Senegal Travel Facts
The Basics
Country: Senegal
Where is it?: Senegal is in western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania.
Why do people go here?: Senegal is West Africa’s top destination, with loads of European packaged-tourists mainly confining themselves to the beaches. Independent travelers do venture around Senegal to seek out the nature and hospitality of one of Africa’s most friendly countries.
What are the main entry points?: With regular, affordable flights from Europe, Dakar airport is the main point of entry. You can also cross by land from all the surrounding countries.
Currency used: West African Franc
Country Code for Phones: 221
Other Phone Tips: There are no area codes for the major cities in Senegal.
Religion: Muslim 94%, Christian 6%
Population: 13 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Wolof 44%, Fulani 23%, Serer 15%, Diola 6%, Malinke 5%
Government: Semi-presidential republic
Languages: French, Wolof, Fulani, Serer, Indigenous
Travel Information
Major Cities: Dakar, Saint-Louis, Thies,
Attractions: Cap Skiring, Saint-Louis, Parc National du Niokolo-Koba
Accommodation: Senegal Hostels, Senegal Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Senegal-Tourist Office(USA) 888 7th Ave New York, NY +1-212-757-7115; Senegal Tourist Office
Tips for Visiting
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Ile de Gore
Health Issues: Malaria, Bilharzia, Cholera
When to go: Like most of west Africa, the cool months are from Novemeber through February.
Common Phrases: Hello = Bonjour, How are you? = Comment allez-vous?, Good = Bien or Bon, Yes = Oui, Okay = D’accord or OK, No = Non, Thank you = Merci, Please = S’il vous plait, Goodbye = Au revoir
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day: April 4, Variable Islamic Holidays
Getting Around: Minibuses service the routes between main cities.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Senegal is the Dakar Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Senegal travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
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