Senegal is located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Mauritania to the north and northeast, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. The country has access to the Atlantic Ocean, providing opportunities for various types of ports:
- Sea Ports: Senegal has several major sea ports along its coastline, serving as crucial hubs for maritime trade and transportation. Major sea ports include:
- Port of Dakar: Located in the capital city of Dakar, this port is the largest and busiest in Senegal. It handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products. The Port of Dakar is a key gateway for trade with Europe, the Americas, and other African countries.
- Port of Kaolack: Situated on the Saloum River estuary, the Port of Kaolack serves as an important hub for trade in the Senegal River Basin, particularly for agricultural products such as peanuts and rice.
- River Ports: Senegal has river ports along the Senegal River, which forms part of the border with Mauritania. River ports in Senegal primarily support domestic transportation and trade. Notable river ports include those in Saint-Louis and Podor.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Senegal serve as important nodes in the country’s transportation network, facilitating the movement of goods within the country and to neighboring regions. These terminals are often located near major cities and industrial zones. Examples include:
- Dakar Dry Port: Located near the Port of Dakar, the Dakar Dry Port is an inland terminal that provides connectivity to the country’s sea ports and serves as a key logistics hub for Senegal’s import and export activities.
- Tambacounda Inland Terminal: Situated in Tambacounda in eastern Senegal, this inland terminal provides connectivity to the Dakar-Niger Railway and serves as a transshipment point for goods transported by rail.
- Border Crossings: Senegal has several border crossings with neighboring countries, facilitating land-based trade and transportation. Major border crossings include those with Mauritania, Mali, and Guinea. These crossings serve as vital trade routes between Senegal and its neighboring countries, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
List of Largest Ports in Senegal
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Dakar | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro, Oil Tankers | 200 |
| Port of Kaolack | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Port of Ziguinchor | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| Port of Saint-Louis | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Port of Kédougou | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 90 |
| Port of Podor | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Port of Thiaroye | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Port of Rufisque | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 60 |
| Port of Joal-Fadiouth | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Port of M’Bour | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 40 |
| Port of Kayar | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30 |
| Port of Palmarin | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 20 |
| Port of Foundiougne | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 15 |
| Port of Karabane | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 10 |
| Port of Cap Skirring | Bulk, Ro-Ro | 5 |
Major Ports of Senegal
1. Port of Dakar
The Port of Dakar is the largest and busiest seaport in Senegal, located in the capital city of Dakar. Situated on the Atlantic coast, it serves as the principal entry point for goods entering the country. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containerized goods, petroleum products, food imports, and machinery. It also serves as a hub for passenger ferries to nearby islands and neighboring countries. Dakar is a key point of transit for West Africa and has advanced infrastructure, including deep-water docks and modern container handling facilities.
City Location: Dakar, Senegal
Latitude: 14.6928° N
Longitude: 17.4467° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Rufisque | 25 | Dakar-Rufisque Road |
| Thies | 70 | N3 Road |
| Mbour | 80 | N1 Road |
| Saint-Louis | 250 | N2 Road |
| Diourbel | 110 | N2 Road |
| Kaolack | 200 | N1 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 450 | N6 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Rufisque Railway Station (Rufisque)
- Thies Railway Station (Thies)
- Saint-Louis Railway Station (Saint-Louis)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
2. Port of Ziguinchor
The Port of Ziguinchor is located in the southern part of Senegal, along the Casamance River. It is the second largest port in Senegal and plays a critical role in the trade of agricultural products, such as rice, timber, and fish, from the Casamance region. The port also handles bulk cargo and is a hub for regional trade with neighboring Guinea-Bissau and Gambia. Ziguinchor’s port is essential for the local economy and supports the export of raw materials to international markets.
City Location: Ziguinchor, Senegal
Latitude: 12.5833° N
Longitude: 16.2670° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Banjul (Gambia) | 150 | N4 Road |
| Kolda | 150 | Kolda-Ziguinchor Road |
| Cap Skirring | 40 | N6 Road |
| Diouloulou | 70 | N6 Road |
| Oussouye | 35 | Ziguinchor-Oussouye Road |
| Tambacounda | 270 | N1 Road |
| Dakar | 450 | N6 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Banjul Railway Station (Gambia)
- Kolda Railway Station (Kolda)
- Diouloulou Railway Station (Diouloulou)
- Tambacounda Railway Station (Tambacounda)
3. Port of Saint-Louis
Saint-Louis is located in the northern part of Senegal and has a historical significance as a major port in West Africa. The port is situated at the mouth of the Senegal River and serves as a vital link for goods moving to and from Mauritania and northern Senegal. The Port of Saint-Louis handles bulk cargo, agricultural products, and fish. It is also used for shipping raw materials, contributing significantly to Senegal’s regional and international trade.
