VISIT SENEGAL - HOLIDAY IN SENEGAL, THE 'GATEWAY TO AFRICA'

Before the 15th century, Senegal was a part of kingdoms such as the Kingdoms of Djolof and Ghana. The 11th century saw Islam arrive in the country. However, many locals still put their faith in animistic beliefs. The 16th century was when Europeans arrived and the Dutch purchased Goree Island. The French started a factory on N’Dar, an island that became an old town of St. Louis. In 1677 the French took control of Goree Island and turned it into an active base for the slave trade.

In 1959 the Federation of Mali was created between Senegal and French Sudan and the country remained a colony of France. In 1960 the sovereign nations of Senegal and Mali were formed as the federation gained independence from France. The renowned poet and politician Leopold Sedar Senghor became the first president of Senegal. He ruled for 20 years and the country has played a prominent part in African politics. Diplomatic, economic and cultural ties remained with France. The confederation of Senegambia was formed in 1982 between Senegal and the Gambia. However, the integration fell apart in 1989 and the federation was dissolved.

Senegal is a coastal West African country located just above the equator. The country is bordered by Mali to the east, Mauritania to the north, Republic of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south. It completely encloses the confederated state of The Gambia. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west with a fabulous coastline. Senegal is part of the westernmost tip of Africa. 

The country is made up of a terrain that is mainly low lying with rolling plains. The Senegal River cuts across the northern border while the Casamance River runs along the south. The eastern border is defined by the Faleme River. The southeastern portion of the country has low foothills. There are pockets of tropical rainforest and mangroves that make up the savannah landscapes that dominate the country.

The country is about 1.5 times the size of Greece with an area of 196712 sq km. The country consists of a hot desert zone in the north, a semi-arid zone in the center and a tropical savannah area to the south.

Senegal in West Africa is just the place to be in to imbibe the art, music and culture of Africa. Travel to witness the Dakar Biennale art festival that is a month-long. The Dak'Art Festival is yet another platform for an array of creative forms. Underglass Painting is a popular Senegalese art just as Naif Art that reproduces the daily scene of life. Look out for souvenirs in a large array of Senegalese Art and Craft products such as jewellery, baskets, musical instruments, clothes and more.

Discover the richest cuisines of West Africa in Senegalese cuisines. Traditional food is a fusion of cuisine from France, Vietnam, the Middle East, Portugal and the Americas. People gather around a single hearty dish with a spoon or a piece of bread. They share a meal that is hot and flavourful. Fish is a choice cuisine that is cooked in various styles. Millet, rice and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, cowpeas or cassava roots make up as ingredients for many Senegalese dishes.

Thieboudienne (fresh fish, dried fish with rice and tomato-garlic-onion-chilli puree), Chicken Yassa (chicken marinated with lime juice, vinegar, onions, peanut oil), Caldou (meatballs with carrots, dates, white beans, sweet potato and tomato sauce), Mafe (rice topped with peanut sauce, vegetables and meat), Fataya (deep-fried pastry filled with fish yassa or chicken).

Bissap (juice from hibiscus flower), Dakhar (tamarind juice), Bouye (brew from baobab fruit), Gingembre (ginger brew), Toufam (thinned yoghurt with sugar), Touba Coffee (coffee mixed with hot pepper or fresh cloves)

Senegalese people are extremely friendly and Dakar city is filled with warm people. The country is also known as “la terre de la teranga” which means “the land of hospitality”. It is a safe country to travel especially for solo female travellers. Teranga reflects a way of hospitality with open arms and includes the courteous sharing of a bowl of food. Travel to experience the most highly regarded value of “good hospitality”. Teranga is everywhere that is characterised by generosity and warmth. It has helped shape the nation's identity.

