Boabab Tree Senegal - The Tree of Life

Boabab Tree - The Tree of Life
Senegal Blog

Baoabab Tree - Senegal

Standing tall on the sunburnt African plains, baobab trees tower over the landscape like great living monuments. The colossal form of these trees is matched by their usefulness, for they provide shade, shelter, water and food for a wide variety of creatures. A leafless Baobab at Matesti shows off its taut, muscle-like branches.


Baobabs may be the oldest life forms on the African continent, and many of the specimens still standing today have certainly been around since the birth of Christ; others for far longer. Carbon-dating experiments in the Zambezi Valley have calculated that trees with a trunk diameter of five metres were over 1000 years of age, and similar experiments elsewhere have dated trees at over 3000 years. Girth measurements themselves are not reliable estimates of a particular tree's age, as the conditions under which it has grown - and the climatic fluctuations of the centuries - strongly affect this.

Baobab Tree - Senegal

The Baobab Tree is also known as the tree of life, with good reason too. It is capable of providing shelter,clothing, food, and water for the animal as well as human inhabitants of the African Savannah regions. The cork-like bark or huge stem is fire resistant and is used for making cloth and rope. The leaves are used as condiments and medicines. The fruit, called "monkey bread", is rich in vitamin C and is eaten. The tree is capable of storing hundreds of litres of water, which is tapped in dry periods.[source?] Mature trees are frequently hollow, providing living space for numerous animals and humans alike.[source?] Trees are even used as bars, barns, wine and beer shops and more.[source?] Radio-carbon dating has measured that age of some Baobab trees at over 2,000 years old. For most of the year, the tree is leafless, and looks very much like it has its roots sticking up in the air.


Legends


There are numerous legends offering explanations of how the tree came to be stuffed in the ground upside down, so it could no longer complain. Some of the myths are:
The Bushmen believed that goings-on in the baobab so offended God that in his wrath he uprooted it and cast it back into the earth upside-down.
It is said that if you drink its delectable sap you’ll receive protection from the crafty crocodile; but don’t pluck its flowers, for whosoever does so will be torn apart by lions!
It is also claimed that on the day of creation, each animal was given a tree to plant and that the hyena planted the baobab upside-down and, as a result, it should never have grown. But grow it did, and today baobabs dot the Limpopo landscape, in Africa.


Day Trip from Dakar

Accrobaobab Adventure Senegal

Accrobaobab Adventure Park  is the only park in the world built exclusively on baobabs.Located in the bush in the Senegalese sole baobab forest of our planet, this park welcomes you 5 to 77 years for unforgettable adventures safely.
Senegal Blog

Saly Senegal - The Riveria of West Africa

Saly Senegal

Two hours south of Dakar, lie the endless beaches of the Little Coast. This is the domain of Saly, a beautiful resort which extends over a green park of more than 1,480 


acres. Saly has several first 

Saly Senegal

class hotels, swimming pools, restaurants, horse stables, a deep sea fishing center, shops, night clubs and miles of white sanded beaches. It is the top tourist destination in all of West Africa, often refer to  as the Riviera of West Africa. Saly makes a great day trip from Dakar.

Accrobaobab Adventure Park

For the more active, Saly has several excellent water sports centres, offering a range of activities such as jet skis, water-skiing, catamarans, kayaks and windsurfing.   Quad and buggy tours or horse treks are also available in and around the resort. Saly is also home to one of Senegal’s best 18 hole golf courses and the Accrobaobab Adventure Park, where you can climb, swing and slide on a series of nets and ropes among the baobab trees.


Saly's economy relies almost entirely on tourism. Hotel complexes, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, shops, water sports, real estate agencies all compete for the business of  visitors from other countries.Seminars and symposiums are often held here..Saly is a convenient point of departure for excursions to Dakar, the Pink Lake, the Casamance or the Saloum islands


Saly's Top Hotels, Villas and Restaurants 


Lamantin Beach Resort & Spa - Saly Senegal

.

IFAN Museum of African Arts - Dakar Senegal

IFAN Museum of African Arts 

The Musée de l'Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire or IFAN Museum of African Arts in Dakar, Senegal is one of the oldest art museums in West Africa. It was promoted by Léopold Senghor, the country's first President.

