Senegal Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Dakar.

Geography:

Located just above the equator, Senegal is bordered by the Republic of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south, Mali to the east, Mauritania to the north, and completely encloses the confederated state of The Gambia. To the west lies the Atlantic Ocean. Most land is less than 100m (330ft) above sea level, with plains constituting the majority of the country's geography, apart from the Fouta Djallon foothills in the southeast and the Bambouk Mountains on the Mali border.

On the coast between Dakar and St Louis is a strip of shifting dunes. South of Dakar there are shallow estuaries along the coastline, which is fringed by palm trees. In the northern part of the country, south of the Senegal Basin, lies the arid Fouta Ferlo, a hot dry Sahelian plain with little vegetation.

Senegal also hosts many environmental features, such as the five rivers that run through the country, which are the Senegal River, Saloum River, Gambia River, Geba River and Casamance River. Furthermore, there are two major lakes in the country, being Lake Retba and Lac de Guiers.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Air Senegal (www.flyairsenegal.com), which focuses on destinations within the continent and a couple of destinations in Europe. Major airlines that fly to Dakar include Air France, Delta, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines.

Blaise Diagne International Airport, also known as Dakar International Airport, located 43km (27 miles) east of downtown Dakar near the town of Ndiass, started operating in December 2017. It serves as a new airport for Dakar, replacing Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport.

Air Travel Note

In the past few years there have been reports of luggage going missing at the airport, so make sure you have travel insurance just in case you cannot recover your luggage. It’s also advisable to use locks on your luggage to avoid anybody tampering with your belongings when you arrive at Dakar airport.

Departure Tax

The departure tax is usually included in the ticket price.

Flight Times

From London - 8 hours 20 minutes (including stopover); New York - 7 hours 50 minutes; Singapore – 23 hours (including stopovers); Sydney – 29 hours 40 minutes (including stopovers); Toronto – 13 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

It's possible to travel to Senegal from Europe by road and there are professional companies organising overland tours. However, check the latest travel advice to avoid any unforeseen political conflicts en route.

Senegal borders Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Guinea Bissau, while the Gambia is a near-enclave within its borders. You can drive from any of these countries to Senegal – in fact, it is possible to travel to Senegal by road from all countries in Africa as long as security allows.

Getting There By Water

Senegal's main port is Dakar. It's one of the largest deep-water seaports along the West African coast. Other smaller ports are Kaolack, Lyndiane and Ziguinchor.

There are several options if you want to travel to Dakar by sea. Cargo ships on their way from Europe may offer passenger services. Selected cruise ships also sail around West Africa.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Air Senegal (https://flyairsenegal.com) offers domestic flights linking Dakar to Cap Skirring and Ziguinchor. The flight times are around 45 minutes. Cap Skirring is the gateway to the beautiful stretches of golden sands on the coast.

Bike

Bicycle hire is available in certain smaller towns around Senegal and is a great way to explore the town and the surrounding countryside. Your best bet to find bicycles is in beach resort towns such as Saly Portudal or Cap Skirring, or in places where community-based tourism projects have been implemented such as Kedougou or Tambacounda. It's not advisable to hire a bike in the hustle and bustle of Dakar.

Unlike a lot of West African countries to the south of Senegal, there are fewer motorbikes present on the streets. However, in Dakar, you can rent scooters or small motorbikes.

Make sure you bring your own helmet and other safety gear. Senegal can be muddy during the rainy season, and dry and dusty the rest of the year.

Breakdown Services

There are no breakdown service companies in Senegal but there are mechanics in towns and cities.

If you are renting a car, it's advisable to ask what the options are for breakdown cover from the car hire company you are using. They will probably give you a number to call and will most definitely have their own breakdown service.

Car Hire

You can find hire car companies such as Hertz (tel: +221 33 8201 174;www.hertz.com) and Europcar (tel: +221 33 8650 812;www.europcar.com) in Dakar and the main towns. Pick-up points are available at Dakar Airport and at several depots throughout the city.

Coach

There are minibuses and long-distance coach services between towns but the service may not be frequent, as most people rely on sept-place (seven-seat) taxis.

Documentation

A national driving licence or International Driving Permit. If you are driving a car which isn't registered in Senegal, then a Green Card (a document proving that you have adequate insurance to drive abroad) is required.

Getting Around By Rail

All rail services are currently suspended.

