Are you considering to visit Africa and maybe a little scared of the big continent?

I have spent a big part of my life on the African continent and it’s my favourite continent to travel, because it’s the 100% most adventurous.

Africa Feeling

I always felt a particular affection for Africa. Since childhood, I’ve been incredibly interested in its culture and history; I listen to African music daily (afro pop, bongo flavour) and have a big African bucket list and generally feel connected to this huge and complex continent. But the truth is, I did not meet many people who shared this interest. Most of my friends dreamed about places like Paris or New York, not remote African towns. Many tourists want to feel comfortable and it might be easier in most of the overcrowded touristy European cities, but for me the most unique travel experiences are found in Africa.

There are some countries in Africa you shouldn’t start with to gain experience in traveling Africa.

And then there’s Senegal

I recommend you to start your Africa adventure with Senegal, a country with no extreme weather conditions (only in few places), acceptable facilities and the most welcoming people. These are some of my travel memories to this country, including a few suggestions and advice to go backpacking Senegal.

Senegal is not a country to see, but rather to experience.

Useful Information

Languages: French and Wolof.
Religion: mostly Muslim population (however, it feels like a “more open“ version of Islam, in which women have a fairly active role).
Money: the unit of currency is the West African CFA franc (1 € = around 656 CFA).
Weather: Senegal’s peak season goes from December to May when the weather is pleasant and warm. The rainy/wet season normally begins in July and ends in September. Temperatures are high in summer.

Senegal is a cheap country and you can go around 1 hour in taxi for 3000 CFA / 5 euros, so don’t go with anyone suggesting 10,000 CFA for a 15 minutes drive, just keep that in mind.. Taxi drivers can be douches in any country unfortunately!

But, Is it Safe to Travel to Senegal?

Unfortunately, Senegal has the stigma of insecurity and poverty as many other African countries. However, I must say during my time I spent in Senegal, I never felt the slightest threat. Obviously, bad things can happen anywhere, and you always need to be careful, watch your pockets and bags and use your common sense. I recommend not to bring anything of value you would be sad to lose, don’t carry too much cash and don’t walk alone at night in the suburbs, which I did anyways with no problem at all here!

Health

Make sure to get the Yellow Fever vaccination and to bring along the International certificate and proof of vaccination. They probably will not ask for it at the airport, but have it handy. It’s recommended to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and Typhus and to take antimalarial medication.

I’m taking Vibradox malaria pills, which are actually the only malaria pills I don’t get a bad stomach with and I’m putting mosquito repellent on skin and clothes when the evening comes.

If you don’t want to take the Malaria prophylaxis, be very vigilant about not being bitten too much. A good mosquito net is key! Even if flats/hotels have their own, it is better to trust yours, with no holes.

Backpacking Senegal: What to Visit

Dakar

The beauty of Senegal’s capital is not really in its architecture, the dusty streets or the roads collapsed by traffic: but rather in its atmosphere and cheerful people.

The best part of Dakar though is the smiling locals walk through the city wearing flashy clothes while causing a color explosion. Though it is worth a visit, the center of Dakar is definitely not the best place for a relaxing walk. In my experience, the best of Dakar is in the outskirts of the city and in the villages along the coast (like N’gor and Yoff).

Africa’s tallest statue

That being said, Dakar has Africa’s tallest statue made my North Korea architects, The African Renaissance Monument, which is ment to symbolize Africa’s rebirth, potential and liberation.

A 49 meter tall bronze statue located on top of one of the twin hills known as Collines des Mamelles, which is pretty cool!

Pink Lake (Lake Retba)

Less than an hour away from Dakar, there is an unusual lake that will surely catch your eye due to its vivid pink color: Lake Retba (or Lac Rosé). Its distinct color is caused by the Dunaliella salina algae, which is attracted by the lake’s high salt content. The algae produces a red pigment to absorb the sunlight while giving the lake its unique color. Since the algae which gives the lake its color is completely harmless to humans, swimming is possible.

When I was there it wasn’t that pink, because it depends on many factors to get this color, but it can look like this on some occasions

Saint Louis

Saint Louis, the first French colony in Africa, is one of the most fascinating cities in Senegal. Located 260 km from Dakar, the heart of this old colonial city is on a narrow island over the river Senegal and linked to the African mainland by the bridge Faidherbe.

Lompoul Desert

Senegal isn’t all about mangroves and lagoons. If you venture south of St. Louis, you’ll eventually run into the Lompoul Desert. The orange-tinted dunes in the area are similar to what you’d fine in the Sahara. While there, you can take a hike over the dunes on foot or take it easy with the help of a camel.

Villages visits

I was very impulsive in Senegal and went to many small villages by myself and always met Senegalese people who welcomed me to their home, eventhough my French is absolutely limited.

Language

If you can speak French, you will have no problem communicating in this country. If you don’t, remember the universal language in Senegal is the smile. You should also learn a few key phrases in Arabic and Wolof that you will hear all the time:

Salaam Aleikum (and the answer: Aleikum Saalam) > “peace be with you“

Nan ga deff? > “how are you?“, you will hear this all the time and you will have to respond:

Mahn gii fii > ‘I am fine“ / “I am here“

Jarrejeff > Thank you

Nookobokk > You’re welcome

Amul solo > No problem

Wow wow > Yes

Ded ett > No

Ded ett, merci > No, thank you

Alham doulilah > Thanks be to Allah

Insh allah > Allah willing

Degguma Wolof > I don’t speak Wolof

To conclude…

Having been all around Senegal from north, central to the south of Ziguinchor, the so-called “Gate of Africa” may not be the most beautiful place on earth or a holiday destination for those seeking comfort, but it has everything for a fascinating experience as a whole.

Senegal is defined by its small details: the baobabs, the teranga (hospitality of its people) and the smiles of the children that you’ll meet, who will love to talk and play with the toubabs (white).

You will be captivated by the colorful pirogues of the fishermen, the flashy dresses of the women, the sounds of the djembe, the endless dancing nights, the mythical sept-places (and all the stories that will happen to you inside them) and the eternal African sunsets. Even the local bus ride can be fascinating!

I know one Senegalese guy who moved to Europe in pursuit of financial happiness. He misses Senegal, he says Europe is cold and people are not happy. He is sad, because this is not like Senegal and he is already dreaming of coming back. To be honest, I understand him.

I will miss you Senegal ❤️

See you next time….

– Gustav

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