Senegal

ECLETIC • COLOURFUL • FRIENDLY

“The people! The attitude! The chaos!” The West African country of Senegal is a mesmerizing country with plenty of soul and quirkiness. From jazz bar and lively music,  to colourful visuals, remote nature, and wonderful hospitality, Senegal offers rich traditions and natural beauty.

Situated on the tip of a peninsula, Dakar, the capital of Senegal is a safe, bustling, and energetic city known for its toe-tapping and funky music scene, wonderful cuisine, and friendly locals who are excited to show off their home city.

It is where modern buildings intertwine with a vibrant arts scene, cultural traditions, lively markets, and historical sites. Simply put, it’s a fun city.

Lac Rose
A super-salty lake, Lac Rose is famous for its pink colour, especially during the dry season (November to June). It is surrounded by sand dunes and piles of salt, which only makes this lake even more beautiful. Rent a canoe and paddle on the lake because, where else can you experience this fun and unique activity? Or, rent a quad bike and play in the sand dunes.

Îles de la Madeleine
Îles de la Madeleine is a mostly uninhibited archipelago with volcanic rock formations, rare bird species, and unique plant life. The cliffs are steep, having been carved by the sea over millions of years. The tiny islands are believed to be home to the spirit that protects Dakar’s locals.

Senegal River
For a true adventure, take a 7-day boat tour along the Senegal River, which marks the border between Mali to the East, and Mauritania to the North. A variety of wide landscapes, fertile land, historic points of view, forts, villages and the door of Sahara provide a unique vantage from the river. Learn of French colonisation, geography and history, and visit villages dating back to the 13th century.

Prepare for Your Visit
Location
Located at the western point of Africa, West Africa, Senegal is known as the “Gateway to Africa.” It lies at an ecological boundary where semiarid grassland, ocean, and tropical rainforest converge.

Weather
Hot semi-arid climate with a short rainy season and a lengthy dry season. The rainy season lasts from July to October, the dry season for the rest of the year.

Languages
The official language is French.

Currency
West African CFA Franc. ATM’s are available in larger towns.

VISA
Citizens of most countries, including Rwanda, do not need a visa.