Land of mystical stone-circles, rich nature reserves, developing beach resorts and sandy deserts, Senegal is also home to a good deal of modern African rhythms and culture, as well as vibrant urban life concentrated in the capital city of this French-speaking West African country, Dakar. A must visit while in Senegal is the historical slave island of Ile de Gorée.
City destinations. Representing the Urban wonders of Africa, the most popular tourism destination in Senegal is its famous capital city, Dakar. This cosmopolitan seaside city with a million inhabitants is rising above the sandy plains surrounding the westernmost point of continental Africa. Dakar is the wealthiest city of the poor Senegal, and a city of pleasant beaches, religious sites, vibrant entertainment facilities, and a row of historically interesting places such as Gorée Island slave shipping point.
Nature lover's choices. Another interesting travel destination in Senegal is Niokolo-Koba Nature Reserve located on the banks of the Gambia River, a huge water resource flowing through Senegal. Culturally oriented visitors might enjoy visiting the seaside city of St. Louis, which not only a charming beach resort, but also the best place of Senegal for exploring influences of Senegal's French colonial era. The mystical stone circles of Senegal can be found for example around the town of Nioro du Rip and the seaside resort of Saly.
Local culture. Senegal is a former French colony which for a short period formed a federation with Mali before its independence in 1960. Today, Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa. It is also a French-speaking country where some English is spoken mainly in the major tourist areas and service points.
Pristine nature and cosmopolitan capital: Attractions of Senegal
Land of historical sites, lush nature reserves, fascinating stone circles, sandy beaches and dry deserts, Senegal carries historical and natural importance which during becoming years might help this poor but welcoming African country develop its tourism industry.City destinations. Representing the Urban wonders of Africa, the most popular tourism destination in Senegal is its famous capital city, Dakar. This cosmopolitan seaside city with a million inhabitants is rising above the sandy plains surrounding the westernmost point of continental Africa. Dakar is the wealthiest city of the poor Senegal, and a city of pleasant beaches, religious sites, vibrant entertainment facilities, and a row of historically interesting places such as Gorée Island slave shipping point.
Nature lover's choices. Another interesting travel destination in Senegal is Niokolo-Koba Nature Reserve located on the banks of the Gambia River, a huge water resource flowing through Senegal. Culturally oriented visitors might enjoy visiting the seaside city of St. Louis, which not only a charming beach resort, but also the best place of Senegal for exploring influences of Senegal's French colonial era. The mystical stone circles of Senegal can be found for example around the town of Nioro du Rip and the seaside resort of Saly.
Practical tips for traveling to Senegal
Climate in Senegal is tropical with average monthly high temperatures of 25-30 degrees Celsius available throughout the year. While the summertime in Senegal (between May and November) is rainy, the winter months from December to April enjoy much drier weather, and thus form the most popular time to travel to Senegal. However, also the winter of Senegal has its own low points, which in Senegal's case means Harmattan wind carrying the sand from Sahara in its imaginary wings.Local culture. Senegal is a former French colony which for a short period formed a federation with Mali before its independence in 1960. Today, Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa. It is also a French-speaking country where some English is spoken mainly in the major tourist areas and service points.
Photo: Jpereira net, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Local culture in Senegal is characterized by devoted attention to religion, which in most cases is Islam. Therefore, visitors should pay extra attention to dressing respectively and respecting religious customs such as praying rituals. In Senegal's case, local people are friendly and will surely advise you on behavior if you ask for their help.
How to get there. Senegal is best reachable through Dakar International Airport that offers direct flights from many European and African destinations, as well as from North America. Senegal is also reachable by train from Mali. There are minibuses and taxis available for getting around inside the country. However, note that roads in Senegal outside Dakar are mainly in poor condition.
Safety. Although Senegal's people are friendly, most of them live in quite poor conditions. This is why crime levels in Senegal are relatively high, and tourists should use a common sense when staying in the cities, especially if they are walking outside after dark. During the daytime the biggest risk is pick-pocketing and scams which are common particularly in big cities like Dakar. Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, and avoid visiting the Casamance region of Southern Senegal, which suffers from a political conflict. As the country is familiar with several tropical diseases, vaccinations should be taken care of before traveling to Senegal. You should also be prepared to shelter yourself from mosquitoes which may spread malaria.
