Located on Senegal's Petite Côte La Somone is a charming and authentic coastal town nestled within a famous lagoon of the same name. A true natural gem in Senegal, La Somone is one of the country's most visited destinations. Tourists appreciate the diverse activities and stunning scenery. It's no wonder that many foreigners, particularly Westerners, choose to settle there by purchasing property. In this article, we'll explore La Somone together, examining its most famous landmarks, available activities, and the current real estate market, as the town is experiencing a surge in housing demand. Let's go!
A small, ideally located coastal town
La Somone enjoys a particularly advantageous geographical location. Long neglected due to its distance from major roads, it is now experiencing a revival thanks to the motorway located just a few kilometers away. Furthermore, Blaise Diagne International Airport is only a half-hour drive from the town. As a result, the town is currently experiencing a resurgence of interest, while retaining its isolated and wild character that so appeals to visitors.
The town is characterized by its proximity to the Somone Lagoon . This is the mouth of the small river also called the Somone, where it ends its journey by flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. The area forms a large sandy expanse of over 700 hectares. The area has been a protected site since 1999.
You can reach La Somone from Saly by following the main road, which first passes through Ngaparou. The road crosses the town and its many shops of all kinds, ending in a dead end where you will have no choice but to park or turn around. Indeed, this road ends at the lagoon. To reach the other side, you will need to use a pirogue ( ), which are impossible to miss because they are so colorful!
The Somone Lagoon: a live spectacle
A great diversity of 180 different animal species characterizes this nature reserve . All of this can be observed from a beautiful pirogue trip through the mangroves . You can observe the multitude of birds present at low tide. The area becomes a haven for black-headed gulls, pelicans, grey herons, egrets, terns, ospreys, red-billed hornbills, curlews, northern gannets, and even cormorants!
Mangrove forests are also a defining feature of the Somone Lagoon. This ecosystem is essential for fish reproduction, situated at the junction between the river's fresh water and the sea's salt water. In the heart of this mangrove forest, your pirogue trip will almost certainly take you to the Dwarf Baobab, the only tree in the area to have survived the sea breeze.
During your excursion, you will surely come across locals crossing the Lagoon to go to work.
The most famous places in Somone
The city is home to several places that have become legendary over time. Two renowned establishments await you on the north side of the lagoon: Chez Bouba and Chez Rasta . At the latter, whose promotional video you'll see below, you'll be greeted with a myriad of seafood to savor, all in a Jamaican-inspired atmosphere with a reggae soundtrack. You're guaranteed to have a great time!
Another legendary spot in La Somone is Chez Norbert . This Breton native settled here in the early 2000s and opened his restaurant, now famous throughout Senegal. Known for the quality of his oysters, some of Dakar's top restaurants don't hesitate to buy them directly from him. Don't hesitate to visit on Saturdays and Sundays and enjoy his products with a glass of white wine!
Discover the best restaurants in La Somone.
On-site activities
La Somone offers a wide range of activities directly related to nature. As mentioned earlier, a pirogue trip through the heart of the mangroves will give you the opportunity to discover the full extent of the vibrant spectacle that the area offers.
Ndaimbour, Keur, and Café des Arts are must-visits if you want to discover typical Senegalese cuisine based on fish and the warm atmosphere of the land of Teranga! And don't forget Auberge Keur Mariguen and its famous tarte tatin!
You'll also find various hotels there, such as the famous Royal Baobab , located on the edge of the lagoon. For example, you can spend a Sunday there with your family, enjoying the all-you-can-eat buffet and a comfortable sun lounger facing the sea. Shows and dance parties are regularly organized!
Real estate in La Somone
La Somone has experienced a true renaissance in recent years and is increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world. Like the rest of the Petite Côte, the town is experiencing rising property prices . La Somone is also attracting a growing number of affluent families from Dakar, who are buying second homes there to spend their weekends and holidays away from the hustle and bustle of Dakar.
The average price of land for sale in La Somone is 50,000 FCFA per square meter. Prices are generally higher if you wish to settle near the sea. By going through a real estate agency on the Petite Côte, you can also find beautiful villas, both new and older, at still reasonable prices, all close to the lagoon.
This concludes our article on La Somone in Senegal . This charming little coastal town with its idyllic scenery is our favorite spot on the Petite Côte. We hope you'll one day be able to visit this open-air paradise and enjoy the many activities it offers. In the meantime, feel free to revisit our list of properties for sale in La Somone .
Fancy spending your holidays near the lagoon? Here is a small selection of seasonal rentals in La Somone .
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