Dakar, Sénégal
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
There are many trips you should plan in advance and a trip to West Africa is one of them. West Africa has a few countries but on this day I chose Sénégal.
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is a well connected airport and on this day I arrived on Groupe Air Sénégal from Cape Verde. A few days earlier I transited through the airport from the United States via Delta Airlines.
Before I get into the details of the trip, let’s go over some important items.
A yellow fever shot is recommended and should be taken 10 days prior to the trip.
Sénégal is visa free for the U.S but depending where your from there might be visa restrictions
Anti-Malaria medication is also a highly suggested item
As I landed in DSS for the second time in as many days, the process was a bit smoother. When I originally landed I had to take pictures. And do fingerprints on all fingers on both hands. This time around it was one picture and a fingerprint for my right hand only. They are also adamant on you presenting your hotel reservation for proof of accommodation in the country.
Right outside of the Airport my taxi was waiting. I paid 60,000 Fcfa (USD 98.70) directly with my hotel but later learned the going rate should be 25,000 Fcfa (USD 41.12) There is a bus from the airport to the city as well but for good reasons aren’t the best the option.
The ride took roughly an hour. Traffic to Dakar gets congested at different times of the day. I arrived at the hotel, checked in and started my adventure. As I inspected my room I noticed a can of mosquito spray which indicated I was in for a long trip. I had an oceanfront room with a sliding door that opened to the pool and sea which increased the chances I would be eaten alive.
First order of business was food. Ayoka for sushi and ginger beer was the choice. It’s also a great atmosphere and depending on where you sit, you look out the playground at the shopping center. The shopping center was always packed which means business is booming. Next, I just hunkered down in a beach chair and accepted my tan. As it got darker the music got more louder but the temperature got colder. I retired to my room to conclude a rather chill night.
Monday morning was here and considering Goree Island was closed I decided to make the most f the day and do absolutely nothing. Every now and again we need a rest day. I felt like those memes getting up at 9:50 rushing to get breakfast before a 10am cutoff. Breakfast with views of the Atlantic Ocean is never a bad thing. Eggs and Ndambe might be my new go to combo. I then went for a brief walk before returning poolside. Being able to just chill was amazing followed by a bevy of refreshing ginger beers to accompany the tan. As it got darker, the music increased and the pool area turned into a part scene. It was only right that I have dinner at Galuchat, the poolside restaurant at the hotel. For this night I tried Poulet Yassa. One thing about food in Senegal, they do not skimp on the portions, I couldn't even finish the meal. It was tasty and I liked the option of trying local foods instead of the more touristy options.
The Next Day my guide Pape picked me up for a day on Dakar. We first stopped at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories. Seeing Black Angels on a church was something new and the history around the church was impressive. We then made out way to the Gare Maritime Internationale De Dakar to take the ferry over to Goree Island. In roughtly three hours I had an express course on the slave trade and the players that took part on Goree Island. Seeing the door of No Return is probably one of the more chilling things you will ever encounter in life once you understand the magnitude of what took place.
We had lunch on Goree Island and it was Thieboudienne, Fish and rice with certain vegetables and potatoes. Although its a meal you can replicate in different parts on the world, the aroma and spices are unmatched. This plate screams welcome to Dakar. If I would suggest one meal on repeat in the city it would be this one.
After lunch we took took the ferry back to Dakar and visited Sandagar Market. Then we visited the main square Rue Aristide Le Dantec. Next on the list was the Mosque of Divinity. Last stop was the African Renaissance Monument.
The tour was great but the most impressive thing was to see Pape's interaction with the people of Dakar. I felt I was in the midst of a local celebrity the entire time. If you're coming to Dakar, seek him out, he is by far the best guide in the country!
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any parties mentioned. None of the entities mentioned has reviewed, approved or endorsed the content listed in this post.
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