Riu Baobab

We returned from Riu Baobab, Senegal last week, two couples having very much enjoyed our stay. This is our review. Tui flight– easy online booking and admin. Our flights were 5hrs 40 mins outbound/ 6’ish inbound and whilst not unpleasant, the plane and service were pretty basic. Tui rep – the coach to the resort was large and comfortable and the resort transfer is about 1hr 15 mins. It was already dusk when we set off but the journey passed quickly as the Tui rep, with 30+ years of living in Africa, shared her in-depth knowledge of Senegal, its people, way of life, trips to see what the country has to offer and information about the hotel. She was outstanding. Money and Tips – trying to use the cashpoints on arrival was time consuming and painful. Of the three we found, two were non-functioning and the other dispensing too little for our needs. Fortunately we had brought Euros with us which we exchanged at the hotel reception for small denomination notes in the local currency to use primarily for tipping. Hotel check-in – The queues were short and quick. Tip – if you have a Riu class membership, use the dedicated counter – the one with the rolled-out carpet in front of it. I had submitted my “wishes” on the membership portal before we travelled and we were touched that the reception and management exceeded our expectation. This is our sixth Riu hotel and we found that the Rui Baobab Senegal has the most personable, welcoming and helpful reception staff of them all . Room – lovely room with a great view of the sunsets, partially obscured by the fine, misty Sarah sand on the horizon for the time we were in Senegal. The room was clean, bed comfortable, rain-shower hot water always, the air conditioner quiet. There is a room safe, plenty of hangers, closet and drawers. Excellent room maid and our fridge guy was from a people elegantly tall, he at 2.2m. Hotel – good with pleasant architecture and African theme furnishings. Grounds – the gardens are beautifully planted and well maintained. We particularly loved the baobab trees, of which there are many dotted around the surrounding countryside. Beach – the Baobab has one of the best resort beaches we have experienced - deep, wide and the sea is swimmable. And peaceful compared to the pool areas. Towel reservation before dawn is unnecessary as there are plenty sunbeds and cabanas for all. The hotel beach is maintained daily, but should you walk outside the hotel area on either side you will encounter not only the usual plastics washed up on the tide, but also startlingly large amounts fabric bundles bound with abandoned fishing nets. Dining – Yassa restaurant is the main buffet restaurant with large seating areas. Food fine, you will always find something to like. The hotel booking app for the Italian, Asian and Grill restaurants was easy to use and we always secured tables. Drinks –I didn’t love the background taste of the coffee, juice or carbonated drinks from the self-dispenser machines. I did, however, try the neat ginger juice from the machine in the area set aside for the evening Grill restaurant. Try it. I dare you. But I ordered daily the delicious, non-alcoholic, hot drink “Wass” from all the hotel bars - pounded lime, orange and mint, ginger juice, sugar and steamed hot water shot through from the coffee machine. Well worth a try. Acceptable wine and we enjoyed the draught beer and whilst the canned beer is very pleasant, it is 5.9%. Entertainment – we liked the shows, particularly those with an African theme and the Michael Jackson one. The dancers were great. Medical – there is a doctor on site. I’ll mention here that a dodgy tum is usual for me on holiday, but not at this hotel. Hand sanitiser is available in every restaurant. Staff – all we encountered are lovely – accommodating, smiley and hard working. The waiter in the Grill area deserves particular mention for his exceptionally thorough cleaning of the tables between re-sets. Language – Wolof, French, probably other European languages too, judging by the number of international guests. Almost all the staff spoke English to a degree and we never struggled to be understood. Before we came I Googled a few simple words and phrases in Wolof, the official language; nothing complicated, just the traditional greeting and response, thank you and a couple of others. It was appreciated, particularly by the lovely ladies in the buffet – Aisatou and others – who heroically and with great patience encouraged me expand my vocab, so for me every day was a school day. Weather – the Harmattan from the Sahara gave up to 38C the first week, and 3 hours max was all we could take on the beach. It dropped to a more comfortable temperature in our second week. A light cardigan was useful for cooler evenings. Trips – great trips available to explore Senegal, and the countryside is unusual and unique to us well-travelled, historic African residents. But not the unethical “walk with lions experience”, and in line with its global core values regarding animal welfare, not offered by Tui. Accolades to this operator for refusing to promote dodgy trips. Dakar airport – all the eight stalls in the two departure lounge toilets had no toilet paper or bins, so take continencies. Another tip – don’t pack an insect spray aerosol Not only was it unnecessary but it caused some kerfuffle for us; we were tannoid in the departure lounge, escorted to the airside underground baggage handling area to open our case and remove it, and then escorted back again through passport control. We may have missed our flight home Had the incoming plane not been a little behind schedule. I guess we should have read the small print... In conclusion, with so much prolonged UK rain we were desperate for a couple of weeks in the sun and it was a revelation to find that not only is Senegal a destination within easy reach of the UK, but it is half the flying time of our usual winter holidays. Senegal may have a fledgling tourist industry but the country has much to offer, the people are lovely, Riu Baobab is a good hotel in a pretty setting and the beach is amazing. This good value holiday ticked every box and more for us. We look forward to booking it again.