City Location: Saint-Louis, Senegal
Latitude: 16.0019° N
Longitude: 16.4976° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 250 | N2 Road |
| Rosso (Mauritania) | 90 | N3 Road |
| Louga | 180 | N1 Road |
| Podor | 100 | Podor-Saint-Louis Road |
| Richard Toll | 80 | N2 Road |
| Mbour | 310 | N1 Road |
| Kaolack | 320 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Saint-Louis Railway Station (Saint-Louis)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Louga Railway Station (Louga)
- Richard Toll Railway Station (Richard Toll)
- Podor Railway Station (Podor)
4. Port of Mbour
The Port of Mbour is located on the Petite Côte, south of Dakar, and plays a critical role in the fishing industry, with a large fleet of artisanal and industrial fishing boats. The port handles fish exports, as well as some containerized cargo, particularly agricultural products such as peanuts and fruit. Mbour also supports regional trade within Senegal and across West Africa.
City Location: Mbour, Senegal
Latitude: 14.4067° N
Longitude: 16.8667° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 80 | N1 Road |
| Thies | 40 | N3 Road |
| Saly | 10 | N1 Road |
| Joal-Fadiouth | 35 | N1 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 350 | N6 Road |
| Kaolack | 240 | N1 Road |
| Toubab Dialaw | 30 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mbour Railway Station (Mbour)
- Thies Railway Station (Thies)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
5. Port of Kaolack
Kaolack is located in central Senegal and is a significant inland port due to its location on the Saloum River. The port serves as a hub for agricultural exports, particularly peanuts, and is integral to the local economy. It also supports the transport of general cargo and bulk goods to and from the interior of the country.
City Location: Kaolack, Senegal
Latitude: 14.1500° N
Longitude: 16.0700° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 200 | N1 Road |
| Thies | 120 | N2 Road |
| Mbour | 240 | N1 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 320 | N6 Road |
| Toubab Dialaw | 250 | N1 Road |
| Louga | 130 | N1 Road |
| Diourbel | 70 | N2 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Thies Railway Station (Thies)
- Louga Railway Station (Louga)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
6. Port of Louga
Louga is an important regional port located in the northwestern part of Senegal, handling both general cargo and agricultural exports. The port supports local economies, particularly in the transport of peanuts, cotton, and other farm goods. It also plays a key role in trade within the Senegal River Valley.
City Location: Louga, Senegal
Latitude: 15.6083° N
Longitude: 15.6420° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 180 | N1 Road |
| Saint-Louis | 180 | N2 Road |
| Thies | 120 | N2 Road |
| Podor | 250 | Podor-Louga Road |
| Diourbel | 150 | N2 Road |
| Kaolack | 230 | N1 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 400 | N6 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Louga Railway Station (Louga)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Saint-Louis Railway Station (Saint-Louis)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
7. Port of Joal-Fadiouth
Joal-Fadiouth is a small but important port located south of Dakar. The port is primarily used for artisanal fishing, with fish being exported to nearby markets and larger ports. Joal is also famous for its scenic islands and has a small but growing tourism industry, further bolstered by its proximity to Dakar.
City Location: Joal-Fadiouth, Senegal
Latitude: 14.1700° N
Longitude: 16.7833° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 140 | N1 Road |
| Mbour | 35 | N1 Road |
| Thies | 90 | N3 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 320 | N6 Road |
| Kaolack | 400 | N1 Road |
| Diourbel | 300 | N1 Road |
| Toubab Dialaw | 80 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Joal Railway Station (Joal-Fadiouth)
- Mbour Railway Station (Mbour)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
8. Port of Toubab Dialaw
Toubab Dialaw is a coastal village located south of Dakar, known for its beaches and resorts. While the port here is small, it handles a significant amount of tourism-related goods, particularly related to local handicrafts, fish, and small agricultural products. The port also plays a role in serving the regional fishing industry.
City Location: Toubab Dialaw, Senegal
Latitude: 14.7050° N
Longitude: 17.0850° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 50 | N1 Road |
| Mbour | 30 | N1 Road |
| Thies | 60 | N3 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 380 | N6 Road |
| Kaolack | 370 | N1 Road |
| Diourbel | 430 | N1 Road |
| Joal-Fadiouth | 100 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Toubab Dialaw Railway Station (Toubab Dialaw)
- Mbour Railway Station (Mbour)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
9. Port of Kolda
Kolda is an inland port located near the Gambian border and is important for the transport of agricultural goods, particularly peanuts and cotton. While not a major commercial port, Kolda plays a significant role in the local economy, providing access to international trade via the Senegal River.
City Location: Kolda, Senegal
Latitude: 12.8833° N
Longitude: 14.9667° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ziguinchor | 150 | Ziguinchor-Kolda Road |
| Tambacounda | 250 | N1 Road |
| Dakar | 600 | Route 5 |
| Kaolack | 450 | N1 Road |
| Tamba | 230 | Tamba-Kolda Road |
| Diourbel | 350 | N1 Road |
| Saint-Louis | 450 | N2 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kolda Railway Station (Kolda)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
- Tambacounda Railway Station (Tambacounda)
10. Port of Saly
Saly is a small port located on Senegal’s Petite Côte, famous for its beaches and resorts. While the port handles mostly tourism-related goods, such as crafts and locally produced food, it plays an important role in supporting the local economy by providing access to global markets for Senegalese handicrafts and small-scale agricultural exports.
