Africa
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Senegal
Senegalese World Heritage Sites · UNESCO sites in Senegal map · historical landmarks in Senegal
Senegal has 7 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 5 cultural and 2 natural inscriptions, inscribed between 1978 and 2012. This map of UNESCO sites in Senegal covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Senegalese World Heritage Sites range from Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes onwards; Island of Gorée was the country's first inscription, added in 1978; Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes is the most recent, listed in 2012; recurring threads across the list include ancient civilizations.
One inscription is transnational, shared with neighbouring countries: Stone Circles of Senegambia. Start with Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and Island of Gorée, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 7
- Cultural
- 5
- Natural
- 2
- First inscribed
- 1978
Sites on the map
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- KYSKayes2 sites
- DSSDakar2 sites
- BJLBanjul (Yundum)2 sites
- NKCNouakchott1 site
Keep exploring
All 7 sites in Senegal
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Senegal
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural LandscapesThe site, located in south-east Senegal, includes three geographical areas: the Bassari–Salémata area, the Bed. | 2012 | Cultural | The site, located in south-east Senegal, includes three geographical areas: the Bassari–Salémata area, the Bed. |
| Djoudj National Bird SanctuarySituated in the Senegal River delta, the Djoudj Sanctuary is a wetland of 16,000 ha, comprising a large lake surrounded. | 1981 | Natural | Situated in the Senegal River delta, the Djoudj Sanctuary is a wetland of 16,000 ha, comprising a large lake surrounded. |
| Island of GoréeThe island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. | 1978 | Cultural | The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. |
| Island of Saint-LouisFounded as a French colonial settlement in the 17th century, Saint-Louis was urbanised in the mid-19th century. | 2000 | Cultural | Founded as a French colonial settlement in the 17th century, Saint-Louis was urbanised in the mid-19th century. |
| Niokolo-Koba National ParkLocated in a well-watered area along the banks of the Gambia river, the gallery forests and savannahs of Niokolo-Koba… | 1981 | Natural | Located in a well-watered area along the banks of the Gambia river, the gallery forests and savannahs of Niokolo-Koba National Park have a v. |
| Saloum DeltaFishing and shellfish gathering have sustained human life in the 5,000 km2 property, which is formed by the ar. | 2011 | Cultural | Fishing and shellfish gathering have sustained human life in the 5,000 km2 property, which is formed by the ar. |
| Stone Circles of SenegambiaThe site consists of four large groups of stone circles that represent an extraordinary concentration of over 1,000… | 2006 | Cultural | The site consists of four large groups of stone circles that represent an extraordinary concentration of over 1,000 monuments in a band 100 km wide… |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Senegal
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Senegal?
- Senegal has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 5 cultural and 2 natural.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Senegal?
- Island of Gorée was inscribed in 1978. The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Senegal?
- Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes, inscribed in 2012. The site, located in south-east Senegal, includes three geographical areas: the Bassari–Salémata area, the Bed.
- Which sites in Senegal are natural World Heritage Sites?
- 2 of the 7 listings are natural: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and Niokolo-Koba National Park.
- Which UNESCO sites in Senegal are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Senegal.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Senegal?
- The 7 UNESCO-listed sites above are Senegal's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Island of Gorée (1978). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.
- Is there a map of Senegalese World Heritage Sites?
- Yes — the map on this page plots all 7 Senegalese UNESCO World Heritage Sites; click any marker to open that site's page.