 In December 2007, its official title was changed to The Théodore Monod African Art Museum ("Musée Théodore Monod d'Art africain"), after the French naturalist Théodore André Monod, former director of IFAN.[1] Previously its official name had been "Le Musée d'Art africain de l'Institut fondamental d'Afrique noire Cheikh Anta Diop IFAN/CAD".

IFAN Museum of African Arts 

The museum is part of the Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire (IFAN) institute, founded 1936 under the Popular Front government in France. When IFAN was transferred to Cheikh Anta Diop University in 1960, the building at Place Soweto near the National Assembly of Senegal was converted into a museum. 

It is today one of the most prestigious centers for the study of African culture and part of the Cheikh Anta Diop University. As the main cultural research center of the colonies of French West Africa, it contains important collections from across Francophone Africa.

The museum is one of the regular locations used in the Dakar Biennale exhibition, showing art by contemporary African and diaspora artists.

Contact information:

Place Soweto, Plateau

Dakar, Senegal

Senegal Passport ,Visa, Malaria and Shots (inoculations)

Passports are required

Citizens of countries member of the European Union (EU) do not need visa to travel to Senegal for up to three months stay.

Visa also not required for the following European and American countries for up to three months stay.

•  Canada
• Israel
• Japan
• Taiwan
• United States

 Visa's must be valid for at least 3 months after your date of arrival back in the UK.

For more information please visit the Senegal Embassy Website

 Recommended inoculations: Yellow Fever  

Malaria is a risk to travelers in Senegal. Travelers should consult their physician to discuss the benefits and risks of taking anti-malarial medication. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and up to one year after returning home, should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial medications they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, visit the CDC Travelers' Health online.

Senegal Currency with currency converter

The local currency is the West African CFA Franc (Senegal) although Euros are also accepted in the hotels 

Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels and restaurants though you may be charged a surcharge. Travellers’ cheques are not always readily accepted.

You will find ATM machines in the major hotels. You will be allowed to use these machines even if you don't stay on property. I try to be a good tourist and at least purchase a coke or something in the bar.

HERE IS A LINK FOR A CURRENCY CONVERTER

Driving in Senegal -Renting a car

Here are a few of the company's that offer rentals in the airport. Alamo, National, Avis, Europcar,  and Hertz
 

DRIVING IN SENEGAL

Driving in Senegal can be difficult since many drivers do not follow the regulations.  Senegal uses right-hand drive.  Vehicles should give priority to traffic coming from the right, except at traffic circles, where vehicles already in the circle have the right of way.

Senegalese law prohibits the use of cell phones while driving, unless the driver is using “hands-free” equipment.  Protective helmets are mandatory for all bicycle, moped, scooter and motorcycle drivers/riders and passengers.
When police officers stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, the police officer will generally confiscate the driver’s license or i.d. card until the fine is paid.

Required Documents

All drivers in Senegal are required to have the following documents in the vehicle: 

• Carte Grise: This is the vehicle registration and is a trifold paper about 3 ½ x 8 inches.  In the upper left corner it states No. Immat Vehicle and lists the license plate number.
• Declaration en Douane: This is the customs declaration if you imported your vehicle into Senegal. 
• Attestation D’Assurance: This is a yellow insurance card that is placed in a small plastic shield on the inside front windshield of the car.  This card must be renewed annually. 
• Vignette: Tax disc for the current year.
• Valid driver’s license: Drivers must either obtain a Senegalese drivers license or present their U.S. driver’s license.
• Copy of your passport: Make a copy of the front of the passport, the biographic page, and the page with your Senegalese visa.

Police officers have the authority to detain individuals who do not have these required documents.

Accidents

Drivers are required to purchase third-party insurance, which will cover damages resulting in injuries where the driver is not at fault.  If a driver is found to have caused an accident, the penalty ranges from five months to two years in prison, with a possible fine.  If a driver causes an accident that results in a death, the penalty can be as high as five years in prison. 

