Travel to Senegal to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Travel in Senegal

• A country with a great history, a diverse population, many traditions, cheap and expensive beach options, some of the world's most beautiful bird sanctuaries and the colorful and lively capital Dakar. What you should not miss, and that actually applies to the whole of West Africa, are the many musical activities, it literally swings in Senegal.
• Trek around East Senegal, not yet discovered by tourists but with many different cultures and beautiful landscapes.
• Snorkel and dive around Cape Vert. The best season is between the months of February and April.
• Go birdwatching in one of the most important wildlife parks for birds: Parc National Aux Oiseaux du Djoudj.
• Visit Dakar, and especially the medina with the beautiful large mosque. Rent a scooter for a day and use it to see the city.
• Ile de Gorée is a former slave trading port and is now a World Heritage Site. Parc National de Niokolo Koba is a wildlife park for big game.
• St. Louis, the former capital of Senegal. The fishing district is especially worth a visit.
• Be prepared: in the tourist areas of Senegal, you are almost constantly approached by locals.

Updates Senegal

• More about Senegal, updates and contributions, see the link below.

What to take with you to Senegal: spotlighted

Featured items:

• Documents: passport (valid for at least 6 months) - and copies.
• Money: the West African CFA franc (XOF) is your new best friend. Your debit card often isn't, so bring cash euros as well. Credit cards are rarely accepted - usually only in fancy hotels.
• Care: good sunscreen and aftersun, because the sun is very intense so close to the equator.
• Outdoor and practical items: hat/cap and sunglasses.
• Clothing: light, airy and long clothing. This helps against the heat, sun and when the mosquitoes are hungry. Cotton or linen is often the most comfortable. Swimwear for the beach or in the pool. An extra layer for the evenings in winter.
• Shoes: comfortable walking shoes and good sandals/slippers. Medicines and travel kit: plasters, ORS, hand sanitizer, painkillers, diarrhea inhibitor (you'll become a fan) and mosquito repellents. 
• Protection: light raincoat for the (warm) rainy season from May to November and if you're not sure whether your accommodation has a mosquito net, definitely bring one (more about mosquito nets or impregnated mosquito nets or mosquito nets). A buff, scarf or bandana for protection against the sun and sandstorms.
• Safety: neck pouch.
• Technology and equipment: world plug with type C, D, E, K, power bank, headlamp or flashlight.

What are some other options to pack as well?

• Reusable water bottle with filter. Much more sustainable than buying new bottles all the time!
• Quick-drying travel towel for beach days.
• Dustproof cover or packing cubes - desert dust quickly gets into your stuff.
• E-reader or other offline entertainment.
• International driving license, if you want to rent a car.
• Toilet paper.
• A translation book (with pictures can be useful).

What should you keep in mind when traveling to Senegal with your belongings?

• That you are free to wear whatever you want, but that in very local places and religious places it may be desirable to cover your shoulders and knees.
• That communication can be difficult, and taking a few nice local phrases with you can get you a lot further!

Are there mosquitoes in Senegal?

• Senegal is mosquito country. Not only those annoying buzzing ones, but also species that can carry Malaria, Dengue or Chikungunya. Especially in the rainy season (June-October) they can multiply very quickly.
• Use DEET during the day and at night, wear covering clothing (also nice against sunburn and pushy creatures) and stay away from stagnant water after sunset.

Are there sandflies in Senegal?

• Little is known about sand flies in Senegal, but they certainly do occur and they can transmit Leishmaniasis. It is therefore important to be well protected.
• Fortunately, your set of mosquito repellents with DEET can also provide a solution here in combination with covering clothing.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Senegal?

• It is difficult to find DEET or other mosquito repellents in Senegal, especially one that is strong enough. 

Can you buy a joint or weed in Senegal, or take it with you to Senegal?

• Cannabis (yamba) is illegal in Senegal. Possession, use and trade are severely punished. The law is strict, and tourists can also expect arrest, imprisonment and/or fines.
• Cannabis is sometimes offered in the tourist sector (often by so-called “friendly locals” who suddenly address you as “brother”), but that does not mean it is tolerated. Police actions are sometimes even aimed at catching tourists red-handed. And: drug use can be a reason for rejection at the border, also when crossing from neighboring countries.
• Skip weed and go for a good alternative: a fresh coconut at that drum circle on the beach - then you also have that real cultural experience.