Regulations

In villages and towns, the speed limit is 50kph (31mph). Outside of towns the limit is 90kph (56mph).

If you are driving, it is imperative to have a valid driving licence or International Driving Permit. You can convert your national driving licence to a Senegalese licence at the Ministry of Transport's Land Transport Department.

It's useful to carry a copy of your passport to show officials, as they usually ask for it at check points. Beware that there may be officials asking for a bribe.

Getting Around By Road

There are a number of local transport options depending on your budget and comfort requirements. It's also possible to rent vehicles from car hire companies but beware, you need to exercise caution when driving in Senegal as traffic can be chaotic.

Road Classification

There are five road classification categories in Senegal: national roads, regional roads, departmental roads, urban ways and classified tracks.

The capital, Dakar, is the endpoint of three routes in the Trans-African Highway network. The three routes are Cairo (Egypt) to Dakar, N’Djamena (Chad) to Dakar, and Lagos (Nigeria) to Dakar.

National roads are the most important roads in Senegal and are classed by numbers from 1 to 7. National roads are prefixed with the letter 'N', regional roads are prefixed 'R', departmental roads being 'D', urban ways being 'VU' and classified tracks being 'P'.

Road Quality

Asphalt roads link the major towns and the coastal region but it's not advisable to drive at night as the roads may not be well-lit. The network of roads in the interior is rough and may become impassable during the rainy season.

There are often police checkpoints at the entrance and exit to villages to enforce speed restrictions; fines are paid on the spot.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Taxis are available in most towns and fares are metered. Rates increase after midnight. It's cheaper to hail a taxi on the street than arrange to be collected from the hotel. Taxi prices are theoretically fixed. However, standard practice is to bargain with the driver through the passenger window. To get the best price, you need to refuse the driver's final offer and continue to negotiate. Be ready to have small bills and coins to pay for the fare.

For journeys between towns, shared sept-place (seven-seat) taxis are common but the journey can be uncomfortable as you are crammed into a battered car with others. Minibuses (Ndiaga Ndiaye) are a more comfortable alternative.

Urban Travel

Bus and minibus services operate in Dakar. Blue public buses come every 30 to 60 minutes during the daytime. Smaller white public buses come more often but these buses do not stop at many places.

The colourful blue and yellow car rapide is one of Senegal's iconic symbols. Each one is painted differently and many state 'ALHAMDULILLAH' (Praise be to God) across their fronts.

Getting Around By Water

A ferry line runs from Dakar to Ziguinchor, arriving the morning after departure. Sea shuttles depart regularly from Dakar to Île de Gorée. There are also pirogues (boats), linking Dakar and Île de N'Gor, a small island just off Dakar's north shore.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Senegal's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Senegal set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Senegal in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Senegal, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Senegal without a visa for up to 3 months.

You need to show border officials evidence of return or onward travel and proof of your arranged accommodation. If you do not have these, you may be refused entry.

If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you must register with local authorities after you arrive. They will issue you with a Carte d'étranger, which you must carry as identification.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. This includes if you have transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Babies aged 9 months and under are exempt.

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Senegal.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Senegal guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Senegal (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Senegal.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Senegal

Terrorist attacks in Senegal cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorist groups in the Sahel region in West Africa have shown their capability and intent by mounting attacks in Mali, which shares a border with Senegal.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a threat of kidnapping in the wider Sahel region, which incorporates Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, so take precautions to reduce the risk of kidnap in remote regions and border areas.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

Political situation

There are frequent demonstrations about political issues in Dakar and other cities.

Demonstrations can turn violent. Protestors sometimes block major roads, including the road between Blaise Diagne International Airport and the city of Dakar.

Monitor local media and ask local contacts about possible upcoming protests. Ahead of big demonstrations, if you're in Dakar or another major city, consider stocking up on food, water and fuel. Once they have begun, you should:

• continue to monitor local media for information
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• stay away from areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution

If you are in doubt about where protests are taking place, or the level of safety of an area, stay at home or in your hotel.

