The most atmospheric way to arrive is by the overnight ferry from Dakar — a 12-hour journey on the MV Aline Sitoe Diatta, which departs from the port of Dakar and arrives in Ziguinchor the following morning. The ferry runs twice weekly in each direction. Cabins are available, or you can sleep on deck; the latter is decidedly West African. Book in advance during the dry season, when the boat fills up.
By road, the direct route from Dakar runs through the Gambia — either via the ferry crossing at Banjul/Barra or the land crossing further east. The total journey is around eight hours and requires navigating Gambian border crossings (bring your passport and any required documentation). Alternatively, bush taxis run from Dakar's Pompiers station or from Ziguinchor's own gare routière to various destinations in the region. The Transgambian Highway through the Gambia is the main overland route.
Ziguinchor has a small regional airport with connections to Dakar and Cap Skirring. Air Sénégal operates the Dakar-Ziguinchor route; the flight takes under an hour. If time is short, this is by far the most practical option.