Maison des Esclaves Gorée Island Dakar
A haunting memorial to the Atlantic slave trade, Gorée Island's Maison des Esclaves offers a powerful and emotional journey through history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Maison des Esclaves Gorée Island Dakar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A haunting memorial to the Atlantic slave trade, Gorée Island's Maison des Esclaves offers a powerful and emotional journey through history.
"This is a haunting and deeply disturbing visit... you can feel the history and pain."
Passport for Ferry
Don't forget your passport to buy ferry tickets to Gorée Island! :passport_control:
Dress Respectfully
This is a place of solemn remembrance. Avoid overly casual attire or disrespectful photo shoots. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Door of No Return
Maison des Esclaves
A poignant gateway symbolizing the last touch of African soil for enslaved people.
Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves)
Gorée Island
Explore the stark contrast between slave quarters and master's living spaces.
Gorée Island's Historic Streets
Gorée Island
Wander through the colorful, historic streets that echo with centuries of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation is Key
Ferry Logistics & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Passport for Ferry
Don't forget your passport to buy ferry tickets to Gorée Island! :passport_control:
Dress Respectfully
This is a place of solemn remembrance. Avoid overly casual attire or disrespectful photo shoots. :pray:
Guided Tours Enhance
Consider a guided tour to fully grasp the profound history and stories. :microphone:
Camera Struggles in Dark
Be prepared for low light conditions inside the slave quarters; cameras may struggle. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Passport for Ferry
Don't forget your passport to buy ferry tickets to Gorée Island! :passport_control:
Dress Respectfully
This is a place of solemn remembrance. Avoid overly casual attire or disrespectful photo shoots. :pray:
Guided Tours Enhance
Consider a guided tour to fully grasp the profound history and stories. :microphone:
Camera Struggles in Dark
Be prepared for low light conditions inside the slave quarters; cameras may struggle. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Gorée Island and the Maison des Esclaves to be a profoundly moving and educational experience, offering a vital connection to history. While the subject matter is disturbing, the well-maintained site and the poignant 'Door of No Return' leave a lasting impression. Some visitors express disappointment with tourists who do not treat the solemn site with adequate respect.
"Interesting to visit and get to know the history.
Well maintained considering the pictures of how it was in the past and earlier used for housing.
It was a bit crowded right before closure on a weekday. I visited during a school trip. Very cute to see all the children, had to wait for their guide to finish his story as they were a big group before being able to go up. But could enter the premises immediately.
Opposite to the building you will find an open door to get the tickets."
Martina de Vries
"A very interesting visit of this slave house where masters and slaves lived in the same space, but very differently. The upstairs where the masters lived are bright and airy. The below living spaces for slaves were unspeakable. A very educational place."
C Neon
"Impressive historical place from which the slaves left to Americas. Different parts display the rooms where the slaves were kept in very hard conditions."
Tomas Janik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gorée Island is a short ferry ride away from Dakar. Ferries depart regularly from the port. You will need your passport to purchase ferry tickets. The journey is quick and offers scenic views of the coastline.
Ferry schedules can vary, but they generally run frequently throughout the day. It's advisable to check the latest schedule upon arrival at the Dakar port or inquire locally.
The ferry ride from Dakar to Gorée Island is quite short, typically around 20-30 minutes. It's a pleasant journey across the bay.
Absolutely! Gorée Island is a very popular day trip destination from Dakar. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the Maison des Esclaves and the island.
Gorée Island is small and best explored on foot. There are no cars on the island, making it a peaceful place to wander and soak in the history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees for the Maison des Esclaves are generally affordable. You can purchase tickets opposite the main building.
The Maison des Esclaves is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check locally or upon arrival, as some visitors noted it was crowded right before closure on a weekday.
For the ferry, you need your passport to buy tickets. For the Maison des Esclaves itself, advance booking is usually not necessary, but it's always good to confirm if you're visiting during peak season.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended to fully understand the historical significance and poignant stories associated with the Maison des Esclaves.
While the Maison des Esclaves is the primary attraction, Gorée Island itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming streets, colorful houses, and other historical points of interest worth exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful colonial architecture, the 'Door of No Return,' and the panoramic views of the ocean are popular photo spots. However, be mindful and respectful when photographing sensitive areas.
Photography is generally allowed, but it can be challenging due to the dark interiors of the slave quarters. Some visitors note that cameras struggle in these low-light conditions.
The main restriction is around respectful photography. Avoid taking 'glamour shots' or casual selfies at the 'Door of No Return,' as it's a solemn memorial.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the interiors. However, the vibrant colors of the island are well-captured by most modern smartphones and cameras.
As with any travel, it's polite to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children. Respect their privacy and cultural norms.
🎫 🤔 Onsite Experience
Gorée Island was a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade from the 15th to the 19th century. The Maison des Esclaves is a powerful memorial to the millions of Africans who were enslaved and transported from here.
You'll see the stark living conditions of slaves compared to the more comfortable quarters of the masters. The 'Door of No Return' is a particularly impactful exhibit.
It is both. Visitors describe it as haunting, deeply disturbing, and profoundly moving. It's a place that evokes strong emotions and historical reflection.
A visit to the Maison des Esclaves and a brief walk around the island can take 2-3 hours. If you want to explore more thoroughly, allocate half a day.
Yes, there are facilities available on the island, including restrooms and small shops selling souvenirs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the broader history of the island and the resilience of people. The colorful streets and the ferry ride itself can be engaging for children. It's advisable to prepare children beforehand about the nature of the visit and to keep the experience age-appropriate, emphasizing lessons of empathy and respect.
🤔 Reflective Travelers
Allow ample time for quiet reflection. Engage with the stories shared by guides and consider the immense human cost of this historical period. The island's atmosphere encourages introspection, making it a destination for those who wish to learn, remember, and honor the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Slave Trade on Gorée Island
+1Visitors often describe the experience of walking through the Maison des Esclaves as deeply moving and educational. The museum meticulously documents the horrific conditions in which enslaved individuals were kept, contrasting them with the relatively comfortable living spaces of the slave owners. This juxtaposition powerfully illustrates the dehumanization inherent in the slave trade. The 'Door of No Return' is a particularly poignant exhibit, symbolizing the final moments enslaved people spent on African soil before their forced journey.
Today, Gorée Island serves as a vital memorial and a place of reflection. It's a reminder of the immense suffering caused by the slave trade and a symbol of remembrance for the millions of lives lost and forever changed. The island's history continues to resonate, drawing visitors who seek to understand this dark chapter of human history and pay their respects.
+1Experiencing Gorée Island: Beyond the Maison des Esclaves
Beyond the museum, visitors can find other points of interest, including the Gorée Island Historical Museum, the Presidential Palace, and various churches and fortifications that speak to the island's long and varied past. The island's natural beauty, with its ocean views and gentle sea breeze, offers a stark contrast to its historical narrative, creating a unique and complex atmosphere. Many visitors find the island to be a place of both profound sadness and quiet beauty.
To truly appreciate Gorée Island, it's recommended to take your time. Engage with local guides who can share personal stories and historical insights. The island is a living testament to resilience and memory, and a deeper exploration beyond the main attraction can offer a more complete understanding of its significance.
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