Senegal

Senegal's culture is one of its biggest draws. It is the birthplace of the mbalax musical genre, made famous by Youssou N'Dour, and the country has a thriving arts and fashion scene. The Senegalese people are known for their 'teranga,' a Wolof word that means a unique and cherished sense of hospitality. The country's history is deeply intertwined with the French colonial period and the transatlantic slave trade, a history that is powerfully explored on the UNESCO-listed Gorée Island.

The natural landscapes are equally varied. Visitors can see the unique, pink-hued Lake Retba (Lac Rose), explore the mangrove-lined waterways of the Saloum Delta, and spot diverse birdlife in the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. With its stable democracy and well-developed tourist infrastructure, Senegal is one of the most accessible and rewarding destinations in West Africa.

Reasons to Visit

• Vibrant Culture: Immerse yourself in the world-class music, art, and fashion scenes of Dakar and beyond.
• Poignant History: Visit Gorée Island and its "House of Slaves" to learn about the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
• Diverse Landscapes: Discover a country that ranges from the unique Pink Lake and sandy beaches to lush mangrove deltas and Sahelian plains.
• 'Teranga' Hospitality: Experience the famously warm, welcoming, and generous hospitality of the Senegalese people.

Things to Avoid

• Drinking Tap Water: It is not safe to drink the tap water. Stick to bottled or purified water.
• Being Careless with Valuables: In crowded areas like Dakar's markets, be mindful of your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.
• Ignoring Local Customs: Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and during religious festivals.
• Swimming in Unsafe Waters: Be aware of strong ocean currents on the Atlantic coast. Swim only in designated, safe areas.

Local Transportation Tips

In Dakar, taxis are plentiful; agree on a price before you start your journey as meters are rare. For travel between cities, 'sept-place' (seven-seater station wagons) and buses are the most common options. The ferry from Dakar to Gorée Island runs several times a day.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings are Essential: It is considered very important to greet people properly ("Salam alaikum") before starting any other conversation.
• Use Your Right Hand: Always use your right hand to give or receive items, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Ask Before Photographing: It is polite to ask for permission before taking a photo of a person.
• Accepting Tea: If offered 'attaya' (Senegalese tea), it is a sign of friendship and polite to accept.

Did You Know?

The African Renaissance Monument in Dakar is one of the tallest statues in Africa, standing at 49 meters (161 ft) tall. It is taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Cool Senegal Stats

• Pink Lake: The vibrant pink color of Lake Retba is caused by a specific type of algae that produces a red pigment to resist the lake's extremely high salt concentration.
• World Heritage Sites: Senegal is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Gorée Island and the Saloum Delta.
• Official Language: The official language is French, but Wolof is the most widely spoken language among the Senegalese people.

Recommended Age Group

Senegal is most suitable for adventurous Adults and Teens interested in a rich cultural and historical experience.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended. The heat, health considerations, and travel conditions are not suitable for infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not generally recommended. The focus on history and culture, and the rustic nature of travel, may be challenging for young children.
• Teens (13-19 years): Highly Recommended for mature and well-traveled teens. The vibrant music scene, history, and different culture can be a fascinating and educational experience.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. Senegal offers a culturally rich, accessible, and deeply rewarding introduction to West Africa.
• Seniors (65+ years): Not recommended. The travel conditions can be arduous, and the infrastructure is not well-suited for seniors with mobility issues.

Accessibility Level: Low

• Infrastructure for travelers with disabilities is very limited.
• Pavements in Dakar are often broken or non-existent, and public transport is not accessible.
• Gorée Island has cobblestone streets and is not wheelchair accessible.
• Accessible hotel rooms are very rare outside of a few major international hotels in Dakar.