
Senegal
Population - 16,755,431
Language - French
Currency - WA CFA
Time Zone - GMT
Capital - Dakar
Located on the most western point of Africa with its warm, colourful, diverse culture, intriguing history and welcoming locals collectively making Senegal the ideal location for a West African adventure.
This former French colony oozes the exotic as we walk the vibrant markets, narrow streets, and ancient slow-paced colonial towns to the backdrop of wonderful melodies of local musicians. Sandwiched between the rolling waves of the Atlantic and the encroaching sands of the Sahara Senegal offers exceptional experiences in culture, history wildlife and birding. Senegal gained independence from France on the 4th April 1960 and is made up of 20 ethnic groups with the largest population being Wolof followed by Fula, Serer and Mandinka almost all emphatically Muslim. Taking a city tour of Dakar to visit the museums, monuments and historical sites of interest along with a visit to learn the dark colonial past of the slave trade whilst touring Goree Island a UNESCO World heritage site makes for an interesting and emotional experience. Timing your visit to take in some of the fantastic music and art festivals in Dakar or heading off the beaten track venturing to the north on a cultural expedition, the options here are endless. If nature is your thing then you're in luck as Senegal boasts some of the best birdwatching in this region, couple this with some excellent National Parks to explore, the only question is, do you have enough time to fit it all in.