Things to see and do Ziguinchor

The Alliance française is worth a visit for its incredible architecture alone! Frenchman Patrick Dujarric drew his inspiration from impluvium huts to design this disconcertingly beautiful establishment. It's the only cultural center in the whole city. It boasts a library, exhibition space, open-air cinema and a large stage for events. The Alliance is also renowned for its restaurant, set in a shady garden. At the time of our report, the Alliance Française had been burnt down during riots in the city.

You won't waste your time going to the tourist office in Ziguinchor. Located in a colonial building that is worth a visit, the office also houses a small museum and some handicrafts. Opened in 2010, it is certainly the most operational of the country with Saint-Louis! It offers tours by dugout canoe, walking and 4x4 to discover the region at very interesting rates. It can concoct tailor-made stays according to your desires and book your boat tickets for an extra charge. Truly unmissable!

Bio is a very friendly boatman who offers trips to Bird Island, Djilapao, Affiniam, Niamone North Shore at reasonable prices, and can take you to Pointe Saint-Georges and Carabane over several days, if you wish. Well trained, this guide will explain you the life of the birds, how the ecosystem of the mangrove works and will take you to authentic villages where you will spend a good time with the inhabitants. He also offers car rentals and bike rides in the heart of Casamance. A good plan!

You will probably be offered a pirogue trip to the Bird Island and then Djilapao. It is an animist village which shelters a hut decorated by an artist named Jean, who died in 2005, and who made his own museum, with personal sculptures, rather eccentric and not very accomplished, but speaking about the Diola culture. Sculptures, very imaginative and finally quite funny, like this sai-sai (dredger) drawn in situation or this fetish that casts a spell! The interpretations of each scene are endless and everyone draws his own conclusion.

Since 2018, Ziguinchor has had a small museum, which has the merit of existing, and which should soon develop into a second site, on the side of the Assane Seck University. It presents two aspects of Senegalese culture: heritage and contemporary art. On the one hand, you will see traditional and cult objects from various ethnic groups such as masks and musical instruments. On the other hand, works of Senegalese artists reflecting among others the colours of Casamance.