The Atlantic Slave Trade

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Goree Island Slave Monument

You might wonder why a site devoted to tourism would bring up a painful subject like slavery. One of the reasons that African Americans travel to Africa is to find their heritage. Many chose South or East Africa, but to really trace their roots they must travel to West Africa (just like Alex Haley author of Roots) 

 Millions of people were dispatched in chains from West African ports running from Senegal to Angola, bound for Brazil, Caribbean and the United States.  South Africa did enslave the native population but didn't export them. In fact South Africa did import slaves from Asia.

What where the forces that drove slavery to the America's? The main one was Europeans craving for labor intensive crops like sugar, tea, coffee,tobacco and cotton. Except for cotton these crops where luxuries and some might be called drugs.  They needed a huge source of cheap labor.

So where was this labor going to come from. It's not surprising that the Europeans turned to slavery as a labor solution. Slavery including chattel slavery , the most extreme form, in which people are legally defined as property- had a long history in the Old World. At that time most slaves were not Africa but European.  The word slavery comes from the world slav referring to the Slavic people of northern Europe who were enslaved in southern Europe. Using European slaves did not work because they could not survive the tropical conditions and diseases in the Americas and Islands.The European colonist first tried to enslave the native population. This failed because 95% of the native population died from Old World diseases like small poxs and measles. Also being on their home territory many were able to escape. It is said that in the century after Columbus sailed to the New World  the population of natives lost 90 million.

Atlantic Slave Trade

Africans were acclimated to tropical climates and had some protection from Old World disease due to prior to exposure to Europeans. Since most slaves where needed in the the tropical areas of the Americas.... so Africans became the choice. It is estimated that around 50% of the slaves went to the Caribbeans, 40% to South  and Central America with only 5% to the United States.

There has been a lot of debate about how many West Africans where shipped to the New World as slaves. A 1999 study by Harvard puts the number at around 11 million. Remember this does not include those who didn't survive capture and the horror of the middle passage.

Slave Ship

Many white Europeans and Americans seem to take some satisfaction from the fact that most African slaves where sold into slavery by other Africans. Using this "logic" to shift the blame from Europeans to Africans. There is plenty of blame to go around. Remember that Africans did not sell their own people. The word African was more of a European state of mind.  Populations in Africa thought of themselves as Igbo, Asante, Kongo, Yourba..etc.  These tribes did keep and sell slaves from other tribes ..not thought of as their own people.  The biggest factor was the demand that drove the West African slave trade...it came from the Europeans wanting cheap labor for their plantations in the the New World.

When American descendant of these slaves return to West Africa here are a few points of interest:

• Goree Island , Senegal -  premiere destination for those interested in the history of the trans-Atlantic slave-trade.   The main attraction is the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves)

• Elmina Castle, Ghana - One of several former slave forts along Ghana's Atlantic coast, is a hugely popular destination and place of pilgrimage for African-American tourists

• Albreda Island, Gambia - French Slave port now has a slave musuem

• Jufureh, Gambia is the home village of Kunta Kinte

• The Route des Esclaves , Benin - a 2.5 mile road lined with fetishes and statues where the slaves would take their final walk down to beach and to the slave-ships. Important memorials have been set up in the last village on this road, which was the "point of no return".

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Make Senegal Your Next Fishing Destination

Make Senegal Your Next Fishing Destination

By Guest Blogger Jenifer Anderson

The natural conditions are the main reasons behind making West Coast of Africa some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. In fact marine fish is the major source of income to the coastal communities and it is also the country’s one of the leading natural resources. 52,000 people are directly employed in small scale fisheries and fishing along with processing, marketing and others services provide around 600,000 jobs in Senegal. Apart from the jobs, the fisheries accounts for the 70% of all animal protein that is consumed in the country. The fisheries sector also plays an important role when it comes to the country’s economy.


You are not the first to admit that Senegal would not be the first choice of a fishing holiday spot. But if you are visiting the country sometime between the months of July and October, you would be rather pleased. A huge migratory population of sailfish, swordfish and marlins, Dorado, Tuna and Kingfish would definitely add loads of excitement to your fishing trip. The Sine Saloum Delta area is what we would recommend. The villages of Toubakota and Le Paletuviers are just perfect spot to be spending some relaxing and fishing in the holidays along with the family or friends.


If you have your own boat, there is nothing like it. If you don’t, hire a charter for 1 day 3 days. Make sure you have all your required tackles and that you are well equipped. Most charters supply the tackles along with drinks and lunch. Trolling is allowed in this part of the world. You are sure to have a great time with the ‘static fishing’ as well catching mackerel, bonito, grouper, jack crevalle, amberjack, ballista and more. All you need is the guidance of an experienced captain or the fishing guide who will help you land the mighty game fish. it does not matter if you are a novice or a seasoned angler, there is nothing like a learning a few new techniques and enjoying the awesome deep sea fishing.

