Most Senegalese are Muslims, although they are tolerant of other customs
and religions. However, it is a generally conservative society. You are advised
to dress and behave modestly in public outside the main tourist areas. Bars and
restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered
offensive. Some Muslims do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex but
no rebuff is intended by this. Kissing as a greeting is acceptable but kissing
romantically is not. Homosexual acts are illegal in Senegal and there is no gay
scene.
Senegal
Capital:
Dakar
Official Language: French
Religions:
92% Muslim, 6% Traditional Beliefs and 2% Christian
Currency:
CFA Franc = 100 centimes
Placements:
Map
Background
Tropical Senegal is lauded for beauties both natural and urbane. With its suave capital, Dakar - many travellers' favourite amongst the larger African cities - and its entourage of internationally known musicians, Senegal brings in more visitors than any other country in the region.
Much of its lands are lush and vital, especially when compared to the deserts that surround it. Many of its visitors are package tourists soaking up the sunshine in upscale hotels, but the best of Senegal - a good wander through its streets and plains - is free.
Special Events
The Islamic (or Hejira) calendar is a full 11 days shorter than the Gregorian (Western) calendar, so public holidays and festivals fall 11 days earlier each year. In March for the next few years, Ras as-Sana is the Islamic celebration of the new year. Moulid an-Nabi celebrates the prophet Mohammed's birthday around May. Ramadan is celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (presently towards the end of the Gregorian calendar year), commemorating the month when the Qur'an was revealed to Mohammed. Out of deference, Muslims take neither food nor water until after sunset each day. At the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr), the fasting breaks amidst much celebration.
Other festivals include the Grand Magal pilgrimage and celebration, held in Touba 48 days after Ras as-Sana, and the Paris-Dakar Rally, a 10,000km (6200mi) motor race that ends in Dakar around the second week of January.
Public Holidays
1 January - New Year's Day
1 February - Confederation
Day
February - Tabaski
March or April - Good Friday, Easter Monday
4
April - Independence Day
May or June - Ascension Day, Pentecost and Whit
Monday
1 May - May Day
15 August - Assumption Day
1 November - All
Saints' Day
November or December - 'Eid al-Fitr
25 December -
Christmas
Climate
Senegal's climate is pleasantly tropical, with Dakar ranking as one the coolest, breeziest spots in West Africa. The country's average daily temperatures range from 18°C (65°F) to 31°C (87°F). In the north and central parts, the wet season lasts from July to September, while in the Casamance it's about a month longer on either end. Rainfall averages range from 300mm (12in) in the north to as much as six times that in the south; Dakar gets over 600mm (24in) annually. The dry season (December to April) is plagued by the hot, dry harmattan winds.
Travel Info
When flying between Europe and Senegal, you have a wide choice of airlines,
as you do when flying to other destinations in Africa, including to Bamako,
Banjul, Abidjan and Bissau. Most airline offices are on or near the Place de
l'Indépendance in Dakar, but it can be cheaper and easier to use a travel
agency. Departure tax is
The main entry points to the Gambia are along the Trans-Gambia Highway, Karang and between Vélingara and Basse Sante Su, although there are many more routes. The Kassoumay Kep ferry service operates between Dakar, and Banjul and Ziguinchor; the ferry is far quicker than the buses and bush taxis doing the same trips by road, and is a lot more comfortable. Due to the problems in the Casamance area this is by far the safest form of transport to Ziguinchor (apart from flying).
Bush taxis run regularly from Dakar to Rosso, at Senegal's border with Mauritania, from where you catch a pirogue across the river. The whole journey can be done in a day if you leave early. Bush taxis also run from Dakar to Labé, Guinea, and from Ziguinchor to Bissau and Guinea-Bissau (via São Domingos and Ingore).
The Dakar-Bamako train is the best way to travel overland to Mali, as the road is very bad. There are two trains: each takes 40 hours. The Mistral International departs Dakar on Wednesdays and is superior in every way to the Saturday train. Large, comfortable 1st-class seats can be reserved in advance; 2nd-class is more crowded, with less comfortable though adequate seating. The train has a bar-restaurant car, or you can buy cheap food at stations along the way. Note that at each border post you have to get your passport stamped. It may be taken by an inspector on the train, but you still have to collect it yourself by going to the office at the border post. Nobody tells you this. So if your passport is taken, ask where and when you have to go to collect it. You may need a stamp at the police station in Kayes too, but this seems fairly arbitrary.
Visas
Visas are required for all foreigners, except nationals of Canada, the EU, Israel, Japan, Norway, South Africa and the US, who may visit for up to 90 days without a visa.
Safety
Terrorism
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks,
which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by
foreigners.
Crime
Pick pocketing and street crime (including in taxis), occasionally
involving violence, are common in parts of Dakar. You should take sensible
precautions and avoid carrying valuables in public.
Local Travel
Notwithstanding an ongoing peace process, the Casamance region of
south-western Senegal including the road into the region from The Gambia remains
affected by insecurity involving separatist rebel groups. There have been
incidents involving separatist groups and the armed forces of Guinea-Bissau. We
advise against road travel in the Casamance region west of Kolda, due to
isolated incidents of banditry.
Road Safety
While some main roads are of good quality, other roads can be poor
especially during the rainy season (July-October). Driving standards are
unpredictable. Traffic in the Dakar area is heavy and you need to take
particular care and attention to avoid accidents. Driving after dark carries
added hazards because of poor lighting both of streets and other vehicles. If
you do have an accident you must wait for the police to arrive at the
scene.
Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Health
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Malaria and other tropical diseases are prevalent, especially during the
rainy season (July-October). You should seek medical advice on suitable
anti-malarial medication and take precautions to avoid being bitten by
mosquitoes. Health facilities in Dakar are reasonable but are limited in the
rest of Senegal.
Water is sometimes unsafe: you are advised to drink bottled water and avoid
ice cubes. There are occasional outbreaks of cholera but if you take sensible
hygiene precautions you are unlikely to be affected. Anyone suffering diarrhoea
during a visit to Dakar should nevertheless consult a doctor immediately.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that
maybe required
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Meningococcal
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
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