A saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words.
The spotlight on Senegal as a travel destination for you as an international tourist is worth every penny.
Read through and experience the Country virtually before you decide to visit.
Senegal is located in West Africa and is one of the safest countries to visit and reside in.
Dakar is its capital, and the official language of the Senegalese people is French. The city of Senegal has the privilege of being the last to see the sunrise and sunset. The country of Senegal is known for its hospitality. It is very common for someone who you have met briefly to comfortably invite you over to their home to bring you gifts as a way to appreciate you.
The many reasons why you should consider a visit to Senegal are numerous. Some of which are its various attractions such as its world heritage site, wildlife, music, beaches, arts, markets, beaches, cuisines, unique art, surfing spots, monuments, national parks, music, and lakes.
Senegals Heritage Site:
Senegal is a host to seven world heritage sites; Islands of Goree, Bassari Country, the Island of Saint-Louis, Saloum Delta, Stone Circles of Senegambia, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, and Niokolo-Koba National Park.
- The African Renaissance Monument
The African Renaissance Monument stands at 52 m (171 ft). It was built overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Ouakam suburb. The work depicts three figures which are a man, woman and child who emerge triumphantly from the interior of a metal volcano.
The statue was designed by the Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby and built by Mansudae Overseas Projects, a company from North Korea
On 3 April 2010, the African Renaissance Monument was unveiled in Dakar in front of 19 African heads of states.
The giant landmark brings a great deal of tourist revenue to the country. The unveiling in 2010 marked 50 years of Senegal’s Independence. During the unveiling, President Aboulaye Wade said the monument symbolizes Africa which freed itself from several centuries of imprisonment to receive its place on the land which belongs to all irrespective of races or color. It is impossible to miss the country’s 52meters monument made of bronze.
The unveiling marked Senegal’s 50 years of independence. Senegalese President Aboulaye Wade has said he hopes the public monument will attract tourists to the West African country, and defended the public monument in writing, stating “[t]his African who emerges from the volcano, facing the West … symbolizes that Africa which freed itself from several centuries of imprisonment in the abyssal depths of ignorance, intolerance and racism, to retrieve its place on this land, which belongs to all races, in light, air and freedom.”
- Island of Goree
Gorée as a small island is sheltered by Cap-Vert Peninsula. It was a minor part and site for European settlement along the coast. The Portuguese were the first persons to establish their presence on Gorée in 1450 where they built a stone chapel and used the land as a cemetery.
It was known as the house of slaves after the decline of the slave trade from Senegal in the 1770s and 1780s, the town became an important port for the shipment of ivory, peanuts oil, gum Arabic, and other legitimate products.
- Bassari Country
The Bassarii people reside in Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea Bissau with a population between 10,000-30,000 concentrated in Senegal-Guniea southwest of the Kedougou region.
- TheIslandofSaint Louis
It was the capital of Senegal from 1872-1957. The location of the island and its characteristic colonial architecture give s it a distinct appearance and identity.
- Saloum Delta
It is a river delta in Senegal and it flows into the North Atlantic Ocean. It also extends along the coastline and 35 kilometers inland. It covers 76,000 hectares of the delta with 218 shellfish mounds and artifacts unearthed.
- Stone Circles of Senegambi
The stones contain over 1000 stone circles spread across 350km and it is the largest concentration of stones seen anywhere in the world. The stones found standing apart outside the circles are called frontal stones. When they are connected rows, they are called lyre-stones.
- Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Here, over 400 species of birds inhabit the wetland prominent are the pelicans and flamingos.
- Niokolo-Koba National Park
The park is located in a watered area around the Gambia River. It has a very rich fauna amongst whom are Antelopes, Leopards, Lions, chimpanzees, reptiles, birds, elephants, etc.
SENEGALESE MARKETS
From rainbow-colored fruit stalls to roadside workshops, Senegal’s market provides high-quality, fresh produce to its clientele. The markets share much in common but have their specialties and idiosyncrasies.
SENEGALS BEACHES
Senegal is blessed with amazing and beautiful beaches along its coastline.
Some of these include; Saly beach, lagoon beach, pristine beach, and pink lake.
Saly Beach
This is a seaside area located in the south of Dakar and it is the top tourist destination in all of West Africa. It is a beautiful site to behold as tourists who visit Senegal leave with a wow experience.
Lagoon Beach
This is a great place to swim, take a walk and snorkel around the rocks and corals. The beach is so picturesque and mind-blowing clear and refreshing.
Pristine Beach
One of the best places to feel the region’s calm is pristine as tranquility seekers will love the remoteness overlooking a glorious stretch of water.
Pink lake aka Lac Rose
This lake has been a source of livelihood for the people of Senegal who live around the coastline. Its pink color is caused by the Dunaliella Salina bacteria which is attracted by its salt content which makes the bacteria produce a red pigment to absorb the sunlight thus giving the unique pink color.
SENEGALS TRADITIONAL CUISINES
It offers various mouth-watering cuisines with local dishes having some infusion of French influences from Portugal, the Middle East, France, Vietnam, and America on them as a result of their colonial history. A few of its cuisines are:
Chicken Yassa
This Senegalese dish is very popular in the South-West region of the Country. It is usually prepared through grilling and later cooked in low heat in its marinade.
The meal is usually served with rice.
THIEBOUDIENNE
This is Thieboudienne which means rice and fish. It was created and made famous by a renowned cook named Penda Mbaye.
Selim Crusted Salmon with Fonio
These grains are gluten-free and rich in essential minerals such as iron and zinc. They exist in two forms; white fonio and black fonio
ARTS AND MUSIC
These are a form of expression for the people of Senegal. Its music combines traditional styles, rhythm, and instruments. One of Africa’s famous artists YoussouN Dour achieved worldwide fame with this band.
The Senegal art scene is great to explore as it is a hub for many artists who come to hang out with local native artists. It is also known for its cultural dances like Sabar which have some sex appeal to them and requires you to be energetic to participate in the performance.
Surfing Spots
Senegal is renowned as its surfing destination. It is the best place to go surfing when deciding where to visit.
National Parks
This Country has some protected areas called National Parks or Nature R reserve which allows visitors to understand the ranges of fauna and flora of West Africa. Some National parks include; Basse Casamance National Park, Isles des Madeleines National Park, Langue de Barbarie National Park, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Niokolo-Koba National Park, etc.
Basse Casamance National Park
Isles des Madeleines National Park
Langue de Barbarie National Park
Schedule your next holiday visit to this beautiful Country. It is a great city to behold and experience if you love adventures.