One of the best places to feel the region's calm is Mar Lodj, a small, car-free island in the Saloum delta where the electricity cuts at 11 p.m. to expose an unfettered explosion of stars. Just hang on to your snacks, as the park’s mischievous monkeys are food-stealers.Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriouslySubscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriouslyIf you’re searching for a new adventure, West Africa is it. Anthony Bourdain finds out why Senegal turns simple-minded assumptions and prejudice on their heads.There's lots of play space in Mbour, a beach town south of Dakar.Saint Louis' colorful streets ooze French colonial charm.The most westerly point of Africa is surprisingly undiscovered by English-speaking tourists. Make sure to change your dollars for the local currency, the West African CFA Franc, and have cash in small bills for tipping and market purchases.Some of Dakar’s best hotel options are the Radisson Blu Dakar or the Pullman Dakar. "A deep source of pride for its people and a treat for visitors, Senegal's "teranga," or hospitality, is part of its identity.Friendly locals are quick to invite visitors for Senegalese tea -- a strong infusion of green tea leaves with mint and sugar brewed over glowing coals. It's served up at Dakar's Chez Loutcha, a favorite for locals.At Mbour, it's well worth heading to the docks at 5 p.m. to spot the arrival of the fishing boats -- dozens of ornately painted vessels bringing in the daily catch. The water actually appears pink thanks to its high saline content and an excess of Dunaliella salina bacteria. Throw in a host of water-based activities (Choosing the best beach on the Petite-Côte is no easy task as it is, in effect, one big beach.
Most of West Africa’s seaside capitals have a limited number of clean, swimmable beaches. Situated in Dakar, 750 metres from Estendera Vivier Beach, Hotel L'Adresse Dakar features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar.Featuring … – Lifeguards: most swimming is unsupervised, so take care when swimming as currents can be strong. These winding creeks are home to an abundance of flora and fauna, protected by 76,000 hectares of national park and UNESCO world heritage status. In stark contrast to Saloum, bustling Dakar shakes your senses with a warm, salty blast of humidity as soon as you get off the plane. Beaches in and around Dakar are dirty and frequently unsuitable for swimming. Later in the evening, catch the sunset and enjoy dinner at the trendy Bayékou, followed by some live Mbalax music (a mix of African drumming, soul, rock and jazz) at Le Thiossane.This picturesque, car-free island just a short ferry ride from Dakar has a sordid history. For a quick escape from the frenetic streets of Dakar, head to peaceful Île de N'Gor, a tiny island just off Dakar's north shore. Dakar is de hoofdstad van Senegal.Het ligt op het schiereiland Kaap Verde, het westelijkste punt van het vasteland van Afrika.Vanwege deze ligging is de stad geschikt voor de handel met Europa en Amerika en is zij uitgegroeid tot een van de belangrijkste havens aan de westzijde van het continent.
Make sure to try palm wine, a locally produced drink that comes from fermented palms. As such, they are often used for exercising by locals after work. When you’ve had enough, head to check out one of the craft markets or walk the beaches of the nearby fishing town M’Bour to admire the painted boats.A 30-minute drive from Saly, the Somone Lagoon is a wildlife reserve where you can spot many local birds including flamingos. You can also rent quads and drive over the beaches and banks of the lake.Start by visiting the African Renaissance Monument, a towering statue on a hill depicting a man, woman and child. Meanwhile the historic Marche Kermel is a literal and visual feast -- the circular wrought-iron building is a kaleidoscope of okra, tamarind and fish.Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Dakar, the quiet, picturesque streets ofStill standing, the 18th century prison's "door of no return" bears witness to this chilling chapter of history.Then there's the jagged, uninhabited Isles de la Madeleine national park, which can be reached with a $9 boat ride from Dakar's southwestern bay. Don’t forget to admire the famous African Baobab trees too. A stretch where the surf schools cater for every ability. Dakar is flanked by two small islands, Île de N'Gor and Île de Gorée. From private beach clubs to public beach gyms, Dakar’s beaches come in all shapes and sizes, one of which easily fits under the ‘badly-kept secret’ tag: Plage des Mamelles. The national dish, thieboudienne, marries freshly grilled fish with spicy tomato rice, cassava and carrots.