Sine-Saloum — mangrove channels and islands

A delta inhabited for two millennia

Where the Sine and Saloum rivers meet the ocean stretches a labyrinth of bolongs — tidal channels —, mangroves and islands. The Saloum Delta has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011, and not only for its nature: the listing primarily recognises a cultural landscape shaped by more than two thousand years of fishing and shellfish gathering, witnessed by hundreds of shell mounds, some of them ancient burial sites.

On the water

The delta is best experienced by pirogue: gliding up the bolongs between the mangroves, passing fishermen, landing on a deserted island or at the island village of Mar Lodj, where community camps and guesthouses have made ecotourism a speciality. Birdwatchers are spoiled — the delta is one of the great wintering grounds for Europe's migratory birds.

On land

Toubacouta and Ndangane are the classic gateways, with lodges on the water's edge. From there, excursions radiate out to the shell island of Dionewar, sacred baobabs and, just across the Gambian border, the Fathala reserve. The best light: early morning or sunset, when the mangrove catches fire.