Destination Senegal, country of hospitality called Teranga
Welcome to Senegal, land of Africa where hospitality is lived every day. The welcome of the inhabitants, our Teranga is a major asset. Our artistic and cultural wealth, the diversity of our ecosystems, our political and socio-economic stability also make the charm and interest of our country.
Senegal has a rich range of varied and cultural tourist offers. Culture occupies a place of choice because it plays a very important role in the development of tourism. We attach particular importance to the natural and human, cultural and economic potential of our country. We also ensure the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions, a factor of peace and social cohesion. The very many meetings and events, organized throughout the year, testify to this.
Some practical information.
All major airlines and several charters provide regular air links with Dakar. Allow five to six hours of flight from Europe and a round trip price starting at 500 euros.
Coming to Senegal by road
The great adventure trip where crossing the desert was inevitable has become ancient history. Paris-Dakar is today 6,000 km of good asphalt on which any type of vehicle can venture. Only a no man’s land of 4 kilometers between Morocco and Mauritania will force you to put your tires in the sand.
No more convoy, track or impassable desert, a direct route is feasible in less than 8 days for those in a hurry: all you need is a valid passport and a small budget (between 500 and 700 euros for fuel and 300 to 500 euros for your travel and administrative expenses).
When to come?
It depends on what you want to find! During the dry season, from November to February, the temperature remains quite cool, as does that of the ocean! Between March and May, the climate remains dry, but temperatures rise, especially inland. Ideal for relaxing by the sea.
The rainy season, which stretches from June to October, may pose transport problems in certain regions, but it is the one where the vegetation comes back to life. The rain generally only lasts a few hours.
Note that the best season to observe animals in the parks and reserves is from November to March.
Formalities and health
The biometric visa required to enter Senegal, introduced on July 1, 2013, was abolished on May 1, 2015. All you need is a valid passport.
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory to enter Senegal only for passengers coming from yellow fever endemic areas. However, it is recommended, as well as the yellow fever and hepatitis A and B vaccine. Anti-malarial treatment is recommended. For those venturing towards the Gambian borders, the Senegalese and Gambian police can obtain the yellow fever card.
Getting around: road network, infrastructure, ferries
Senegal has about 18,000 kilometers of paved roads allowing you to travel quickly between the different regional capitals of the country. The largest Senegalese cities are connected by paved roads. In recent years, the Senegalese road network has developed considerably with one of the best road networks in West Africa. The Dakar-AIBD airport highway then AIBD to Touba has given a big breath of fresh air to serve the North-East (Matam, Bakel) and also the South-East (Tambakoou de, Kedougou). Even if the signs are rare, you can travel quite easily in all regions.
Tour operators generally offer organized tours by bus and minibus, but you can also opt for a car rental from the many agencies existing in most cities.
If your trip is limited to the main cities, a sedan is more than enough. If you want to explore the Niokolo Koba park, discover the Bassari country around Kédougou, the villages of Casamance and the depths of Saloum or simply get lost in the bush tracks, it is best to choose a 4×4.
A driver is often useful, especially if you have no sense of direction and if you do not know how to drive in Africa. He will serve as your guide and interpreter if necessary and it is a good way to better understand the culture of the country. Most agencies offer them and you will pay a supplement of between 20 and 30 euros per day.
In practice
Getting to Casamance
By plane
The Transair company makes two rotations per day between Ziguinchor and Dakar (two planes of 50 and 17 seats, baggage allowance 20 kg. 35 ma flight). The Larifs are 180 euros for a round trip.
By ferry
Three ferries now provide the Dakar-Zi guinchor rotations with a stopover in Karabane. The Aline Sitoe Diatta (500 passengers, several dozen vehicles and 450 tons of freight, the Diambogne and the Aguene, more modest, which only offer armchairs. Departures from Dakar on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m., arrival at 10 a.m. the next day. Prices from 15 to 40 euros depending on the category. No possibility of booking online, you must go to the Dakar pier to get your ticket.
By road
The Transgambienne Dakar Kaolack Gambia -Ziguinchor is only 450 km, but it takes 10 hours of driving taking into account the police and customs formalities in Gambia. Crossing the new Farafegni bridge is a godsend for travelers, reducing the four-hour wait for the ferry to…30 seconds of real magic
Money
The currency of Senegal is the CFA franc, which has a fixed parity with the euro: 1 euro 655.957 CFA francs The CFA franc is guaranteed in euros by the French Treasury. but is not convertible outside the territory of the African countries that are members of the franc zone. You will therefore have to change your euros on site. It is possible to withdraw money from banks and ATMs with a checkbook or credit card. Exchange fees are between 3 and 5% depending on the establishment. Some merchants accept credit cards and euro checks.
The notes are 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 F and 500 FCFA. The coins are 500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10.5 and 1 FCFA