Senegal Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

• Check out the Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire (IFAN) (website: http://ifan.e-ucad.sn), Dakar’s main museum, which has a collection of masks, statues and musical instruments from West Africa; and the Palais Présidentiel (Presidential Palace) which is surrounded by luscious gardens.

• Gaze at the soaring Grande Mosquée, Dakar’s most famous mosque (noted for its minaret, which is lit at night). Although closed to the public, it is located in Médina, a bustling area that makes for some interesting people-watching.

• Spot large mammals in the Parc National de Niokolo Koba. The park encompasses Sudanese savannah and the Guinea forest. Over 84 species of mammal live here, including Africa’s largest lions, elephants (extremely rare), panthers, crocodiles and a variety of antelopes.

• Prime the binoculars at Parc National Aux Oiseaux Du Djoudj, a birdwatchers paradise at the southern edge of the Sahara. It is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

• Head for the tranquil, World Heritage-listed Île de Gorée (Gorée Island) just 3km (1.8 miles) outside of Dakar. A previous slaving station, it has a long colonial history and is crammed with attractions such as the Maison des Esclaves (Slaves’ House).

• Wander the nostalgic and provincial streets of Senegal’s former capital, St Louis. Its narrow, atmospheric streets are flanked by beautiful colonial houses, balconies and verandas. The fishing community here is the most interesting area of town, especially when their day’s catch is laid out to dry.

• Sightsee around Eastern Senegal, one of the best-kept secrets of the country, and visit the Bedik, Bassari and Tenda people of the Kedougou area - their villages are situated in the middle of breathtaking landscapes.

• Tour the well-watered, fertile Casamance area and drop into Cap Skiring where you’ll find some of the finest beaches in West Africa. Check the latest developments before venturing as the area has been home to a long-running conflict.

Top Things to Do

• Explore the Siné-Saloum delta, a wild region of mangrove swamps, dunes and lagoons. Go on a trip in a pirogue (traditional African boat) through the Parc National du Delta du Saloum, out to the delta’s myriad small islands, scattered between bolongs (channels).

• Try your luck with a fishing rod. Deep sea sport fishing can be organized in Dakar, or, for a more relaxed fishing experience, float down Senegal’s creeks and rivers.

• Sunbathe to your heart’s content - there are plenty of beaches, but swimming can be hazardous in some places. Good areas for talking a dip include Casamance, Hann Bay, N’Gor Beach and Petite Côte.

• Strap on the flippers and discover Senegal’s underwater world. Enthusiasts will find good diving waters all around the Cap Vert Peninsula, with February to April being the best months.

• Join an ecotourism program in the beautiful Casamance region. Some villages offer traditional accommodation and activities for tourists. (Note that political instability and a long-running conflict in this area means travelers should check before venturing there.)

• Enjoy the Petite Côte (Little Coast) south of Dakar, which stretches for some 150km (94 miles) and is one of Senegal’s best beach areas. The main tourist resorts in the area are Mbour and, slightly further north, Saly Portugal.