• To experience the colonial heritage and beautiful landscapes.
• Enjoy picture-postcard beaches with white sands, clear waters and a host of bars & restaurants for a classic cocktail.
• Enjoy a meal of fish on the beach, sunbathe or catch the thrill of surfing the rolling waves.
• Explore St. Louis for its colonial buildings, a town located on a strip of land between the two arms of the mighty Senegal River.
• Take an island escape to Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
• Explore the Stone Circles of Senegambia which are four large groups of megalithic circles.
• Watch the pink coloured waters of Lac Rose or Lake Retba.
• Spend time witnessing incredible wildlife at Niokolo-Koba National Park.
• Watch the wonders of birdlife at the expansive wetland called Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary with 1.5 million migratory birds.
• Witness the African Renaissance Monument, the tallest statue in Africa.
• To tour the capital Dakar with elegant architecture with several tourist attractions.

The best time to visit Senegal is between November and March when Dakar has a milder temperature of 26°C. This is when the Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara and reduces humidity. The winter dry season with marginally milder temperatures is a better time to travel than the rainy season. June to October sees the rains come when temperatures reach 30°C. Travel in May just before the rains to be in time for the famous Saint Louis Jazz Festival. As Senegal is situated just above the equator the country witnesses a warm and tropical climate. Senegal is hot all year round with wet and dry seasons rather than hot and cold.

• Watch the spellbinding Retba Lake well-known for its purple-pink colour water and salt content.
• Visit St. Louis which is the oldest French colonial town known as a fishing town.
• Take your family to Goree Island and witness the House of Slaves and the Fort d'Estress.
• Have a fun day at Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary situated in the Senegal River delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

• Witness the splendid African Renaissance Monument, a 52m tall copper statue outside Dakar.
• Be among endangered animals in the Niolol-Koba National Park, a protected World Heritage site.
• Spend time at the splendid Dindefelo Waterfalls that is about 100m high.
• Escape to the great little island of Ngor with gorgeous beaches and beachside restaurants.

• Take a tour of the IFAN Museum in Dakar to see historic and contemporary African exhibits.
• Cap Skirring is the ideal place for a surf camp in southern Senegal.
• Wander the Guembeul Natural Reserve to learn about the efforts to conserve nature and wildlife.
• Witness the 19th-century mosque called the Great Mosque of Touba that can house 7000 worshippers.

• Venture into the Amazon of Senegal in the maze of Casamance and lose track of time.
• Wander the colourful markets with boubous, wax fabrics, embroidered loincloths and more.
• Enjoy the sights of the Lengua de Barbarie Marine Park with lush vegetation and a meeting point of the Senegal River with the Atlantic Ocean.
• Visit the Accrobaobab Adventure, an amusement theme park with lots of fun-filled experiences.

• Traditional Fabrics
• Food
• Musical Instruments
• Crafts
• Handmade Baskets
• Sculptures
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Textile

Goree Island is a popular tourist spot as it has a history of slave trading. It is located off the coast of the capital Dakar. This car-free destination has many narrow streets and colonial buildings. Visit here for the 19th century Fort d'Estress. Also, see the IFAN Historical Museum for the array of Senegal exhibits of the past.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Price: Based on the tour

This pink coloured lake is a top attraction located some 30 km from the capital Dakar. The waters are pink in colour due to the Dunaliella salina algae. The lake also has a high salt content, an amazing beauty of nature in Senegal. Lac Rose means Pink Lake that lies north of the Cap-Vert peninsula. The colour is better visible from November to June during the dry season.

Best Time to Visit: November to June
Entry Price: Based on the tour

The Village of the Turtles of Senegal is an ecological project that is worth visiting. The protection centre introduces you to the Sulcata Turtle which is an endangered species. The village rehabilitates the turtles with nearly 230 turtles in the Ferlo Reserve. Look out for six different species such as Sulcata and the Kinixys belliana.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: $59.74

The national bird sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The wetland comprises beautiful streams, ponds and backwaters. There are over 1.5 million birds such as the white pelican, the African spoonbill, the cormorant among others. The Park is a 16000-ha wetland located in the Senegal River delta. The oasis in the desert is the first migration stopover for Afrotropical birds after flying the Sahara.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: $6.37 (adult)

