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.

Senegal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Africa, which is home to Dakar and Saint Louis, two dynamic cultural hubs. Senegal is also home to several diverse wildlife parks, including the Niokolo-Koba National Park, the Oiseaux du Djoudj National Park, and the Bandia Game Reserve. Senegal is known as the land of “teranga”, which is the Senegalese value of hospitality, respect, and community. Teranga is a Wolof word (one of the national languages) that encompasses the Senegalese spirit of warmth and friendliness to visitors. Visitors to Senegal are sure to experience a warm welcome on their arrival, as well as throughout their visit. The Senegalese beaches are beautiful and sandy, with rich populations of fish. Savory Senegalese food is sure to tempt your taste as well.

How to get to Senegal

Many international flights from the US and Europe flying into Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR) arrive in the middle of the night between 2:00 am and 4:00 am. Exhausted and jet-lagged, you’ll find it’s not a bad idea to have a driver waiting for you to avoid being accosted by locals offering taxi services and having to haggle over prices in French. Most hotels either have a pick-up included or can arrange one for you at an additional cost.

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Senegal

To enter Senegal, a passport valid for at least six months from entry is required for most nationals ensure you check with your embassy, You may be refused entry if no evidence of return or onward travel or proof of accommodation can be produced, Visitors to Senegal require a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries.

The health sector of Senegal

Senegal’s health system is pyramidal, with three main parts: a central level, a regional level, and a peripheral level. Health centers are at the top, with one to two medical doctors and 15-20 people as part of the health staff. Health posts are below these, with four or five health workers. But for foreign travelers may only have access to private hospitals so ensure you purchase travel insurance for traveling to Senegal in case of any emergencies

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Senegal

Though a yellow fever vaccine isn’t required to enter Senegal, it’s recommended, as are malaria pills and a typhoid vaccine. Using good mosquito repellent, carrying tissues (as toilet paper can be scarce in public spots), and wearing sunblock are all essential. It can also be extremely dusty during the dry season, so having allergy pills on hand can also be helpful.

Currency of Senegal

The country uses the West African CFA franc as the legal tender. Senegal depends on economic aid from developed nations. The headquarters for the West African States’ Central Bank is based in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. But ATM machines can be found in the major towns and foreign currency can be exchanged into west African francs but you should reframe from using your credit card a lot rather than take cash with you and they should be new banknotes.

Official Language of Senegal

In Senegal, English is taught as a second language. French is the official and colonial language used for administrative and academic purposes. However, there are several ethnic groups; therefore six different local languages are spoken in different parts of the country.

Best time to travel to Senegal

The best time of year to travel to Senegal is between November and May, during the dry season. Throughout this period, the temperature tends to be around 25 degrees Celsius. However, between June and October, precipitation is very frequent and the temperatures sometimes 30 degrees Celsius or above.

What to wear in Senegal

Senegalese women wear long sarongs; as a Western woman, it may be considered disrespectful for you to wear the native dress, so you’re better off in skirts or dresses that go to the ground. A woman may also pack long pants, as this garment is becoming more accepted for women. There is really no dressing code for men except if you’re going to visit government offices you may need to tuck in and dress more official but at the tourist sites there is really much concern

What to bring while traveling to Senegal

Pack long pants or long skirts. Choose pants that are loose-fitting and made from a lightweight fabric like cotton or linen blends, since temperatures in the inland cities can approach or surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack two or three pairs of pants or skirts that you can wear multiple times during your trip.

• Walking shoes or sandals
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Money belt
• Copies of documents
• Long pants or skirts
• Long-sleeved tops
• Underwear
• Socks
• Pajamas

Car hire and driving in Senegal

As infrastructure and roads aren’t great and traffic is maddening (since there are few rules), it’s best to hire a driver rather than renting a car or hopping on an over-packed bus. Prices for both guides and drivers are extremely low, and you can always try to strike a bargain.

Accommodation in Senegal

Dakar is the capital of Senegal, in West Africa. It’s an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Its traditional Médina quarter is home to the Grande Mosquée, marked by a towering minaret. The Musée Théodore Monod displays cultural artifacts including clothing, drums, carvings, and tools. The city’s vibrant nightlife is inspired by the local mbalax music and accommodation is pretty decent also in the beach sides and popular tourist attractions will have hotels in place however if you go Rural there may be no accommodation facilities available.

Local food of Senegal

The national dish of Senegal, this boldly flavored combination of fish, rice, and vegetables simmered in tomato sauce is a hearty one-pot meal. You can make it with any fish or vegetables you have on hand, including potatoes, cassava, squash or pumpkin, and plantains.

Tipping while Travelling in Senegal

Tipping is not a common practice in Senegal. Unless the service you receive deserves extra recognition, gratuities are not warranted but at the popular tourism destinations tipping is in place, and feel free to Tip the guides or the hotel staff.

Further information for Senegal

Is a country in western Africa that is south of the Senegal River. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west. Mauritania is to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea-Bissau and Guinea to the south and it’s one of the most visited countries in West Africa.

Safety of Senegal

One of the most common questions we hear is if Senegal is safe for travelers – yes, Senegal is safe but like any other destinations, petty crime does happen in large crowds. Keep a lookout for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Once you get to know the locals, tourist destinations are pretty safe only travelers need to use common sense and keep their valuables with extra care.