Travel Information Senegal

Travel map of Senegal from the tour operator OVERCROSS

1. General Information
2. Climate
3. Flora and Fauna
4. National Parks and Nature Conservation
5. Medical Information
6. Population
7. Politics and Economy
8. Transport Network
9. Cities and Regions
10. Culture, Sights, and Famous Personalities
11. Public Holidays
12. Representations Abroad
13. Sources and Links

1. General Information

Continent: Africa
Geographical location: West Africa, Sahel zone, and tropics
Highest elevation: unnamed with 581 m above sea level
Longest river: Senegal River, 1086 km
Form of government: Republic
System of government: Presidential democracy
Languages: French (official language), Wolof
Neighboring countries: Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania
Capital: Dakar
Area: 196,722 km²
Inhabitants: 16,631,400
Population density: 84 inhabitants per km²
Religions: 94% of the people are Muslims, 4% Christians, and 1% followers of traditional beliefs
Currency: CFA franc, is a cross-country currency like the euro. Rate 1€ = 660 CFA (XOF)
Climate: tropical climate with dry and rainy seasons
Time zone: UTC+/-0 (CET)
Country code: +221
Country code: Sn
Electricity: 220 V, no adapter necessary
 

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2. Climate

The climate in Senegal is characterized by a pronounced alternation between dry and rainy seasons. During the summer months, the monsoon moves northwards. In the south, there are heavy rains from April to October, while in the north there are only occasional showers. Temperatures range between 22-27° degrees in winter and over 40° at the end of the dry season. It is humid only for a short time in March and April when the rainy season begins.

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3. Flora and Fauna

The landscape in Senegal is very different depending on the region. In the north it is mainly thornbush savannas, while the landscape in central Senegal is shaped more by dry savannas. There you can find the typical baobab tree. In the south of Senegal, the landscape is more characterized by tama­rind, flamboyant trees, and tall elephant grass, as the south is significantly wetter than the north of the country. The animal world—at least as far as birdlife is concerned—is still very diverse. Due to population growth, the habitat for water buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles is decreasing. Giraffes and elephants are actually only found in wildlife reserves. In the Sahel zone, however, you will find a large number of wild-living domestic animals, such as donkeys and cows.

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4. National Parks and Nature Conservation

There are about 6 large national parks in Senegal. Among others, they are home to our migratory birds, which spend the winter there. In Niokolo-Koba National Park, the oldest park in Senegal, over 80 mammal species live. Among them are also the last elephants.

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5. Medical Information

Senegal is classified as a yellow fever infection area according to the WHO. Basically, vaccination is recommended for all travelers, even if no vaccination is required for direct entry from Europe. It is also recommended to get the standard vaccinations as per the vaccination schedule of the Robert Bosch Institute. Malaria is very widespread and there is a risk all year round. There are various ways to protect yourself. It is very important to protect your skin in the evening with long clothing. There are various chemical agents for protection against malaria, such as Malarex, Malarone or Lariam.

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6. Population

About 58% of the population is younger than 20 years old. In the past 20 years, the population of Senegal has almost doubled, even though hundreds of thousands live abroad. Many of them in neighboring countries or in France. The largest tribe are the Wolof. They mostly live peacefully together with many other ethnic groups that stay in border areas. Bambara towards Mali, Diola in the south, and the Moors in the north.

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7. Politics and Economy

Senegal is characterized by the rule of law and democratic structures, with fundamental freedoms—especially freedom of religion, expression, press, and assembly—being guaranteed. In foreign policy, Senegal acts as a mediator between emerging economies and Europe. This is mainly due to the very good relations with France. In addition, Senegal is one of the few Islamic countries that recognizes Israel as a state. The president attaches particular importance to ECOWAS (Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest), African unity. Even though Senegal has the status of a developing country, it is still more developed than its neighbors. There is some tourism, but the government is careful to avoid mass tourism. Agriculture and fishing are still the strongest economic sectors in Senegal.

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8. Transport network

Modes of transport are actually only available by road. The train line from Dakar to Mali currently does not operate, as the rail network, which dates back to colonial times, is in poor condition and no longer usable.
 The paved road network, however, is well developed and there is a large selection of intercity buses and bush taxis. From the Gare Routiere, which exists in every city, you can travel conveniently anywhere.
 Within the large cities, there are the typically colorful city buses. These are mostly around 60 years old, which makes riding them an unforgettable adventure.

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9. Cities and Regions

In the Dakar metropolitan area, almost four million people live in total. This means that about a third of the population lives in the capital region. However, cities in Senegal are somewhat new. In 1920, there were only four places with a population over 5,000 inhabitants.

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10. Culture, Sights, and Famous Personalities

The culture is a mix of traditional tribal culture and Muslim culture. Thus, the national holidays are mainly Muslim holidays. However, everything is colorful and loud, with plenty of music and dance. The most important sports include football nowadays and Senegalese wrestling. Apart from the city centers, which are always an attraction, there is the holy city of Touba. There is the Mecca of West Africa and the city attracts millions of pilgrims every year. However, there is an absolute ban on smoking and drinking throughout the entire city. There are also no hotels, taxes, or election campaigns. Also from Touba is the founder of the rasta culture, Ibrahima Fall.

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11. Holidays

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12. Diplomatic Missions Abroad

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dakar

Address: Ambassade de la République fédérale d'Allemagne, 20 Avenue Pasteur, Dakar, Sénégal

Telephone: (00221) 33.889.48.84

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13. Sources and Links

www.wetterkontor.de
www.auswaertiges-amt.de
 

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