Private Tour
Your private driver & tour guide in Senegal-the shell island
Overview
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The twin villages of Joal-Fadiouth are located approximately 110km south of Dakar, at the terminus of the coastal road. Joal, the birthplace of Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, sits on the mainland. In contrast, Fadiouth is a small island accessible only by a long wooden bridge. Remarkably, the island is composed entirely of oyster and clam shells deposited over centuries; these shells line the narrow maze of streets and are even embedded into the walls of the houses.
The community is renowned for its religious tolerance, where Christians and Muslims live in perfect harmony. This is reflected in the town's architecture, where shrines to the Virgin Mary and a large church stand alongside an equally prominent mosque. A second wooden bridge leads to a massive, ancient shell mound that serves as a shared cemetery for both faiths—a final, peaceful testament to the village's spirit of unity.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Joal Fadiout
The twin village of Joal and Fadiout are about 110km south of Dakar at the end of tar road that runs along the coast. Joal the birth place of the first president ( Leopold Senghor) is on the mainland while Fadiout is on a small island reached by a long wooden bridge. The island of Fadiout is composed entirely of oyster and clam shell that have been deposited over the centuries. The village of Fadiout covers the island and everything is made of shells. They cover the maze of narrow streets and are embedded the walls of the houses. The centre has a definite charm. The citizens of Joal and Fadiout are rightly proud of their religions tolerance. Christians and muslims live in harmony there, with Fadiout’s shrines to the virgin Mary and large church complemented by an equally large Mosque. The overall feel is one of harmony , and Fadiout has a very relaxed atmosphere. A huge ancient shell mound is reached by another woden bridge and is home to both a Christian and muslim cemetery. On the way you will visit the famous sacred baobab.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Lunch
breakfast, diner, accommodation and alcohol
Pickup points
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Your private driver & tour guide in Senegal-the shell island
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
12 days Senegal... an unforgettable experience.
DayTrip46704007757,,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00For twelve days we were allowed to enjoy an unforgettable trip through Senegal. We visited Dakar, Île de Gorée, La Somone, M’bour, Warang, Réserve de Bandia, Mjoal-Fagiouth, Sine-Saloum, Saint-Louis and the desert of Lompoul. Our trip was managed by the super cool and warm guide Pape Eric of « Sensafari », who shared with us with infectious enthusiasm his love for his country. Together with our skilled driver Malick they formed a top team. We immersed ourselves in the local culture, enjoyed the rhythm, the colors, the hospitality and the special atmosphere that makes Senegal so unique. Thank you, Pape, for your good care, your warm friendship and your unforgettable optimism. An absolute must for anyone looking for more than just a trip.
Pepe Eric is great!
Ericka D,,Dec 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shell island was a wonderful and intriguing visit to people living in seemingly a different time. Very tranquil. Consider it a must experience when visiting Dakar. Pepe Eric was very informative, engaging and cordial. He was right on time, and picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel.
A good way to see Joal-Fidout
James F,,Feb 16, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00A good experience. Eric was kind and professional tour guide. Tour encompassed a walk around the old town, a walk around the cemetery island, then a short boat ride along the mangroves.
Worth the trek!!
Adriane W,,Nov 25, 2022
- Review from Viator
4.00This was truly a life changing experience; the highlight of Senegal! This place isn’t overrun with tourism & is where you can see an authentic side of the country. It is a journey (3 hours) but it is so worth it. My tour guide was very kind and I cannot say enough good things about Edward, the guide on Shell Island. I can’t wait to bring my family back here!
Related Experiences
Operated by sensafari excursion