Senegal Flag
"Bulge of Africa"
Why visit Senegal?
Known for beaches, birdwatching, culture, fishing, music, historical sites, and villages.
Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Beads, drums, glass paintings, masks, metal sculptures, musical instruments, printed fabrics, shell jewelry, wicker goods, and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Banana Glacé (dessert). Bassi-Salté (stew). Chere (couscous). Footi (vegetable sauce). Maafe (stew). Thiakry (pudding). Thieboudienne (fish dish).
- Local Drink to Try: Attaya (tea). Bissap (juice). Dakhar (tamarind juice). Flag (beer). Gazelle (beer). Gingembre (ginger brew).
Fun Facts
- West African country.
- Exports calcium phosphate, chemicals, cotton, fabrics, fish, and groundnuts.
- The story-telling profession (griots) is passed down by generations; it requires years of apprenticeship training in genealogy, history and music.
- African Renaissance Monument (Dakar) is the tallest statue in Africa.
- First African country to host an Olympic event, 2026 Summer Youth Olympics (Dakar).
Photo Credit: François BENOIS/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Abéné Festival, (February) Festival of Foundiougne, (April) Rites & Initiation Ceremonies, (May) Dak’Art Biennale, Exhibition & Festival Gorée Island, Kaay Fecc, St Louis Jazz Festival, (September) Kankourang Exit Festival, (October) Festival of the King, (November) Dakar Big Carnaval, Dakar Music Festival, Gorée Diaspora Festival, (December) Abéné Festivalo, Festival International du Film de Quartier, and Le Fanal.
- Holidays: New Year, Independence Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Korité, Day Off for Korité, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Tabaski, Tamkharit, Assumption of Mary, Grand Magal de Touba, Maouloud, All Saints' Day, and Christmas Day.
Good to Know
- Not the ideal destination for budget conscious travelers.
- Considered one of the best developed tourist industries in Africa.
- Dress conservatively.
- Required to carry copies of your government issued ID at all times.
- Official language is French.
- Cuisine is influenced by North African, French, and Portuguese.
- Southern region experiences the most rain.
- Riptides are strong.
- Avoid swimming alone, on isolated beaches.
- Avoid Casamance region.
- Rainy Season is July - September.
- Due to Harmattan winds between January - February air pollution is effected.
- Dry Season is December - April.
- Outside of the major cities lacks luxury lodging options.
- Most picturesque fine sandy white beaches are in Petite Cot.
- Known for shark, swordfish and tuna fishing.
- Homosexuality is illegal, punishable 1-5 years in prisons and a fine of 1,000,000fCFA (approximately $2,000USD).
- Beware of pickpocketing, purse-snatchers, and street crime.
- Remote areas are known to have landmines.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Lacks medical facilities and treatment centers.
- Avoid tap water consumption.
- Sanitation does not meet western standards.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections do not commonly occur.
- Prevalent Diseases: Malaria, Measles, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Zika.
- Avoid swimming or wading in still waters due to Bilharzia (parasite).
- City of Dakar beaches are considered polluted.
Photo Credit: Pierre2424/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination required.
Prone to droughts and Harmattan winds.
- Best Time to Visit: October - June
- Coolest Months: January - May
- Hottest Months: July - November
- Peak Season: June - August
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bassari, Fula & Bedik Cultural Landscapes, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Island of Goree, Island of Saint-Louis, Niokolo-Koba National Park, Saloum Delta, and Stone Circles of Senegambia.
Photo Credit: Pierre2424/Pixabay
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel?
Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
No comments:
Post a Comment