There is no need to go through Dakar to begin your stay with Lake Retba (the Pink Lake) or the Bandia reserve: from AIBD, both sites can be reached while largely avoiding the capital's traffic. Here is how to organise this first detour, straight off the plane.
Why avoid Dakar when leaving the airport
If your itinerary does not include a night in Dakar, going straight from AIBD to the Pink Lake (Lac Retba) or the Bandia reserve saves a pointless round trip through a capital that you may only visit later. Both sites lie broadly on the south / south-east axis from the airport, which limits the added distance compared with systematically driving through the city centre.
Towards the Pink Lake
The Pink Lake, famous for its rosy tint caused by a high concentration of salt and algae, is best visited in the late morning or early afternoon, when the light brings out the colour of the water. From AIBD, the road skirts part of the Dakar conurbation via secondary roads, a route that your GPS apps handle well but that local traffic can slow down near the roadside markets.
- ▸A pirogue trip on the lake to see the colour up close, often offered by local guides on the spot.
- ▸A possible stop near the dunes separating the lake from the Atlantic Ocean, a few minutes away on foot.
- ▸Closed shoes recommended if you walk on the salt piled up at the edge of the lake.
Towards the Bandia reserve
The Bandia reserve, known for its giraffes, white rhinos, buffaloes and crocodiles reintroduced onto a former hunting ground, lies further south, on the road to Mbour and the Petite Côte. From AIBD it is quicker to reach than from Dakar, a real advantage if your stay continues straight on to Saly or Somone.
- Arrival on siteA guide usually accompanies the visit by vehicle through the reserve, either the operator's vehicle or your own depending on the option.
- Observation circuitAllow 1h30 to 2h for a full tour, with photo stops at the watering holes frequented by wildlife.
- Best time slotEarly morning or late in the day: the midday heat drives the animals into the shade, where they are harder to spot.
Organising this detour from the airport
There are two main approaches for this first post-landing trip: a private driver who drops you directly on site before continuing to your accommodation, or a rental car collected on the spot at AIBD if you prefer to drive yourself. After a night flight, the first option saves you from having to find your own way on poorly signposted tracks as soon as you leave the terminal.
A driver booked before departure can include this detour in your initial trip, adjusting the route to link the Pink Lake or Bandia and then your final destination, without going back through Dakar.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the road skirts most of the Dakar conurbation, which limits the detour compared with systematically driving through the city centre.
Allow 1h30 to 2h for a full circuit by vehicle, with stops at the wildlife observation points.
Late morning for the Pink Lake, when the light brings out its colour; early morning or late in the day for Bandia, when the animals are most active.
A standard car is enough on the main roads; some access tracks are unpaved, something to check depending on the season.
In summary
The Pink Lake and the Bandia reserve can be reached directly from AIBD, with no obligatory detour through Dakar. A logical choice if your stay then heads for the Petite Côte, provided you plan the transport as soon as you book your flight.
Want to start your stay with the Pink Lake or Bandia?
Book a driver who drops you directly on site as you leave the airport, before continuing to your accommodation.
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