It would be nice to be a part of the largest exporter of seafood to the European Union. Yes, Senegal is the largest exporter of seafood. But sadly there is a decline in the number of fish. With the rise in the population, the demand of work in the fisheries industries and fish has increased creating overfishing. Fish is the main food source for millions of people in West Africa- hence any reduction in catches would definitely impact on their health. But steps are being taken by the international agencies to augment this unpleasant situation. The future looks definitely brighter than that we fear.

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Senegals New culture and tourism minister Youssou Ndour. What can he do to promote tourism?

Senegals New culture and tourism minister Youssou Ndour. What can he do to promote tourism?

With Senegals New  culture and tourism minister Youssou Ndour. What can he do to promote tourism? Especially tourism from the USA. Senegal gets it tourism mainly from Europe. I see the United States as a huge untapped market. My person thoughts on why American don't travel to West Africa for leisure. I list three reasons in no particular order.

The cost of Airfare
Why got to Africa when you can get a cheap flight to the Caribbean Islands... who are begging via advertisements to come?

Safety Concerns
Most of the news that American see about Africa is very negative.  They cover the wars, aides,  and poverty.

No direct advertising
Advertising is very important. American flock to Jamaica and South Africa ( with real safety concerns) That is because they invest in ads to promote tourism.

Please use the comment box to add to this discussion

Top "7" Seven Things to do in Saint- Louis Senegal .

Top "7" Seven Things to do Saint -Louis Senegal

(In no particular order)

City Tour of the Island of Saint-Louis an UNESCO site

Saint-Louis Senegal

Things to do in
Saint-Louis Senegal

The Island of Saint-Louis, a former capital of West Africa, is an outstanding example of a colonial city, characterized by its particular natural setting, and it illustrates the development of colonial government in this region. It is small enough to tour on foot or by a horse drawn carriage.  From the architectural and aesthetic point of view the quality of the two- or three-storied colonial buildings is distinguished in the form of wooden balconies with wrought-iron grilles, roofs with red tiles, and the doors and windows with wooden shutters. Reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans Louisiana. Visit Saint-Louis Tourism Site.

Saint-Louis Jazz Festival

St. Louis Jazz Festival  showcases Jazz, blues, 

Things to do in Dakar

gospel and related music. More than an event, the Festival International de Jazz de Saint-Louis has become a must in the cultural and musical landscape of Senegal,a major African Festival, but which is always something unexpected! Get more info on the Festival

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary  - UNESCO Site

Things to do in
Saint-Louis Senegal

The Djoudj Bird Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises 16,000 hectares of wetlands. The park is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the world, and is particularly famous for the pelicans in Senegal that come to Djoudj every year.
Visiting the Djoudj Bird Sanctuary in Senegal Visiting the Djoudj Bird Sanctuary is best done from Saint Louis, the largest city nearby. You can take a half or full day trip to the Djoudj Bird Sanctuary from your hotel in Saint Louis. The hotel can arrange a driver to take you to the park and back. The drive takes around 45 minutes each way.
Once you arrive at the Djoudj Bird Sanctuary, you will take a 14 km boat safari in Djoudj to see the birds. The boat trip takes around 45 minutes.
The Djoudj Bird Sanctuary isn’t all about birds, though. You can also see warthogs, pythons, crocodiles, giant lizards, and other wetland wildlife.

Canoe trip on the Senegal River

Thing to do in
Saint-Louis Senegal

Departure from the agency Sahel Discovered in vehicle to the lighthouse Gandiol including lunch at the camp and Savannah Ocean located inside the reserve of the Langue de Barbarie. Embarking on canoes to navigate the winding river. Opportunity to 



Canoe trip on the Senegal River

swim and drink tea with local villagers. Back to Gandiol in motorized canoe and then return to St Louis. Get More Information...

 Donkey Ride     



Things to do in
 Saint-Louis Senegal

Your friend with the big ears will follow you throughout your course and reveal an endearing companion.
The starting point is locatedcamels. This area is populated by many species of birds, you admire the flight of eagles, kites, metal blackbirds, pelicans ...
You cross villages Wolof, Fulani, where the inhabitants live off fishing, farming and market gardening. The villagers warmly welcome you and share the fun with  on a plantation 13 km from Saint-Louis in Senegal in the heart of the bush. The tours are free or with a local guide. We offer different routes, they can be modified or adapted as desired and depending on your level. How to book tour...

