Saly to Lompoul Desert Day Trip: Honest Review & Tips

Dreaming of orange dunes and camel rides? A day trip from Saly, Senegal, out to the Lompoul Desert probably sounds like the adventure for you, too. I’ve actually been on that trip, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop so that you will know just what to anticipate and see whether it is a thing you should actually do.

What You Should Anticipate From the Drive

OK, first things first, is that the drive from Saly to Lompoul is kind of lengthy; it is almost three to four hours, so you may just want to pack a good playlist and settle in. The roads, as I was saying, could be a little bumpy in spots, so it will feel like you’re getting a free massage (just kidding… kind of). That said, seeing the landscape gradually morph from vibrant green coastal views out to a dry, sandy terrain, too, is actually pretty cool. Keep your eyes peeled; you might just catch a glimpse of some local village life as you pass through!

Lompoul Desert: First Impressions

Making it out to Lompoul, and seeing those red-tinged dunes is a cool experience! Seriously, it’s like a small piece of the Sahara right in Senegal. The desert really isn’t huge (you can probably walk across it in a hour or so), it has a really special, captivating feel. That said, the sand is quite fine, so I’m just saying that it will get absolutely everywhere. Seriously, prepare to find sand in places you did not even think were possible for weeks afterward!

Camel Ride: A Must-Do?

Many of the tours actually feature a camel ride, which seems to be a traditional thing you have to do in Lompoul. In my view, it’s actually a somewhat mixed bag. While getting to ride a camel across the dunes is certainly unique, the rides are generally pretty short (I would argue, about 30 minutes, perhaps), and I was kind of concerned with how the camels seemed to be cared for. I mean, they did not seem to be badly mistreated, so to speak, but they definitely were not living their absolute best lives. Now, if you’re pretty keen on the photo op and experience, just go ahead, but maybe do so knowing that it isn’t Disneyland, too. Walking around on the dunes might just be a bit more fulfilling and give you longer to take photographs! Seriously, you need to weigh the experience against what you believe.

The Desert Camp Experience

For me, at least, the best part of the day was relaxing at the desert camp. A lot of tour packages basically include lunch here, usually a traditional Senegalese dish like “thieboudienne” (fish and rice). So it’s something that I definitely suggest you try! Sitting under the shade of a tent, eating really delicious food, all while looking out over the desert is just magic. Depending on which tour you end up choosing, there actually might be some entertainment too; we saw some awesome local musicians who played drums and danced, too. Honestly, it was the perfect way to absorb the culture of Senegal in such a great place!

What to Bring With You

Ok, some tips from me, now, about what you might want to consider bringing for the Lompoul trip:

• Sunscreen: The desert sun will burn you to a crisp, it’s just the way it is. Make sure that you put on a lot of high-SPF sunscreen!
• Sunglasses and a hat: They will assist you in blocking some of the harsh glare and heat.
• Comfortable shoes or sandals: You’ll want something easy to walk in and also easily shaken out of the sand.
• Water: That’s probably pretty obvious.
• Camera: Is that probably even worth mentioning? Yes, of course, bring your camera because you won’t want to forget the orange landscape and sky views.
• A scarf or something to cover your face: Sandstorms do crop up (we got one!), so a scarf really could protect you from all the sand that’s flying about.
• Hand sanitizer: Pretty handy just before you decide to eat something; desert facilities may not be ideal.

Is the Day Trip Worth It?

So, after thinking everything over, would I say the Saly to Lompoul Desert day trip will be something you might find worthy of your time? Possibly. I am just saying that it depends on what it is you want. Now, if you are on the lookout for a genuine Sahara-type desert experience, Lompoul probably isn’t that; it’s is more compact, yet the landscape is beautiful for a few photos and camel riding is a bonus. In other words, the lengthy drive might not be for everyone, but basically if you’re aware that it is, and take into consideration the culture-immersion chances and novel desert landscape, I’d suggest giving it the go. Plus, as I was saying, a night under canvas can change the whole experience as it offers a greater opportunity for immersion and is one worth considering! I am of the view that it makes a great side story if you are chilling around Saly anyway!