Travel guide – senegal
senegal
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Overview
Located on the northwestern bulge of Africa, at the continent's most westerly point, the small Republic of Senegal sits on the Atlantic Ocean between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, with another country, The Gambia, almost entirely enclosed within it.
Its name is said to be derived from the Wolof name for the dugout canoes used by fishermen. Today the brightly painted, specially designed pirogues are at the heart of one of Senegal's main national sports, canoe racing, which takes place along various stretches of the coast. The dugouts are still used by fishermen who navigate the waters of the 250-mile long (402km) coastline in the age-old tradition that is the most common activity after farming, and the most important supply of export revenue. Fish is also the main source of protein for the Senegalese who consume the greatest amount of fish in the world, possibly second only to the Japanese.
The sun shines almost all year round on hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, estuaries, mangrove swamps, savannah and a semi-desert in the north. The Casamance region, a strip of land stretching from east to west across the country below The Gambia, boasts some of the best beaches in West Africa, and is one of the most touristic parts of Senegal, a vision of tropical splendour with lush forests, coconut palm groves, brilliant flame trees and bougainvillea, and warm waters brushing the endless stretches of sandy beaches. Hotels bordering the beaches make coastal Casamance a holiday paradise for visitors. The modern capital city of Dakar, situated on the tip of the Cap Vert peninsula, is a vibrant hive of local and international activity, where businessmen rub shoulders with tourists and traditionally dressed Senegalese amid the confusion of gleaming hotels, cafes, colourful open-air markets and the medina (old quarter). Just two miles (3km) offshore lies Gorée, an island that was the most important slave depot in West Africa between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Not only does Senegal offer seaside resorts, a fascinating history, and a modern business infrastructure, but there are also national parks rich in flora and fauna, excellent scuba-diving and fishing opportunities, a diversity of cultures and customs, and a warm welcome by its people who adhere to the traditional values of respect for others, good manners and hospitality.
Regions and cities within Senegal...
Dakar
Climate
The weather is generally hot and humid all year. There are two seasons: the rainy season from June to October and the dry season between November and May. Humidity is highest during the rainy season and sea temperatures are warmer during this period. Rainfall varies from 12 inches (300mm) in the extreme north to 59 inches (1,500mm) in the far south, and although showers don't last very long they can cause disruption to transport. Dry season temperatures average between 72°F and 86°F (22°C and 30°C). Dakar temperatures average 75° F (24°C) from January to March, 77° F to 81° F (25°C to 27°C) in April, May and December, and 86° F (30°C) between June and October.
Health
Stomach troubles are the most common complaint with visitors to Senegal, so travellers should watch what they eat and drink; do not drink untreated tap water. Malaria is prevalent throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. A yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry to Senegal; other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, polio, tetanus and typhoid. Outbreaks of meningococcal infections occur and vaccination is recommended for travel during the dry season (November to May). Outbreaks of cholera also occur. There is a risk of bilharzia, and visitors should avoid contact with stagnant, fresh water. Medical facilities are good in Dakar, but are limited in the rest of the country, and travellers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance.
The basics
Time
Local time is GMT.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.
Language
The official language is French, but there are six other national languages spoken, including Wolof, which is the most widely used, as well as numerous other dialects.
Tipping
A service charge of 10 to 15% is included in larger hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
Safety
Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free, but street crime and pick-pocketing, especially in Dakar, are common. Visitors are advised to conceal valuables from the public eye. Travel by road in the Casamance region west of Kolda is unsafe due to the activities of separatist rebel groups, and should be avoided.
Customs
The majority of the population is Muslim and it is generally a conservative society where dress and behaviour should be modest, especially outside the main tourist areas. Acts of homosexuality are illegal. Greetings are important.
Communications
The international dialling code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). No city codes are required. The telephone system is one of the most developed in Africa and there are numerous telephone centres for making both local and international calls. Two operators provide cell phone coverage. Cyber cafes offer Internet connections in the main cities.
Duty Free
Travellers to Senegal over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or tobacco products; perfume for personal use; or gifts to the value of CFAF 5,000. The import of spirits is not duty-free.
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