The Dakar Medina: essential for getting to know the real Dakar. In the narrow, bustling streets of the old town, life is teeming with life at every turn. The most important building is the Grand Mosque but the real flavour is outside its walls.
The markets: a stroll through any market in Senegal is a challenge to the senses. Sight, hearing and smell can become saturated. Especially the latter, because the accumulation of aromas is compounded by the sense of smell, which you have to develop to become a master bargainer and get good prices. In Dakar you will find two of the best markets in West Africa, the "Marché Kermel", which specialises in food (pay attention to the seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables) and the "Marché des HLM", where you will find all kinds of fabrics in the African style, that is, in bright colours.
The African Renaissance Monument: a colossal monument built in 2010 and dedicated to the liberation of Africa from European colonisers and the end of slavery.
Pointe des Almadies: if you are a surfing enthusiast or simply like to watch these athletes ride the waves, come to the Almadies peninsula. The high season for surfing is from November to May.
Pink Lake: one of the country's most curious natural phenomena. It is a huge but shallow lake of warm water containing large quantities of salt. This property and the presence of a special type of algae causes its strange colour and the fact that, as in the Dead Sea, you can float so much that you could fall asleep on its waters without drowning.
Gorée Island: located 2 kilometres from the port of Dakar, a short boat trip (no more than 30 minutes) takes you there. Its main attraction is the Slave House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. It is an old building that was used as a slave warehouse. It is possible to visit the cells and the distribution point. It is difficult to break the silence that normally fills the rooms. Imagining the horrors that took place there is an experience that will invite you to reflect and honour the memory of so many millions of people.
Salou Delta: one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the country. In its varied ecosystem it is possible to see a multitude of animal species. The respect for the environment of the inhabitants of this area means that we can also visit authentic Senegalese fishing villages.
Petite Côte: curiously the Senegalese call an area south of Dakar that stretches for about 150 kilometres the "Little Coast". Here you'll find dreamy beaches where you'll most probably be the only human being on the fine sand.
Sant Louis: the oldest city on the West African coast, it was the capital of Senegal from 1872 to 1957. Its inhabitants know it as "La Ville" and a stroll among its colonial buildings and colourful balconies will give you a clue to the cultural importance of this island city. This importance was recognised by UNESCO when it was included in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2000. Start your tour at the Syndicat d'Initiative of Saint Louis building, opposite the bridge, and follow the beautiful signposted urban route.
Guet N’Dar: this fishing village is located in an area known as Langue de Barbarie, where you can watch the fishermen arrive with their catch while the women dry and smoke the fish on the beach. It is also a sight to see the hundreds of brightly coloured boats that are always being repaired by the sea.
Carabane Island: a car-free island where you can hear the silence. This paradisiacal haven of peace is located in the far south of the country, in the estuary of the River Casamance, and is actually a sandbank covered with palm trees, coconut trees, baobabs, mango trees, mangroves and other lush plant life.