Loumpoul Dunes



Things to do in
Saint-Louis Senegal

Departure by jeep in the morning around 9 am for the largest desert dunes of Senegal. Depending on the tide, the road will be by the beach with a beautiful promenade along the Atlantic Ocean along the sea breeze to the village of Lompoul that we cross to go a little trekking in the desert dunes of red and yellow . Picnic lunch with drinks by the sea Back in St. Louis in the late afternoon, through Kébémer and Luga. For information on this tour...

Les Fanals Festival



Things to do in
Saint-Louis Senegal

This festival typically from Saint-Louis, takes place during the last week of December, this is a night parade. Real full-bodied works, buildings representing the city of St. Louis up to 5 m high, covered with brightly colored wallpaper.

The parades of these fanals, illuminated from within by candles, is accompanied by
singing and the beat of drums. The St. Louisiennes, coated Signares required to, bring the past of the old colonial city. This event is a real contest of ingenuity and délégance between the neighborhoods of St. Louis.

Learn More....

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Senegals New culture and tourism minister Youssou Ndour. What can he do to promote tourism?

Senegal Wrestling

Senegal Wrestling

Wrestling boom sweeps Senegal   

As dusk falls on the ramshackle neighbourhood of Guediawaye, on the outskirts of Dakar, hundreds of young men and boys in loincloths and Nike shorts are being put through their paces by trainers brandishing whistles.

In their hundreds, the athletes drop to the ground and, seemingly effortlessly, run off dozens of push-ups while the trainer shouts encouragements from the sandy training ground.

Young kids sell peanuts around the edges of the patch of land, which is strewn with rocks and rubbish.

Mohamed Ndao, also known as Tyson
was a wrestling pioneer in Senegal

They watch eagerly as these bright young stars of the country's booming wrestling industry get ready to grapple with their opponents, hoping to throw them to the ground in an athletic display of strength, skill and style.
Only a few of the more than 200 men who belong to this school will make it on to the professional wrestling circuit.

Read the rest of the Story..BBC News
By Rose Skelton
BBC Africa Business Report, Senegal                   

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Senegal, Gambia & Mali

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
 in Senegal, Gambia & Mali

World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

UNESCO's World Heritage mission is to:

• Encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage.
• Encourage States to the Convention to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List.
• Encourage States  to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites.
• Help safeguard World Heritage properties by providing technical assistance and professional training.
• Provide emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger.
• Support public awareness-building activities for World Heritage conservation.
• Encourage participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage.
• Encourage international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural and natural heritage.

Senegal

• Island of Gorée
• Niokolo-Koba National Park
• Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
• Island of Saint-Louis
• Stone Circles of Senegambia*
• Saloum Delta

Gambia    

• Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites
• Stone Circles of Senegambia

Mali

• Old Towns of Djenné
• Timbuktu
• Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
• Tomb of Askia

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Saloum Delta Islands - Senegal

Saloum Delta Islands

Saloum Delta Islands

The River Saloum Delta, four hour ride from Dakar, consists of an archipelago of small islands which are home of ecotourism practice. It is in this region that the Saloum Delta National Park is located. It is a river delta formed by the confluence of two rivers : the Sine and the Saloum.Because it flows so slowly, this delta allows saltwater to travel deep inland.
Kaolack : The region's capital Kaolack is resolutely modern and bustles with activity: crossroads, commercial port, holy city for the Tidjane brotherhood and capital of groundnut and salt-marshes. The city also home to one of the largest markets in the country with a neo-Moorish style whose architecture . Not far from there, you will be able to discover a number of megalithic sites similar to "Breton standing stones".
Fishermen villages : Fishermen villages along the coastline and those set up along the meanders of the Sine and Saloum Rivers are great authentic sites; visiting these villages represents a unique occasion to understand the daily lives of the inhabitants of this region.

Foundiougne : Located on the left bank of the 


Saloum Delta Islands

Saloum and accessible by ferry, this peaceful village has kept its charm of yesteryear with its old buildings and its streets lined with mango trees.

Missirah : Built against the forest, this village is organised around a port and its dugout workshop. A small local specificity: fishermen sell their fish by suspending them from the handlebars of their bicycle.

Toubakouta : Known not only for its Senegalese wrestling competitions but also for the talent of its artisans and notably its sculptors, the village is also a crossroads for two ethnic groups: the fishermen Serer and the farmers Mandinka.

Dionevar Island : This is an island not to be missed! Mainly populated with Nominka, excellent fishermen from the Serer group, you will be enchanted by the charm of its architecture, its richly-coloured houses decorated with shells as well as a luscious environment where groundnut and rice cultivations are planted alongside coconut and lemon trees. Gourmets will succumb to the specialty of grilled molluscs served with rice.

