Senegal：Africa’s Most Stable Country Filled with Colourful Towns and Active Markets

Senegal is a country situated in Western Africa. Senegal is characterized by its tropical and humid climate. Its capital city, Dakar, is a major hub in West Africa. Locals of Senegal are known for their hospitality. Aside from its friendly and helpful people, Senegal is also known for their attractions which are good places for sightseeing. For that, we have listed down several attractions in Senegal for sightseeing.

1. Maison des Esclaves (Île de Gorée)

Set in Île de Gorée, one of the communes of Dakar in Senegal, Maison des Esclaves is one of the museums in the city of Dakar. It is a top choice of sightseeing when one is in Senegal. Maison des Esclaves is a memorial and museum set in a former grand home which was allegedly used during as the departure place during the Atlantic slave trade. It features a great door known as "doorway to nowhere" which opens directly to the sea.

2. Musée Théodore Monod (Dakar)

Musée Théodore Monod is a famous museum situated at Dakar in Senegal. When sightseeing at the museum, tourists can witness several exhibitions of over 9,000 artifacts portraying African arts and culture. Displays include traditional dresses from various regions including Benin, Mali, and Nigeria. Tourists who are sightseeing on the museum can also witness distinct masks, unique fabrics and carvings, and ancient musical instruments. Behind the main building of Musée Théodore Monod, a gallery can be found where contemporary arts are often exhibited.

3. Fathala Wildlife Reserve & Lodge (Toubakouta)

Fathala Wildlife Reserve & Lodge is a wildlife reserve in Senegal created in 2006 to serve as the sanctuary for the western giant eland. Tourists who are not planning to go sightseeing in other wildlife parks across Africa can visit this wildlife reserve in Senegal in order to see critically endangered animals including antelopes, rhinos, warthogs, and giraffes. Sightseeing on this wildlife reserve may be costly, but the experience that you will gain from the trip will be worth every penny. A lodge can also be found on the place for those who would like to spend their night against a safari environment.

4. Île de N'Gor

Île de N'Gor is a small island found near the north shore of Dakar in Senegal. For those who are seeking tranquility, this island is a quick yet stunning escape from the busy streets of Senegal. Île de N'Gor features a few beaches on the bay sides. On its northern coastline, tourists can surf on the waves. Other tourists can relax by the seashore and stroll along the sand. For those who wish to taste local cuisine, there are eateries which can be found beside the beach.

5. Pont Faidherbe (Saint-Louis)

Pont Faidherbe is a bridge in Senegal. It is one of the most important landmarks in Saint-Louis in Senegal. Designed by Gustav Eiffel, the bridge was initially built to cross the Danube. It was transferred to Saint-Louis in 1897. When driving to town or merely sightseeing around Senegal, tourists and locals have to pass its steel planks to get from one place to the other. It has a central swing span which rotates to foster ships to move along the Senegal river.

6. Parc National du Delta du Saloum

Parc National du Delta du Saloum, or the Saloum Delta National Park, is a 190,000-acre national park located within the Saloum Delta in Senegal. It is found at the juncture of the Saloum River. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features mangroves and other saltwater vegetation. When sightseeing on this lush natural attraction in Senegal, you will be welcomed with various avian species that breed in the area. These species include greater flamingo, curlew sandpiper, ruddy turnstone, and royal tern.

7. African Renaissance Monument (Ouakam suburb)

African Renaissance Monument is a tall bronze statue situated on top of one of the hills known as Collines des Mamelles. Designed by Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby, the monument was completed in 2010 in commemoration of the independence of Senegal from France. When sightseeing around Senegal, you will not definitely miss this gigantic masterpiece. With a height of 49 meters, the African Renaissance Monument is the tallest statue in Africa.

8. Alliance Franco-Sénégalaise (Ziguinchor)

The Alliance Franco-Sénégalaise, or the Franco-Sénégalaise Cultural Center, is another attraction in Senegal which houses the Alliance Française. Moreover, it aims to provide a library space and entertainment areas, as well as classrooms and meeting areas, for the town of Kaolack at Senegal. The attraction aims to promote understanding of the French language and culture to the people of Senegal. When one is sightseeing on this place, you will notice its distinct architecture and relatively spacious area for outdoor activities. Its design portrays traditional patterns which are illustrated in a modern way.

9. Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie (Langue de Barbarie)

Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie, or the Langue de Barbarie National Park, is a national reserve situated on the southern edge of Langue de Barbarie, a sandy peninsula located in Senegal. Encompassing an area of around 4,900 acres, Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie takes refuge to an abundance of avian species and three species of turtles. When sightseeing around the national park, you may encounter the critically endangered sea turtle called the hawksbill sea turtle which can be found in this national park.

◎ Closing

Whether you are in Senegal to go sightseeing, or you wish to immerse yourself in the culture of the place, it cannot be denied that the country is home to several attractions which should be visited when one intends to visit Senegal. Not only do these attractions demonstrate the culture of the people of Senegal, but sightseeing on these attractions would allow us to be in one with the environment through the country's beautiful natural attractions.