From London to Dakar: A Family Holiday Full of Heart

This wasn’t just a trip. It was a journey.

Back through time. Across oceans. Into the heart of where it all began.

We travelled to Senegal, West Africa, to explore the land where part of our family’s story started. My children’s father is Senegalese, and for as long as I can remember, he’s spoken with such pride about where he comes from, the strength of his people, the richness of his culture, the beauty of his homeland. This trip was a chance for our children to see what he’s always carried in his spirit. And for me? It became a quiet reckoning. A soft return to something I didn’t even realise I was missing.

The Food Will Win Everyone Over

this …

Thieboudienne (Senegal’s national dish) became an instant family favourite—even the kids, usually suspicious of new flavours, loved eating together from a shared bowl. Not a single hungry belly in sight.

Pro tip: If your kids aren’t big on spice, a gentle “moins de piment” works wonders.

Practical Bits (Mum Mode Activated)

• Visas: UK passport holders don’t need one for short stays (double-check before you go).
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever may be required; also consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine jabs.
•  Malaria: Bring repellent and long sleeves for evenings.
• Always pack snacks and wipes. So many wipes.

Motherhood, Maps & Memory

As a mum, I want my kids to know where they come from. But I’ve learned that to show them their roots, I have to keep growing, too. Senegal reminded me: you don’t need all the answers to feel rooted. Sometimes just being there, listening, and bringing your children along is enough.

The Door of No Return

One of the most emotional moments came on Gorée Island, The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Standing together in the Door of No Return. That narrow, weathered doorway carries the weight of millions of lives.  It’s the point from which so many Africans were taken, ripped from their families, their futures, and their homelands. As I stood there with my children, I felt the enormity of it all. The grief. The resilience. The stolen stories. It’s a place everyone should see once in their lifetime and one of Senegal’s most important historical sites.

💛 Mum tip: The ferry over is short but bring water, snacks, and a sun hat, especially if you’re travelling with little ones who think queuing is a personal insult.

Motherhood, Maps & Memory

Long before I took this journey with my children, I’d already fallen in love with Africa again and again. I’ve travelled to Ghana, The Gambia, Zanzibar, Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco, all before I became a mum. And each country brought something different into my life:

In Ghana, I wept and felt seen.

In The Gambia, I found community and warmth.

In Zanzibar, I slowed down — island time has a way of softening everything.

In Egypt, I stood in awe of ancient strength and layered modern life.

In Kenya, I was humbled by nature’s raw power.

In Morocco, I lost myself in colour, spice, and the beautiful kind of chaos.

Each trip shaped the woman I was becoming, piece by piece, story by story.

But Senegal was different.
Because this time, I wasn’t just travelling for myself. I was travelling with my children. For them. It was no longer just about discovery it was about legacy.

And Senegal gave me something quieter than the other places.
A reflection. A rhythm. A soft kind of healing I hadn’t realised I needed.

We explored the streets of Dakar, met family I hadn’t known before, tasted foods that felt strangely familiar, and danced to rhythms that stirred something ancient in all of us. More than anything the seneglese people are so warm and welcoming .

This trip helped my children understand who they are  and where they come from.
But it also helped me understand who I’m still becoming.

Travelling through Africa before motherhood opened my eyes. But travelling to Senegal as a mother opened my heart. This time, I wasn’t just wandering or wondering  I was witnessing, watching my children connect with their roots. Seeing their father’s stories come alive around us.
Feeling the shift in their sense of self.

As a mum, I’ve always wanted to raise kids who know who they are  and where they come from. But I’ve learned that to do that, I have to keep doing the work myself, too. Motherhood doesn’t cancel out your own becoming. If anything, it deepens it. This moment, with them was the gift that changed everything.

What to do in Senegal with kids?

If you’re planning a family trip to Senegal, here are six places we loved  and why:

1. Bandia Reserve

A wildlife park about an hour from Dakar. Giraffes, zebras, rhinos, monkeys — all spotted from a 4×4 safari. The kids were wide-eyed the entire time. Zero screen time complaints.

Mum tip: Go early in the day before it gets too hot. Pack bug spray and a few biscuits  because animals are exciting, but kids are still kids.

2.Lake Retba (Lac Rose)

A pink lake! Yes, actually pink from all the salt and minerals. It’s surreal and beautiful. You can even float in it (though your skin might smell a bit like chips after).

Mum tip: Bring a change of clothes for everyone. Trust me. Salt and white t-shirts are not friends.

3. Popenguine Beach

Quieter and more laid-back than the beaches near Dakar. Perfect for picnics, sandy naps, and coconut water straight from the shell.

Mum tip: Shade is scarce, so bring a lightweight umbrella or scarf to throw over a makeshift shelter if you’re staying long.

4.African Renaissance Monument

This towering statue on a hill just outside Dakar gives panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Kids usually love the sheer scale and the open space around it for running about. 

Mum Tip : Take the time to rest on the steps and grab the perfect photo opportunity !! .

5.Dakar Corniche

The seaside promenade stretches for miles with plenty of spots to stop, watch the fishing boats, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Kids love watching the waves and sometimes spotting fishermen.

6.Museum of Black Civilizations (Dakar)

One of the most thoughtful, moving museums we’ve visited. It celebrates Black history and identity from all over the world not just Africa.

Mum tip: Go early in the day before the little ones get museum fatigue. There’s a great café nearby where you can refuel with bissap (hibiscus juice) and plantain chips.

Mum Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Water & snacks are non-negotiable.
• Wet wipes are your best friend.
•  Pack light long sleeves for sun and mosquitoes.
• Don’t over-schedule, rest days are gold.

Final Thoughts

If you feel disconnected from your roots, go back. Ask questions. Walk through the pain and the pride. Even if parts of your story are missing, you can still find your way home. This isn’t just about visiting Africa it’s about feeling it. Let’s make these trips more than holidays. Let’s make them journeys that stay with us forever.

Written by: Anita Barzey  The Holiday Fixer 

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Travel to Senegal