Traveling to Senegal? Here Are 5 Places You Have to Visit
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Loading... - Brena Jepkoech
- 03 Feb 2022
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Senegal has always been on my list of places to travel because of its reputation for being a calming paradise. When I traveled last month for vacation, it lived up to everything I'd heard and more.
Located on the west coast of Africa, Senegal is a beautiful country that varies from a sprawling beachfront to red clay terrain. According to the World Bank, its population is around 16 million with a quarter of the people living in its capital Dakar. Senegal is a proud country that has a growing economy, rich culture, and renowned health sector — they even created a coronavirus testing kit to be distributed throughout Africa at cost price.
I'm incredibly mindful of how and where I travel, considering the pandemic we're still in. So I made sure to follow all protocols — as a fully vaccinated person — getting tested before my flight, wearing masks in public places, and getting tested again once while there.
I stayed at two different hotels, recommended by Tastemakers Africa, in order to have a diverse experience. Along the way, I enjoyed everything the people and good weather had to offer. Check out the five places I highly recommend visiting.
Lac Rose
Also known as Lake Retba or “Pink Lake” this natural wonder is worth a visit. The body of water is literally pink-colored from the Dunaliella salina algae it contains that is high in salt content. Once there you can get boat in the water or rent all-terrain vehicles to motor around it. The local folks can tell you all about the lake's scientific properties and wholistic uses — and point you in the direction of amazing food spots in the area.
Pullman Dakar Teranga
Located in the hub of Dakar, this hotel is a great place to start your trip to get a sense of city life. Its lobby is filled with gorgeous Senegalese art and the views of the Atlantic ocean (from the restaurant and two pools) is breathtaking. The hotel also works with SOS SAHEL, an NGO that partners with local Africans in different countries to tackle food security, build entrepreneurship, and fight climate challenges.
African Renaissance Monument
Finished in 2010, the 160-foot African Renaissance Monument is simply breathtaking. It's Africa's largest statue and depicts a man, woman, and child reaching out toward the Atlantic ocean. At the time of construction, former President Abdoulaye Wade said it was symbolic of ‘the triumph of African liberation from centuries of ignorance, intolerance, and racism, and he hopes it will rival the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower.’ Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the statuesque man's crown and see a clear view of the Dakar. It must be noted that people protested the building of the monument when it was first built — they felt that the money spent on it could have gone towards infrastructure and other needs.
Chez Loutcha
An amazing family-run restaurant with authentic Senegalese food. Their menu is pretty large, so we stuck with classic dishes of fried fish and joloff rice. Note: Senegalese people invented joloff, so without argument, it is the best ( and I say this as a proud Ghanaian). Make sure to also get a warm cup of attaya — Senegal's staple green tea made with mint and honey — while waiting for your food. Read More…
