Some history : Up to the 16th century, a number of empires succeeded one another in Senegal, Ghana, Mali founded by the Mandinka, and the Songhai Empire.
Ndiadian Ndiaye federated the Wolof tribes and founded the Wolof Empire that stretched across the entire territory as it now stands. Senegal's rich history was already great before the Spanish arrived in 1443 at the mouth of the Senegal River and on the Island of Gorée. The French also settled in Saint-Louis, Dakar and Rufisque and, at Governor Faidherbe's bequest, groundnut cultivation was develqped into one of the country's most significant resources.
Senegal actively participated in both world wars alongside France and gained its independence in I960.
Léopold Sédar Senghor became the country's first President. In 1983, Abdou Diouf was in turn elected and Aboulaye Wade succeeded him in 2000. Senegal's political stability is a reference for the entire African continent, whilst guaranteeing economic expansion and the development of tourism.

 

Teranga country : The warm, welcoming and hospitable Senegalese population, estimated at 12 million inhabitants in 2006, is young and diverse. Indeed, the discovery of Senegal represents a veritable initiation journey through the various cultures and traditions that hâve coexisted in a climate of mutual tolerance and respect.
A ;{tiosaic of diverse and varied ethic groups (Wolofs, Pulaar, Serer, Jola), the population has been able to keep its Teranga tradition intact and visitors are wartnly welcomed.

 

Senegal, one of the most visited countries in Western Africa, nevertheless remains a land whose exploration seems boundless; indeed, both its diversity and wealth have made it a varied destination. Senegal opens up its regions and multiple facets to its visitors. Welcome all.

 

If your Africa is one of fauna, various natural paks in Senegal, listed as Unesco world heritage sites, will offer you the unique feeling of being a guest of the animal kingdom. The Djoudj National Park, the third largest bird sanctuary in the world, provides a habitat foi more than 625 species of birds.The Langue de Barbarie National Park, a real ornithologica 0pm. k a rnnstant wnnder.The Ninknln Koha Park is hnm<
s.The Langue de Barbarie National Park, a real ornithologica gem, is a constant.wonder.The Niokolo Koba Park is norm to wild fauna, including cheetahs, antelopes, lions anc elephants, and is one of the largest in Western Africa. Senegal is also a major destination for hunting and one c the most prized fishing destinations in the world.
For nature lovers, Senegal also invites you to discover the heart of its landscapes, where a multitude of contrasts give you a feeling of infinite space and escapism. From the region of Sine Saloum, an area of contrast between land and sea, to be ideally discovered by canoe, to the Eastern parts of Senegal, veritable lost corner and Senegal's "great orchard' the Casamance, the country offers that much sought-after, change of scenery.

Nature and culture form an alliance in Senegal. The Island of Gorée, Saint-Louis and the river valley are beautiful illustrations of going back in time at the heart of amazing scenery to behold, on the trail of a colonial past, a cultural heritage that is as rich as it is moving.
If your Africa is that of meetings and cultural immersion, griot country and regional diversity promise a veritable initiation through the multiple cultures and ancestral traditions, all marked with authenticity and magic, which have been able to coexist in tolerance and mutual respect.
A mosaic of various ethnic groups, notably with the Wolof, Pulaar, Serer or Job, Senegal's population has succeeded in keeping its Teranga tradition intact.
If you are more inclined to choose a trip governed by the indefinable Senegalese rhythm, its dynamic capital Dakar, Zinguichor "the African", or Saint-Louis, the "Venice of Africa", a Mecca for Senegalese arts and culture, will be your trip's main ports of call for some of the most wonderful encounters in your life.

Senegal is also a popular beach destination. Bathed in sun all year round with its rich and exotic coast, this country is a little corner of paradise. Emerald sea, lounging on fine sandy beaches lined with palm trees and beefwood, the region of the Petite Cote and the Casamance coastline, boasting a selection of very comfortable hotels and a wide range of activities, will satisfy every visitor's expectations and passions, even the most demanding.
If they give themselves the time, visitors to Senegal will leave with the memory of warm smiling faces, an out-of-this-world sensation, and an impression of a number of journeys in one destination.

 

