Check the weather city by city, starting with Dakar.
'Teranga' (hospitality in Wolof) is the soul of Senegal. Dakar and its Gorée Island (UNESCO), the idyllic beaches of Casamance, Niokolo-Koba National Park and the surprising pink lakes make this country the top choice for French-speaking West Africa.
Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the symbol of the Atlantic slave trade. The House of Slaves with its 'Door of No Return' is an essential place of remembrance, set on a peaceful island with colourful houses.
Highlights : House of Slaves — Door of No Return, Fort d'Estrées & Gorée Museum, The island's fishing village, View of Dakar from the fort.
The Pink Lake owes its magenta colour to halophilic algae and its high salinity (up to 10 times that of seawater). Salt harvesters, coated in shea butter for protection, gather it by hand.
Highlights : Pink salt harvesting, Swimming in the brine (floating), Dakar Rally (former stage).
Saly is Senegal's number one beach resort. Saint-Louis, the former French colonial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a river island with colourful houses and wrought-iron balconies.
Highlights : Saint-Louis (UNESCO) — colonial island, Faidherbe Bridge, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Saly beaches.
Casamance is Senegal's greenest and most beautiful region: kapok tree forests, animist villages in Diola country, flooded rice paddies and the still-wild beaches of Cap Skirring.
Highlights : Cap Skirring — wild beach, Ziguinchor — old colonial town, Kabrousse Diola village, Lower Casamance by canoe.
Senegal is affordable overall. Dakar is pricier than other cities, but remains very affordable for Europeans. Local cuisine (thiéboudienne, yassa) is excellent.