The Saloum Delta National Park is a wonderful natural environment and a unique attraction for those who want to know the real Senegal and appreciate its beauty. It is a true natural paradise where live birds (pelicans, herons, marabous and hundreds of other species), fish, crustacean, dolphins, hyenas, jackals. The wealth of water makes it a very sought after area for fishing enthusiasts but also it allows people to live on fishing.
  


Saloum Delta Islands

The richness of the Saloum Delta National Park is, definitely, the variety of itsecosystems. Composed of three main island groups (Fathala, Gandoune and Betenty): the three major island groups include a myriad of small islands.

This humid region of Senegal has been listed in Ramsar in 1984. The Ramsar Treaty is an agreement signed by 150 countries to protect the wetlands on the planet. The mangrove islands serve as refuges for rare and endangered. Reptiles are numerous. Crocodiles, snakes, lizards, chameleons and turtles each evolve in their environment and provide even more amphibian fauna of the park. The fishes in the delta are breeding exceptional count 114 species. Over 40 species of fish of the Senegal coast come to feed in the delta and 44 species breed there.

Nearly 200 000 people live in the park or in its immediate neighbours and live on fishing and on the park tourism (ecotourism, hunting or sport fishing).The main economic activity is fishing. Transportation is difficult because of the many islands.A secondary economy is the construction of fishing boats.The salinity of the water is increasing due to mismanagement of the rivers upstream. Mangroves are disappearing, and freshwater fish are disappearing with them. 


Saloum Delta Islands

The Sine-Saloum Delta is further characterized by the presence of notable species such as manatees, river dolphins, and the highly endangered red colobus monkey to the extreme of its range. As for flora, with 188 plant species, it is mainly composed of a variation of  mangrove plants.Visit page for  Senegal Destinations.

 

Senegals New culture and tourism minister Youssou Ndour. What can he do to promote tourism?

Ceebu Jën - Senegal National Dish

Ceebu Jen

Ceebu Jën (cheh-boo jen) or thieboudienne is the perfect example of a Senegalese dish. A Wolof word meaning   “fish and rice.” It is one of the most popular dishes in Senegal, especially along the coast. Ceebu Jen is not just a basic or a staple, but an important aspect of the country’s cultural identity. Ceebu jën is also considered the national dish.Normally you eat from this common bowl, not from individual plates, with your hands. The hostess will divide up the fish and veggies on to each person's rice portion in front of them. Take a piece of fish or veggies and some rice in your right hand. Squeeze to make a ball and pop it into your mouth. Enjoy!

Recipe

Ingredients

• stuffing mixture (roof or roff):
  • one or two sweet peppers (or bell peppers) (green, yellow, or red); chopped
  • one onion or two leeks or several scallions, chopped
  • garlic, minced (optional)
  • a small bunch of parsley or a bay leaf (or some similar fresh herb)
  • salt
  • hot chile pepper, cleaned and chopped (optional)
• one cup peanut oil, or for an authentic red color: red palm oil
• two onions, chopped
• a piece of dried, salted, or smoked fish, such as cod or herring, (stockfish is often used); the piece should be about half the size of your hand
• two to three pounds of fish: whole, filets, or steaks; cleaned (sea bass, hake, haddock, sea bream, halibut, or any similar firm-fleshed fish)
• tomato paste
• three or four tomatoes (peeled if desired), whole
• one or more of the following root vegetables and tubers:
  • carrots, chopped
  • sweet cassava (also called manioc, yuca, or yucca) tuber; or potatoes, chopped
  • yams (sweet potatoes are not the same, but may be substituted), chopped
• hot chile pepper, such as habanero or serrano chile, whole, but pricked with a fork
• one or more of the following leaf and fruit vegetables:
  
  • cabbage, chopped
  • one or two sweet peppers (or bell peppers) (green, yellow, or red); left whole
  • one squash (any kind will do) or zucchini, cleaned and chopped
  • eggplant (aubergine, or guinea squash), peeled and chopped
  • okra, whole, but with ends removed
• several cups of rice.

