Welcome to Hakuna Lodge
In southern Senegal, in the Sine-Saloum Delta
Hakuna Lodge, the camp on the island of Mar-Lodj "at the end of the world".
1 hour 30 from the new Senegal airport, connects you to our private and guarded pier-parking located inthe small town of Dangane, from which a canoe or a faster boat will be waiting for you for a crossing that will immerse you in the sweetness of the mangroves and mangroves, to our camp“Hakuna Lodge”.
The Siné-saloum regionis one of the most amazing natural regions of Senegal,listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011for its authenticity, is therefore protected.
This delta covers some 334,000 hectares of maritime areas and nature reserves and conceals an inextricable jumble of islands, canals and white sandbanks, where the mangrove – this plant formation made up of mangrove trees emerging from the water – flourishes without counting. .
The Sine-saloum is therefore theone of the largest ornithological sites in West Africawhere live near200 species of birdsbut also a profusion of fish and shellfish that delight anglers.
On the island, the environment is preserved and the guaranteed change of scenery.
No car, we move around in a cart, harnessed to a horse or to one of those pretty little donkeys, companions of the Senegalese peasants who still cultivate millet and groundnuts.
To come to Hakuna Lodge, you have several options and together we will find the best solutions according to your wishes.
Nature in Sine Saloum
Bolongs
Bolongs aresalt water canals lined with mangroves,marine tidal ecosystems; which are more or less partially covered with mangroves, which explains the presence of tans (or tannes), stretches of salty, bare or little vegetated land, and the mobility of a labyrinthine landscape of islets and more or less stagnant
In addition to a multitude of fish, there area wide variety of birds,as well as mammals likejackals, monkeys and even hyenas.
At Hakuna Lodge, we meet veryfew mosquitoesor not at all, surely because of the nearby Atlantic Ocean and its good sea air.
The birds
In Senegal, there are no less than 650 species of birdsof all kinds, against only 450 in Europe.
The Siné-saloum region where Hakuna Lodge is located has no less than 200 birds alone.
This is to say the pleasure for all nature lovers who have the chance to observe these pretty inhabitants, whichwill wake you up every morning with their friendly chirps.
The Bush
The Siné-saloum region where the island of Mar-lodj is located (and our Hakuna Lodge camp) is made up ofa multitude of landscapes, from the most wooded like the forest of palm-rôniers of Yayème, eucalyptus, acacias…, to the most desert like the tans, these expanses of salt water and their surprising salt wells.
So have fun withvisiting the island of Mar-Lodj by horse-drawn carriageto discover its typical nature, meet its inhabitants and soak up the sweetness of life.
Fishing at “Hakuna-Lodge”
Canoe, Handline or Surf Casting fishing
Hakuna Lodgeis on the direct edgeof the Saloum river, in the immediate vicinity of the Mar-Ignane fishing area, one of the most popular in the region.
The Delta in which you find yourself is subject to the same movement of the tides as the ocean with a lag of about 40 minutes in relation to it.
The bottoms are sandy, not crowded and the depths vary between 3 and 20 meters.
Certain areas of rocks well known by the fishing guides will be indicated to you.
The water is clear and the visibility is about 3 meters.
canoe fishing
The boats are large traditional Senegalese canoes, motorized. You will be accompanied and advised byan experienced fishermanwho will take you to the spots of the moment according to his experience and his feeling.
In general, this fishing is practiced according to the technique to be supported. Fishing is done at the bottom, at the right time of the tide (the stall giving little result).
The baits are fresh prawns or “yaboï” fillets(a kind of very oily and fragrant sardine), whole cuttlefish or live fish.
The suitable equipment you will need can be made up of one or two rods with a length ranging from 2.40 m to 2.80 m with an average weight of 20/40 lbs. The reels will be lined with 30 to 40 / 100th braid, sliding lead of 100 to 200 g depending on the current, sliders, and 50 / 100th fluorescent carbon leader.
The most common hooks range from 1/0 to 5/0 depending on the bait used and the fish targeted. Once armed, you just have to not miss the shoeing, you risk being surprised by the violence of the attacks.
Handline fishing
or surf casting
The handline is a fishing instrumentconsisting of a few lengths of nylon and one or more hooks.
By metonymy, the same term refers to the fishing technique that uses this instrument.