You are encouraged to take the following actions if involved in an automobile accident:

• Do not move the vehicle unless it is causing a traffic hazard.
• If a crowd forms and you feel you are in jeopardy, move immediately to a safe area.
• In the case of a minor accident with minimal damage and no injuries, you may wish to attempt to settle the incident.  Involving the authorities will likely take a minimum of four hours.  If you need to contact the authorities, the Central Police Station in downtown Dakar has a mobile accident investigation unit.  If you call the Police Station at 823-2529 or 823-2333, they will give you the cell phone number of the officer on duty with the mobile unit.  Most police officers in Senegal do not speak English.
• Remain calm. Avoid aggravating or inciting the other driver, the victim, or observers.
• Do not challenge a police officer or withhold documents or information.

Senegal Railways - The Dakar–Niger Railway

Senegal has 906 km of railway at 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 ³⁄₈ in) gauge. This is part of the Dakar-Niger Railway which crosses the border to Mali. 

Senegal Rail Station Clock Tower

The Dakar–Niger Railway connects Dakar, (Senegal) to Koulikoro, (Mali). It serves many cities in Senegal (including Thiès) and Mali (including Kayes, Kita, Kati, Bamako). The line covers a course of 1,287 km of which 641 km lies in Mali.

 Construction work on the Dakar–Niger Railway began at the end of the 19th century under the French general Gallieni, commander of French Sudan.

The railroad connected the Niger River with the port of Dakar, allowing the transport of raw materials across the globe. The line was completed at the beginning of the 20th century, the Kayes-Koulikoro section being inaugurated in 1904, but the final section of line did not open until 1924.

The difficulties of management and the lack of investment have led to a degradation of the infrastructure and rolling stock and numerous delays. In Senegal the maximum speed of the trains has in many places been limited to 20 km/h due to the bad state of the tracks. In October 2003, Senegal and Mali entrusted the management of the network to the Transrail consortium.

In spite of Transrail's obligation to maintain a passenger service, Transrail intends to concentrate on the transport of goods. Many stations have been closed and the numbers of connections reduced, creating difficulties for isolated communities. Currently there are no passenger trains running between Kayes and Thies.Transrail was bought in 2007 by the Belgian company Vecturis

For more information please visit : Beginner's guide to Train travel in Senegal & Mali 


If you have rode this rail please share your experience with us.

Senegal Ports and Harbor

Gateway to Africa 

Port of Senegal

Because of its geographical situation, the Dakar Port is strategically located at the intersection of shipping routes connecting Europe to South America, North America to South Africa.

Dakar has one of the largest deep-water seaports along the  West African coast. Its deep-draft structure and 640-foot-wide (200 m) access channel allows round-the-clock access to the port. Its current infrastructure includes  tanker vessel loading and unloading terminals, a container terminal with a storage capacity of 3000 20-foot-equivalent units, a cereals and fishing port, a dedicated phosphate terminal and a privately run ship repair facility.The port’s location at the extreme western point of  Africa at the crossroad of the major sea-lanes linking Europe to South America, makes it a natural port of call for shipping companies.Total  frieight  traffic averages 10 million metric tons.

General Management of Port 

21, Boulevard de la Liberation, BP: 3195 Dakar 

Tel: (221) 33 849-45-45 

Fax: (221) 33 823-36-06 

Email: pad (@) portdakar.sn 

Customs

DG

Boulevard Robert Delmas

Phone (221) 33 821 13 28

Fax: (221) 33 821 44 84

SOUTH PORT Dakar

Mole II port Southeast BP 4033

Tel: (221) 33 821 43 80

Fax: (221) 33 822 38 26

NORTH PORT Dakar
Mole VIII, Bel Air Road

Tel: (221) 33 832 58 69

Fax: (221) 33 822 38 26

http://www.douanes.s

Senegal Taxis, Sept-Place Taxis, Car Rapides and Buses

By Taxi

Black-yellow or blue-yellow in color are cheap, numerous and available everywhere in Dakar it is customary to negotiate the fair since most meters installed in the taxis are broken or missing. Make sure that you have correct change.. drivers for some reason hate making change :-) If you're not from Senegal, you will have an outrageous price proposed, be prepared try to find out the going local rate before hand.

