The wide array of top tourist attractions in Senegal will surprise any unsuspecting traveler. Senegal, a country in West Africa bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, offers an explosion of sights and sounds. It teems with culture, history, and nature, much like any other place in Africa, and is well worth a visit.

1. Lac Rose. The pink-tinged lake is indeed a remarkable sight. It owes its color to the high content of minerals and salts in the water. The elevated salt content of Lac Rose also accounts for its buoyancy, allowing swimmers to easily float. Situated in Dakar, it is a famous picnic spot for locals.

2. Cap Skiring. It is home to some of the best beaches in West Africa. Cap Skiring is a short drive from Cap and lets you get away from the hustles and bustles of its streets. Besides having calm and gorgeous beaches there are also some small villages in the area. While it isn’t a crowded destination like any others around the world, looking for hotels on the ground is anything but fun, so booking accommodation in advance is a great idea before spending any significant time in Cap Skiring.

3. Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noir Museum. The museum showcases the culture and traditions of the region in a colorful way, thus making it one of the top tourist attractions in Senegal. Not only that, it is also considered a premier museum throughout West Africa. Masks and traditional dresses from neighbors like Nigeria, Benin, Guinnea-Biseau, and Mali are on display here. Other cultural artifacts such as hand-woven fabrics, drums, musical instruments, and agricultural tools, are featured on exhibits as well.

4. Ferme de Djibelor. It is a tropical fruit and flower garden where you can admire and relax in the greenery and buy some fresh fruits. Behind it is a crocodile farm where you can see Nile crocodiles.

5. Maison des Esclaves. The historic building is one of the last standing slave trade houses from the 18th century. While it evokes the horrors of the slave trading industry, Maison des Esclaves is still considered to be part of the top tourist attractions in Senegal.