City Location: Saly, Senegal
Latitude: 14.7244° N
Longitude: 17.3142° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 80 | N1 Road |
| Mbour | 15 | N1 Road |
| Thies | 60 | N3 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 350 | N6 Road |
| Kaolack | 320 | N1 Road |
| Diourbel | 420 | N1 Road |
| Joal-Fadiouth | 35 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Saly Railway Station (Saly)
- Mbour Railway Station (Mbour)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
11. Port of Richard Toll
Richard Toll is located near the border with Mauritania and serves as an important port for trade between the two countries. It is primarily used for bulk agricultural exports, such as rice and cotton, and provides key links to the Senegal River for regional trade. While smaller than other ports, it plays a significant role in Senegal’s northern trade routes.
City Location: Richard Toll, Senegal
Latitude: 16.0000° N
Longitude: 15.8500° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Louis | 60 | Richard Toll-Saint-Louis Road |
| Dakar | 250 | N2 Road |
| Rosso (Mauritania) | 90 | Rosso-Richard Toll Road |
| Louga | 180 | Louga-Richard Toll Road |
| Podor | 130 | Podor-Richard Toll Road |
| Diourbel | 230 | N2 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 300 | N6 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Richard Toll Railway Station (Richard Toll)
- Saint-Louis Railway Station (Saint-Louis)
- Louga Railway Station (Louga)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
12. Port of Podor
Podor, situated on the Senegal River, is an inland port used primarily for agricultural trade. While it is small compared to other ports in Senegal, it serves an important function for trade in the northern regions, handling exports of grains, cotton, and other local products.
City Location: Podor, Senegal
Latitude: 15.5894° N
Longitude: 14.9914° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Louis | 100 | Podor-Saint-Louis Road |
| Dakar | 350 | N2 Road |
| Richard Toll | 130 | Richard Toll-Podor Road |
| Louga | 200 | Louga-Podor Road |
| Diourbel | 250 | N2 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 450 | N6 Road |
| Kaolack | 400 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Podor Railway Station (Podor)
- Saint-Louis Railway Station (Saint-Louis)
- Louga Railway Station (Louga)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
13. Port of Tamba
Tamba, located in the southeastern part of Senegal, is a vital regional port for agricultural trade, particularly for exports such as cotton, rice, and peanuts. It also supports the local economy by facilitating the transport of goods to the interior regions of Senegal.
City Location: Tamba, Senegal
Latitude: 13.5800° N
Longitude: 13.2500° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ziguinchor | 270 | N6 Road |
| Kaolack | 350 | N1 Road |
| Dakar | 600 | Route 5 |
| Louga | 450 | N2 Road |
| Diourbel | 330 | N1 Road |
| Tambacounda | 80 | Tambacounda-Tamba Road |
| Kolda | 130 | Kolda-Tamba Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Tamba Railway Station (Tamba)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
- Louga Railway Station (Louga)
- Tambacounda Railway Station (Tambacounda)
14. Port of Banjul (Gambia)
Although located in Gambia, the Port of Banjul is strategically important for Senegal, particularly for trade between the two countries. Banjul serves as a key port for regional shipping, including agricultural exports, and is integral for goods moving through the Gambia River.
City Location: Banjul, Gambia
Latitude: 13.4530° N
Longitude: 16.5790° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ziguinchor | 150 | N4 Road |
| Dakar | 200 | N1 Road |
| Kaolack | 250 | N1 Road |
| Saint-Louis | 250 | N2 Road |
| Tambacounda | 300 | N1 Road |
| Diourbel | 320 | N1 Road |
| Louga | 350 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Banjul Railway Station (Banjul)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)
- Saint-Louis Railway Station (Saint-Louis)
15. Port of M’bour
The Port of M’bour is a small port located on Senegal’s Petite Côte. It is used primarily for fishing and tourism. The port handles locally caught fish, which are exported to international markets, and also provides services for passenger ferries. M’bour has a growing role in tourism, offering access to Senegal’s beach resorts.
City Location: M’bour, Senegal
Latitude: 14.4067° N
Longitude: 16.8667° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 80 | N1 Road |
| Thies | 40 | N3 Road |
| Saly | 10 | N1 Road |
| Joal-Fadiouth | 35 | N1 Road |
| Ziguinchor | 350 | N6 Road |
| Kaolack | 240 | N1 Road |
| Toubab Dialaw | 30 | N1 Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- M’bour Railway Station (M’bour)
- Thies Railway Station (Thies)
- Dakar Railway Station (Dakar)
- Ziguinchor Railway Station (Ziguinchor)
- Kaolack Railway Station (Kaolack)