From April 22nd 2009 until May 4th 2009 my friend Yacine and I made a fantastic trip through Senegal (from Dakar to Saint Louis to Saly and to Dakar – see the map below)
The first story I uploaded about my trip to Senegal was about Île de Gorée (Goree Island), followed by a story about the adventurous journey we made to Lac Rose (which is better known as the finish point of the (in)famous Paris-Dakar races).
Location of Senegal (credits: Wikipedia)
Senegal is located in sub-Saharan West-Africa, and borders Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east and Guinea and Guinea Bissau to the south.
Within Senegal you’ll find the country of Gambia, located alongside the banks of the river Gambia.
Teranga
The Senegalese are proud of being known for their Teranga (which means ‘hospitality’) and people are very open and welcoming. The best proof is probably my friend and her family, who made me feel more than welcome when they let me stay in their houses during our trip. No five star hotel in the world can ever beat the true sincerity and generosity that is the Senegalese Teranga. As a matter of fact, the country is so proud of their hospitality that their national football team is called “Lions of Teranga”. And if you know how important football is in Senegal, or in Africa in general, you’ll understand how important Teranga is to Senegal.
In 1960 Senegal became independent from France, but Senegal’s official language is French. However, most people speak their own regional language, Wolof is used by about 40% of the country’s population.
African tradition, Islam religion, Western culture
Senegal is not an Arab country like it’s northern neighbour Mauritania, yet almost 90% of the 13 million people in Senegal is Muslim. But Islam isn’t the only influence in Senegalese culture. During my stay in the country, I got the impression that people have a lot of respect for their African traditions and values. Besides that, there is still a strong presence of European (French) influences which is responsible for quite a Western culture in most parts of the country. As a result, Senegal feels like a unique melting-pot where African tradition, Islamic religion and Western culture peacefully co-exist. Overall, the country is absolutely worth a visit.
As time goes by I will share more of my adventures, but until then this map will give you an idea of where in Senegal I have been.
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The itinerary was planned by my dear friend, but I also brought some touring guides myself. On this trip I had brought my Senegal & Gambia (Lonely Planet Guide) and Gambia and Senegal (Insight Guide) with me.
If you’d like to read more about Senegal’s culture, history and cuisine I recommend Culture and Customs of Senegal and Yolele: Recipes from the Heart of Senegal. Enjoy!
