Gorée Island, located 3.5 km off the coast of Dakar, is a must-see destination when traveling to Senegal. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, this small 28-hectare island is a major symbol of the transatlantic slave trade in Africa and a place of profound historical significance. Today, Gorée offers a unique experience that combines historical discoveries with a peaceful atmosphere.
Gorée, the Memory Island
Gorée Island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean at the heart of the Dakar Bay, embodies a collective memory of great importance. Measuring 900 meters long and 300 meters wide, it has been part of the 19 communes of the city of Dakar since 1996.
Discovered in 1444 by Portuguese navigator Dinis Dias, Gorée was a strategic point that was successively occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French. Its privileged location in the sheltered waters of the Cape Verde Peninsula made it an ideal natural port for ships to anchor. Its name, derived from the Dutch “Goede Reede,” meaning “good harbor,” reflects its maritime significance.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Gorée played a central role in the slave trade, becoming one of the major transit points for captives being transported to the Americas and the Caribbean. While the exact scale of this activity is still debated, Gorée remains a poignant symbol of the slave trade. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its role in this human tragedy.
Beyond its tragic history, Gorée is now a place of reflection and memory, reminding us of the importance of remembering and sharing this story with future generations.
How to get to Gorée?
The island is easily accessible from Dakar via the Gorée Ferry, which makes several round trips daily. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
- Timetable: The first departure from Dakar is at 6.15 a.m. on weekdays (7 a.m. at weekends), and the last return from Gorée is at 11 p.m. on weekdays (midnight at weekends).
- Prices : Prices vary based on age and nationality. Expect to pay around €8 per crossing for non-residents. If you have a car, you can park it at the Dakar port.
For detailed timetables and fares, visit the official ferry website.
What to see on Gorée Island?
The House of Slaves
The House of Slaves is one of the most iconic buildings on Gorée Island and the highlight of any visit.
Built in 1776, this building once served as a transit center for slaves captured in Africa before being deported to Europe and the Americas. The conditions in the house were appalling. On the ground floor, the cells were divided by gender and age: men, children, young girls, and temporary unfit. The men’s cells were less than 3 meters by 3 meters and could hold 15 to 20 people, packed together, sitting against the walls, with chains around their necks and arms. The wait before departure could last up to three months, during which the captives suffered from hunger, thirst, and disease.
The House of Slaves is especially famous for its “Door of No Return,” a door through which slaves passed before boarding ships that would take them to the plantations across the Atlantic.
Although some historians question the exact use of this building in the context of the slave trade, especially regarding details of its operation, there is no doubt that Gorée Island was a crucial transit point in this inhumane trade.
Today, the House of Slaves is more than just a museum. It is a pilgrimage site and an important educational landmark for those seeking to understand and honor the legacy of the slave trade. Visitors can discover poignant exhibits and hear moving testimonies of this dark chapter in history. While the building is not the only witness to this story on Gorée, it remains a central place where the memory of millions of enslaved men, women, and children lives on.
Good to Know
- Address: Rue Saint-Germain, Ile de Gorée, Dakar, Senegal
- Opening hours: Open every day except Monday. The site attracts around 500 visitors a day, testifying to its importance as a place of remembrance. Several guides are available to accompany visitors and enrich their experience, but it is also possible to discover the House of Slaves at your own pace.
Gorée Museums
If the House of Slaves is a must-see on Gorée, the island also hosts several museums that provide deeper insights into the history of Senegal and its cultural traditions.
- The Historical Museum: Located in the former Fort d’Estrées, this museum traces the history of Senegal, from its early civilizations to independence. It offers valuable exhibits on the major events that shaped the country’s culture and history.
- The Henriette-Bathily Museum of Women: This museum honors the contributions of Senegalese women to society and the country’s history. Through objects, testimonies, and exhibits, you will learn about the influential women who helped shape Senegal and the importance of their roles in society.
- The Sea Museum: If you’re passionate about marine life, the Sea Museum will captivate you. It houses an impressive collection of local fish and mollusks, showcasing the richness of Senegal’s marine fauna and the Dakar Bay ecosystem.
Colonial Houses
Gorée is a true haven of peace, where the architecture of its houses tells the story of the island through colorful facades and buildings influenced by European styles. These houses, mainly built in the 18th century, bear witness to various periods of occupation, from the Portuguese presence to French influence. With their stone walls, carved wooden balconies, and pastel colors, they add a charming touch to the island.
Wandering through the cobbled streets offers a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of Dakar. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the island’s historical setting while enjoying its tranquil beauty.
The Castel and Fort Saint-Michel
Leaving the central square of Gorée reveals quieter streets, where the atmosphere is calm, away from the crowds of tourists disembarking from the ferry. These smaller pathways offer a welcome respite, allowing you to briefly escape the hustle and bustle. You’ll find parts of the island where you can savor serenity and enjoy the authenticity of the place.
These small paths lead to rocky promontories offering deserted views, with typical granite formations of the island. The solidity and texture of the basalt that makes up these rocks are a testament to Gorée’s volcanic origin. From here, you can also enjoy breathtaking panoramas, especially from the Castel, which overlooks the Dakar Bay and offers an exceptional viewpoint of the ocean and the city. This viewpoint is perfect for admiring the landscape and appreciating the beauty of Gorée’s harbor. Nearby is Fort Saint-Michel, a vestige of the island’s military history, with its historic cannon and remains of its rangefinder, which recall Gorée’s strategic importance over time.
How long to visit Gorée?
Visiting Gorée can be done in a few hours if you focus on the main tourist sites, such as the House of Slaves, the Castel, and Fort Saint-Michel. However, the experience may be more demanding if you visit during the busiest hours. By dedicating a full day to exploring the island, you can stroll through the streets, visit the museums, enjoy a meal on one of the terraces, and take the time to soak in the unique atmosphere of Gorée.
For those who truly want to immerse themselves in the experience, staying overnight on the island is a great option. Once the last ferries depart, you can enjoy the tranquility that fills the island, away from the bustle.
Without cars and without the human crowds, Gorée offers a different atmosphere—one of regained peace, where time seems to stretch, allowing you to savor every corner of the island in rare quiet.
The sunset over the ocean adds a magical touch, while in the morning, the island awakens slowly, to the rhythm of the locals who clean the streets before the arrival of the first visitors. In the distance, the ferry arrives… it’s time to leave, leaving behind this peaceful interlude before returning to the hustle and bustle of Dakar.
