty, featuring a significant amount of off-road terrain. The route is 60–65% unpaved, involving sand and gravel tracks — you should have a basic understanding of riding on loose surfaces and be confident managing a dual-sport motorcycle like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 on uneven terrain. Core off-road skills: standing on the pegs, clutch and throttle control for technical sections, and vision — looking well ahead (at least 20m) to select the best lines. The pace is relaxed and focused on travel rather than racing, with frequent breaks for rest and photography.
Tour Pace
Relaxed pace with average 150 km days, allowing time for cultural experiences and photography
Vaccinations Required
Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for travelers arriving directly from Israel or South Africa, but is mandatory for anyone arriving from, or transiting more than 12 hours through, a country with yellow fever risk. Since Senegal itself carries yellow fever risk, vaccination is strongly recommended regardless, and a valid certificate ('Yellow Card') should be carried at all times.
Vaccinations Recommended
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended
Malaria Risk
Malaria risk zone - prophylaxis strongly recommended for entire region
Medical Facilities
Limited in Casamance; the support 4x4 carries a basic first aid kit. Emergency evacuation insurance is highly recommended
Emergency Procedures
Support 4x4 vehicle provided to store belongings and assist with breakdowns or injuries
Temperature Range
20°C (night) to 32°C (day)
Rainfall
Virtually zero during Dry Season (November to March)
What to wear
Lightweight, ventilated riding gear. The 'Harmattan' wind can bring Saharan dust; a neck buff is useful
Best Time To Visit
November to March (Dry Season)
Local Customs
Modest clothing is appreciated in rural villages. Always ask before taking photos of locals or military checkpoints. Respect sacred sites and local traditions, especially in Diola kingdoms
Dress Code
Modest attire for village visits and cultural sites
Language
French (official), Wolof, and Diola are spoken in Senegal. English is common in The Gambia
Typical Meals
West African cuisine including thieboudienne (national fish and rice dish), yassa chicken, mafe (peanut stew), fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. French-influenced cuisine in higher-end establishments
Dietary Accomodations
Available upon request - vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated
Water Safety
Drink bottled water only. The support vehicle carries water supplies
Recommendations
Try local cashew nuts (the region's 'gold'), fresh tropical fruits, and traditional Senegalese tea ceremony. Visit local craft markets for woodcarvings, Koras, and Djembes
Vehicle Type
Yamaha Ténéré 700 + 4x4 Support vehicle for luggage, tools, and water
Road Conditions
Mixed terrain: asphalt highways, laterite (red dirt roads), graded gravel, and coastal sand tracks. Some deep sand sections requiring technical riding skills
Daily Driving Distance
Average 150 km per day. Total distance approximately 1,687 km. Peak day is 220 km (Day 4)
Driving Side
Right-hand side of the road in both Senegal and The Gambia
- Border crossings into and out of The Gambia involve customs and immigration formalities - keep your documents accessible and be patient
- Bring USD cash for border crossings and tips - not all places accept cards
- Lower tire pressure slightly for deep sand sections as recommended by your mechanic
- The Harmattan wind can bring Saharan dust - neck buff and dust protection essential
- Ferry crossings can be unpredictable - patience is key
- Respect local customs and always ask before photographing people or military checkpoints
- Stay hydrated - temperatures can reach 32°C during the day
- Keep your Yellow Fever vaccination card accessible at all times
- The support 4x4 carries your luggage - pack light for the bike
- Practice standing on pegs before the tour - essential for sand riding on Day 7
Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond stay with 2 blank pages
Drivers License
Valid motorcycle endorsement. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your license is not in English
Medical Insurance
Must include coverage for motorcycle riding and medical evacuation
Insurance Coverage
Personal travel insurance (mandatory) must include coverage for motorcycle riding and medical evacuation
Additional Insurance
Emergency evacuation insurance highly recommended due to limited medical facilities in Casamance
Liability Waiver
Required to be signed before departure
- Israeli passport holders may enter Senegal visa-free for stays of up to 90 days
- South African passport holders require a visa to enter Senegal — this can be obtained from the Senegalese Embassy, and the application is typically processed within about 5 working days
- Yellow Fever vaccination is not mandatory for travelers arriving directly from Israel or South Africa, but is required for anyone arriving from, or transiting more than 12 hours through, a country with yellow fever risk — carrying a valid vaccination certificate is strongly recommended regardless
- As these requirements can change, clients are responsible for confirming the latest rules for their specific nationality and routing before departure
A 10% deposit of the total tour price is required to reserve your place in Dakar. Registration for a specific departure closes 60 days before the tour begins — for example, for a tour departing November 3rd, registration closes on September 3rd. More than 90 days before departure: Full refund of the deposit 90-60 days before departure: The deposit is non-refundable 60 days before departure: Registration closes, and full payment of the remaining balance is due 60-14 days before departure: The full payment is non-refundable in cash. It may instead be held as credit toward a future Dakar departure of your choice Less than 14 days before departure: No refund and no credit will be issued under any circumstances Credit terms: Credit issued under this policy does not expire and may be used toward any future Dakar departure. It is not transferable to other Africa Moto Tours trips and cannot be exchanged for cash. All deposits, payments, and credits are managed directly through Africa Moto Tours. Questions about this policy can be directed to info@africamototours.com.
Ready to book this adventure?