Gorée Island

The basics

While many people visit the island independently, going with a guide provides information about the island's past and makes navigating much easier. Tours typically include transportation from Dakar hotels and most start with a visit to the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves), a former depot area where enslaved people boarded ships to the US. Tours itineraries may include time on the island’s beaches, as well as its museums and monuments.

Things to know before you go

• Gorée Island is a must-see for travelers interested in history, particularly the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

• Wheelchair users may find getting to and navigating the island challenging.

• There are no motorized vehicles on the island, so be prepared to do a fair bit of walking.

• Facilities on the island include restaurants and shops.

How to get there

You can get to Gorée Island on your own by taking a taxi to the passenger port in Dakar and boarding a ferry here. Tickets are available at the port (bring cash) and you don't need to book in advance. You can also join a tour that includes transportation from your Dakar hotel, boat transportation, and guide services, which can make things simpler, especially if you don't speak French.

When to get there

The first ferries from Dakar to Gorée leave early in the morning and the last ferries to the mainland depart from the island late at night. Visit early to avoid crowds, but note that some attractions don’t open until later in the morning.

Visiting the Maison des Esclaves

The most significant attraction on Gorée Island is the Maison des Esclaves, an 18th-century structure where many enslaved people took their last steps on African soil. Today, it functions as a living history museum, which honors the lives of the many who were sold into slavery.