Senegal

Located on the northwestern bulge of Africa, at the continent's most westerly point, the small Republic of Senegal sits on the Atlantic Ocean between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, with another country, Gambia, almost entirely enclosed within it.

Its name is said to be derived from the Wolof name for the dugout canoes used by fishermen. Today the brightly painted, specially designed pirogues are at the heart of one of Senegal's main national sports, canoe racing, which takes place along various stretches of the coast. The dugouts are still used by fishermen who navigate the waters of the 250-mile (402km) coastline in the age-old tradition that is the most common activity after farming, and the most important supply of export revenue. Fish is also the main source of protein for the Senegalese who consume the greatest amount of fish in the world, possibly second only to the Japanese.

The sun shines almost all year round on hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, estuaries, mangrove swamps, savannah and a semi-desert in the north. The Casamance region, a strip of land stretching from east to west across the country below The Gambia, boasts some of the best beaches in West Africa, and is one of the most touristic parts of Senegal, a vision of tropical splendour with lush forests, coconut palm groves, brilliant flame trees and bougainvillea, and warm waters brushing the endless stretches of sandy beaches. Hotels bordering the beaches make coastal Casamance a holiday paradise for visitors. The modern capital city of Dakar, situated on the tip of the Cap Vert peninsula, is a vibrant hive of local and international activity, where businessmen rub shoulders with tourists and traditionally dressed Senegalese amid the confusion of gleaming hotels, cafes, colourful open-air markets and the medina (old quarter). Just two miles (3km) offshore lies Gorée, an island that was the most important slave depot in West Africa between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Not only does Senegal offer seaside resorts, a fascinating history, and a modern business infrastructure, but there are also national parks rich in flora and fauna, excellent scuba-diving and fishing opportunities, a diversity of cultures and customs, and a warm welcome by its people who adhere to the traditional values of respect for others, good manners and hospitality.

Climate

The weather is generally hot and humid all year. There are two seasons: the rainy season from June to October and the dry season between November and May. Humidity is highest during the rainy season and sea temperatures are warmer during this period. Rainfall varies from 12 inches (300mm) in the extreme north to 59 inches (1,500mm) in the far south, and although showers don't last very long they can cause disruption to transport. Dry season temperatures average between 72°F and 86°F (22°C and 30°C). Dakar temperatures average 75° F (24°C) from January to March, 77° F to 81° F (25°C to 27°C) in April, May and December, and 86° F (30°C) between June and October.

Money

The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is fixed to the Euro at a rate of 1 Euro = 655.957 CFA francs, or 100 CFA francs = 0.152449 Euro, and only currency issued by the Bank of West African States ( Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest)is considered valid. There are ATMs in Dakar, but banking facilities are limited in the rest of the country. Credit cards are only accepted by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted; commission is charged. Travellers cheques can be cashed in Dakar.

Passport Visa

All visitors must either hold a return or onward ticket, or pay a deposit to the airline approximately equal to the fare of a ticket from Senegal to their country of origin (refundable on request to the local Treasury before leaving Senegal) and all documents for next destination. Passports must be valid for at least three months on entry. However, it is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals must have a passport valid for three months after intended travel. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• UK nationals must have a passport valid for three months after intended travel. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months if passport is endorsed British Citizen, otherwise a visa is required.
• Canadians must have a passport valid for three months after intended travel. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• Australian citizens require a visa to enter Senegal.
• South Africans must have a passport valid for three months after intended travel. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• Irish nationals must have a passport valid for three months after intended travel. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• New Zealand nationals require a visa to enter Senegal.

Health

Stomach troubles are the most common health concerns for travellers in Senegal. Visitors should watch what they eat and drink: do not drink untreated tap water. Protection against mosquito bites is essential as malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya fever occur; malaria is prevalent throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. A yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry to Senegal if coming from an infected area, but all travellers should be vaccinated against yellow fever as a precaution; other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid. Outbreaks of meningococcal infections occur and vaccination is recommended for travel during the dry season (November to May). Outbreaks of cholera also occur. There is a risk of bilharzia, and visitors should avoid contact with stagnant, fresh water. Medical facilities are good in Dakar, but are limited in the rest of the country, and travellers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Senegal, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 0540.
• Embassy of Senegal, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): Tel: +(44) 20 7938 4048.
• Embassy of Senegal, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6392.
• Consulate-General of Senegal, Victoria, Australia: +61 (0)3 9348 0466.
• Embassy of Senegal, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 5263.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 829 2100, after hours: +221 (0)33 823 6520.
• British Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 823 7392.
• Canadian Embassy, Dakar (also responsible for Australia): +221 (0)33 889 4700.
• South African Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 865 1959.