The mangrove channels
Blue through green.
Issiaga0 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Issiaga0 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Issiaga0 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Issiaga0 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Issiaga0 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Saloum Delta, also called the Sine-Saloum Delta, is a broad delta where the Saloum River meets the Atlantic, covering 180,000 hectares. It holds more than 200 small islands, salty channels, thick mangrove forest and dry woodland. It is a calm place for boat trips and birdwatching, and fishing villages there still carry on their usual life. A portion of about 145,800 hectares was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2011, and the national park covers 76,000 hectares of the delta. The listing rests on nature and people together, since the area has 218 shell mounds piled up long ago from people's meals, with burials and artefacts found in some. From the air you see winding blue lines through green masses of mangrove, with orange sand and shallow lagoons between them. By boat you pass among the tree roots and stop at small villages and shell islands. Birds breed here in season, among them royal terns, greater flamingos and goliath herons, so bring binoculars. The park is about 123 km from Dakar in a straight line, and trips leave from villages such as Foundiougne and Toubacouta. Hire a boat with someone who knows the channels, and agree the price and length first. Water drops at low tide, so ask about the right time. Bring a hat and insect repellent.
Blue through green.
Left by early people.
Flamingos and herons.
Mouth of the Saloum River, Fatick Region, Senegal
From villages such as Foundiougne and Toubacouta, which have boat owners and camps.
Half a day for the boat, and many prefer one night to see the early morning.