The Ultimate Travel Guide to Lompoul Village

The peaceful village of Lompoul is nestled among the Sahel’s sandy dunes. Lompoul Village, located idyllically along the coast midway between Dakar and St. Louis, offers a lovely hideaway in the center of the desert. Immerse yourself in a desert oasis, complete with traditional Bedouin tents, exhilarating camel rides, and enchanting nighttime drum circles beneath the glittering stars. It’s an excellent choice for a romantic getaway or a memorable family trip. Here´s the ultimate travel guide to Lompoul Village.

Facts About Lompoul Village

Lompoul Village is a captivating destination that provides a unique blend of desert adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Here are some interesting facts about this place:

• Location: Lompoul Village is in Senegal’s Sahel region, which is known for its massive sand dunes and arid landscape.
• Language: Wolof is the predominant language, with a tiny population fluent in Pulaar. Most individuals in the village have a rudimentary understanding of French.
• Population: Approximately 1300.
• Ethnicity: 70% Wolof, 30% Pulaar
• Religion: Muslim
• Electricity: Electricity is only provided at restaurants and bars in the campements. 80% of the residents in the community have access to electricity.

Best Time To Visit

The dry season, which runs from November to May, is the greatest time to explore Lompoul Village. The weather is nicer this time of year, with reduced humidity and less rain. The weather is typically warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the desert and engaging in outdoor activities such as camel rides and stargazing. Keep in mind that Lompoul Village may get rather hot during the dry season, so travel light and remain hydrated.

Read more: How To Spend 1 Week In Senegal?

How To Get There

By Public Transport

From Dakar, sept-places depart regularly from Garage Pompier to Louga throughout the day. Unfortunately, there are no sept-places that directly terminate in Kebemer. The most convenient and fastest option is to take a sept-place heading to Louga and request to be dropped off in Kebemer. The fare per person is typically around 3,500CFA, and it is common to negotiate the price for baggage. If you have several large bags, a reasonable price to haggle for each bag would be between 500 and 1,000CFA.

Due to police enforcement, all automobiles must drop off passengers at Garage Kebemer, which is 1 kilometer away from Garage Lompoul. To go to the opposite garage, you have three options: take a shared cab from the garage for about 500CFA per person, take a charette for about 300CFA per person, or simply walk. Please be aware that the cab drivers at the garage might be forceful, so stand your ground if necessary. Garage Lompoul is located across the street from the petrol stations, and while it does not look like a traditional garage, there are cars parked on both sides of the street.

To reach Lompoul from Garage Kebemer, here are your transport options ranked from fastest to slowest: you can hire a private cab for approximately 4,000-7,000CFA, opt for a shared cab at around 800-1,000CFA per person, or choose a shared bush clando for about 500CFA per person. When you board the vehicle, kindly request the driver or their assistant to drop you off at Lompoul Village near the mosque. The designated pick-up area for the campement is diagonally located from the mosque, next to the shopping hut you can easily spot.

By Private Transfer

To go to Lompoul Village from Dakar, take Route N2 to Kebemer. As you get closer to town, you’ll notice two gas stations on your right. Turn left across the street from the gas stations and drive for about 26 kilometers till you reach Lompoul Village. Driving through the settlement, look for a white mosque on the right side of the road. When you reach the mosque, park your car in the approved parking spot, which is positioned diagonally on the left side of the street.

Things To Do

Camel Safari

Without the opportunity to ride camels, no desert adventure is complete. A competent local Pulaar man works with all of the camps and happily offers camel rides on request. Guests can enjoy these rides, which normally last 15 minutes, for about 2,500-3,000CFA each person.

Beach Tour

Lompoul Village, in addition to its magnificent sand dunes, benefits from its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which is only 8 kilometers away. Those looking for a beach excursion can make arrangements through the campements, or they can take a taxi to the beach for about 2,500 CFA.

Read more: Does Senegal Have Good Beaches?

Desert Surfing

Most accomodations in Lompoul, provide guests with complimentary surfboards to enjoy sliding or tumbling down the sand dunes. The dunes in the Lompoul desert can reach heights of 40-50 meters. While not extremely tall, they offer an opportunity for a delightful and entertaining experience.

Drum Lessons

While enjoying your downtime at the campements, you have the opportunity to engage in a unique cultural experience by hiring a local drummer. This skilled individual can provide drumming lessons and offer insights into the local style of drumming. Alongside his expertise, he will bring an assortment of drums, including ones he personally crafted. The cost for this immersive activity is typically around 4,000 – 5,000CFA per person per hour.