Witness the orange dunes landscapes of a small desert in Senegal. It is a popular tourist attraction in Senegal located 145 km south of St. Louis. The village of Lompoul is a settlement close by. Festival du Sahel is a music festival that takes place in the desert, a great time to visit. Book into Lompoul desert lodge right in the desert with tents and a restaurant by the dunes.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

The IFAN Museum showcases African arts and is the oldest African art museum in West Africa. It is among the top attractions in Dakar, the capital. Watch the artifacts from the Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso and more. You get to know more about West African history from the ritual masks, weapons, clothing, instruments and other artifacts. The prominent institution was founded in 1936.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: $8

• African Renaissance Museum
• House of Slaves
• Niokolo-Koba National Park
• La Maison des Esclaves
• Ngor Island
• Accrobaobab Adventure

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Senegal

The splendid capital promises experiences of colonial architecture, beaches with surfing adventures, wildlife opportunities in the remote riverine deltas and more. Visit the exciting city with plenty of top attractions in Senegal.

Visit For: Ngor Island, Accrobaobab Adventure, Lompoul Desert, La Maison des Esclaves, Island of Goree

The charming town is on the N'Dar Island on the northwest coast of Senegal. Visit Saint Louis for its colonial architecture, Governor's Palace and the Musee du CRDS. The island is connected to the mainland by the Faidherbe Bridge. It was designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel.

Visit For: Faidherbe Bridge, Musee de la Photographie de St Louis, CRDS Museum, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Atelier des femmes

This is a famous holy city of Senegal. It is home to the colossal Great Mosque and is an important pilgrimage centre for the Mouride order of the Sufis. Thousands visit Touba during the Grand Magal to honour the Sufi scholar and teacher Shaikh Aamadu Bamba Mbakke. Visit the majestic mosque with gorgeous arabesque interiors and the Lamp Fall.

Visit For: The Great Mosque, The mausoleums, Touba's cemetery, Mausoleum of Cheikh Ibrahima Fall

The small town is a gateway to natural attractions in the protected Natural Reserve of Popenguine. The place also welcomes you with a clean beach nestled beautifully between two headlands. Experience the rock walls of the Cap de Naz that protrudes into the Atlantic Ocean. Birds of all shapes and colours are a great draw throughout the year.

Visit For: Accrobaobab Adventure (5.7 mi from Popenguine), Plage Popenguine Beach

Enjoy the colonial character of the city with major sights such as the Marche Saint Maur des Fosses. Get a feel of the earthy African aura at the Place Jean-Paul II and wander to see pastel-painted colonial architecture.

Visit For: University of Ziguinchor, Ziguinchor Cathedral, Stadium Aline Sitoe Diatta

• Kaolack
• Meckhe
• Diourbel
• Thies
• Dahra
• Joal Fadiout

This carnival-like celebration is a colourful festival in Saint Louis. It is based on a ritual by rich families way back in the 18th century. People wear elaborate costumes and participate in the festival. The gigantic lanterns float down the colonial streets of the city to give a decorative look.

Location : Saint Louis
Date : December

This is a popular and much-celebrated festival. A top jazz festival is a fantastic event where jazz musicians perform from the world over. This is Africa's largest jazz event that was inaugurated in 1993. Over 250 globally renowned musicians perform on the main stage at Place Faidherbe. The week is full of concerts, workshops and jazz talks.

Location : Saint Louis
Date : May

Dakar hosts this festival in May where contemporary artists meet. The entire month hosts around 200 exhibitions in a large industrial area. The capital also showcases artworks that display in art galleries and hotels. Artists from Senegal and beyond display their talent.

Location : Dakar
Date : May

People come together to explore culture, music and participate in lots of dancing. The three-day festival sees a performance from 60 +acts throughout Grand Center. People gyrate to the music and the festival is full of vibrant energy.

