Senegal

Senegal is a country that is located in West Africa. It officially became the Republic of Senegal in 1960 after becoming independent from France. Though independent, Senegal still lives with many reminders from their French existence, such as French being one of the main languages spoken in Senegal.

Senegal has a coastal boundary at the Atlantic Ocean on the western side and the inland boundaries are Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania. The coastal boarder functioned as a trade post between colonies during the 17th and 18thcenturies, adding to the cultural diversity of Senegal.

Climate and culture

Senegal is located close to the equator giving the country a tropical climate. It is very humid and the rainfall season occurs during winter.

Rainfall during the rainy season, May to November, can be extreme and occasional rain can be expected during the dry season too.A hot and dry Harmattan wind dominates the dry season. Harmattan winds are hot and dusty winds that are typical to Western African regions.

Residents of Senegal consist mainly of ethnic groups. These residents have made arts and crafts part of their daily lives and uses it for trading at local markets. Crafts include fabrics, woodwork, jewellery and foods.

Activities in Senegal

Senegal is best enjoyed and viewed in organised tour groups. Tour guides are trained and educated to provide the tourist with maximum activities to enjoy in this country.

Senegal is a gorgeous country for sightseeing. There are numerous villages and valleys to visit. Bedik is one such region where various villages can be visited where you can experience the rural life of Senegal and the picturesque landscapes.

Casamance is a fertile valley with waterfalls and sandy beaches. Here you can experience nature, enjoy the tropical weather and cool off in the Atlantic Ocean. In Dakar, the capital of Senegal, you can join a group for deep-seafishing or go fishing in the Senegal River.

If fishing is not your scene, but you want to enjoy the sea life, you can join a diving group. The best months for diving is February through to April, before the rain season commences.

Places of interest

Senegal is mainly a Muslim community and the Grande Mosquée in Médina is a popular attraction. The mosque is closed to the public, but can be viewed from the outside. At night, the minaret is lit and creates a beautiful picture.

Gorée Island is a natural heritage site is located near Dakar. This island was used as a slave island and the Slave House is still a popular tourist attraction. St Louis is also a colonial area and a place to visit to view the colonial history of the country. It still has its charm of a colonial town with its colonial type houses with balconies and verandas.

Senegal also has three national reserve parks where the beauty and tranquillity of the country can be experienced. The parks are known for the bird sanctuaries, the mammals and different species of animals found in the Guinea district and the Savannah areas and the mangrove swamps and lagoons of the Sine Saloum Delta.

Conclusion

Senegal is a French colonial country with many rural villages and establishments as the residents of the country adapted to living in Senegal and created an environment suitable to all the different tribes and cultures. Unfortunately, Senegal still experiences political unrest from time to time and it is best to visit the country with the assistance of experienced tour groups.