From its past as a French colony, Senegal has kept its language and certain cultural features. Around Dakar and Saint-Louis, the two main cities, Senegal offers travelers this unique cocktail made of discoveries, encounters and unknown flavors. Why choose Senegal? Immediate embarkation for an exceptional trip!
Why choose Dakar as a base?
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and its surroundings are not without interest for visitors. Besides the places of power and the big hotels in the center, a stroll in the popular districts of the city and in the colorful markets de Kermel and de Sandaga offers an overview of the Senegalese way of life and habits. Dakar also has a remarkable mosque as well as several buildings that bear witness to the old colonial era.
Dakar Rally
Why go to the pink lake?
A few tens of kilometers from the capital, is one of the most visited natural sites in Senegal. Lake Retba, better known under the name of Lac rose, is famous for having long been the place of arrival of the Paris-Dakar and is inevitably visited. Supernatural, it owes its originality to its pink color that changes depending on the time of day. It is also the site of intense human activity: the collection of salt, practiced by the men who bathe in the lake and collect "white gold" with a pickax.
Worker on Lac Rose
Island of Gorée, in memory of slavery
Why choose Senegal? To immerse yourself in history on the island of Gorée. This island was one of the places of departure of slaves to America. In this regard, the House of Slaves is the symbol par excellence of the slave trade in Senegal.
Otherwise, the island of Gorée is today a haven of peace and is ideal for relaxing and enjoy Senegalese cuisine in one of the many restaurants.
The House of Slaves in Gorée
The French touch in Saint-Louis
Saint-Louis is the other major city in Senegal. It has a much stronger colonial imprint than Dakar and as such deserves long walks in the historic district.. Île Saint-Louis, linked to the rest of the city by a metal bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. Shops and restaurants also occupy the streets of Saint-Louis and delight visitors looking to buy or taste local products.
St. Louis
Book your hotel, from France
The country is one of the most stable in Africa and has taken advantage of its tourism opportunities to develop. Evidenced Dakar, the ideal drop-off point to put down your luggage and start the visit of Senegal: in high season, hotels are often packed. By booking from France, without doing it at the last minute, it is easy to find cheap accommodation.
Pratical information
- Saint-Martin Tourist Office : visit the Senegalese tourist office website.
- Passport : only a passport valid for at least 6 months after the stay is necessary for nationals of the European Union.
- vaccination : the vaccine against yellow fever is compulsory.
Transports
- Getting to Senegal : The Léopold Senghor international airport in Dakar is located on the outskirts of the Senegalese capital. It is the point of arrival for most international flights. Shuttles and taxis take you to Dakar from the airport.
- Getting around Senegal : Bush taxis or coaches allow you to move between towns. Folklore guaranteed: the vagaries of the road, mechanical breakdowns or delays can sometimes considerably lengthen the trip!