Foreign nationals have been prosecuted for attending protests that have not been approved by the government.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings  

Cases of robbery, burglary and assault have become more common in Dakar, and in some cases, involve the use of weapons. Hotels frequented by foreign nationals have been targeted and robbed at gunpoint. Street crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is also on the increase in Dakar. To reduce your personal risk:  

• avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables  

• use a hotel safe to store passport and valuables whenever possible  

• be alert when withdrawing cash from ATMs, and where possible go by pre-arranged transport  

• be particularly careful after nightfall and avoid walking alone  

• take care of your belongings when arriving at and leaving hotels  

• keep a copy of your passport's photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place

Bogus taxis at the airport

There is a risk of bogus taxi drivers pretending to know you and then overcharging you for the journey from the airport. Pre-arrange transport with your accommodation or an authorised operator. If you're expecting someone to collect you at the airport, make sure they show you their ID.

Fake currency

Be cautious when changing cash, as there is a risk you will be scammed with fake money. Use ATMs or reputable exchange bureaux.

Laws and cultural differences

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress and behave modestly in public, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. In the main tourist areas there is more acceptance of western-style holiday clothing.

Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive and penalties for drink-driving are severe.

Kissing as a greeting is acceptable, but kissing romantically in public is not.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not drink alcohol or wear revealing clothes in public during Friday prayers between 1pm and 3pm.

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening when traffic will also be heavier than usual
• be patient and show tolerance

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. People accused regularly spend lengthy periods on remand before being tried. The maximum sentence for trafficking is 20 years.

Prison conditions in Senegal are considerably poorer than in UK prisons. There may be problems such as overcrowding, lack of adequate meals, clean drinking water and electricity, and poor sanitation.

Money

Only use reputable exchange bureaux to change your money. Dakar has ATMs that accept foreign bank cards, but there are few ATMs or bank facilities in the rest of the country. Withdrawal limits can be low, and ATMs regularly run out of money, including in Dakar.

Larger or more upmarket establishments that cater for tourists usually accept foreign credit cards. Mobile payment applications, such as Orange Money and Wave, are also widely used around the country.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Same-sex relationships are generally not tolerated in Senegal's conservative society.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

 Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Senegal, see information on driving abroad.

You can drive in Senegal with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. A 1968 international driving permit may be helpful in offering a translation for traffic officials. If you're staying longer or living in Senegal, you must get a Senegalese driving licence.

Road conditions

Most main roads are of good quality, but minor roads can be in very poor repair. During the rainy season from June to September, torrential rains can cause floods and landslides which damage roads.

Driving standards are not the same as in the UK. Drivers can make sudden movements without signalling and speeding is common. Many taxis and public mini-buses ('cars rapides') are not roadworthy by UK standards. Driving after dark is more dangerous because of poorly lit roads and vehicles without lights.

Traffic congestion gets worse in the run-up to and during religious festivals.

If you have an accident, you must contact the police on 17 and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Do not move your car until a police officer gives you permission. In remote areas, go to the nearest police station to report the accident.

This section has safety advice for regions of Senegal. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Northern and eastern border areas

Take particular care in remote areas of Senegal near the border areas with Mauritania and Mali, and to the east of the city of Podor as far as Kidira.

Casamance Region

Casamance, the spur of land south of The Gambia, has suffered from decades of low-intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces. Be on alert for clashes if you are travelling in the region. The risk of attacks is lower in the main tourist areas of the Casamance.

When driving:

• avoid travelling at night
• stick to main roads
• travel in convoy if possible
• do not pull over if anyone tries flag you down
• be aware that many roads in the Casamance are of low quality

Senegalese forces carry out minor operations near the border with The Gambia to combat wood trafficking.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 15 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Senegal
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Senegal including:

• dengue
• Zika virus
• yellow fever

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

You'll find pharmacies which accept UK prescriptions in major cities. The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare in Senegal

Medical facilities in Dakar are reasonable, but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Senegal where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Senegal

Ambulance: 15

Fire: 18

Police: 17

Call 123 for the military police, who may be more responsive if you are in the countryside.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Senegal
• dealing with a death in Senegal
• being arrested or imprisoned in Senegal
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Senegal on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Yes
Malaria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

Medical care is available in Dakar but limited in rural villages. In Dakar, where most medical professionals are based, has a good selection of private clinics, among them is Clinique du Cap on Avenue Pasteur. Health insurance (including emergency repatriation) is essential for visitors. It is essential to have health insurance if visiting. For an ambulance in Dakar, call SOS Medecin (tel: +221 33 889 1515;www.sosmedecinsenegal.com) or SAMU (tel: +221 33 88 6281 213).

