Île de Goree image

Île de Goree

Sightseeing tour agency

👍 Goree is a tourist island that used to formally be a slave island. The entire island used to be for slave masters and had prisons for the slaves (women, children and men). You get to see all of that and you get to have a feel of what it was like to live in such a place at such a time however, the b... People often mention island, slave, Dakar, slaves, Senegal,


Address

MJ92+5CH, Rue du castel, Dakar, Senegal

Contact

+221 76 022 62 95

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (380 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Monday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: island (17) slave (10) Dakar (10) slaves (8) Senegal (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Joy A. 5 years ago on Google
    Goree is a tourist island that used to formally be a slave island. The entire island used to be for slave masters and had prisons for the slaves (women, children and men). You get to see all of that and you get to have a feel of what it was like to live in such a place at such a time however, the bad history and the beautiful terrain and is quite contradictory. The beauty and the sadness is too contrasting. There are a lot of fun activities to do, some food, local instruments, arts and crafts for sale. Hotels, bed and breakfast water activities are available and a lot of people visit with a ferry almost daily for just 2500cfa depending on if you are a tourist or an african. Don't leave Dakar without visiting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thomas V. 6 years ago on Google • 520 reviews
    A great historical place that's still alive. Very colorful, and one of the highlights in Dakar. Only annoyance is that some of the locals are brutally asking money for every picture you want to take, even if you're taking a picture of a cat in tree.

  • 5/5 Argun K. 4 years ago on Google • 511 reviews
    The most popular spot in Senegal. A MUST SEE! Feels magnificent to walk along the old French colonial buildings and explore the marvelous streets. Round trip by ferry is 5200 CFA for non-Africans.

  • 4/5 Airė V. 1 year ago on Google • 423 reviews
    Stunning colors and peaceful vibe. Not only architecture but also locals in their natural daily life. There are a lot of souvenirs for sale, so make sure you have cash. Nit only you will get best price but also nice to support community.

  • 5/5 Obi O. 4 years ago on Google • 328 reviews
    A really historic island that once was a terror place for slaves leaving Senegal for America. It UNESCO heritage site with thousands of tourists coming from all parts of the world. It houses the 'point of no return' where millions of slaves were led into ships into a life suffering and devastation. You should come see it. It's an unforgettable experience.

  • 5/5 Nakidel Yamine Ben K. 1 year ago on Google • 208 reviews
    The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a reminder of human exploitation and as a sanctuary for reconciliation. The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a reminder of human exploitation and as a sanctuary for reconciliation. The Island of Gorée testifies to an unprecedented human experience in the history of humanity. Indeed, for the universal conscience, this “memory island” is the symbol of the slave trade with its cortege of suffering, tears and death. The painful memories of the Atlantic slave trade are crystallized in this small island of 28 hectares lying 3.5 km off the coast from Dakar. Gorée owes its singular destiny to the extreme centrality of its geographical position between the North and the South, and to its excellent strategic position offering a safe haven for anchoring ships, hence the name “Good Rade”. Thus, since the 15th century it has been prized by various European nations that have successively used it as a stopover or slave market. First terminus of the “homeoducs” who drained the slaves from the hinterland, Gorée was at the centre of the rivalry between European nations for control of the slave trade. Until the abolition of the trade in the French colonies, the Island was a warehouse consisting of over a dozen slave houses. Amongst the tangible elements that reflect Gorée’s universal value are, notably, the Castle, a rocky plateau covered with fortifications which dominate the Island; the Relais de l’Espadon, former residence of the French governor; etc… The Island of Gorée is now a pilgrimage destination for the African diaspora, a foyer for contact between the West and Africa, and a space for exchange and dialogue between cultures through the confrontation of ideals of reconciliation and forgiveness.

  • 5/5 Deborah Mboya - DAM (. 1 year ago on Google • 123 reviews
    The name of the island is derived from Dutch and means “safe harbour”. Gorée is about one kilometre long and 300 metres wide and lies in a bay off the Senegalese capital Dakar. Colourful alleys with beige, red and yellow houses line the way and duck under palm trees and baobabs in the blazing sun. There are neither cars nor bicycles on the island. The island became famous as a symbol for the abduction of slaves across the Atlantic. With the “Maison des Esclaves” (Slave House), it has become a place of remembrance for the slave trade and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.

  • 5/5 Magali K. 1 year ago on Google • 54 reviews
    A must see when you come to Senegal. It's charming. You can find guides everywhere who will explain the rich history of the island. You have a ferry almost every hour. It's a bit more expensive if you are non-Africans (bring your passport)

  • 3/5 karan v. 5 years ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Must visit place in Dakar. One to take a ferry ride from Dakar port which operates very hour on weekends. But if you want to avoid queue and want to enjoy in peace. Many options of food and drinks on the island. The place has a historical importance . It was used to keep slaves before they are sent to European countries. On the downside the local guys troubles tourists demanding money and saling stuff.

  • 4/5 Leon J. 3 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    Visited the captivating Gorée island with my family. The island exudes stunning colors of buildings, plants, architecture and attractions and a serene ambiance. Beyond remarkable architecture, it beautifully showcases the context of such a dark period . Don't miss the chance to explore the array of souvenirs; having cash not only ensures the best prices but also contributes to supporting the local community. Some of the vendors are aggressive and persistent though so prepare your best “no thank you” response face and expression of disinterest. Try not to let this take away from your experience. An enriching experience overall! There are limited public restrooms unfortunately so go when you can.

  • 4/5 Rod N. 5 years ago on Google • 45 reviews
    Nice historical place. The house of slaves contains the history of slavery in Senegal. The ferry boat leaves every 1 or two hours. The house of slaves closes 12h and reopens 2h30pm. The island is 1.3km by 0.3km...You can have a tour in 2h30 with guide and stop by a restaurant before your return. Ferry boat tickets are sold from XFA2700 for African non residents. Other foreigners pay a little more. You can also buy some souvenirs like the sand made paints.

  • 5/5 Dominique H. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice to see and relax from the hustle and bustle of Dakar

  • 5/5 Ulrike G. 5 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful place.

  • 5/5 W. H. 6 years ago on Google
    Perfect short-trip when in Dakar!

  • 5/5 Anthony S. 5 years ago on Google
    island so colorful


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