Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in West Africa. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. The Gambia lies to Senegal’s west, with both countries separated by waters of the Gambia River and its tributaries.
Before You Go
Before you visit Senegal, there are some things you should do and pack. First, you’ll want to inform your credit card company that you’re traveling in West Africa—specifically Senegal. You might not realize it, but some credit card companies place a block on your card if they notice unusual spending activity in an area with a history of fraud. This is especially true if your purchases are inconsistent with previous behavior—so while purchasing travel gear for West Africa may seem logical, it could flag fraudulent activity. If you have a business debit or charge card tied directly to your checking account and credit cards tied directly to your savings account, don’t worry about informing anyone about unusual activity.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Senegal
When You Arrive
The process of flying into Senegal from other African countries is a little tedious, but don’t worry—it’s worth it. First, you have to catch a connecting flight to your origin city and land in one of Senegal’s main cities: Dakar, Saint-Louis, or Thies. Then you have to go through customs (make sure you have all your paperwork in order) and find transportation to your final destination. Once that is all taken care of, you can focus on all that Senegal has waiting for you!
Getting Around
Senegal is a country on Africa’s west coast, and getting around can be relatively easy. Most cities in Senegal have taxis, buses, and bush taxis; traveling between them takes about two hours. For example, take a bush taxi from Dakar or Touba to Saint-Louis and you’ll pay about $25 for four people for two hours of travel. The only thing about these types of transportation is that they are always packed with locals. If you prefer not to ride with others it’s best if you purchase your own vehicle or rent one from an international car rental company like Hertz which offers vehicles in all major cities.
Where To Stay
Dakar – Senegal is a country in West Africa and you can visit it by taking a flight to Dakar, the Senegalese capital. There are many luxurious hotels available in Dakar. You can choose one of these hotels depending on your budget and taste. But if you’re looking for cheap options then consider staying at Chez Helene or Riad Yemma which both offer standard accommodation options with courteous service at affordable prices. However, if you want a homely feel then I recommend the Toubab Dialogue guesthouse which offers luxury facilities with a warm welcome from its staff and owner.
Where To Eat
Saint-Louis, Senegal is an interesting city. Historically significant, geographically unique, and home to beautiful local cuisine, it’s a place worth exploring for more than just its role in history. Now known as a city of commerce and trade with access to some of West Africa’s biggest markets, Saint-Louis has seen an increase in tourism numbers over recent years, particularly with regard to trekkers looking for an alternative travel experience in Senegal. Here are three restaurants offering traditional Senegalese dishes that should be on your itinerary if you find yourself traveling through Saint-Louis
What To Do
Depending on your interests, traveling in Senegal can range from beautiful to hard work. Senegal is known for gorgeous beaches, natural settings, and mountains that are perfect for trekking and hiking. Traveling through West Africa can be difficult and uncomfortable but well worth it if you’re looking for a challenge and adventure. If you’re lucky enough to have time between events, try visiting some of Senegal’s famous landmarks such as the Sine Saloum Delta (Africa’s second-largest river delta), Mosque of Augustine in Saint-Louis, Mount Coude/Kinkony National Park in Saint-Louis/Niger border and Place de l’Indépendance in Dakar – Senegal’s capital city.
Safety Tips
Before traveling, make sure you’re up-to-date on all of your routine shots (tetanus and polio booster, measles-mumps-rubella, and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus). And before crossing a border with children, ask your doctor about bringing an international certificate of vaccination.
FAQs
What Visas Do I Need? Most visitors to Senegal don’t need a visa. Those who plan on staying longer than 90 days or arriving by plane will need to apply for a Visa. For most travelers, that means you’ll need your return flight information, how much money you have in your bank account, and how much money you plan on spending in Senegal. If approved, visas are valid for three months from the date of issue. Where Should I Stay? Most of Senegal’s major cities offer tourist-friendly hotels and reasonable rates, but if you’re looking for real Senegalese culture head out into rural areas where hosts can show you day-to-day life. How Can I Get Around?
