The vibrant African country of Senegal lies just a six-hour plane trip from the UK. Its pristine beaches with fine golden sand stretch for the majority of its coastline.
This paradise for seagoers offers endless expanses, where each beach is unique, tailor-made for every type of traveller. Whether you want to unwind and relax, partake in watersports or explore the party scene, Senegal has a beach for you.
The surf scene in the West African country has seen a huge international surge. Boasting a famous wave considered one of the best in the world, many pro surfers can be spotted on Senegal’s shores. However, for those wishing to try the sport for the first time, there’s a multitude of calmer beaches with surf schools for all abilities.
Nestled in the vibrant city of Dakar, Senegal’s capital, keen surfers can often be found at the bustling Virage beach. After a day in the water, visitors can take in the picturesque scene by relaxing in one of the beach bars or restaurants on the coastline.
The diverse country offers a plethora of incredible wildlife too. Nature lovers can find some of Africa’s rarest bird species. A wide variety of habitats and pristine environments can be explored – from mangroves to freshwater pools, savannah lands and forests.
Besides the stunning beaches, Senegal stands out for its trendsetting art, culture and fashion scene hosting the famous major contemporary art exhibition, Dak’Art, every two years. People from across the globe travel to celebrate the African artwork, making it one of the most anticipated art festivals in Africa.
Many countries across the continent claim to produce the best cuisine, yet Senegal’s rich culinary dishes rank high on the list. Thieboudienne (pronounced ceebu jen), is the national dish of Senegal – a mouth watering rice and fish meal. It consists of stewed broken jasmine rice and vegetables paired with marinated fish.
Food lovers wanting to try it out can use any type of fish available.
Visitors can perfectly pair this cuisine with Bissap, Senegal’s national drink. The highly nutritious tea is made from hibiscus flowers, sweetened with sugar and flavoured with mint.
However, UK Government advice warns first-time travellers of the dangers tourists may face in Senegal, as pickpocketing is common, especially in Dakar.
Holidaymakers are also advised to avoid walking alone in the evening and after dark, especially if they are women and not to wear conspicuous jewellery, as well as keep any handbags or satchels on the side of their body that is furthest from the street.
The Government also urges travellers to pre-arrange taxis to avoid bogus drivers, ensuring they show ID.
For people who want to hire their own car to get around the country, tourists can drive in Senegal with a UK driving licence for up to six months. However, travel advice states the difference in driving standards between the two countries, advising Brits to not drive after dark if possible.