If you ever find yourself in Senegal, chances are that you will be in Dakar. Everything about the city is magical, from its undisputed love of art and different sights, each with their own significance. It’s quite the tourist location.
To get the best out of it, though, you have to know where to look. We’ve been there, so let’s help you out here.
Take in the view of the African Renaissance Monument
Sitting on one of the twin hills in the Mamelles district of Dakar, Senegal, the African Renaissance Monument is a sight to behold. It’s the perfect representation of the city’s love for art. The statue, standing at about 49 metres tall is the tallest in Africa, so it definitely makes for a great view. Actually, you can see the statue from almost all areas of Dakar. It’s no wonder that people teem in daily to the location, cameras in hand and ready to take as many photos as they can. You should definitely join in the fun.
Try out the Lion Walk Fathala Reserve
If you’re in an area with a safari park and you don’t explore it, you have missed out on one of the most amazing wildlife experience. Don’t make that mistake when you go to Senegal because the Fathala reserve is there to blow your mind. Built on about 6000 hectares of “original and protected forest”, the reserve, with its scores of the rarest and most beautiful animals, offers an original African wilderness experience. When we were there, we tried out the Lion Walk.
Take a boat ride on Lake Retba
Lake Retba, also called The Pink Lake is another unique experience Senegal has to offer. The 3 square kilometre lake gets its distinct pink colour from the pigment produced by Dunaliella Salina bacteria, which is attracted to the lake because of its salt content.
Anyway, good thing that happened because it’s what makes this lake an amazing sight. Due to the lake’s high salt content, hardly any living organism can survive in the body of water. So, it’s mainly used for two things — tourist attraction site and salt production. You should go when the lake is pinkest, which is during the dry season.
Visit the House of Slaves at Goree Island
Some parts of Africa’s history is dark and the transatlantic slave trade played an important role in this. Goree Island is a reminder of those dark times and at the centre of its ‘attractions’ is the La Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves), which served as a processing centre of enslaved people during the slave trade. Whoever made it there lost all their status of freedom. The mood there is heavy, but you really should see it. It might help you put a lot of things into perspective.
Make a Stop at Mosque of the Divinity
What do you think about a mosque built on a beach? It’s got to be breathtaking, right? Well, there’s a way to confirm. The Mosque of the Divinity is at the ancient fishing village of Ouakam outside Dakar, overlooking the ocean. The structure features two monumental minarets, with an unobstructed view of the ocean. Since its doors were open in 1997, it has become a pilgrimage site for Muslims and a stop for travellers and tourists.
Information you didn’t know you needed
Last, we were plugged to one of the biggest cultural events with Jollof Road. We travelled across West Africa in 80 days, collecting and telling stories as we went. Everything is on jollofroad.com
Also, we made a stop at Senegal and we had some fun there. Watch the video below to catch up to what we did.
