I have stayed at the Sleeping Camel twice and it’s now my preferred accommodation when visiting Senegal. There is a big shady compound for the overlanders to park their vehicles and camp, as well as 6 hotel rooms with aircon and hot water and a shared kitchen. Arriving at 2:00am for me was no problem thanks to the security and grounds staff Mustapha and Ousseni and their fav taxi driver Modj who can meet you at the airport in Dakar. The real shining stars of ‘The Camel’ however are the owners Phil and Matt. Together with their staff, their friends and family, you are instantly made to feel part of this unique community, if you want to be. Phil and Matt know the travel scene in west Africa and beyond like few others and can help with your travel plans. Every day there are fun things to do, morning coffee over the fire, beach bars, bird watching, the neighbouring boutique brewery, visits to the market, boat rides, scooter hire, ocean activities, local french bakeries, restaurants, Bintou’s cooking classes, language learning (Jola, Wolof, Bambara), lots of cool music and beer drinking (must be the Australian cultural influence)!! They also have a great library of books specialising in west Africa (which I made a contribution to) if you feel like just chilling after weeks of frenetic travel. The Sleeping Camel is unique. You’ll make new friends and have a great time.

The sleeping camel was a real highlight of our last few days in Senegal. The staff was incredibly friendly, and everything was so clean and well-maintained. We slept wonderfully in this place; it was wonderfully peaceful. Many thanks also to Phil for the extremely pleasant and helpful tips for our onward journey. It was a real gem to have found this place. Definitely 2x 5-star reviews! 👍👍

My family had a wonderful experience staying at the Sleeping Camel for 3 weeks this summer. It was the perfect launching off point to explore the area (located right next to beaches near the Lagoon) and a short walk to another group of beaches. The rooms were spacious and super comfortable (air-conditioning and hot water) – so really a bargain for the price. My kids (5 and 7) loved exploring the compound looking for animals (hedgehogs, lizards, and crabs!) Super fast wifi and a nice kitchen that you are allowed to use while you stay there. Matt and Phil are really helpful in guiding you toward anything you might need (car rentals, restaurants, even summer camps for kids). We will definitely be coming back again!

Wonderful place to stay with a great community feel; I highly recommend making The Sleeping Camel part of your visit to the Petite-Côte. You’ll meet kind, interesting people and have a nice, clean place to stay. I went by for a concert they hosted and loved the vibes. You’re right at the mouth of the Somone lagoon and within walking distance of the beach. They host cultural events and cooking classes and have great recommendations for things to see and do across West Africa.