SENEGAL- A COUNTRY YET TO EXPLORE
Senegal, an independent republic with a democratic government is an ideal place to head in West Africa. Though it is not a favored tourist destination, the welcoming nature of the people makes it an excellent place to experience the African culture. The country is bordered with Mauritania to the north and north east, Mali to the east, Guinea and Guinea Bissau to the south and the Atlantic ocean to the west. It is also encircled by Gambia on its three sides forming the westernmost bulge of Africa.
Senegal has been inhabited since prehistoric times as per the archaeological findings. In the 11th century, Islam came to Senegal and later in 13th and 14th centuries, many European powers came to control. Eventually, France ended up in acquiring areas around cities of Dakar and St. Louis and it was only in 1850 that they began to expand their control to the rest of the Senegalese mainland. The country became independent from France in 1960 and ever since is considered as one of Africa’s model democracies. Today, Senegal is a republic with a president being elected for every 5 years.
Senegal like other African countries has tropical climate having distinct dry and rainy seasons. It is hot from March to May, humid from June to November and dry from December to March. In the interior of the country, the temperature goes as high as 54 degrees making it extremely hot. There is also Cape Verde islands situated 560 kilometers off the Senegalese coast having maritime climate.
ECONOMY
Senegal is mainly an agricultural based country contributing the most to the GDP and foreign income. The main crops grown are cotton and peanuts which also form the major export. The industry sector of the country is also growing including food processing, mining, fish processing, fertilizer production, construction materials and tourism contributing significantly to generate foreign income. Senegal’s economy is one of the fastest growing economies of the world due to the economic reforms and with the help of foreign aid. The oil industry here is also gradually becoming one of the key elements of the economy. The country has become technology driven too by attaining full internet connectivity in 1996. Consequently, the private activity now contributes to 82% of GDP. The local currency is CFA Franc and ATMs can be found in all major towns.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
More than half of the population of Senegal still lives in rural areas and most of them are refugees from Mauritania. There are diverse ethnic groups in Senegal speaking different languages. The largest single ethnic group is the Wolof consisting of 43% of the population. Peul and Fula are the second largest ethnic groups followed by Lebou, Jola, Mandinka, Bassari and many other smaller communities. There is also a minority of European, Lebanese and Chinese workers in the country. People living in Casamance region also represent a mixed community of African and European background. French is the official language used in education system but most people also speak their own ethnic language like Pulaar, Wolof and Diola. The main dominant religion of Senegal is Islam practised by 95% of the population. There are 4% Christians and the rest 1% follow their own indigenous beliefs.
Senegal has a rich culture especially the music which is renowned internationally due to the popularity of mbalax. The Senegalese music heritage is more famous than any other African nation and artists like Youssou N’dour, Akon, Pape Diouf and Baba Maal have become internationally known. Sabar drumming is very famous mostly played in special occasions like weddings. Tama is another popular musical instrument used in most ethnic groups. Illiteracy rate is high, so the government has made free and compulsory education for all till the age of 16.
DAKAR
Dakar is a feverish city brimming with exuberant nightlife, screeching traffic and boundless creativity with live menus and festivals. Travellers can visit to many historical buildings to know the culture and heritage of the country like Chambre de Commerce, Assemblee Nationale, Palais Presidentiel and Gouvernance. Tourists interested in religious sites can visit the cathedral, Mosque de la Divinite and the Grande Mosque sitting in the heart of Medina. Those interested in art and culture can visit the Galerie Arte, Galerie National and Galerie Le Manege which is a spectacular restored 19th century building. IFAN Museum has a great collection of masks and other items from across West Africa. One can also visit the Lighthouse to see the fantastic view of the capital city. Tourists can also taste the culture at the funky hairdressing salon Salon Michele Ka which is also one of the most original art galleries. For entertainment, there are several cinemas showing latest French films, theatres, art performances and wrestling matches.
ATTRACTIONS
• Shopping
Shopping lovers would love shopping in the colourful markets of Senegal having large displays of wood carvings in the form of African game boards, masks and musical instruments, handicrafts, traditional fabric, costume jewellery and pottery. There is a crafts village at Soumbe-dionne where the visitors can see the craftsmen at work and then buy their unique work.• St. Louis
This former capital has narrow, atmospheric streets flanked by beautiful colonial houses, balconies and verandas. Tourists must visit the most fascinating area of the town which is the fishing community.• Cap Vert Peninsula
Tourists can explore Senegal’s underwater world and can find great opportunities for good diving near this peninsula.• Casamance Region
Travelers wishing to experience the local culture can join the ecotourism programme in this wonderful region where a number of activities are especially arranged for the tourists.• Parc National Aux Oiseaux Du Djoudj
This is one of world’s most significant wetland bird sanctuaries and is also listed by UNESCO as World Heritage site. Birdwatchers would love this paradise at the southern edge of Sahara.• Goree Island
Situated on the outskirts of Dakar, this World Heritage listed site was previously a slaving station having long colonial history and packed with attractions such as the Slaves’ House.• Bassari Country
This is an ideal place for sightseeing with rugged hills, wonderful waterfalls and colourful villages providing a fantastic landscape to admire. Tourists can hike to the village and visit the friendly people here.• Parc National de Niokolo Koba
This park is special to house large mammals including Africa’s largest lions, extremely rare elephants, crocodiles and a variety of antelopes. The area covers Sudanese savannah and the Guinea forest.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Senegal has an international airport at the capital Dakar well connected to Europe and all other African countries. Air Senegal International is the national carrier having frequent flights to Cape Verde, Bissau, Banjul, Accra and many other African cities. Lagos can be reached by Virgin Nigeria and has good connections to Morocco, Algeria and Nairobi. Travellers can also book flights through tour operator Nouvelles Frontieres catering cheap charter flights between Dakar and Paris. The country can also be reached by land from the borders of neighbouring countries. There are minibuses and sept-place taxis to Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Mauritania. Taxis and minibuses are the most reliable and cheapest way to commute within the country also. Taxi prices are fixed and can negotiate the most ragged routes of the country too. There is also a daily domestic flight from Dakar to Ziguinchor.
Senegal has developed communication system having good mobile phone coverage and internet facilities in all major cities and tourist attractions. The postal system is good taking a week to ten days to reach Europe through airmail and two to six weeks by surface mails. The media in the country is free and independent although there are many state run TV and radio stations. There are several private and state owned newspapers published daily none of which is in English.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Senegal is famous for its food which is considered the best in whole of Africa because of peanuts used which gives a distinctive taste to local dishes. The cuisine has an unmistakable influence of French cuisine which makes it so delicious. Tourists must try the barbecued chicken in onion and lemon sauce and the herb stuffed fishcakes with rice which are the national dishes. Stuffed mullet, avocado stuffed with shrimp and the peanut sauce are also very popular being served in all main restaurants and clubs. Being a Muslim country, consumption of pork and alcohol is prohibited. However, tourists can enjoy toufam which is a kind of yogurt thinned with sugared water. Mint tea and home roasted coffee with pimento are other national drinks.
There are many hotels of international standard in Dakar and other major towns providing comfortable stay. Some luxury resorts have also been built in the Casamance along with a number of sea front hotels along the strip in Petite Cote more popular among European visitors. There are also guest houses and lodges in rural areas providing basic accommodation and are cheaper than hotels. Some travellers can enjoy staying in the rented hut in the villages close to the local people but they have to make arrangement of their own bedding.
Senegal is thus a recommended visit for the travelers who want to blend with the trendsetters of modern Africa or want to relax in solitude being close to nature.
Click to Hide