Plizio Visual Lab
Sonacos Peanut Oil Factory
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
The Sonacos factory in Kaolack is the historic heart of Senegal's peanut oil industry. Kaolack is recognized as the country's peanut capital, and the refinery located here processes vast quantities of the harvest from the surrounding Peanut Basin. Established during the colonial era and later nationalized, Sonacos plays a central role in Senegal's agrarian economy and food security. The facility includes warehouses, crushing units, and bottling lines for edible oil, which is distributed both domestically and internationally. Despite economic challenges, the factory remains a vital employer in the Saloum region and a symbol of the country's industrial heritage. Current efforts to modernize the equipment aim to improve efficiency and restore Senegal's position as a leading global exporter of high-quality peanut oil.
- Location: Senegal
- Top sights: Diocese of Kaolack · Stade Lamine Guèye
- Nearby: Sine-Saloum Delta (58 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 51 | 142 | 264 | 203 | 56 | 2 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Sonacos peanut oil factory in Kaolack is one of Senegal's largest processing plants for the peanut harvest, producing cooking oil and animal feed. It plays a central role in Senegal's agricultural economy, providing income for thousands of farmers.
Visiting
The factory grounds are an active industrial site and are generally not open to individual visitors. From surrounding streets, the massive silos and characteristic peanut smell can be observed.
Where to view it
The best public view of the factory is from the coastal RN1 road running along the north side of the site. A view from the rooftop of the nearby Kaolack market gives an overview of the entire industrial area.
Local products
In Kaolack's shops and central market, Sonacos peanut oil is sold in various sizes from small bottles to large jerrycans. Peanut butter, roasted peanuts and traditional peanut sauces are also local specialties.
Active season
The main processing period is after the peanut harvest from November to February, when the factory runs at full capacity. In the off-season, production continues at reduced pace to process remaining stocks and fulfill export orders.
Nearby
Combine the visit with the historic city of Kaolack, whose colonial architecture and large mosque are worth seeing. The salt flats of the Sine-Saloum delta and the bird islands in the Atlantic are also a short distance away.
Geography
Facts
- The refinery is located in the center of the Senegalese Peanut Basin
- The company was officially nationalized in 1975
- Capable of processing over 300,000 tons of peanuts annually
- Major producer of refined cooking oil for the domestic market
- Maintains its own port terminals for the export of oil and cake
- Provides employment for more than 1,000 permanent and seasonal staff
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sonacos Peanut Oil Factory (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sonacos peanut oil factory?
A central factory for processing peanuts, one of the most important agricultural products of the country.
Can one visit the factory in Kaolack?
No, it is an industrial facility and not accessible for tourist visits.
Why is Kaolack an important industrial center?
The city is a central trading hub for the peanut industry and agricultural products.
When is it worth visiting Kaolack?
The cooler months between November and February are the best time for visits in the region.
What is worth seeing nearby?
The salt pans in the vicinity and the bustling market life of the city are very authentic.
Sonacos Peanut Oil Factory: where is it located?
Sonacos Peanut Oil Factory is located in Senegal.
Sonacos Peanut Oil Factory: what is there to see?
Highlights include Diocese of Kaolack, Stade Lamine Guèye.
Sonacos Peanut Oil Factory: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Sonacos Peanut Oil Factory: why is it worth visiting?
The Sonacos factory in Kaolack is the historic heart of Senegal's peanut oil industry.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Senegal →
Nearby cities
Kaolack
A major port on the Saloum River and the main commercial center for the country's peanut and salt industry.
Cap Skirring
A tropical paradise in the Casamance region, known for having the most beautiful beaches in West Africa.
Sine-Saloum Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of mangroves, shell islands, and fishing villages, renowned for its incredible birdlife.
Palmarin
A wild strip of land between the ocean and the delta, known for its salt pans, hyenas, and deserted beaches.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site in eastern Senegal, famous for its untouched wilderness and the banks of the Gambia River.
Mar Lodj
Mar Lodj is a tranquil island village in Senegal's Saloum Delta, known for its eco-tourism, meandering mangroves, and peaceful beaches.
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
A vast wetland area on the north bank of the Gambia River, protecting a rich birdlife and complex mangrove ecosystems.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Port of Kaolack
The Port of Kaolack is located on the Saloum River and is known for peanut exports.
Sine plain
Wide, agricultural plain along the Sine river.
Port of Ndakhonga
A river port near Foundiougne that strengthens the maritime infrastructure in the center of the country.
Diourbel sheep farming
A region known for its sheep farming.
🗺️
Historic Center of Kael
An important spiritual and historical center in the former Baol Kingdom.
🗺️
Saloum Delta plains
Flat, brackish coastal plains in the delta of the Sine-Saloum.
Residence of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba
The house where the founder of the Mouride brotherhood lived during his house arrest.
Stone Circles of Wanar
Another significant group of laterite stone circles indicating ancient burial rituals.