Site visited in April, 2018. Located some 300 km from Dakar to the north, close to Mauritanian border. From Dakar Gare Routiere there are mini buses (stand is located in the middle of bus station) but despite good asphalted road it took full day to reach Saint-Louis, including waiting time in Dakar (in most cases the cars leave when full, leaving hours are not specified). So when you start the journey in the morning it is possible to get to the place late in the afternoon or in the evening the same day.

While approaching Saint-Louis you will encounter huge garbage dump (some 10 km before the town). It is just for you to be prepared what you can expect in the town. And that is terrifying. Rubbish are everywhere, the streets are dirty but more appalling is what you see in the water and areas nearby (have in mind that this is an island). Of course not everywhere. Some streets in the center are more clean but overall first impression is somehow discouraging.

Historic centre of Saint-Louis is located on the island, within the estuary of Senegal river, linked with the land by Faidherbe Bridge (interesting landmark, metallic, from the end of XIX century). It has regular rectangle shape and adapted streets layout. Apart from the bridge other important places are former catholic church (closed), Grande Mosquée de Saint-Louis, Faidherbe square, post office, building of Office Du Tourisme-Syndicat D'initiative de Saint-Louis. If you forget the rubbish nice photos may be taken with boats around Quai Giraud. All places are accessible on foot within few hours and one day is pretty sufficient to see everything, another one is necessary if you plan to go to Djoudj.

Some practicalities: there are many hotels (different standard) on Saint-Louis Island. I stayed at Café Des Arts (in northern part of the island, Quai Giraud) but it is rather budget accommodation. There are a lot of restaurants (most of them are located in central part). For located nearby Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary try to organize a trip (there are several agencies in the town – most of them are located in the center; other option is to use Office Du Tourisme).