You can fish by holding the line in your hand, or by letting the line hang from a piece of cork. And you might experience the unique feeling of a red carp attack right at your fingertips!
surf casting,this is the technique that delights beachside enthusiasts who like to fish day and night. The well-marked and gently sloping sandbanks will show you the drop-off.
And if you feel like it, you can also, after the evening meal, go and try your luck at the end of the pontoon of our camp.
Some explorations are also possible thanks to canoes that we will put at your disposal free of charge.
THE LODGE
12 hectares of nature by the river.
The Ventilated Boxes
The 17 huts of Hakuna Lodge have been recently renovated with the additiona bathroom + a private WC in each of them.
The camp, meanwhile, is equipped witha solar installation making us completely autonomous and provided with electricity everywhere and 24 hours a day.
Today, our ventilated hutches combine the comfort and typical charm of Africa, and the camp can accommodate you easily.
We offer so-called family huts, with two bedrooms and a bathroom/wc, to satisfy large families who like to come to us.
Wi-Fi – at certain times and at the restaurant level – will allow you to stay connected with urban civilization.
BEDROOM
SHOWER
BATHROOM SINK
TOILET
Restaurant
At the house of Hakuna Lodge, the good food is an integral part of your stay.
You will taste all kinds of meat dishes and of course fish, but also famous mangrove oysters au gratin, the house';s secret recipe. Without forgetting the good Senegalese recipes, such as Thieboudienne, Yassa, etc.
Meals are taken at the table hôtes, for more conviviality and there is no shortage of space to welcome the many customers.
Note that fishermen leaving for whole days of fishing will be given a famous picnic, worthy of “Out of Africa”…
The lounges
Two outdoor lounges await you for your moments of relaxation, and fully enjoy the calm and beauty of the place at all hours of the day.
Only the songs of the birds will disturb you!
A bar is also at your disposal. to accompany you in these privileged moments.
Children's areas
A living room has been specially designed for kids, with games available, low tables and cushions on the floor.
The beach and the pontoon
Enjoy the white sand beach at the edge of the water to relax.
You will find a large rest hut, half-shade, half-sun, with deckchairs and furniture on a wooden floor.
You can also let yourself be rocked in the hollow of a hammock, or simply contemplate the sun caressing the bolongs and set over the sea.
This is what awaits you at Hakuna Lodge!
Our customers are talking about us !
Hakuna Lodge
Set up as more of a holiday camp for families. Thirty-minute speedboat ride to get to it provides chance to see the mangroves.
Alan G - May 2025
Paradise on earth
This is where I rediscovered the land of the strange, the real Senegal. Very efficient staff like Abdou, the bar manager, and let's talk about the master chef Ousmane who delights our taste buds. Bandia, the camp manager, efficient and very serious. A big thank you to the night watchman as well as all the staff.
Bernard M. - January 2025
Magnificent... unforgettable stay
From our arrival, Omar, the parking attendant, welcomes us with a smile and kindness... The tone is set! Then Bandia and Amine came to pick us up by boat, and we crossed the mangrove to reach Hakuna... The end of the world! The place is paradisiacal, of absolute calm where lounging and swimming impose themselves. The huts are very beautiful, large, functional, clean, and the outdoor shower is a delight. The Tam Tam calls us for the meal. Delicious cuisine with fresh products. The excursions are exotic, especially the full-day pirogue visit where you discover the fish market, Falia, and lunch on a paradisiacal island with succulent monkfish skewers. Lots of free activities (paddle, canoe, pétanque, foosball, ping pong, bikes), ideal for mingling with other guests and the staff. A paradise for kids in total freedom and safety. The camp is super clean. The team is extremely kind and bends over backwards for your comfort. An ideal spot to recharge and refocus on the essentials... No stress! We'll come back for sure! Thanks Bandia for this exceptional place you've made magnificent (a paradise on earth) and we kiss you all very hard." This enthusiastic review highlights a serene Senegalese mangrove retreat with top-notch service, activities, and natural beauty.
Valérie B. - January 2025
A wonderful experience outside our usual frameworks and reference points.
Surprise destination from our guide who planned this stop during the Saloum Delta visit. From the very first moments, we were won over by this place in the middle of nowhere. Magnificent experience of disconnection and return to simplicity. The team and other residents help you find yourself to enjoy the place. Special mention for the night in these huts where you realize that silence is very loud with the cries of howler birds, jackals, and hyenas." This review captures the magic of an off-grid retreat in Senegal's Saloum Delta, blending serenity with wildlife sounds.
Annick D. - January 2024