Location : Saint Louis
Date : September

The festival includes musical and dance performances that focus on the dark times of Senegal. Conferences and meetings have prominent speakers that discuss the history of slavery. The festival tells about the descendants of the slaves that were forced to leave Goree Island.

Location : Dakar
Date : November

• Festi'waal
• Rapandar Festival
• Kaay Fecc
• Senegal Independence Day
• Abene Festival
• Senegal International Film Festival

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Senegal visa. The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months upon entry. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

A Senegal visa is required unless you are a citizen from the following countries. Travel to Senegal up to 90 days with a visa-free entry permitted for the following countries;

• EU
• Benin
• Brazil
• Burkina Faso
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• The Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Congo DR
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Djibouti
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• India
• Japan
• Liberia
• Malaysia
• Mali
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Niger
• Sierra Leone
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Togo
• Tunisia
• USA
• Vatican City

e visa for Senegal can be applied online with relevant documents. The best time to apply for a visa is at least one to two months before the travel date. Faster service is available at the embassy. For longer stays beyond 90 days, travellers have to obtain visas directly from the Senegalese Consulate before travel.

A tourist visa for 90 days stay with a validity of 3 months is provided for citizens of countries as mentioned above. To live or work in Senegal for more than 90 days foreign nationals will need a residence permit. It is called carte d'identite. Residence permits are allowed for six months stay that can be renewed.

The application fee for tourist, business, student and exchange visas is $160. The religious visa application fee is $190.

There are domestic flights between Dakar to Cap Skirring and Ziguinchor. You can fly via Air Senegal that takes around 45 minutes flight timings depending on your destination. Don't miss visits to Cap Skirring for the beautiful beach of golden sands.

Hertz and Europcar offer car hire facilities in Dakar and main towns. Dakar Airport provides pick up points. There are also many depots throughout the city. The road conditions for driving are not good or safe. It is advisable not to drive at night as roads are not well lit. Traffic may be chaotic and it is always better to hire a driver with the car.

Metered taxis are available in most towns. For longer journeys between towns sept-place which is seven-seater taxis are available. The ride will be cramped and uncomfortable. Mini-buses called Ndiaga Ndiaye are also available that provide a comfortable ride.

A great alternative to explore the towns is on a bike. Beach towns provide bicycles such as Cap Skirring and Saly Portudal. Avoid hiring a bike in the rush of Dakar city. However, you could rent a scooter or motorbikes in the capital. Always wear safety gear as roads are muddy and accident-prone.

There are no train services available.

There is a ferry line between Dakar to Ziguinchor and sea shuttles between Dakar to Goree Island. You could also take the pirogues or boats that link Dakar to Ile de Ngor. There are strict safety rules followed on board that come with life jackets.

Air France, Emirates, Delta, Turkish Airlines are among the major airlines that fly to Dakar. The national airline Air Senegal helps connect domestic routes. Dakar International Airport is a new airport located 27 miles east of downtown Dakar that started operating in 2017.

Train services between Dakar to Niger and Dakar to Bamako are not running.

Overland tours are organised to travel by road to Senegal from Europe. You can drive from any of the neighbouring countries such as Mauritania, Guinea and Guinea Bissau, the Gambia and Mali. Always check the travel advisory for any political unrest that could endanger you en route. Valid multiple entry visas are required as well as driving license, insurance and vehicle ownership proof.

Dakar is the main port of Senegal along the West African coast. Cruise ships operate both small and large vessels from Canary Islands, Morocco and other African ports. The vessels dock at Senegal. There are also ferry links from Mauritania between Rosso to Pont de Rosso in Senegal.

