Top 10 Things About Senegal You Should Know Before Travelling
Senegal is one of the African countries that has drawn a large number of tourists. Senegal, sometimes known as the "Gateway to Africa," is a welcoming country ... read more...for visitors. However, many individuals search the internet for information about Senegal. You should do the same before traveling to Senegal. Is it safe to travel to Senegal, despite their hospitality? This is a popular question among travelers and prospective visitors. Here are some Things About Senegal Should Know Before Travelling to get you started.
-
Senegalese are Friendly, which is one of the Things About Senegal You Should Know Before Travelling. Senegalese folks are really nice. The people are not only kind but also incredibly accommodating. They are most likely the most polite people in Africa. They are not only respectful in their greetings, but they also use a subtle and attractive accent when interacting with others in French. If you speak and understand French and desire to visit Senegal, you will have a fantastic vacation.
One thing to remember in Senegal is that Senegalese will always make eye contact with you when they inquire about your well-being. Even the children are sweet and respectful. You will undoubtedly want to photograph them. Another thing you may not know about Senegal is how restaurants and hotels are treated. They are not interested in your money, but rather in providing you with appropriate lodging. Dakar, Senegal's capital, boasts a plethora of local eateries where you can order meals of your choice. Senegal's great treatment of its people should not entice you. They are a part of it.
-
Whatever you want to accomplish in a country, your safety always comes first. Is it safe to travel to Senegal? This is a question that every prudent tourist should ask. One thing you may not realize about Senegal is that it is really safe. The country is safer than most others in Africa. Unlike in some other countries, you may walk around Senegal's capital and other cities without feeling endangered. You may come across merchants hawking tours or souvenirs, but you will never be compelled to buy anything. They are not interested in your money, but rather in providing you with appropriate lodging. Dakar, Senegal's capital, boasts a plethora of local eateries where you can order meals of your choice. Senegal's great treatment of its people should not entice you. They are a part of it.
If you are involved in a car accident, wait at the scene and do not move your vehicle until a police officer gives you permission. However, if you do not feel safe or if a huge crowd is gathered, leave the site and report to the nearest police station to avoid any conflict between the parties involved. Your documents may be kept by the police for a few days until the case is closed. As a result, it is advised that you bring certified photocopies that will be approved by the police.
-
Ebola does not exist, which is one of the Things About Senegal You Should Know Before Travelling. Only one case of Ebola was reported in the country in 2014. Ebola posed no threat to human life. Because of the cholera risk, you should only drink boiled or bottled water in Senegal. Avoid going to a messy restaurant if you don't want to spend too much money. You should only eat at a spotless restaurant. This will go a long way toward preventing diarrhea among travelers. If you suffer from asthma due to dust and pollution, keep your inhaler with you at all times.
Malaria is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitos. Malaria patients frequently experience fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. They may develop serious problems and die if left untreated. In 2020, an estimated 241 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide, with 627,000 people dying, the majority of them being children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The great majority of cases in the United States are in tourists and immigrants returning from malaria-endemic countries, many of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Malaria is a common condition in most African countries, therefore bring your anti-malaria medication.
-
Is it safe to visit Senegal? Yes, this is because of the country's tolerance. There is no documentation of religious tensions or the history of the war in Senegal. The country is tranquil. It has more Muslims than Christians or people of other faiths. They do, however, intermarry and attend the worship venues of each partner. One thing to know about Senegal is its dress style. Dress appropriately for a country with a higher proportion of Muslims by covering your arms and legs. You should do this, especially if you are traveling to the main mosque in Senegal's capital.
Senegal is recognized for being a safe country, and while visitors, particularly female solo travelers, should take the usual precautions when traveling alone, traveling here alone should not pose any major concerns. The residents are welcoming, and robberies and violent violence against tourists are rare.
-
Food is one of the Things About Senegal You Should Know Before Travelling. Every supper in Senegal will most likely include fish or beef. If you are a vegetarian, you may have a difficult time in the country if you have not prepared carefully. If you go to a typical restaurant, your options will be limited to fish, chicken, beef, or lamb. These are typically used to season rice or chere, a millet-based dish. If you are a vegetarian, you will most likely have to eat potatoes, grains, fruit, and juice. Seasoning is typically used as a base and is made using herbs, lemon juice, onions, and tomatoes.