Food Drink:

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated and should be boiled before drinking. You can, however, use tap water for washing and brushing teeth (unless you have a sensitive stomach). Bottled water is readily available everywhere. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unpasteurised milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water, unless it is a well-chlorinated and maintained swimming pool. The risk of cholera is higher during floods or after a natural disaster. The risk of malaria is high throughout the year in all areas, except January to June in central western regions. Malaria precautions are essential, so avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Currency Information:

CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XOF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000,1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XOF500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

Senegal is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is pegged to the Euro.

Credit Cards:

American Express and Visa are more widely accepted than other credit cards. Fees are added for the use of credit cards and many businesses may not accept payments with foreign cards. It is best to carry cash for the majority of transactions.

ATMs:

There are ATMs throughout Senegal and fairly widespread across Dakar. However, check if they accept foreign cards first. Société Générale de Banque au Sénégal is said to be accepting foreign ATM cards but do check diligently before using.

Travellers Cheques:

Traveller's cheques are not commonly used nowadays. If you're still using them, beware that only banks in Dakar can accept them.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0830-1100 and 1400-1600.

Currency Restrictions:

Local currency CFA francs (XOF): foreign visitors face no restriction when it comes to importing the local currency.

Foreign currencies: foreign visitors must declare if they are importing foreign currencies worth more than 1,000,000 CFA francs (or its equivalent) or exporting foreign currencies worth more than 500,000 CFA francs (or its equivalent).

Currency Exchange:

Money changers can be found throughout Senegal, with exchange rates generally more favourable at border points. However, keep your money safe and watch out for scams.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

The official language is French. There are many local languages, principally Wolof. Other languages include Pulaar, Mandinka and Balanta-Ganja.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2025-01-01 00:00:00	0
Korit	2025-03-31 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2025-04-04 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2025-04-21 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2025-05-01 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2025-05-29 00:00:00	0
Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)	2025-06-07 00:00:00	0
Whit Monday	2025-06-09 00:00:00	0
Islamic New Year	2025-06-27 00:00:00	0
Tamkharit (Ashura)	2025-07-06 00:00:00	0
Assumption	2025-08-15 00:00:00	0
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)	2025-09-05 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2025-11-01 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2025-12-25 00:00:00	0

Note:

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Korité (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Korité itself. Korité and Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region.

Overview:

The following may be imported into Senegal by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 10 packets of cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1 bottle of wine and 1 bottle of spirits.
• 1 bottle of perfume and 1 bottle of eau de toilette.
• personal jewellery in gold or silver, not exceeding the weight of 50 g.
• about ten films.
• 1 camera.
• 1 musical instrument (for example, guitar, flute, etc.).
• 1 radio set.
• 1 laptop computer containing personal data.
• 1 tent and/or other camping equipment.
• 1 sports equipment consisting of specific and personal items.
• 1 hunting weapon with 50 cartridges, subject to being a member of a hunting association.
• 1 canoe or any other similar device with a length of less than 5.5Om.
• 1 pair of tennis rackets.
• foodstuffs in proportions corresponding to the personal needs of the traveller.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited items include obscene publications, narcotics and subversive publications.

Restricted items requiring a permit include weapons and ammunition, medicines (other than for personal use), transceiver devices, meats and offal, double tomato paste and endangered animal species.

Telephone:

Senegal's telephone network is extensive, with landlines in use throughout the country. However, since the advent of mobiles, many telecentres are not shut.

Mobile Telephone:

Mobile phone coverage is good in the main cities and tourist areas. Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies.

Internet:

Wi-Fi access is available in some hotels. Most people in Senegal access the internet through their phones rather than broadband. In areas where there is no cellular data coverage, you may need to rely on dial-up.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes between seven and 10 days, and surface mail between two and six weeks.

Media:

Senegal's constitution guarantees freedom of the news media, although there are laws prohibiting reports that discredit the state or incite disorder. Still, the country has traditionally enjoyed a liberal media climate.

Publications must be registered, but foreign publications circulate freely. There are multiple TV and radio stations in Senegal.

La Petite Côte, Palmarin

Palmarin is a village on the southern stretch of Senegal's Petite Côte. To the west are the sandy beaches skirting the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. To the east is the protected National Reserve de Palmarin, a patchwork delta consisting of mangrove channels, salt flats, grasslands and forest. This unique combination of habitat supports a wide assortment of plant and animal life.

