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Exploring the Saloum Delta by motorcycle
Season 7 : Return to Africa
17 May 2023The Saloum Delta in Senegal is a unique and beautiful region located in western Senegal, where the Saloum River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The delta is home to a vast network of waterways, mangrove forests, and small islands that are spread out over an area of more than 5,000 square kilometres. It's home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many rare and endangered species such as manatees, marine turtles, and African fish eagles.
There are no roads to get to the delta so you have to arrive and depart by boat. Traveling with a motorcycle makes this even more challenging, as I have experienced. So called "piroques" (small boats) leave from a tiny town called Djiffer. The launch point for the boats is a hustling and bustling area and I had to pick my way around donkeys strapped to donkey carts, fishing nets laid out, people, cargo, horses and boats laid on the beach for repairs.
I figured it would be difficult to find out where I had to go, but as often happens in places like this, all you have to do is just to stop and wait. My big bike with luggage and me in all my motorcycle gear generally attracts enough attention so that the people will just find me! After chatting to a couple of people, I found a boatman willing to take me, and my motorcycle, across!
This entire area is not very touristy and I might very well have been the first motorcycle traveller that made it there. Here are three reasons why you in fact should consider exploring the Saloum Delta on two wheels:
Beautiful landscapes
The Saloum Delta is a region of natural beauty with it's pristine waterways and lush mangrove forests. One of the best parts of riding a motorcycle on the islands of this area is riding the narrow paths and tracks through the forests. The terrain is very sandy though so navigating the thick sand through narrow tracks can be tricky sometimes!
The best time to explore the Saloum Delta region on a motorcycle is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. The roads can be muddy and difficult to navigate during the rainy season.
Friendly locals
The people of the Saloum Delta are known for their traditional fishing and agriculture practices, and many still live in traditional thatched-roof homes. Everywhere I went, people were so friendly, curious and welcoming. If you speak French, you'll be able to communicate with most people here, but I also found people that could speak some English! They just loved having a visitor riding around the village and wherever I went, kids would come out running to greet me.
Off the beaten path
The Saloum Delta is still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. In the south there are some operators that will run river tours, but the northern part of the Delta, and the area around Dionewar is completely off the tourist maps. Unspoiled by the masses, it's a great place to get to know the Senegalese culture and island life. The region is also rich in cultural heritage, with several small villages and communities that are home to distinct ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs and traditions.
So if you're looking for your next adventure, I highly recommend adding this stunning region of Senegal to your bucket list!
Your reply
It's really wonderful to hear from you Noraly. I have enjoyed your journey in the Senegal delta. It's beautiful and unique there. I l love seeing this primitive place vicariously through your lens and efforts, but not exactly anxious to physically experience the intermittent running water and other electrical and electronic inconveniences. What amazes me is how you seem to thrive on it. Lots of love from Gene in Tennessee.
Clayton
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It was a special place!
Noraly
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Two days a week is not enough; but I always welcome the Blogs; and understand the reduction in publishing pressure. The stories you tell are unique, fascinating, fun, and, at times, nail biting. You have become a twenty first century award winning capable author. (once the Nobel for You Tube is established).. Please continue to be careful, we, all, want to join you every week, on every trip. Thank you for being our tour leader! And remember those too old to ride who are traveling with you. signed by jim (82) from Virginia
JimN
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I'm glad you enjoy my blogs!
Noraly
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Hey Nora. Beach Ride pretty cool. First of the month I get to order me an itchy boots hat. I am sure you pay them guys to put your bike on the boat and get it off. It is nice of them to help you like that. Border crossing very interesting you always seem to breathe right through that stuff. The ferry ride very interesting I'm proud of you too girl ! Wednesday's episode pretty cool I never seen them places before. Looking forward to more riding time. More drone footage. In the meantime more of episode 5 . You always make my day better have fun be safe and I'll see you in the next video. Later gator 🐊😎👍
David55
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Thank you:)
Noraly
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A better tourism ambassador cannot be found than you, Noraly. It has to be heartwarming to be able to mingle amongst the locals and be welcomed with such open arms and curiosity by the kids and adults alike. I’m always left with a smile on my face watching your adventures. A beautiful break indeed! Keep up the work, you are very much appreciated by so many.
Debbie R.
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Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Debbie!
Noraly
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Very informative.
Clear that you have done your "homework" and was prepared to improvise to reach your main goal. What we see/read is always a small fraction of what you really have to do to get it right, and therein lays one of many of your skills: you make it look easy.
On year one you probably wouldn't have achieved the same, even if you had the same determination and stubbornness - experience, you just can't beat it.
Jonas E
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So much appreciate the rich and detailed adventures most of us may never experience, Noraly! I’m sure you’ve met plenty of difficulties that are not captured in your blogs and videos. Hey when you do have a good amount of free time, why don’t you publish travel books, including tips and overcoming difficulties, especially for motorcycle adventure riders like myself? I guarantee a Best Seller!👍😁
AugustO
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Loving it. That Honda is quite amazing - then again so are you.
Hvn fun
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Thanks!
Noraly
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Noraly!!!! What a joy to watch Itchy Boots!!!!! Why is it that you do not show us what you eat while travelling in Africa?? Safe travels.....looking forward to next episode!!
Erika (South Africa)
Erika Johnson
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Hey Itchy Boots! Absolutely love everything that you do. I have to say I have never seen you riding without your gear! It must feel liberating! Anyway, this whole series has been so impressive! Thank you so much for your endless dedication to delivering outstanding video productions that we will be able to enjoy infinitely! Hugs to you Noraly! Cheers from Texas, USA.
Lucy Villarreal
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I'm so happy to hear that you are enjoying season 7!
Noraly
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Noraly,
I love your channel. I white knuckle it with you while you traverse the tough spots, and revel in the beauty and majesty around each corner. Thank you so much for bringing us with you. I have learned so much about our world through your channel.
Lydia
LydiaMN
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It's a pleasure to share my travels with you!
Noraly
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