Explore the Beauty and Culture of Senegal: A Guide to West Africa
The sunny Republic of Senegal sits on the Atlantic Ocean between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, and is perhaps Africa’s next big destination. Blessed with hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, it has a serious surf culture and delicious seafood, along with vibrant markets and glittering nightlife.
Casamance, a strip of land stretching from east to west across the country below The Gambia, boasts some of the best beaches in West Africa, and is one of the most popular regions of Senegal. Here, tourists can experience a vision of tropical splendour, with lush forests, coconut palm groves, brilliant flame trees and beautiful bougainvillea, as well as warm waters lapping on the endless stretches of sandy beaches. A multitude of hotels on the fringes of its beaches makes Casamance a coastal paradise.
In contrast, the modern capital city of Dakar, situated on the tip of the Cape Verde Peninsula, is a vibrant hive of local and international activity, where businessmen rub shoulders with tourists and traditionally dressed Senegalese. The city boasts a smorgasbord of gleaming hotels, cafes, colourful open-air markets and the intriguing medina (old quarter). Just two miles (3km) offshore lies Goree, an island notorious for being the most important slave depot in West Africa between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Not only does Senegal offer seaside resorts, a fascinating history and a modern business infrastructure, but also national parks rich in flora and fauna, excellent scuba-diving and fishing opportunities. With its diversity of cultures and customs, and a warm and welcoming attitude towards foreigners, Senegal is a great destination for those intrepid adventurers seeking a new and memorable experience.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is French, but there are other national languages spoken, including Wolof, which are more widely used.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors must either hold a return or onward ticket and all documents for the next destination. Passports must be valid for at least three months on entry; however, it is highly recommended that passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Senegal. Immigration officials sometimes apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes; travellers should avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency anywhere other than reputable exchange bureaus. There are ATMs in Dakar, but banking facilities are limited in the rest of the country. Credit cards are only accepted by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted; commission is charged.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.
Climate in Senegal
The weather is generally hot and humid all year. There are two seasons: the rainy season from June to October and the dry season between November and May. Humidity is highest during the rainy season and sea temperatures are warmer during this period. Rainfall varies from 12 inches (300mm) in the extreme north to 59 inches (1,500mm) in the far south and, although showers don’t last very long, they can cause disruption to transport. Dry season temperatures average between 72°F and 86°F (22°C and 30°C). Dakar temperatures average 75F (24C) from January to March, 77F to 81F (25C to 27C) in April, May and December, and 86F (30C) between June and October.
Health Notes when travelling to Senegal
Stomach troubles are the most common health concerns for travellers in Senegal, so visitors should watch what they eat and drink. Protection against mosquito bites is essential as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya fever occur; malaria is prevalent throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. A yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry to Senegal if visitors arriving from or have transited through an area where there is a risk of transmission, but all travellers should be vaccinated against yellow fever as a precaution. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines; other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Outbreaks of meningococcal infections occur and vaccination is recommended for travel during the dry season (November to May). Medical facilities are good in Dakar, but are limited in the rest of the country. Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Senegal
Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free, but street crime and pick-pocketing, especially in Dakar, are common. Visitors are advised to conceal valuables from the public eye. Travel by road in the Casamance region west of Kolda is unsafe due to the activities of separatist rebel groups and bandits, and should be avoided.
Customs in Senegal
The majority of the population is Muslim and it is generally a conservative society, where dress and behaviour should be modest, especially outside the main tourist areas. Public displays of affection between men and women should be avoided, and acts of homosexuality are illegal. Drunkenness is offensive. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited by the Muslim faith; visitors should avoid eating and drinking in public during this time.
Duty Free in Senegal
Travellers to Senegal over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or tobacco products, or one bottle of perfume for personal use.
Doing Business in Senegal
In Senegal, it is expected of the visitor to dress formally. Greetings are very important and the visitor must ensure that every member at the meeting is greeted and acknowledged at least once. The shaking of hands is the standard greeting for men and women in business. It is a good idea to be punctual even if the host is not. Meetings can often take longer than anticipated and patience may prove a virtue. Business is usually conducted in French and a translator may be needed, though many Senegalese businessmen will know some English. It is important to find out beforehand how the contacts are to be addressed. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch.
Communication in Senegal
The international dialling code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; cafes, restaurants and hotels profide WiFi.
Tipping in Senegal
Larger hotels and restaurants usually include a service charge of 10 to 15 percent. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors must either hold a return or onward ticket and all documents for the next destination. Passports must be valid for at least three months on entry; however, it is highly recommended that passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Senegal. Immigration officials sometimes apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of six months after their departure date. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. A visa is required for stays longer than 3 months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. A visa is required for stays longer than 3 months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. A visa is required for stays longer than 3 months.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Tourism, Dakar: Tel.: +221 (0)33 860 45 15 / 77 552 52 44 or http://www.au-senegal.com
Senegal Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Senegal, Washington DC: +1 202 234 0540.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Senegal, Ottawa: +1 613 238 6392.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Senegal, London (also responsible for Ireland): Tel: +(44) 20 7937 7237.
- In Australia:
Consulate-General of Senegal, Melbourne: +61 (0)3 9348 0466.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of Senegal, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 5263.
Foreign Embassies in Senegal
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 879 4000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Dakar (also responsible for Australia): +221 (0)33 889 4700.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 823 7392.
- Australian Embassy
Embassy of Australia, Dakar, +221 823 9290
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 865 1959.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