• Senegal is a majority Muslim country, and there is a need to dress conservatively and cover-up.
• The locals are friendly and petty crimes are very minimal.
• It is a good idea to learn a few French phrases as few locals speak English.
• Excursions in Senegal with a travel guide are always helpful.
• Traffic is maddening and it is best to hire both guides and drivers rather than hopping into packed buses.
• Make earlier arrangements for airport pick-ups as international flights land at DKR Airport late at night.
• Savour rice with fresh fish accompanied by African drum beats live, a relaxing and must-do experience.
• Bargain at Dakar's markets such as Marche Sandaga for great deals on fabric, fruits, African housewares and more.
• Carry relevant travel documents and keep a photocopy handy.
• Pictures of government institutions, embassies and buildings cannot be taken due to photography laws.
• Carry identification at all times.
• Laws for possession of drugs are severe.

• Remain alert on travel advisories especially when commuting by road.
• Senegal is a safe destination, especially for solo female travellers.
• Be cautious of bad roads and only travel overland during the day.
• Check on the reputation of the car hire company before travelling.
• Travel in a group with a guide for safety.
• Senegal borders close to Mali and Mauritania are at risk for jihadi groups that may operate.
• Check hotel security before selecting your accommodation.
• Petty crimes such as bag snatching in Dakar are possible. So, be vigilant at all times.
• Keep your belongings safe including your passport and other travel documents.

• Several vaccinations are essential that CDC and WHO recommend; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Covid 19, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.
• It is best to be prepared with a medical kit.
• Carry along insect repellents and anti-malaria drugs.
• Be aware of health and travel advisories before travel.
• Always drink bottled water and be careful of the hygiene aspects of street food.
• Invest in travel insurance for emergency use.
• Be aware of the strong winds called harmattan that can cause dust-related cough. Carry medicines and clothes to adequately cover and provide protection.

• Travel Documents
• Modest Clothing
• Medical Kit
• Walking Shoes
• Toiletries
• Money Belt
• All-Purpose Jacket
• Bathing Suit
• Sunglasses, Hat, Umbrella

• The dress code is conservative as Senegal is predominantly Muslim.
• Men and women eat at separate tables and a washing basin is given to wash hands before a meal is served.
• Take a small gift such as a box of chocolates to give when invited to someone's home.
• Greetings vary as per the ethnicity and it is customary to ask courteous questions over a prolonged handshake.
• Formal table manners are followed and elders are given respect to start the meal first.
• Food is served in a bowl and only the right hand is used for eating.
• Leaving a little food in a communal bowl indicates that you are respectful of the host.
• Cross-gender touch may occur although the country is Muslim dominated.

Visit Mauritania for unusual attractions such as a journey across the Sahara Desert on the Mauritania Railway. Witness the Richat Structure which is a geological bull's eye. Ouadane Mosque, The Libraries of Chinguetti and more are other attractions.

The beautiful country offers blissful landscapes, spectacular mosques, pink sandstone villages and undulating deserts. Mali is known for its salt mines and Timbuktu which is a centre for Islamic learning. Visit to see the Tomb of Askia, the Great Mosque of Djenne and more.

Guinea and Guinea-Bissau - 268 km

• Senegal is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• It is the first African country to host the Olympics.
• Senegal's first president was a Catholic although the country is predominately Muslim.
• Laam or wrestling is the country's most popular sport.
• The Hajj of Senegal is an annual pilgrimage where over 1 million West Africans participate.
• There are over 20 ethnic groups in Senegal.
• You can find a pink lake in the country.

CALLING CODE: +221

EMBASSY Of UAE: + 221-33-869-8390 | For more info Embassy of UAE in Senegal

Fire brigade: 22118

Ambulance: 22133 889, 1515

Police: 22117

The official currency of Senegal is the West African CFA franc and the currency code is XOF. The Senegal currency symbol is CFA. The West African CFA franc is broken up into 100 centimes. The currency exchange rate for some of the most popular currencies are;

Symbol: CFA

Code: XOF

1 XOF = 0.13 INR (West African CFA franc to INR)

1 XOF = 0.0018 USD (West African CFA franc to USD)

1 XOF = 0.0067 (West African CFA franc to AED)

1 XOF = 0.0015 (West African CFA franc to Euro)

West African CFA franc currency banknote denomination: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000

West African CFA franc currency coin denomination: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500

Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places.

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