6 places in Senegal that you cannot miss

Compared to other African countries, Senegal has a good tourist infrastructure and is also a safe, stable and welcoming place for travelers. In fact, in Africa it is often said that it is the country of "teranga" which in the local language means hospitality.

There is no single reason to visit Senegal because there are actually many reasons to do so. They have beautiful National Parks where you can contemplate wild animals in freedom and where you can enjoy all kinds of landscapes, from mangroves to deserts passing through tropical areas.

Its endless beaches, its interesting colonial architecture, the result of the mixture of styles and its colorful markets will be fascinating. Almost as much as knowing the interesting history of Senegal and its ethnic and cultural diversity.

In short, this African country has all the ingredients to be an unforgettable trip. To achieve this, we give you some ideas of places to visit and some tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Dakar Rally

As I said at the beginning of the post, compared to other African countries, Senegal has a good tourist infrastructure and is a welcoming country with tourists. Perhaps for some people it is not a destination full of comforts but it does have very interesting areas to visit, such as its capital.

Dakar is the westernmost point of the African continent and the capital since 1960. In its streets and squares it is still possible to appreciate the colonial architectural heritage.

Some of the most characteristic places that reflect the history of Dakar are:

• The area of ​​the Barrio de Plateau or the Barrio de la Medina.
• The Plaza de la Independencia where there are French buildings such as the Chamber of Commerce or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Dakar Cathedral, built in 1929.
• The Presidential Palace built in 1906.
• The Kermel Market, the Sandaga market or the Soumbédioune craft market.
• The old train station.
• The IFAN Museum of African Arts.
• Ouakam Mosque along the coast.
• Pointe des Almadies or the beaches of Dakar like Yoff.
• The African Renaissance Monument and the incredible views of the entire city from its vantage point.

Gorée Island

A few kilometers from the coast of Dakar and twenty minutes by train we find the Island of Gorée, which has been part of the World Heritage of Humanity by Unesco since 1978. From the XNUMXth century on, it became one of the main Slave Sales Centers for the Portuguese, Dutch and French.

Here you can visit one of the "slave houses" to learn what the centers of slaves that were destined for the Americas were like. In the upper part there is an exhibition with its history and with elements of control of the slaves such as shackles and others.

However, in this place there is also a space dedicated to the memory of those people represented by the monument to the liberation of slaves.

The rest of the island of Gorée draws attention for its colorful markets, colonial-influenced streets, handicraft stalls and restaurants overlooking the sea.

Visit to the Bassari and Bédik country

A place far from Dakar but one that is well worth knowing is Eastern Senegal, which offers travelers a unique landscape known as Bassari Country. It is a remote region of the country where you can enjoy the most authentic rural Africa.

An incredible natural environment that invites us to know the territories of some of the most traditional peoples of the country such as the Bassari ethnic group or the Bédik and Peul ethnic groups. In this region we can also climb one of the few mountains in Senegal because it is very flat. From here we have a spectacular view of the iconic African savanna.

The Pink Lake

Near Dakar there is a curious natural phenomenon that turns the waters of Lake Retba pink, the one that was the arrival point of the Paris-Dakar rally many years ago.

The unusual color of the water is due to a concentration of minerals, microorganisms and salt. It is a very special place to take original photographs.

Dindefelo waterfall

Located 35 km from Kedougou and a short distance from Guinea, the Dindefelo waterfall is not only a natural paradise but also a mystical place for the surrounding tribes. It is not an easily accessible place but it is very worthwhile to observe its natural environment and power, in addition, as the water of a 100-meter high waterfall falls on you.

Casamance

The landscapes in this southern region of Senegal are very different from the rest of the country. It is a fertile place with lush vegetation that is known as the barn of the country.

Summer is a very rainy season but there are several areas to explore in Casamance such as Carabane Island (where you can see dolphins), Oussouye, the mangroves in Seleki or Cap Skirring, which has the most spectacular beaches in Senegal.

Tips for visiting Senegal

• Spanish citizens do not need a visa since 2015 to enter Senegal for a stay of less than three months. To enter Senegal your passport must be valid for more than 6 months.
• Regarding vaccines, it is always best to request an appointment and visit the International Vaccination Center closest to your province. There an expert will inform you.
• Given the few health infrastructures in the country, it is best to take out travel insurance.