Discovering the world one adventure at a time

Perched on the African continent’s western-most tip facing the Atlantic Ocean, Senegal hosts a part of the Sahel which is the transition between Africa’s desert north with the start of the lush tropical jungle. Senegal has an overwhelming majority of the people from Muslim background and culture with a bit of the French lifestyle from its French colonial days sprinkled. Additionally in the mix is the colorful cultures of the region’s southern traditions. Senegal often seems to move to a frenetic beat and rhythm unlike nowhere else.

With a population of more than 95% Muslim, Senegal has a strong Islamic tradition and is known to welcome everyone equally from all cultures and religions. This open arms policy is quite possibly as a result of Senegal’s Teranga culture, which roughly translates to hospitality. This is also the reason credited to Senegal's peaceful existence while conflicts often rage on within its neighbors' borders.

With so much to see I put together a list of the best places to visit in Senegal to help you plan your trip:

Dakar

Senegal's bustling capital of Dakar is always bursting with vibrant activity and is certainly worthy of a city tour. This is a city of busy streets, colorful markets, and chaotic energy. Do not miss the African Renaissance Monument, which has a tour of the inside and sweeping views of the city up top. Also worth a look is the acclaimed Museum of African Arts, and the new Mouride Mosque, one of the most important religious buildings in the capital of Senegal. Enjoy a drive along the corniche and stop at the bars, clubs or local music halls to feel the local rhythms. If you have time take a day trip to Lac Rose or Pink Lake to see the salt workers who manually collect salt from the Dead Sea of Senegal.

Gorée Island

The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar, just a 30-minute ferry ride away. During the 15th to the 19th Century, this island was one of the largest enslaved people-trading centers on the African coast. With its colonial influence from the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French, the island’s architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim enslaved people’s quarters and the faded elegance of the houses of the colonial slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a stark reminder of human exploitation and is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is yet another UNESCO world heritage site in Senegal.  Explore the old city of Saint-Louis to discover the colorful yet dilapidated French-style colonial buildings. This former capital of Colonial West Africa, and former capital of Senegal was also home to the Atlantic Slave trade by the French.

In contrast to its grim history, Saint-Louis has a vibrant daily life. Many colorful pirogues, used for fishing, line the beaches and inlets of the town. Colorfully dressed women in traditional Senegalese fabrics work and shop in the local markets. People roam the streets, alongside donkey carts, cars, horse and carriages, and overly packed public buses. 

There is a rich local art and music culture with a famous jazz festival held here every May. Probably the most recognizable landmark is the arched steel construction of the Faidherbe Bridge, straddling the Senegal River connecting the African continent with the island of Saint-Louis.

Bandia Wildlife Reserve

Southeast from Dakar, but not too far, is the Bandia Reserve is a small but ecologically important wonder in Senegal. Bandia has succeeded in reintroducing much of the native flora and fauna that has gradually disappeared due to both population pressure and poaching. Take a quick game drive to observe a variety of wildlife ranging from zebra, antelope, giraffe, buffalo, eland, and oryx to kudu, ostrich, rhinos, and crocodiles. It is a birders paradise with more than 120 bird species represented here. 

Optional lion safaris are available in which the humans are in a cage and the lions roam free as part of the sanctuary. Rescued and still young-ish cubs are currently available for viewing.

Joal-Fadiouth

The sleepy fishing town of Joal-Fadiouth is a step back in time. Joal- Fadiouth is actually a 'twin village', in which Joal lies on the mainland while its twin Fadiouth is linked by a narrow 400-meter wooden bridge. 

Amazingly Faidiouth is an island that is built almost entirely of seashells.  In this traditional village lies the famous cemetery where Muslims, Christians, and Animists are buried side by side in perfect harmony. It is a microcosm of Senegal itself.

Touba 

Touba is the holy city of Mouridism, a large Sufi order found in Senegal and the Gambia. At the heart of the holy city lies its Great Mosque, which is purported to be one of the largest in Africa. Within the Great Mosque of Tuba lies the tomb of the Mouride founder himself: Shaikh Aamadu Bamba Mbakke. Interestingly, the city of Touba is governed on its own, separate from the Senegal government. The town teams with visitors during the annual Grand Magal when people flock to the city to honor the famous Sufi scholar and teacher. You should note that the city is very conservative, and women must be covered in dress and headscarf- no pants allowed especially in the perimeter around the mosque. 

Senegambia Stone Circles

Sine Ngayene, also known as the stone circles of Senegal and Gambia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents is one of West Africa's greatest archaeological sites.  The site consists of four large groups of stone circles and associated burial mounds, which represent an astonishing 1,000 plus monuments along a 350 km stretch of the River Gambia. Some excavations have revealed material that dates from between the 3rd century BC and 16th century AD. The sacred landscape reflects provides an insight into an ancient, prosperous, and highly organized society that lasted over a period of 1500 years or so. 

Saloum Delta

The Saloum River Delta is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The delta is formed by three rivers merging into the Atlantic Ocean. The area is full of swampy biodiversity and has more than 200 islands and islets to explore. You can discover the waterways and wildlife on a day trip by traditional, colorful pirogue. 

We anchored in the river and had a fresh, seafood lunch in the water. It was a great experience.

For an extended stay, you can stay at one of the eco-lodges along the river and enjoy the peaceful tranquility in the mangrove forest looking for birds and fish by kayak or just relax in the wonders of the swamp. 

Casamance

South of The Gambia, lies the other part of Senegal, Casamance, along its namesake river. Casamance has been interested in its independence from the rest of Senegal, but to keep its bigger neighbors from encroaching on Casamance, Senegal has kept Casamance under its wing as of the date of this writing. 

Much of today’s Casamance was once the kingdom of Kasa. The former King of Kasa was a big trader with the Portuguese. And so the area takes its name from the Portuguese adaptation of Kasa mansa,  or king of Kasa. In Casamance, you can explore a traditional Jola (Diaola) village, which is found mostly in the Casamance region.  

Also, head to Ziguinchor, which is the typical gateway to the Casamance region. It is a melting pot of all the ethnic groups co-existing in Senegal. Ziguinchor is home to a patchwork of pastel-painted colonial buildings with French and other Euro designs, there’s no denying the historic , colonial character of Ziguinchor.