|
|
Senegal tourist information with details about travel to and around the country. Where to stay and what to see is made easier with insider tips and hand-selected Senegal links, by dedicated editors and visitors to TravelNotes.org - The Online Guide to Travel.
Senegal was a former French colony; gaining independence on June 20, 1960 with French Sudan; as the Mali Federation. Countries neighbouring Senegal are: Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Mali and Mauritania.
On August 20, 1960, Senegal withdrew from the federation and became a separate republic, while the former French Sudan kept the name of Mali. The first Europeans to reach the mouth of the Senegal River and start trading with the native Wolof were the Portuguese, in the mid 15th century. About 150 years later the Dutch gained control of the seafaring trade, and by 1700 it was the French who dominated commerce along the coast. There were Anglo-French rivalry and conflicts in the area during the late 17th and 18th centuries, but French influence had already extended well into the interior; through African middlemen. As interests changed from commercial to political, Senegal was officially made a French colony in 1895; administered initially from Saint-Louis. République du Sénégal: Weather in SenegalView a graphical weather forecast for the week ahead in places around Senegal. Dakar Weather, Mbour Weather, Saint-Louis Weather, Tambacounda Weather, Thies Weather, Ziguinchor Weather. The official language of Senegal is French, with Wolof, Serer, and Fulani being the most widely used of the African languages. The Wolof people of Senegal use drumming, singing, and dancing as an integral part of social activities and ceremonies. Human Experiences
Linking Project: Senegal by RoadSenegal has a good road network. Senegal by RailThe railway connects Dakar with Mali. Senegal by AirAirlines: If you're adventurous you can even fly in to neighbouring Gambia on cheaper charter flights from England or Germany, and travel overland to Senegal. Senegal has some fine beaches and national parks, although Dakar is more expensive than neighbouring Gambia. Senegal
Tourism: The French founded Dakar on Cap Vert Peninsula (the westernmost point of the African continent) and the Atlantic coast, in the mid-19th century; to benefit from its strategic position along the trade routes, between Europe and ports in South Africa and South America. Dakar's commercial importance took off in 1885 when the railway linking it with the city of St Louis, on the Senegal River, was completed and in 1902 Dakar replaced St Louis as the capital of French West Africa. Dakar also serves as a shipping centre for Mauritania, and The Gambia. An interesting day trip from Dakar, is to take the short ferry ride across to Gorée Island, and visit the thriving artist community. Situated on Saint-Louis Island, at the mouth of the Senegal River - which forms the northern border with Mauritania - Saint-Louis serves as the transportation hub for the agricultural Senegal River valley. Saint-Louis was established by the French in 1659, as a fortified trading post, and is one of the oldest European- founded settlements in West Africa. The city was initially the capital of both Senegal and Mauritania. Tambacounda is a major train stop from Dakar to Bamako. Tambacounda, once a part of the Ancient Empire of Mali, is legendary for its rich Djembe drum and dance culture. Niokolo-Koba National ParkThere is a luxury hotel at Simenti, which is the most visited part of the park. There are also bungalows and an hotel at Niokolo-Koba, lodgings at Badi, and several camping grounds. Animals can be watched from hides or on guided safaris. Animals disperse in the rains, so best viewing times are from the end of October to the end of June, when most tours are organised. There is an airstrip at Simenti. Book Senegal hotels online to save yourself time and money. Hotels
in Senegal: Senegal Travel Guides Books
on Senegal Travel:
|
Travel Articles
|
| Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Round-The-World Specials Tours Vacations Weather |
| Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America Oceania South America |
| TravelNotes Home: Africa: Senegal Travel Guide - Toolbar |
