In the heat of West Africa the modern global version of a beach holiday can be combined with exciting safari experiences. The hospitable inhabitants welcome tourists, whether by the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, or in the fascinating cities left from the time of colonial rule - with broad boulevards and beautiful colonial style houses. Or there are the beautiful national parks, where flourishing flora and fauna tempt with the promise of lions, elephants, hippopotami - and extraordinary flowers.
Find your travel arrangement to Senegal here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Republique du Senegal
Capital
Dakar
Size
196.190 sq km
Principal Languages
The official language is French, but the locals often speak wolof, pulaar, diola or mandingo.
Principal Religion
Islam
Inhabitants
10,051,930 (1999)
Government
Multiparty democratic rule
Geography
Flat lands, a few hills and mountains and the long, Atlantic coastline characterize Senegal. In Parc National de Niokolo Koba you can see large mammals, of which there are otherwise few - something that the other 550 animal species easily compensate for.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The dry season stretches from December to May, when it is very hot and the Harmattan winds blow hot, dry and dusty air in from the Sahara. The best time to go is between November and March, when it is dry and somewhat cooler. It is very hot, humid and unpleasant between July and September.
Literature
Lonely Planet The Gambia and Senegal
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
The following units of measure are used in Senegal:
Weight: kilogram
Length: kilometre
Volume: litre
Temperature: centigrade
Weight: kilogram
Length: kilometre
Volume: litre
Temperature: centigrade
Photography
It is polite to ask before taking photos of the locals.
Drinking water
You cannot drink the tap water in Senegal. You should either boil it, or buy bottled water.
Electricity
The following current is used in Senegal:
220 V AC, 50 Hz
220 V AC, 50 Hz
Behaviour
When meeting somebody new there is a prolonged handshake - whilst asking about the person's family and health. It might take some time, but it is rude not to shake hands or to let go too quickly.
Business Hours
Shops are open 8.00-12.00 and 14.30-18.00 (Monday to Saturday).
Food and drink
Senegalese cuisine is based on killed fish and poultry, cooked with unique African spices for a partcular taste. Juice made from red flowers, mangos or ginger provide a refreshing alternative to soda water.
Disabled travellers
At present there has been little done much to meet the needs of the disabled, but the government is in the process of developing a plan to make Senegal an easier place for disabled people.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
Independence Day, 4 April
Day Off, 1 May
Assumption Day, 15 August
Christmas DaKorité
(or Eid-al-Fitr, the end of the Ramadan)
Tabaski (Sacrifice feast)
Tamkarit (the Muslim New Year)
Ascension Day
Whit Monday
Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
Easter Sunday
The Islamic calendar year is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian, which causes the holidays to shift a lot each year.
Independence Day, 4 April
Day Off, 1 May
Assumption Day, 15 August
Christmas DaKorité
(or Eid-al-Fitr, the end of the Ramadan)
Tabaski (Sacrifice feast)
Tamkarit (the Muslim New Year)
Ascension Day
Whit Monday
Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
Easter Sunday
The Islamic calendar year is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian, which causes the holidays to shift a lot each year.
Accommodation / Hotel
Overnight accommodation in Senegal primarily consists of hotels in all price ranges. In the major cities you can find anything form large luxury hotels to small, cheap hotels. There aren't usually any luxury hotels outside of the large towns, but there are many middle-range and cheap hotels. Furthermore, you can often find camping sites in connection with the national parks, where you can also find guesthouses, and this also includes by the coast.
Book your Hotel in Senegal here
Book your Hotel in Senegal here
Camping
Camping outside of the official sites is very much discouraged because of the wild animals. You can find camping sites by the national parks and by the coast.
It is possible to stay in a floating Hotel on the rivers in Senegal, but you should always reserve your room in advance during the tourist season, especially in Dakar. hotels are divided into four categories with stars.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
There are guesthouses in the national parks.
Hostels
There aren't many hostels in Senegal, but it is possible to find a cheap place to sleep outside of Dakar.
Local transport
Senegal has a fairly well developed infrastructure, and there are domestic Flights between the major cities. The bus system covers most areas and operate between both larger and smaller towns. You can also take the train, primarily between Dakar and St. Louis and Dakar and Mali.
Planes
Senegal has 20 airports, of which 10 are asphalted. Air Senegal provides domestic Flights between all major cities, including Ziguinchor, Tambacounda , Simenti and Kedougou.
Bus
You can take the bus between the major cities quite inexpensively. Between the smaller towns you can also take a car rapide (express buses), which is often a rather badly chosen name, as they are mostly old and worn vehicles.
Trains
Children travel free until the age of three, and only pay half price until the age of nine. There are trains between Dakar and St. Louis and a train between Dakar and Mali, which stops in the small towns along the way
Taxi
It is cheaper to get a taxi in the streets than call for one. Some taxis will also take you out in the surrounding areas. In Dakar, the price doubles between 24.00 and 05.00. The so-called brousse (bush taxi) operate in the surrounding areas, and are either big cars or trucks - you have to agree with your fellow passengers on where to go, though.
Special conditions
There have been some conflicts in southern Senegal during the past few years, and several people have been killed in the Casamance area when encountering rebel forces. There have also been many anti-personnel mines laid , so it is always a good idea to consult the locals before venturing out on your own.
