Senegal - West Africa - page 738

PETITE CÔTE & SINÉ-SALOUM DELTA
The 150km Petite Côte stretches south from Dakar and is one of Senegal's best beach areas
. Where the Siné and Saloum Rivers meet the tidal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the coast
is broken into a stunning area of mangrove swamps, lagoons, forests and sand islands. It
forms part of the magnificent 180-sq-km Siné-Saloum Delta.
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Mbour & Saly
Eighty kilometres south of Dakar, Mbour is the main town on the Petite Côte and the re-
gion's most vibrant and important fishing centre. Nearby Saly, with its strip of big ocean-
front hotels, is the heavier weight when it comes to tourism.
Mbour's busy, slightly nauseating fish market on the beach, where the catch is immedi-
ately gutted and dispatched, is a sight to behold. Chez Martine La Suissesse ( 33 957 3109; Mbour;
d incl breakfast CFA12,000-18,000) is a mere 100m from the beach and offers simple, clean rooms.
Tama Lodge ( 33 957 0040; www.tamalodge.com ; Mbour; s/d from CFA35,000/48,000; ) has exquis-
itely designed bungalows, an eclectic art collection scattered around the property and a
great restaurant, while the simple New Blue Africa ( 33 957 0993; Rte de Niakhniakhal, Mbour; s/d
CFA35,000/42,000) sits on Mbour's finest dune. Perennially popular Chez Paolo ( 33 957 1310;
Mbour; mains CFA3000-4500) is the local favourite and serves up super Senegalese dishes in mod-
est digs.
If it's a beach holiday you're after, then Saly is the perfect corner for soaking up the sun
and sipping cocktails. Ferme de Saly & Les Amazones ( 77 638 4790; www.farmsaly.com ; Saly; d
CFA20,000-36,000, apt CFA40,000-50,000) is a classic with overlanders, a place of sound sleep, good
food and the generous company of host Jean-Paul. Nearer Saly village, La Medina ( 33 957
4993; Terrain de Football, Saly village; s/d CFA17,000/22,000; ) has good, clean rooms surround-
ing a leafy patio. For a splurge try the bright and classy bungalows with private, sunny ter-
races at Espadon ( 33 939 7099; www.espadon-hotel.com ; Saly; s/d incl breakfast CFA72,000/120,000 ; ) -
the hotel restaurant (international fare) is stellar and there's a great wellness centre for re-
laxation. For a daytime dose of fresh seafood with a view of the beach hit Les Tables du Marlin
( 33 957 2477; Saly; mains CFA3000-8000; 10am-7pm) , but the best food is dished up at Le Patio
du Mar y Sol ( 33 957 0777; Saly; mains CFA5000-9000) , where you can dine on luscious French
fare, poolside with a chilled beverage.