By Bus

The Dakar bus system, known as Dakar Demm Dikk (Dakar coming and going), is fairly dependable. Fares are 150 CFA, and there are no transfer. Unfortunately, for newcomers, there's not much in the way of a map of the bus system, so you'll have to figure it out on your own. The number 10 bus runs along the Corniche de l'Ouest and turns into the suburbs at Rue Aime Cesaire. The number 1 bus runs along the VDN.

By Sept-Place- Taxi ( Bush Taxi)

Senegal Sept-Place Taxi

Most station-wagon bush taxis were modified 1980s-model Peugeot 504 Basically, they modify the space where the trunk is supposed to be, so that it can carry two or three extra people. Cars like this are 

called “Sept Place” (seven seats) in Senegal . This is your best bet to travel outside of Dakar unless you want to hire a private car, which can be expensive. 

Sept-place taxis can take you to other parts of Senegal or to bordering countries. The downside is that you must be prepared to wait until all sits are filled before the driver will depart.

By Car Rapides

The famous Car Rapide, Senegal's most commonly used form of transportation, mainly used in Dakar and St. Louis. The cars are recognized by their blue / yellow colours and the text 'Transport Commun' and 'Alhamdoulilahi' (thanks to God). Don't let the name fool you. They are not rapid but are cheap.

Senegal Airport -Dakar Leopol Sedar Senghor International (DKR )

Senegal Airport -Dakar Leopol Sedar Senghor International (DKR )

Dakar-Yoff International Airport or Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport ( DKR ) is an international airport serving to Dakar city of Senegal. One of major airport in West Africa, Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport offers flights to numerous important cities in Africa, Europe and North America. Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport has two asphalt runways including a 3,490 metre long runway and a 1,500 metre long runway. Air Mali, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Air Mediterranee, Afriqiyah Airways, Air Burkina, Ethiopian Airlines, Slok Air International, South African Airways and Turkish Airlines are some of the major airlines that serve to Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport.


When you arrive at the Airport, a bus will take you from the aircraft to the terminal building. There will be two lines one for ‘Nationals of Senegal’ and one for ‘Others’ to go through passport control.


Remember that this is an West African Airport so arriving can be very stressful. This is due to the security .. airport security carry machine guns.  There are lots of Toots--( very aggressive salespeople :-)  trying to get you a taxi. (See here from  more on Taxis) Other will try to grab your bags . Be very careful because the luggage carts we assume are there for our free use. Well these toots grab your cart to push ....like you couldn't do it yourself. Then demand to be paid for this service.  Be ready to bargain very hard for a taxi.. tip check the tires before you get in. 

Very import to have the local currency ready. Do not plan on a exchange  desk  at airport. From what I understand exchanging money at the airport can be extremely hard. 

The one word to describe the bathrooms is nasty. Try to use the facility on the plane before you de-board and then try to make it to your hotel or place of residence.  If you must  remember to bring your own toilet paper.


Facilities at the Airport

• Tax free shops after passport control open day and night
• Money exchange
• Taxi rank outside arrivals hall
• Car rental and hires

Please let us know about your experiences @ the Senegal Airport.

Getting to Senegal

Freighters World Cruises

If your in the United States you must fly or take a boat. From Europe it is possible to drive down, but not recommended. Well as for a boat there is no scheduled service. You can try what my father did years 
ago.. he took a freighter for the New York to  Nigeria.  The problem is  that the ship probably will make many stops along the way. It can take weeks and since its not a recreational cruise line you better pack a lot of books to read. The crew is not there to entertain you. If you insist click this link for Freighters World Cruises Inc. There are people who have the time and insist this the only way to travel.

South African Airways

So... from the United States that leaves flying.  You can fly via  Europe or Morocco and connect to Dakar. This  will make for a long trip anywhere from 16 to 25 hours with the layover.  45 flights per week fly out of New York, NY connecting to Dakar,. In a hurry then get a direct  flight on Delta Airlines out of JFK or on South African Airlways, from Washington, DC it is a non stop flight. Travel time is 7  1/2 hours outbound and 9 1/2 return. Not sure why the return takes and addition 2 hours. Maybe some pilot will let me know :-)

Welcome to Senegal Soul

Blogging about things to do and  See in Senegal.