You do NOT have to be a "twitcher" (i.e. what the Brits call an ardent bird-watcher) to enjoy a visit to the wonderful Souimanga Lodge in the little Sine Saloum village of Fimela but, if you are, then I guess you'll believe you've arrived in heaven.
The former Parisien financial sector businessman, Denis, has lovingly and attentively invested in and personally developed this beautiful small lodge hotel on the edge of the Sine Saloum lagoon by Fimela with great care for detail.
The rooms are great and at least 3 to 4 star standard - refreshingly free of television - but all other modern comforts such as hair-dryers, stocked mini-bars and safes are provided for. Each of the lodges has it's own private spacious bathroom and private balcony/terrace and most (those on the lagoon side) have a cosy private hide with an enormous cushion for bird watching at dawn and particularly at dusk - with its own private walk-way back to your lodge.
Nice shaded pool area beside the dining room and terrace and bar. Good food and very welcoming and discreet staff.
Well worth the visit - wherever you are coming from - and a particular local delight for Senegalese or expat visitors living anywhere in Senegal...

If you're looking to party and enjoy the nightlife then this is not the place for you. I was not. I went to Souimanga lodge for the weekend with a friend and our two children looking for relaxation and this we were able to do to the maximum. The location is idyllic and peaceful surrounded by the lagoon and mangroves. The most noise you get is the welcome birdsong. And even for someone who is not particularly into birds I could appreciate their diversity and beauty.

The rooms are extremely well decorated, managing to stick to the ecotourism theme while staying modern. They are large with comfortable beds as well as very spacious bathrooms in stone. Each room has a footpath that leads to a little landing set on the lagoon where you can sit and contemplate the beauty before you.

Activities at the hotel include self-paddled outings on the lagoon and the pool. That was good enough for us when added to much general lounging. The kids spend the day in the pool which has a beautiful view onto the lagoon. The food was good, but not great, however the dining area was beautiful and essentially the whole experience made up for the fact that the food was not amazing. I would certainly go again when in that part of Senegal...in fact I'm planning another visit soon.