La Petite Côte, Popenguine

Popenguine is a member of Global Ecovillage Network of Senegal (GENSEN). It is known for its natural reserve (managed by a local women's group), pristine sandy beach, and religious significance (known for the sighting of the Black Madonna).

Lac de Guiers

The only freshwater lake in Senegal, Lac de Guiers attracts visitors for its wealth of birdlife, particularly waterbirds such as herons, egrets, spoonbills and ibises.

Casamance, L’île de Carabane (Carabane Island)

Hidden among the mangroves in the estuary of the Casamance river, L'île de Carabane is a perfect place for those looking for a quiet and relaxed location rich in history, local legends and culture.

L’île de N’Gor (N’Gor Island)

L'île de N’Gor (N'Gor Island) is located a few minutes by boat away from Dakar. It has sandy beaches, great seafood, and surf camps ready for you to catch some of the best surf in West Africa.

La Petite Côte, Toubab Dialao

Toubab Dialao is a fast becoming a cultural hub thanks to the school founded by dancer and choreographer Germaine Acogny (who is widely regarded as the mother of African contemporary dance). The beaches here are bounded by steep cliffs of red rock, considered to be a good place to catch beautiful sunsets.

Lac Rose (Lake Retba)

Lac Rose (Lake Retba) is known as the pink lake because of the unusual tint of pink that the lake displays at certain times of the year. The colour is caused by a type of bacteria which thrives in this salty lake and the pink shade is most vibrant during the dry season (November to June). The locals also farm salt here.

Dakar, Musée Théodore Monod (IFAN Museum of African Arts)

Musée Théodore Monod, also known as the IFAN Museum of African Arts in Dakar, is the country's main museum. It has a collection of masks, statues, musical instruments and traditional attires from West Africa.

Parc National du Niokolo-Koba

A World Heritage Site, Parc National du Niokolo Koba covers nearly one million hectares (2.4 million acres) and is rich in wildlife. Derby elands (largest of the antelopes), chimpanzees, lions, leopards, elephants all thrive here, but poaching, bush fires, and other human activities continue to be a threat. Its wetlands are also home to many species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. The park is about 560km (348 miles) southeast of Dakar.

Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj

Parc National des Oiseaux Du Djoudj is a birdwatcher's paradise located on the northwest, near the border of Mauritania. Created in 1971, the park extends over 16,000 hectares (39,500 acres) and is an important bird sanctuary, attracting more than 1.5 million migratory birds. Between November and April, thousands of birdwatchers visit this place, finding a spot in one of the watchtowers to observe birds in spectacular numbers.

L’île de Gorée (Gorée Island)

Just off the coast of Dakar, L’île de Gorée was once the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Now a World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage destination for the African diaspora, the island has played host to many world leaders including President Mandela and President Obama. The top attractions on the island are Maison des Esclaves (Museum of the Atlantic Slave Trade), Mémorial Gorée-Almadies (a monument with gun turrets), along with boutique galleries and restaurants.

Saint-Louis

Founded in 1659, Saint-Louis was the oldest city on the western African coast and was the capital of Senegal from 1872 to 1957. Today, it is a thriving fishing port and home to Gaston-Berger University. Top attractions are the Faidherbe Bridge, Musée Jean Mermoz and Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj which is just 55km (34 miles) away. Every April, the city also hosts a jazz festival.

Casamance

Casamance sits between the Gambia (which is a near-enclave within Senegal) and Guinea-Bissau. As the Gambia lies in between Casamance and the larger northern part of Senegal, Casamance retains a unique identity – many of its people have traditional beliefs, for instance.

Parc National du Delta du Saloum

Formed by the arms of three rivers, Parc National du Delta du Saloum is a network of channels surrounding over 200 islands and islets, mangroves and dry forest. One of the most remarkable features is its 218 shellfish mounds created by its inhabitants over the ages. Some of these mounds were burial sites.

Casamance, Kafountine

Small camps with a focus on ecotourism are taking shape in this fishing and farming village. Kafountine is also the starting point for canoe trips to the Karone Islands.

La Petite Côte (Little Coast)

From south of Dakar, la Petite Côte (Little Coast) stretches for some 150km (94 miles) to la Pointe de Sangomar and is one of the major tourist destinations in Senegal. With a stunning coastline, idyllic climate and a number of good hotels, this area has become a magnet for European sun lovers.