CURRENCY
The CFA Franc • (I Euro = 655.957 CFA Franc)
LANGUAGE
Official language: French
Main national languages: Joola, Mandingo, Pula, Serer, Soninke.Woiof
TIME
Universal time (e.g. GMT) (in relation to France: -I h in winter, -2 h in summer)
TEL AND FAX DIALLING CODE: 221
CLIMATE
Overall, Senegal enjoys a dry and hot climate - but not excessively so - all year round. Rain is quite rare and short-lived essentially from July to September. It offers one of thi highest number of hours of sunshine in the world.
POLICE
Valid passport.
ECOWAS nationals and tourists originating from the European Union on package tours are
exempt from having to obtain a visa for entry into Senegal. Only a national identity card is
required. Nationals from other countries must contact their closest Senegalese diplomatic
representation.
CUSTOMS
Senegal has adhered to the New York Convention concerning customs facilities for Touring for the import of certain items.
FOOD
Visitors will be able to choose between international and specialist cuisine served in most restaurants and rich and varied Senegalese dishes (Thiebou Diene, chicken and lemon Yassa, mafe, Deme farcie a la Saint-Louisienne, and so on).
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Various wood sculptures, gold, silver and bronze jewellery (of some renown), basketry, traditional pottery, leather goods (bags, belts, wallets etc.), printed cotton, loincloth fabric, embroidered boubous, and so on make up most of Senegal's crafts products. You will be able to find these in markets or craft centres in Dakar (Sandaga, Kermel.Tilene and Soumbedioune), Ziguinchor, Saint-Louis and Thies where you will also be able to visit the Decorative Arts workshop (Thies tapestries).
FISHING
The Senegal coastline is undoubtedly one of the world's richest.
From grouper to swordfish, tuna, bass, threadfin, and blue marlin, there is a wide variety of species for casting, handline fishing and trolling. Fishing trips are organised by a certain number of hotels or the Dakar and Saly fishing centres all year round, yet the best catches are to be found between June and October.
Information: SENEGALESE FISHING FEDERATION Emborcadere Dakar Cores -BP4I77 DAKAR Tel. (221) 33 823 97 97 Fax. (221) 33 823 69 66 Website: www.fsps.sn
HUNTING
Senegal has one of the largest and most varied fauna, protected by strict hunting regulations. Today, with the exception of warthogs, hunting is essentially limited to small game and waterfowl (very abundant), with amazing landscapes in store for amateur hunters.
Information:  from your travel agency or the DIRECTION DBS EAUX, FORETS ET CHASSE
(WATER, FORESTRY AND HUNTING AUTHORITIES)
Tel. (221) 33 832 06 28 • Internet: www.environnementgouv.sn
MUSEUMS
Closed on Mondays
•  Gorée: History Museum, Maritime Museum, Maison des Esclaves (Museum of Slavery).
•  Dakar: Ifan Museum (Place Soweto),Army Museum (Boulevard de la Republique)
•  Saint-Louis: CRDS (Research and Social Documentation Centre) in the southern tip of the Ndar Island.
STAY
Various local travel agencies are on hand to help you organise your stay and excursions.

ACCOMODATION
Senegal has a diversified hotel infrastructure, ranging from the classic hotel to campsites (wild camping is highly inadvisable).
WATER • ELECTRICITY
Running water strictly controlled and drinkable. Current 220V.
CLOTHING
Light easy-to-wash cotton or linen clothing (pack a jumper from November to May since th<
nights can be cold).Ankle espadrilles or boots for the bush.
Do not forget swimming costume, sunglasses, cotton hat, sunscreen and... cameras.
HEALTH
Yellow-fever vaccination recommended. Anti-malarial drugs recommended.
For animals, rabies vaccination certificate and certificate of good health required.
AlR TRANSPORT
International links
Leopold Sedar SENGHOR International Airport
Tel. (221) 33 869 50 00 • www.aeroportdakar.com
Located 15 km from the city centre, it is an important air traffic hub for the rest of the African
continent, Europe and America. Plan for a five-hour flight to reach Dakar from any major city
in Europe.
All of the main European airlines fly to Dakar.
Domestic (inks
All of the regional capitals are linked with Dakar by domestic lines run by AIR SENEGAL INTERNATIONAL and taxi planes.
AIR SENEGAL INTERNATIONAL
Tel. (221) 33 842 41 00 • Email: contact@airsenegalinternational.sn Website: www.airsenegalinternational.com
AERO-CLUB CENTRE IBA GUEYE
Tel. (221) 33 820 04 12 • Email: acdakar@yahoo.fr
SENEGALAIR
Tel. (221) 33 825 32 56 • Website: senegalair.sn
ROAD NETWORK
Senegal boasts one of the best road networks in Western Africa with numerous tarmacked roads and tracks surfaced with laterite, useable only in the dry season.
VARIOUS TRANSPORTS
CITY TAXIS
Minimum charge 100 CFA F. (double the rate from midnight to 6 a.m.).
Journey from the airport to the city centre or vice-versa 5,000 CFA F during the day and
8,000 CFA f at night.
INTER-CITY TAXIS (bush taxis)
Approximately 1,000 CFA F.for 100 km, found in the bus station of every town and city.
Main bus station in Dakar:
Avenue Malick SY, Caserne des Sapeurs Pompiers (Fire station).
CAR RENTAL
Per day or per week from a number of local or international car rental companies (French or international driving licence required).
Luxury tourist buses and coaches
TRAIN
An "express" train (passengers and merchandise) runs between Dakar and Bamako (MALI) twice a week. Daily Thies/Dakar link.
Dakar Station - Tel. (221) 33 849 46 46 ' Fax. (221) 33 823 50 49
BOAT
The "Le Coumba Castel" launch provides a daily shuttle service between Dakar and Gorée (crossing: 20 minutes)
DISTANCES FROM DAKAR TO...
TAMBACOUNDA .. .467 KM .. JhOO NIOKOLO-KOBA .. .604 KM
KEDOUGOU.......702 KM  .. .9h30
ROSSO............365 KM
FATICK............155 KM
KAOLACK.........192 KM  .. .2h45
LINGUERE.........305 KM
KOLDA............670 KM
ZIGUINCHOR......454 KM
THIES ..............70 KM ...Ih30
CAP-SKIRRING.....504 KM
KAYAR.............58 KM
SAINT-LOUIS.......264 KM  .. ,3h30
POPOGUINE........71 KM
NIANING...........93 KM
JOAL..............114 KM  ...2hOO
MBACKE...........180 KM
TOUBA............187 KM
MBOUR ............83 KM  ...Ih30
TIVAOUANE ........92 KM