Usually known as the ‘smiling coast of Africa,’ West Africa is a novel area with Senegal being considered one of its finest locations – this is why.
When folks consider touring Africa they usually consider Southern Africa (South Africa, Nambia, Botswana), East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda), or North Africa (Morocco, Egypt). However the continent of Africa is actually huge and boasts some 56 international locations – 1 / 4 of the world’s whole.
Whereas Central Africa is mostly very troubled and journey to that area could be very troublesome, the identical just isn’t true of West Africa. Most of West Africa is a travel-friendly a part of Africa that’s regularly neglected. One of many best and safest West African states to visit is Senegal. West Africa has the popularity for blissful and smiling folks, and so it’s known as the “Smiling Coast of Africa”.
Senegal: The Details
- Official Language: French
- Capital And Largest Metropolis: Dakar
- Inhabitants: Round 16 Million
- Independence: From France 1960
- Foreign money: West African Franc
Senegal is likely one of the most developed and steady international locations in Africa and when President Obama visited West Africa in 2013, he visited Senegal. Keep in mind this can be a very various nation made up of many various tribes with their very own cultures, traditions, and languages.
Whereas Senegal is a majority Muslim nation, it’s a secular nation (not like its northern neighbor the Islamic Republic of Mauritania the place amongst different issues, alcohol is forbidden). Additionally, many individuals converse English right here, if you cannot converse French, don’t be concerned.
When To Go
Moist Season: Might To November Very Humid
Dry Season: December To April Scorching And Dry
Optimum: Transition Between The Moist And Dry Seasons (Much less Humid However Nonetheless Inexperienced)
The principle roads in Senegal are excellent they usually actually have a new four-lane divided freeway working previous the capital Dakar. Whereas it’s potential to go on a safari tour in Senegal, West Africa does not actually have all the big animals of Kenya or South Africa.
Visas: Three Month Visa Free For Most Western Passports (New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Switzerland Visa On Arrival)
Dakar
Dakar is the primary metropolis. Right here you will see that every thing you want, buying facilities, golf equipment, bars, and eating places. However actually to get pleasure from Senegal you need to get out and discover the countryside. One must-see in Dakar is the African Human Monument – a memorial to the historic slave commerce from this port.
See: The African Human Monument (Memorial To The Slave Commerce)
Baobab Bushes
Simply out of Dakar are the gorgeous baobab bushes. These fats bushes could be greater than half a millennium previous and are sometimes surrounded by peanut farms. Fortuitously, their wooden is simply too brittle to be of a lot use and they also haven’t been logged. These magnificent bushes could be discovered throughout Senegal.
Somone Lagoon Reserve
The Somone Lagoon Reserve is a shocking lagoon and wetland stuffed with mangroves and scores of nesting birds. On the seaward facet of the lagoon is a shocking seashore. The lagoon is simply a brief drive from Dakar and you’ll rent a driver to take you right here. Simply wave down a taxi and negotiate a value. You can also make this as a day journey or keep on the Somone coastal metropolis.
Issues To Do On The Somone Lagoon Reserve
- Tour: Rent A Boat To Take You Round The Lagoon And See The Many Nesting Birds
- Eat: There A Nice Sea Meals Eating places On The Lagoon
- Swim: The Surf And The Seaside Are Superb
- Do: Solar Bathe On The Seashores
Senegal is a tropical nation and it boasts some of the best sandy beaches in the world. There are scores of coastal accommodations and resorts to be discovered all alongside the coast. Carry your bathing swimsuit, sunhat and loosen up on the seashore with a cocktail. There are so loads of locals providing beachfront massages too!
The Pink Lake
Whereas in Dakar you’ll want to go to the gorgeous Pink Lake (known as Lac Rose in French) just a few 18 miles out of Senegal. The colour is brought on by the algae within the lake and the lake has tremendous excessive salinity (as much as 40% in some locations). It’s only a small lake (1 sq mi) and could be very shallow, max depth of ten toes. However it’s definitely an tour value having whereas in Senegal.
Go to The Gambia
The Gambia is a really oddly formed nation almost utterly surrounded by Senegal. This tiny nation follows the banks of the Gambia River after which it’s named. The Gambia was a British colony and so its official language is English. When you’re in Senegal, visiting The Gambia is one the should issues to do, plus it’s the shortest technique to entry the opposite half of the nation.
The Gambia: Important Data
- Inhabitants: 2 Million
- Visa Necessities: Visa-Free For All Western Nations Besides America (For People The Visa Is Very Straightforward To Get)
- Go to: The Seaside Resorts At Serrekunda
- Do: Take The Ferry Throughout The Gambian River (Its A Actual Expertise)
Briefly, Senegal is each the gateway to the “Smiling Coast” of West Africa and a improbable vacation spot in its personal proper. In case you are considering of visiting West Africa you’ll want to go to Senegal!
About The Creator
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