Service : From our first contact at the check in the service was outstanding. The staff in the restaurants and the bars were excellent, and the house staff kept our room clean & tidy. Cleanliness: The whole hotel was always kept clean & tidy. Value: We had an all-inclusive package, and it was great value for the money we spent. Location: The location was a bit remote but there are plenty of excursions offered. Sleep Quality: The beds were very comfortable and there was very little noise. Rooms: The room was very well laid out with plenty of space; the cleaning staff kept our room clean and fresh.

Recently stayed here (Feb 2026) as was in need for a week of relaxation and chilling out - which is exactly what we got! The hotel is huge with kids pool and adult chill out pools separate which was great. The food was very varied every single day and good quality- you certainly won’t go hungry here! Gluten free options were good all signposted or just ask the chefs for help if unsure. Drinks also directly from bottles mostly so no awful watery ones like you get at some all inclusives. Staff were absolutely 10/10. Loads of activities to get involved in - RiuFit classes were great or can use the gym which is stocked with essentials. Evening shows were fun and lots of effort made by the crew. Beach gorgeous. The resort is a little out in the middle of nowhere so you need to arrange transport if venturing out but easily done. Highly recommend!

Loved my stay the food was great, staff were attentive and the entertainment was brill. Couldn’t fault it, other than that there could be a few more toilets down by reception as it’s a bit of a distance from the restaurant.

App - Great source of information, but not always an exact match of what's happening in the resort. Interactive screen in reception is a good back-up. Beach - Unfortunately, plastic and rubbish comes in with every tide, which the hotel do try to manage. It would be great to see beach clean-ups on the activity timetable with the guests getting involved. Beach Markets - Small craft markets run by locals either side of the hotel beach perimeter. They entice you in every time you walk past, which can get annoying, but they are friendly and respectful if you politely say "no thanks". Gym - It gets busy and the equipment is a little tired, but great to have the facilities on-site. Entertainment - Shows are put on by the entertainment staff every night. Is it to everyone's taste, no, but you don't have to watch if you don't want to. Location - The hotel is isolated, so you can enjoy beach walks, but nowhere else to go in the immediate vicinity. To get out, you need to book the excursions. Buffet - The buffet offered a plentiful selection at breakfast, lunch and dinner. To the point, it might have been nicer to limit and theme it each day, so it didn't feel so repetitive. The food was cooked fresh and replenished quickly, but remember it's mass catering, not Michelin starred service. Restaurants - The Asian and Italian restaurants are themed, but buffet style. The Steak restaurant is al-a-carte, but limited to a choice of 2 starters and 4 mains. The speciality restaurants are not open every night and require a reservation either 18.30 or 20.30. You can book via the App or with reception. Rooms - Extra large bed, generous sized rooms, plenty of bottled water. Only shower gel provided, so take your own toiletries (e.g. body lotion, shampoo).