There are a few American, Arabic, and French restaurants in larger towns like St. Louis and Dakar. If you don't want to struggle with food as a vegan, you should live in these cities. Dakar's Cafe and Cremina Gelato is excellent. Don't leave the nation without paying them a visit. They're fantastic. -
If there is one thing you should not miss when visiting Senegal, it is their beautiful beaches. Many tourists from many continents visit the country for beach vacations. There are numerous beach resorts to visit for enjoyment. Property for rent is also available near Somone beach, which is close to the Saly neighborhood. These rental properties range in price, so you can rent one while visiting the country. As a tourist in the country, there is plenty of amusement and enjoyment to be had, such as taking a boat trip on the lagoon. Don't forget to stop by the mangroves and pick up some souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. There are numerous fishing settlements along the shore. It is critical to understand that some beaches are not suitable for swimming. They are frequently congested by both fishermen and local boats.
Senegal features 330 miles (531 kilometers) of beautiful Atlantic coastline within close reach of the capital, providing enough opportunity for undisturbed sunbathing. The Petite Cote, which stretches south from Dakar, is a swath of bustling coastal towns, sleepy fishing villages, and picturesque beaches. Saly is Senegal's beach vacation hotspot, but dodge the throng by staying at Tama Lodge, a boutique hotel on the outskirts of neighboring Mbour. The lodge's restaurant serves a fresh cuisine of local produce, and the accommodations are only a few steps away from a beautiful curve of palm-studded beach. Visitors may sip a fresh coconut and watch muscled Senegalese wrestlers practice "la Lutte," the country's national sport, from the comfort of its sun loungers.
-
One thing you should not forget is the animal encounter in Senegal and West Africa as a whole. Drought has wiped off some species. To combat this, several reserves have been established to replenish animal populations. Various animals are transported from various African countries. You will see monkeys, rhinos, zebras, buffalos, elands, and gazelles. When visiting Senegal, go to Bandia Park to witness these creatures. It's entertaining and visually appealing. A drive-by safari takes a couple of hours to get there. Because of the low shrub, these animals are plainly seen in June. If you like birds or enjoy seeing them, there are many to see. A boat safari to either Barbarie National Park or Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary will allow you to witness over 400 different bird species.
Senegal has a diverse range of flora and animals due to its four major habitats (forest, savanna grassland, freshwater, marine, and coastline). However, rising human activity and changes in weather patterns, including higher rainfall deficits, are harming and destroying natural environments. This is especially obvious in the case of forests, which were being destroyed at a pace of 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) each year in the five years leading up to 2010.
-
The Lompoul Desert is one of the country's deserts. The sand in this desert is clean and attractive. It is impossible to observe anyone in the vicinity of Desert Ecolodge. You can stay nearby to get a sense of heaven under the cloud. The tented sites include running water, a proper toilet system, and comfy beds.
The Lompoul desert is a minor desert of around 18 km2 located about 145 kilometers south of Saint-Louis, Senegal. It contains orange sand dunes that make a scenery comparable to that of the Sahara and Mauritania, making it a famous Senegalese tourist site. Camel trekking, sand dune buggies, spectacular landscapes, and other incredible activities are available.
The desert also hosts the "Festival du Sahel" which erupts from the Lompoul dunes once a year to highlight the region's culture and music. Festivalgoers ride camels over the sands and dance into the night to the sounds of traditional instruments. Since 2009, the festival has taken place. -
Transportation Fare is one of the Things About Senegal You Should Know Before Travelling. You should be aware that traveling to Senegal is not inexpensive. This directly contradicts people's beliefs about the cost of goods in Africa. The cost of tourism in the United States of America is about the same as the cost of any tourist-related enterprise in the country. Locals in the nation rarely dine outside unless there is convenient access to street food. Restaurants cater to both ex-pats and visitors. This is to advise you to come to Senegal financially equipped.
Stilled bottled water costs $2-3 while sparkling water costs $7 to $10. Meals vary in price but can cost roughly $25. (without alcohol). There are 3-star and 5-star hotels in the nation. The freshly constructed hotels feature every amenity imaginable. A night at such a hotel will cost you between $200 and $300. -
Senegalese people, like their African siblings, have time leisure notions. Keep this in mind to prevent becoming irritated. Your tour or road journey might be delayed for many hours. People are never hurried. Before your passport is stamped, the immigration authorities will most likely want to speak with you. The individual with whom you have an appointment may not show up again or maybe forgotten. You must acclimate to this culture and prioritize social interactions above timeliness.
African time (or Africa time) refers to the apparent cultural predisposition in regions of Africa and the Caribbean to be more easygoing with time. This is sometimes used negatively in reference to being late for appointments, meetings, and activities. This encompasses the more leisurely, easygoing, and less rigidly planned lifestyle prevalent in African countries, particularly in contrast to the more clock-bound pace of everyday life observed in Western countries. As a result, it is comparable to time orientations in other non-Western cultural locations.