Preparation

• Prepare the roof (or roff) by combining the stuffing mixture ingredients and grinding them into a paste, adding a little oil or water if needed. Many cooks include what seems to be an essential in Africa: a Maggi cube. Cut deep slits into the fish (but not all the way through) and stuff them with the roof mixture.
• Heat the oil in a large pot. Fry the onions and dried/salted/smoked fish for a few minutes. Then fry the fresh fish for a few minutes on each side. Remove the fish and set aside.
• Stir the tomato paste and a cup of water into the oil in the pot. Add the root vegetables and tubers and the hot chile pepper. Add water to partially cover them. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or more.
• Add the leaf and fruit vegetables, place the fried fish on top of them, and continue to simmer for an additional twenty minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
• The fish and all the vegetables and set them aside, keeping them warm. Remove a cup or two of the vegetable broth and set it aside. Add the rice to the vegetable broth. Add water or remove liquid as necessary to obtain two parts liquid to one part rice. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on very low heat until the rice is cooked--about twenty minutes. It should stick a little to the bottom of the pot.
• Find the hot chile among the vegetables. Combine it to the reserved vegetable broth in a small saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Remove and discard the pepper and put the sauce into a dish or gravy boat.
• When the rice is done turn the pot over onto a large serving platter. Scrape the crust (the xooñ) from the bottom of the pot over the rice. Arrange the fish and vegetables over and around the rice. Garnish with parsley and sliced limes (to squeeze over fish) as desired.

Great served with Bissap Tea.

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Senegal musician Youssou Ndour appointed culture minister



Youssou Ndour Culture Minister

Senegalese superstar Youssou Ndour has been appointed the country's new tourism and culture minister in President Macky Sall's cabinet.
The Grammy-award winning singer, a fierce critic of former leader Abdoulaye Wade who hung up his microphone to campaign for Sall, forms part of a slimmed down government of 25 people appointed by Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye.

One of Africa's most recognised artists, Ndour sent shock waves through the music industry when he announced in January he was giving up performing to run for president amid rising tension over the incumbent's bid for a third term in office.

However shortly afterwards the country's constitutional council rejected his candidacy on the grounds that he had failed to provide enough valid signatures to back his application.

Read the full Story @ The Telegraph

Visit Senegal Destinations

Thiès Senegal

Thies Senegal

Thiès...(pronounced chess). The town, considered Senegal's second city, and a mere 60km from the capital,  in an area considered to be among the most developed in the country, and is a transport hub, servicing routes between St Louis, Dakar and Bamako in neighbouring Mali.

History
Before colonization, the Thiès Plateau was a wooded frontier between the kingdoms of Cayor and Baol inhabited by the Serer-Noon, an ethnic sub-group of the Serer people. The Serer-Noon still inhabit the Thiès-Noon neighborhood of the south-west city today.

The plateau acquired strategic importance when the 

Thies City Center

French embarked upon an expansionist colonial policy. A military post was created in 1864 and the military have marked the city’s development ever since; it is home to a major military base.
Tapestry
Thiès is best known for its tapestry-making industry, an exclusive factory having been set up in 1966, producing work designed by Senegal’s top artists. The famous Birds of Paradise tapestry was manufactured in Thiès.

Manufactures Sénégalaises des Arts Décoratifs, located in Thiès, was one of the artistic centers 

Thies Tapestry

inspired by President Senghor in the 1960’s. Designs for the brightly colored tapestries are chosen from paintings submitted by Senegalese and other African artists.

Each design is first drawn in reverse, then enlarged and color coded. This large piece of paper is placed in the loom for the weavers to follow. The weaving is done on manual looms with two weavers completing about 1 sq meter per month. Only eight tapestries are made of each design. Most of the tapestries are gifts of the government to foreign dignitaries. Atlanta airport, Buckingham Palace, Bill Clinton, and George Bush are four of the recipients.

Economy


Thies Museum

Agricultural production includes  rice, peanuts, manioc, millet, and fruit, the city is a leading livestock-trading and meat-packing center. It has rail yards and repair shops, and alumina phosphate deposits are worked at nearby Palo and Taïba.

Today, Thiès is developing increasingly as an extension of the congested Cap-Vert Peninsula. It is attracting industrial investments (electrical and mechanical engineering) and there are plans to link it to Dakar by highway and commuter train.The city also contains a polytechnic school.

Other attractions in Thiès include a museum, an artisanal and crafts village and a few remains of old fortifications.

The Regional Museum of Thiès is (housed in the Fort of Thiès). was the first regional museum inaugurated in Senegal. It contributes greatly to the preservation of Senegalese culture, with specific focus on the city of Thiès.

The museum comprises an exhibit hall dedicated to prehistory, history of the region of Thiès, great kingdoms, slavery, and religious brotherhoods of Senegal. There are also an exhibit hall and a research center relating the history of the railroad of Senegal. The museum hosts artists in residence and regular exhibitions. With its collections of objects, photographs, paintings, and contributions from various researchers, the museum aims to give visitors a sense of Senegal's rich history.

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