Dakar, Senegalese wrestling match

Senegalese wrestling (lamb ji) is hugely popular in Senegal. The stakes are high in some of these matches, with the winner taking home the equivalent of $100,000 euros or more. With so much at risk, fighters need more than physical strength. They have a marabout (spiritual guide) taking them through rituals that combine tribal dancing and traditional prayers before each match. In 2018, China built a national wrestling arena in Pikine, a suburb of Dakar, so catch a wrestling match if you're there.

Dakar

Senegal's capital, Dakar is a buzzing and fast-growing city with a hive of activity happening at almost every street corner. Mbalax (dance music of Senegal) is huge here and keeps the parties going till the next morning. Top attractions in Dakar include Musée Théodore Monod, its many colourful markets and the nearby island of Gorée.

Casamance, Cap Skirring

A town on the Atlantic coast, Cap Skirring sits on Senegal's southwestern corner, just a few miles north of Guinea-Bissau. Its sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere make a fine base for tourists seeking to unwind.

La Petite Côte, Saly

Saly is a known base for visitors seeking sun and sea along La Petite Côte. Easily accessible from the airport in Dakar and blessed with a long stretch of golden beaches, visitors began to flock to Saly in the 1980s and since then, private villas and swanky resorts have sprung up around the area.

Overview

Most shopping in Senegal takes place on the street and in colourful markets. Most markets sell a wide range of items – food, musical instruments, traditional fabrics, electronics, as well as fresh produce.

In Dakar, Marché HLM is the place to buy fabric and made-to-measure clothes. This market sells some of the most colourful and exquisite West African style fabrics you could hope for. Just pick a fabric that you like, bargain the price down to what you can afford, and then take it a local tailor who can make the shirt or dress for you on demand. There are also a few places here where you can sit down and drinkataya, the local mint tea, and watch the world go by.

Marché Kermel is frequented by expats and tourists. The products here tend to be of higher quality and more expensive. Located behind Avenue Albert Sarraut, this kiln-shaped hall, originally built in 1860, sells a mix of foodstuffs as well as masks and baskets.

In Soumbédioune (a fishing village within Dakar), you will find a lively fish market as well as a craft market selling everything from small woven baskets to cheap souvenirs.

Music is big in Senegal. If you're interested in local recordings, head to Boulevard de la Libération.

Opening Hours

Generally, Mon-Thu 0900-1800 and Sat 0900-1300. Most shops are closed on Sunday.

Overview

Senegalese cuisine is considered among the best in Africa, with an unmistaken influence from French and Moroccan cuisine. Rice is the main staple, often served with chicken or fish. Senegal is a Muslim country so pork is rare, but alcohol is available.

Peanuts are one of the main crops of Senegal. The aroma of roasted peanuts fills the air, while peanut paste is widely used in stew, infusing a distinctive taste to local dishes.

When dining in one of the excellent Senegalese restaurants, you will usually be offered a good selection of appetizers, all prepared with great care. The soups will be rich and full-bodied. There will be entrees in abundance. Then a long list of fancy desserts, all served with great flair, showcasing the French vibe still present in Senegal's cuisine.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

A service charge of 10 to 15% is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills. A 10% tip is customary at pricier restaurants.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

The government-controlled expansion of tourism has led to an increasing number of hotels, with international chains such as Pullman and Radisson opening hotels within the country. Increasing investment has led to more and more development and the choices for travellers are far more numerous than they were, even just a couple of years ago.

Dakar has the lion's share of hotels, but there are a number of ocean-front hotels along the Petite Côte (the stretch of beaches between Dakar and la Pointe de Sangomar), which are favoured by European visitors. In the Casamance, there is also a small selection of luxury resorts. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, particularly in Dakar during the tourist season from November to May.

Grading: Hotels are classified from 1 to 4 stars.

Camping Caravaning

Camping is relatively rare in Senegal, but it is possible to pitch up a tent and bed down for the night in some areas.

Other

History

Senegal has been part of many kingdoms and empires historically, including the kingdoms of Ghana and Djolof prior to the 15th century. Trade with the Arabs was active and soon Islam arrived by the 11th century, although many local people still retained an element of animism.

Europeans arrived in the 16th century. The Dutch purchased the Gorée Island in 1627 while the French built a factory on N'Dar, an island that became the old town of Saint-Louis. The French took over Gorée in 1677, making these two spots as active bases for slaves bound for the New World.