Contact Pape Sow (+ 221 77 423 48 34) if you need more information.

Where To Sleep

Lompoul, lying amid the sandy region of the Sahel, requires sleeping in campements 4-5 kilometers from the main road. Because of the difficult driving conditions in the area, each campement provides drivers to drive and guide guests to the camp. However, guests may bring their own automobiles to the campsites. Here are the best accommodation options:

Ecolodge

Nestled amidst the enchanting sand dunes of the Sahel Desert, this charming lodge is a hidden gem. The lodge is thoughtfully divided into three distinct areas, each offering a unique experience. The first area consists of cozy “sleeping” Bedouin tents, strategically positioned at the base of a magnificent sand dune. These tents provide ample space for relaxation, furnished with comfortable beds, a small seating area, and private western-style bathrooms.

The second area houses a vibrant bar and restaurant, where guests can indulge in delectable cuisine and refreshing drinks. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, visitors can savor their meals while reveling in panoramic views of the surrounding desert. The bar boasts a diverse selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, catering to various preferences.

Moreover, the lodge’s picturesque location offers a plethora of activities to enhance your experience. Guests can partake in complimentary activities such as sand surfing with provided boards or flying kites, allowing for memorable moments in the captivating desert setting.

Camp Du Desert

Nestled within a serene oasis adorned with eucalyptus trees, you will find Camp Du Desert. This delightful campement is perfectly positioned, offering a mesmerizing view of the surrounding sand dunes. The campement encompasses three distinct areas: “sleeping” tents, an indoor restaurant, and an outdoor bar.

The “sleeping” Bedouin tents are divided into two categories: Classic and Nomadic. Each tent provides a comfortable and inviting space, allowing guests to choose based on their preferred level of spaciousness. The Nomadic tents even offer the luxury of king-size beds. Both tent types feature private outdoor bathroom facilities, ensuring convenience and privacy.

The indoor restaurant is housed within a spacious Bedouin tent, exuding an authentic and cozy ambiance. Here, guests can relish delicious meals while immersing themselves in the unique atmosphere of the desert surroundings.

The outdoor bar provides a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a refreshing beverage. Sheltered by a pleasant shade covering, the bar invites guests to socialize and indulge in a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options.

Camp Du Desert offers a harmonious blend of comfort, nature, and cultural immersion, providing an unforgettable experience amidst the captivating beauty of the desert oasis.

Sahel Festival In Lompoul

Lompoul is a captivating destination in northern Senegal that came alive in November 2009 with the birth of the Sahel Festival. This remarkable event aims to celebrate a region’s cultural and artistic wealth that negative stereotypes of poverty, drought, illegal immigration, and terrorism have often overshadowed. Through the active participation of renowned Sahelian artists such as Baba Maal and Habib Koite, the festival offers a unique and enriching experience. This festival is celebrated once a year around November, but you can check the exact information on the organizers’ website.

Tours To Lompoul

The most popular tour is the two days-one night tour to Lompoul. Your adventure begins with a visit to the Pink Lake, a famous landmark that once served as the final stage of the renowned Paris-Dakar rally (now held in South America). Witness the fascinating salt mining activities carried out by the locals and indulge in thrilling boat rides and quad bike excursions.

The chance to cool down in the Pink Lake on the route to Lompoul is one of the tour’s highlights, making for a genuinely lovely and unforgettable experience. You will proceed to Lompoul, a desert with spectacular orange dunes, after a delightful lunch. You may board a comfy Jeep in Lompoul Village to travel into the desert.

Immerse yourself in the nomadic atmosphere as you stay in a sublime and comfortable Desert tent, designed in a traditional style. The picturesque landscape, especially during sunset, provides a perfect backdrop for capturing stunning Instagram-worthy photos.

There are a lot of adrenaline-filled adventures like sandboarding down the dunes and, for those interested, the option to embark on a camel ride, adding an authentic touch to your desert experience. On the second day, you will head to the Bandia wildlife preserve for an exciting safari. Board a 4WD vehicle and embark on a thrilling journey to spot incredible wildlife, including rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

At the end of the trip, you will return to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience. Most of the tours include in the price accommodation, transportation, all entry fees and taxes, as well as meals. The price is around 700 USD for 2 people.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Lompoul is an undiscovered treasure that provides a unique and fascinating travel experience. It is the perfect location for people looking for an experience off the main road because of its golden sand dunes, rich cultural past, and kind friendliness. Lompoul has plenty to offer every tourist, from thrilling camel rides over the huge desert terrain to soaking in stunning sunsets.