Travel guide Sénégal
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Practical information for travel au Sénégal
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What to see what to do au Sénégal?
Where to go au Sénégal?
The most beautiful tourist sites
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Discover the most beautiful addresses selected by the authors of Petit Futé.
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Featured articles du Sénégal
Sénégal, le paradis africain
Updated on 22/09/2025 Ideas for holidays & weekend
Sur la pointe de l'Afrique de l'Ouest se trouve le Sénégal, un pays qui réserve aux voyageurs un dépaysement assuré. Chaque coin de ce territoire diffère en fonction de son panorama, des peuples...
Where to go in December ? The best destinations in 2025
Updated on 06/02/2025 Ideas for holidays & weekend
With winter well underway and the festive season just around the corner, are you in the mood to get away from it all? But where to go in December? Christmas markets, sunny destinations, the first snows?...
10 destinations destinations to travel by speaking French!
Updated on 16/04/2024 Activities and experiences
© Guenterguni You dream of discovering new landscapes, new cultures, but the language barrier frightens you a little? Don't worry, speak French opens many doors and borders around the world! From North...
How to travel au Sénégal
How to go alone
It is advisable to book your accommodations in advance. This will greatly facilitate your trip. Although Senegal is generally a safe country (even if the Sahel and Casamance areas sometimes experience some unrest), do not forget that it is a poor country and that your wealth can attract greed: be vigilant. Having a local guide can be useful.
How to go on a tour
Stays on the beaches of Saly, cultural tours, discovery of typical villages, excursions in the desert, travel up the Senegal River... there are many organized trips to discover the country of Teranga. It is up to you to choose the option that suits you according to your budget, your desires and your availability.
How to get around
In Senegal, public transportation (in town or to connect towns) is not very reliable in terms of schedules and comfort. However, you can opt for the taxi-brousse or the fast bus to travel the African way. Cabs are very useful in the streets of Dakar (even if the traffic is often infernal). To leave Dakar, renting a car is often the most practical. Finally, pirogues are picturesque and frequent in Casamance and in the Sine-Saloum.
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Travel au Sénégal
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks au Sénégal
From the hectic capital to the picturesque city of Saint-Louis, via the bolongs of Sine-Saloum or Casamance and the country's animal reserves, Senegal offers a multitude of itineraries and possibilities for excursions that you would have to stay at least a month to discover all its riches. However, in about ten days, it will be possible for you to get a good overview of the Teranga country. The classic itinerary consists of discovering Dakar and the Cape Verde peninsula, spending a few days in the north of the country, having a good time on the Petite Côte and crossing the Sine-Saloum mangrove swamp in a pirogue. For those who have the time, Casamance and eastern Senegal are green regions where animist traditions have remained intact. And the Fouta-Toro, a trip back in time along the Senegal River. Although the option is expensive, renting a car will save you precious time.
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Discover le Sénégal
Originally a land of broken empires, Senegal was unified under French colonization, between wars and cooperation. Over time, the different ethnic groups living on its territory have learned to live together harmoniously, in exemplary harmony. Today, this multi-ethnic country, with its diverse religions and popular beliefs, is a veritable cultural mosaic with deeply-rooted traditions. From popular festivals to animist ceremonies and religious pilgrimages, Senegal lives to the rhythm of a myriad of festivities throughout the year. Not to mention its International Jazz Festival, renowned beyond its borders for its eclectic program, which takes place in the enchanting colonial city of Saint-Louis. The country also boasts a wealth of handicrafts, from wood carvings and hand-weaving to glass painting and basketry.
The 12 keywords au Sénégal
#Peanut
From the roots to the leaves, the whole peanut plant is consumed in Senegal! We find its seeds in aperitif, roasted and salted, its leaves in the mafé sauce accompanying beef or mutton, its oil in the binders of soaps or its roots in medicinal herbal teas. In short, an essential product for Senegalese households!
#Ataya
It designates the Senegalese people's favourite ritual, that of having tea with family or friends, around long discussions. A real moment of sharing and relaxation, where one takes the time to enjoy three glasses of mint tea. "The first is bitter like life, the second is strong like love and the last is sweet like death. Unbelievable!
#Bolong
Specific to the ecosystem of the Sine-Saloum and Casamance regions, the bolong is an arm of the sea subject to the rhythms of the tides, which can sink up to 250 km inland. It is bordered by mangrove to mangrove swamps and its waters are rich in fish, oysters and cockles. It is also home to many species of birds.
#Dibiterie
It is in these stalls, sometimes makeshift, that dibi, grilled meat is bought, generally mutton, but which is available according to availability. Well seasoned, it is served in bread, with onions and sometimes French fries. However beware of the tourista, these establishments are far from the recommended hygiene standards.
#Shea
A common species in the savannahs of West Africa, the shea tree, which means "butter tree" in Wolof, grows in eastern Senegal, near Kédougou. Its nuts are used to make a very greasy butter, renowned for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is sold raw on the markets or used in cosmetic products.
#Mbalax
Popularized in the 80s by Youssou N'dour, mbalax embodies the Senegalese musical identity. This highly distinctive and easily recognizable music mixes ternary rhythms and percussion, and is accompanied by frenzied dancing. In cabs, in nightclubs or at a popular party, mbalax is consumed without moderation!
#Palaver
The palaver is a whole art of living in Senegal. In the shade of a big tree, we discuss the village's problems and try to solve them. Sometimes, these long discussions are idle, just to pass the time, to have tea. It also takes on the meaning of "tchatche" during negotiations, a technique to better convince.
#Pirogue
The name of the country would come from the Wolof "sunu gal", our dugout canoe. These long boats, often dug out of a single tree trunk, are mainly used by fishermen, who overload them with fish. In Mbour, Kayar and Saint-Louis, their alignments offer a colourful snapshot and the return of the fishermen, a striking spectacle.
#Greetings
Whether in Arabic, Wolof or French, greetings are of paramount importance in Senegal. To address someone without having greeted them is even a real affront! On the telephone, in the street and in offices, people are always asked if the person is well. News often drags on from family to work.
#Teranga
A leitmotif throughout the country, teranga refers to Senegalese hospitality: humble, warm and generous. Much more than a value, it's a state of mind shared by all ethnic groups, in a desire to live together harmoniously. From a warm welcome to a wide range of invitations, the Senegalese know how to welcome you!
#Tiep bou dien
It is the national dish of Senegal, listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Made of rice cooked in a tomato sauce, it is served with fish with a spicy stuffing and fresh vegetables, such as white cabbage and sweet potatoes. Often on the menu, it is eaten with friends or family, with a spoon or by hand.
#Thiouraye
Incense based on bark, aromatic plants and resin, it is the weapon of seduction of Senegalese women, each of which has its own recipe! Their fragrances, musky and heady, quickly turn men's heads. Traditionally, thiouraye is used to embalm houses and clothes, but also for mystical purposes.
You are from here, if...
You know your friend's wife's distant uncle's cousin's son, because here the network of contacts is so vast that you always have a common acquaintance, even 200 km away!
Palavering in the shade of a baobab tree, glass of tea in hand, has become your favorite pastime. After all, you're among friends, chatting all afternoon about the latest village news.
At every street corner, you stop to greet your friends, and after a few hours, you still haven't arrived at your destination, because you've had to check on the parents, businesses and health of each of your friends, without forgetting anyone!
You let yourself be carried away by the frenetic rhythms of the mbalax, even though you know that you're not up to Senegalese standards and that you risk making the whole assembly laugh!
You speak tuutu-tuuti Wolof, and it's immediately easier to negotiate, even with your thick accent!
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