I kicked off Gemini szn celebrations in Senegal thanks to Buoyant Travel! This was my third trip with the Black woman-owned travel company, and my third time on the continent of Africa. It was truly an unforgettable trip filled with adventure, culture, relaxation, and more.
When you attend any Buoyant trip, you’ll receive a gift bag filled with goodies. Since I’m the first alum to attend three group trips, I received a complimentary massage during the trip. The massage was also in celebration of my upcoming birthday. The level of attention that Buoyant gives is truly 10/10.
If you’re a Black woman looking for Black-centered travel experiences around the world, check out Buoyant’s upcoming trips and use my name ‘PAULA’ for a discount!
Where to Stay
Boma Lifestyle Hotel
Located in Dakar, Boma is a peaceful escape right in the middle of the bustling city. It’s close to everything, but quiet enough that you almost forget you’re in the city.
Food
During your stay, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning, which is absolutely worth it. The portions are generous, but the service can be slow, so make sure you allow enough time. My favorite dishes were their avocado toast with feta cheese and mint, and fruit platter with fresh ice cream! In fact, I loved these two so much that I ordered them almost every morning.
Amenities
Boma offers an adult-only pool, fitness studio, and spa treatments. In the rooms, you get a robe and slippers that are EXTREMELY soft. You also get special products from a local craftsman, including oil to repel mosquitoes, shea butter, and black soap. I really enjoyed the design details in the rooms, especially the tiles in the bathroom that reminded me of Portugal.
Also, there’s a boutique shop at the front of the hotel, called Ma Boma. They sell a unique assortment of Senegalese clothing, jewelry, paintings, and more.
Where to Eat
Le Restaurant Le Lagon 1
With heavy nautical vibes, this restaurant is known for its seafood offerings and beachfront views. We came to Lagon for lunch and sat outside to eat, which was a relaxing experience. I ordered fish with a side of fries, which were okay but lacked seasoning. However, I got a non-alcoholic drink (I forgot to take the name) that was absolutely delicious.
Seven Seven Dakar
A very trendy steakhouse that’s across the street from the Boma Lifestyle Hotel. The vibes are lively with people dining, listening to the DJ mix, and even smoking hookah. I ordered one of their burgers, which was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had.
Restaurant Le Carré Dakar
A beachfront restaurant that has lounge beds overlooking the ocean. Le Carré has a lively vibe with music and large TVs that often play sports games. I tried a few of their appetizers and drinks, which were all really good, and the drinks were aesthetically pleasing. It’s a bit difficult to find this restaurant as it’s behind a parking lot and a soccer field.
Noliane Dakar
If you’re looking for fine dining, visit this beautiful Italian restaurant, which also has a wine bar and cafe. We did a special wine tasting and pairing, which was truly a 10/10 experience. Everything we tried was delicious and paired perfectly with their wine choices. Also, I loved the ambiance and decor.
Safari Beach – Saly
One of the best meals I had in Senegal was here, and the service was also great. There are ample seating options from under shade and in the sun to formal dining tables and lounge areas. I ordered their fried fish with fries and sweet plantains, and a passion fruit virgin mojito. Eating with the view of the beach was so relaxing.
Eat with a local family
We ate a traditional Senegalese meal with a local family, which was an incredible, delicious, and unique experience. They served us bissap, thieboudienne, and saba senegalensis/madd fruit.
Where to Play
Goree Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goree Island is off the coast of Dakar. In fact, the ferry ride to the island is only 30 minutes max and departs from Dakar every two hours. Note: When purchasing your ticket at the terminal, bring your passport.
The small island was the largest slave-trading center on the African coast. You can check out House of Slaves, a museum and memorial to the victims of the Atlantic slave trade. Since the island is small in size, you can walk the entirety of it during your trip.
African Renaissance Monument
The tallest statue in Africa, this monument depicts an idealized African family of three. Controversy aside, it’s fascinating to look at and even more impressive at night when it’s lit. Also, there are a lot of steps to the top (over 190 steps) if you’re interested in the climb. I did it and didn’t find it difficult, but I’m also very active.
Surfing with Dakar Surf Atlantique
Surfing wasn’t on my bucket list, but I’m happy I checked it off and learned through a Black-owned surf school! This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the instructors made it so easy and fun to learn.
ATV Rising in Somone
We headed south of Dakar to go ATV riding under the baobab trees, which was another once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re an adventure seeker, this activity is definitely for you!
Groov
The ambiance, decor, and music at this bar are so unique. They offer great cocktails and small, almost tapa-style, bites. I tried their pornstar martini, burger, and truffle fries, which were all very good. Groov is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a more chill, lowkey vibe.
Île de N’Gor
Popular for a day trip, this island is very close to Dakar, I’m talking 20-minute boat ride or less. It’s a pretty small island, but you can grab food and drinks and relax. We spent our time at Maison d’Italie, an Italian restaurant and hotel with access to a private beach. They offer sunbeds and water activities such as paddleboarding.
Diamono Bar
Located inside the Terrou-Bi hotel, this bar is relatively new, opening in early 2025. It gives a retro-chic, speakeasy-type of ambiance. The bartenders were all very friendly, and there were ample areas both indoors and outdoors for seating.
Museum of Black Civilisations
A large museum celebrating black civilizations’ contributions across the world. It opened in 2018 and has reclaimed any artifacts and art that were looted during the colonial era. I left feeling inspired and emotional, especially after seeing the exhibition highlighting protests in Senegal against former President Macky Sall.
