Senegal

Lively Senegal

Perhaps the liveliest country in West Africa, Senegal is vibrant. Senegal is part of Urban Africa. A rapidly growing economy and tourism sector. Sprouting cities with individuals making Senegal shine. Senegal is a country you must visit, simply for the lifestyle.

https://fr.pinterest.com/pin/421719952584373080/ (Boubou)

As with modernised cities in Senegal, traditional wear is fading. Richer fabrics, the boubou (robes) features as a traditional garment – which men and women wear. It is worn in a three-piece suit, consisting of a tunic, trousers and boubou for men. Their boubous are diverse, colourful and bright. Much like the people in Senegal.

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/276262 (Île de N’Gor)

Île de N’Gor an island just off Dakar, provides a peaceful retreat from the chaos of the city. It offers white sand, clear waters and an epic view. Although it can be a day visit, stay overnight to appreciate the full splendour of the tiny island. There are daily pirogues (dugout tree trunk canoe) to the island and back to the mainland, so do prepare carefully. There are abundant eateries available on the island, so you can sip down on a cider as you watch the sunset on Senegal.

http://www.amusingplanet.com/2016/03/african-renaissance-monument.html – Image 03 (African Renaissance Monument)

Possibly Africa’s highest monument, the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar is a shining beacon of independence for Senegal. It is taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York City. It is a bronzed statue of a woman, man and child looking toward the sea. It was unveiled to mark 50 years of independence from France. You can walk around the base of the statue and pay a small entrance fee to view the Dakar from inside the male figurine.

http://en.wikigogo.org/en/123704/ – Image 04 (Mamelles Lighthouse)

Mamelles lighthouse in Dakar is a historical point in the city. Built in 1864, the lighthouse offers panoramic views and is still functional to today. You can choose between an exterior or interior tour, where guides will explain the history of the lighthouse. At the base of the lighthouse is a hive of activity, due to the available space for visitors to picnic and listen to live music on the weekend.

http://www.southtravels.com/africa/senegal/hotellelagon/index.html – Image 05 (Le Lagon)

Seafood is abundant in Senegal due to its proximity to the coast, so you must try one of the dishes on offer from the Senegalese. Dakar’s beloved Le Lagon is the ideal spot to try out some seafood. From oysters to grilled fish, you are spoilt for choice. And the best part? Once you’re done with your meal, you can walk it off on the private beach next to Le Lagon. A drive into Saint-Louis, is an authentic Senegalese restaurant called La Kora. With occasional live music, you can enjoy meals such as bassi-salte (seasoned meat cooked in sauce and served with couscous) or thiakry (couscous pudding).

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/326229566736355782/ – Image 06 (Bassi-Salte)

While you discover Senegal’s wonders, you will notice the contagious liveliness of the people. It’s a buzzing country, always on the move and yet always appreciating what it has and how far it has come. Senegal is the vibrancy of West Africa.