In 1959, Senegal formed a federation with French Sudan (Mali) to create the Federation of Mali. The federation gained independence from France in 1960 but soon fell apart, resulting in two sovereign nations of Senegal and Mali. Léopold Sédar Senghor, a renown poet and politician, became Senegal's first president and ruled for 20 years.

Senegal has played a prominent role in African politics since its independence. Its presidents have widened Senegal's diplomatic relationships with other parts of Africa while maintaining close economic, political and cultural ties to France.

In 1982, Senegal and the Gambia (which is largely engulfed within the borders of Senegal) formed the confederation of Senegambia. But the integration didn’t work out and the federation was dissolved in 1989.

Did you know?

• Standing at 49m (161ft) tall, the African Resistance Monument in Dakar is the tallest statue in Africa.

• Since independence in 1960, Senegal has sent athletes to every Summer Olympic Games. The country won one silver medal in 1988, by Amadou Dia Ba in the men's 400m hurdles.

• There are seven UNESCO sites in Senegal: Bassari Country, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Island of Gorée, Island of Saint-Louis, Niokolo-Koba National Park, Saloum Delta and Stone Circles of Senegambia.

Religion

Around 95% Muslim, 4% Christian (mostly Roman Catholic with some Protestants) and a minority holds traditional beliefs.

Social Conventions

Senegalese are sociable and greetings are common. Visitors should make an effort to learn greetings in one of the local languages, and a knowledge of basic French is also advisable. Handshaking between friends, regardless of how many times a day they meet, is common.

Islam is the predominant religion in Senegal so visitors are advised to dress modestly. Casual wear is widely acceptable but scanty swimwear should be reserved for the beach. Smoking is prohibited in some public places (especially mosques).

Best Time To Visit:

Situated just above the equator, Senegal benefits from a warm and tropical climate, which sees temperatures hovering from warm to extremely hot throughout the year. There are two main seasons – dry and rainy.

The dry season runs from October to June in the north and from November to May in the south. This is also known as the Harmattan season, characterised by the dry and dusty wind blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa. The dry season is often considered as the best time to visit, particularly from December to March as the days are warm. See the information below on Petite Côte and Cap Skirring if you are going on a beach holiday.

The rainy season runs from July to September in the north and from June to October in the south. This period is also known as hivernage or wintering – despite the name, temperatures only drop a few degrees and the weather is still hot and humid. As the African monsoon arrives from the south, expect abundant rainfall in the south, particularly around the Casamance region. Beware that during the rainy season, it can be challenging to travel by car, especially in the south.

The best time to visit Dakar
Located on the tip of the Cape Verde peninsula, Dakar enjoys a mild weather with little fluctuation in temperatures, with an average high of 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (88°F) year-round. The city receives good rainfall from June to October, with August being the wettest month. The best time to visit Dakar is from November to May.

The best time to visit Petite Côte
A popular tourist area, Petite Côte (Little Coast) runs from Dakar to la Pointe de Sangomar. The beaches here are sheltered from currents and has a calm sea. Weather wise, the period from June to October is wetter than other months. If you want to avoid the rain, the best time to visit is from December to May. February is the coolest month with an average high of 24°C (75°F) and an average low of 19°C (66°F).

The best time to visit Cap Skirring
Cap Skirring is another popular resort area. Located in the south, it gets a fair bit of rain from June to October with August being the wettest month, but it gets very little rain from November to May. As it is closer to the equator than the Dakar and Petite Côte, the sea temperatures here are warmer, averaging 22°F (72°F) even during the cooler months (from January to April). Accordingly, the best time to visit Cap Skirring is from December to May.

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Required Clothing

Senegal's tropical and humid climate means casual lightweight cotton clothing is recommended year-round. Long pants or long skirts, along with long-sleeved tops, are ideal. Islam is the predominant religion but the society is tolerant. Senegalese women do not wear a full-face veil so female travellers don't have to cover up but do dress modestly. Casual wear is widely acceptable but swimwear should be reserved for the beach.

Mosquitoes are another thing to consider when packing. The likelihood of bites is high, so apart from long sleeves, pack some high-strength mosquito repellent.

If you'll be in the Casamance region during the wet season waterproofs are essential. Sturdy shoes are necessary for any trekking and hiking activities, otherwise, normal shoes and sandals will do.

Dialing Code:

+221

Area(sq km):

196,712

Population:

16,657,759

Population Density(per sq km):

87

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

17