Senegal tours & holidays

The best time to visit Senegal is between November and March when the average coastal temperature of 28°C. Things get hotter and dustier the further inland you venture, thanks to the harmattan winds that blow in from the Sahara.

June to October is the rainy season. Temperatures rise above 30°C, and intermittent downpours create extreme humidity. Though the rain showers usually last no more than a few hours and the country will be green and lush, occasionally, roads will wash out, and some national parks will close or be inaccessible.

Save for the southeast Fouta Djallon foothills and the Bambouk Mountains on the Malian border, little of Senegal rises more than 100m above sea level. The northern part of the country consists of sparsely vegetated savanna woodland and coastal dunes, while south of The Gambia, the land turns to dense jungle, winding river systems and mangrove estuaries.

Top 5 things to eat and drink in Senegal

1. Thieboudienne

Thieboudienne, a Wolof word meaning rice and fish, is the national dish of Senegal. Usually consisting of grouper or snapper, rice, tomato sauce and lots of Senagalese veggies, it's served in a large communal dish and eaten family-style.

2. Bouye juice

Thick, tangy and almost shake-like, bouye juice is made from the fruit of the baobab tree. Nothing defines the African landscape quite like the distinctive baobab tree (also known as the tree of life) that dots the plains of the savanna with its short trunks and widely spread canopies. The gourd-like fruit of the baobab has a sweet, fleshy pulp that creates the bouye juice. The juice is rich in fiber and vitamin C and has a mild tropical flavour.

3. Soupou kandia

A traditional Senegalese dish, the name comes from the Wolof word for okra (kandia). Sometimes prepared more like a sauce than an actual soup, soupou kandia is made of cooked okra, fish or meat, vegetables and palm oil and served over rice. Although the ingredients may vary, with some recipes favouring crab and shrimp while others use salmon, mussels or tilapia, the dish is guaranteed to be hearty.

4. Bissap

Bissap is one of Senegal's most popular drinks, and if you're invited into a local's home, you'll undoubtedly be served a cold glass of this sweetened hibiscus tea. Hibiscus is native to West Africa and Senegal is one of the world's largest producers of the crop. Bissap can be dolled up with orange blossom, vanilla or sprigs of mint, and in addition to being delicious and refreshing, it's full of heart-healthy antioxidants.

5. Sombi

Sombi is a traditional coconut rice pudding served chilled in the hot months and warm as needed for a comforting treat. Often garnished with coconut chips or fresh fruit, it makes an excellent sweet treat at any time of day.

Credit card use is growing in Senegal but can still be somewhat limited. Power outages and weak internet can present challenges even where credit cards are accepted.

Cash is the preferred payment method, and carrying enough local currency (CFA Franc) for meals, shopping, and tipping is a good idea.

You can withdraw local currency at ATMs in larger cities like Dakar and Saint-Louis or exchange USD for CFA Francs. Like many parts of Africa, some businesses may reject old, crumpled, damaged or worn notes.