This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt’s Senegal continues to offer far and away the greatest depth of coverage for this increasingly popular part of West Africa. With over 350 pages of detailed description and 40 maps, this remains the definitive source of information to a country that is often described as the whole of West Africa in microcosm. 

This new edition includes details of the rapidly changing transport situation, notably the opening of the new international airport and the first bridge to span the Gambia River. All regions of the country are covered, including detailed information on access to Senegal’s national parks, with detailed maps, itineraries, and practical information on transport, accommodation and eating for each region.

Senegal boasts a variety of landscapes and cultures that belie its compact size. Northern desert wilds give way to the rain-soaked Casamance, fringed by hundreds of kilometres of pristine beaches and the fantastically frenetic capital city, Dakar, surrounded by ocean and proudly perched at the westernmost point on the African continent. This smorgasbord of landscapes is all accessible within a day’s travel, making Senegal the perfect choice for anyone looking to sink their teeth into West Africa, for the first time or the hundredth.

Natural assets aside, Senegal is home to a world of man-made delectations: Dakar’s nightclubs throb well into the morning hours and offer a rare chance to dance yourself silly with superstar musicians on their home turf. With one of Africa’s most prolific arts scenes, Senegal attracts numerous visitors for its cultural attractions, and this book provides a thorough and accessible introduction to the music, art, film, and literature of this most creative of countries. 

Beyond the capital, Saint-Louis’ charm is an enchanting throwback to the colonial glamour of the 19th century, and sleepy Île de Gorée is a haunting testament to colonial horror, as visitors peer through the door of no return, where thousands destined for the Americas glimpsed their homes for the final time.

With all new first-hand research, Bradt’s Senegal is the only guide ready to take you to all corners of this enchanting land.

Sean Connolly first travelled to West Africa in 2008 and has been returning to study, work, or backpack around the region ever since. He’s been working with Bradt Guides since 2011, updating guides to Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, Uruguay, Sierra Leone, and two editions of Rwanda, along with authoring the first edition Bradt Guide to Senegal. When he’s not updating guides or discussing the many merits of camel meat, you may find him hitching a lift on a grain truck, chatting over a hot café Touba, or seeking out Senegal’s funkiest records and best bowl of Thiéboudiène. Raised in Chicago, Sean stays on the move whenever possible, though lately you’ll find him most often in Berlin. (seanconnolly.me) 

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information 

Geography, Climate, Environment and conservation, History, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, Sport

Chapter 2 Practical Information

When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Safety, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and events, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Media and communications, Photography, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

Chapter 3 Health

Preparations, Potential medical problems, Other safety concerns

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 4 Dakar

History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife and live music, Arts and entertainment, Sport, Study, Shopping, Safety and security, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Dakar

Chapter 5 The Petite Côte

Toubab Dialaw, Popenguine, Along the RN1, La Somone and Ngaparou, Saly, Mbour, South to Joal-Fadiouth, Joal-Fadiouth

Chapter 6 Kaolack and the Sine-Saloum Delta

Kaolack, Around Kaolack, The Sine-Saloum Delta and National Park, Toubacouta and surrounds

Chapter 7 Saint-Louis and Surrounds

Saint-Louis, Around Saint-Louis 

Chapter 8 Senegal River and the North

The road north from Saint-Louis, The river route to Podor, Podor and around, Northeastern Senegal

Chapter 9 Central Senegal and the Grande Côte

Thies, The Grande Côte, The central interior

Chapter 10 Tambacounda and Parc National du Niokolo-Koba

Tambacounda, Parc National du Niokolo-Koba, East of Tambacounda

Chapter 11 Kédougou and Around

Kédougou, Around Kédougou

Chapter 12 Ziguinchor and Basse Casamance 

Ziguinchor (City), West of Ziguinchor, Cap Skirring and Kabrousse, Around Cap Skirring, Petit Kassa, North to The Gambia, Bignona and around

Chapter 13 Haute Casamance

Sédhiou, Kolda, Diaoube, Vélingara, Manda

Appendix 1

Language