Reasons to Visit Senegal

Senegal's Top Attractions

Goree Island (Ile de Goree) is a small island just off the coast of Dakar, Senegal's sprawling capital city. Goree Island is a big tourist attraction because of its history as a major slave-trading center. It's an important destination for African-Americans in particular who come to pay their respects and reflect upon their ancestors' past. In fact the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) on the island has become a place of pilgrimmage for everyone to reflect upon the horrors of the slave-trade and remember the millions of souls who died because of it.

http://goafrica.about.com/od/peopleandculture/a/goreeisland.htmMore information on Goree Island, getting there, what to see ...

Dakar is Senegal's bustling capital situated on the Atlantic coast. Dakar boasts some fine beaches, excellent music, wonderful markets and interesting museums. Highlights inlcude the IFAN Museum which displays art and cultural artifacts from the entire West African region. The best markets include the traditional Marche de Tilene which is less touristy (which means fewer hustlers) than the other main markets in town. The best swimming beaches are those on the Ile de Madeleine a picturesque island just off the coast of Dakar. Dakar's nightlife is legendary and live bands perform throughout the city especially on weekends.

Dakar is a large city, as with all cities you have to be careful of your belongings and watch out for pickpockets.

Retba Lake is more commonly known as the Pink lake due to its marvellous pink color. The lake even turns a beautiful purple in the sunlight, this is due its high salt content and unique bacteria. The color alone is enough to draw tourists, but the fascinating salt harvesting that takes place is also worth a look. The lake is just an hour's drive north of Dakar and gives the visitor a nice insight into local village life, vegetable markets and traditional Fula culture.