10 Reasons You Really Need to Head to Senegal

Senegal has the most developed infrastructure in the region for tourism, making large cities like Dakar to remote villages accessible and safe. No one drinks the water, so bottled Kirene is widely available. Need a driver? It’s an easy ask. Seemingly everyone has a friend who dabbles in the professional arts of cabbing (though forget any expectations of an air-conditioned vehicle). Typical traveler needs have well been accommodated for, especially in the northern part of the country and the coast between Dakar and St. Louis.

Senegal in known for its chill, laid back people who are curious and excited to have foreigners exploring their country. Everyone will ask you where you are from and make sure you are having a good time in Senegal. If someone invites you over for a home cooked meal, jump at the chance. Since meals are eaten communally, you’ll find yourself in the midst of story time for hours over attaya (strong black sugary tea) and thieboudienne (national fish stew dish).

In the Collines de Niassam, you can spend the night in a Baobab tree that would make the Little Prince Jealous. Literally. Fulfill those childhood dreams of having your very own treehouse for a few nights. Shower inside the mighty Baobab’s roots and sleep in its branches. The tree is a symbol of strength, and of the African continent, and it’s an experience to never forget.

The oldest art event in Africa, Dak’art is a biennial that culls artists from across the African continent every other May and brings an energy to Dakar that’s infectious and important. The contemporary African arts scene is getting more attention with Dakar being a site for international engagement—and Dak’art has played a central role in this development. Part stage to showcase the depths of contemporary African creativity, part economic initiative, Dak’art is a must-see for anyone looking to engage with African culture.

No big deal, just sit meters away from Youssou N’dour or Souleymane Faye (aka the Bob Marley and Bob Dylan of West Africa) either at the official venue or the smaller clubs in this former French colonial capital and port town with a New Orleans feel. The Jazz Festival began in 1993 and has become a must-stop for musicians on the international scene every spring. Why? Senegal is so famous across the globe for its music culture, and the sounds of drums and crooning voices waft over the city when this festival comes to town.

Senegal used to be home to 40,000 lions (making the king of the jungle the country’s national symbol), alas there aren’t too many around anymore but hyenas in the Collines, giraffes in the Bandia Reserve, and rhinos in the Fathala Wildlife Reserve offer the great animals of Africa without the super touristy vibe of a safari.

The most politically stable country in the region, Senegal has been a stable and functional democracy since its independence in 1960. There have only been three presidents in its independent history, all of whom have a low-index of corruption. If you’ve never encountered the words of president and poet, Leopold Senghor Sandal, change that—by going to his architecturally incredible (and untouched for 40 years) Maison de Senghor in Dakar.

You can get lost for hours in Senegalese markets, discovering artisanal finds while learning more about the lifecycle of discarded Western goods in Sandaga, Kermel, and HLM—all located in Dakar. The best markets typically are on the side of the highways. But when in large cities, be careful of bullying vendors and pickpockets.

Confront the horrors of colonialism against the utterly painstakingly beautiful Isle de Gorée, the most western-facing island off the coast of Dakar, which became the point of departure for over two million slaves during the 17th and 18th centuries. Heartbreaking and haunting, UNESCO-heritage site, Gorée is also one of the best preserved colonial outposts in the Atlantic, making the contradiction and learning opportunity one of the most important places for Western history there is.

Hop aboard a 1950s steam ship on a six-day cruise that departs from St. Louis and goes up the river that divides Senegal from Mauritania with stops at the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, the untouched colonial-era Walo port of Dagana, and the pioneering town Richard-Toll (Richard’s Garden). The journey ends in the completely preserved colonial port of Podor. The sites on this trip are enriched with history and remarkable sunsets.