Surfing Senegal

Surfing Senegal



Senegal Surfing



Forget Hawaii, Australia or Tahiti.... West African is the new hotspot for surfing.

Great breaks along the coast of Senegal, Liberia and Ghana draws surfers to West Africa from around the world.

West Africa's super sweet white beaches,big waves and tropical temps...makes this a West African surfers paradise.

Almadies Peninsula, on the outskirts of the Capital Dakar,and N'Gor Island are where Senegal surfers go to hang ten.

Senegal Surfing

SurfCamp N'Gor Island in West Africa

Wannasurf  - List some of the best surfspots in Senegal

West Africa Surf Reports and Surf Forecasts

See our page on Senegal Day Trips

Hiring a Private Tour Guide

Private Tour Guide

Why you must hire a Private Tour Guide
I am a strong advocate of hiring a local private tour guide when touring. I know some of you are thinking ..."I paid all this money for this Lonely Planet/Frommers guide book, why do I need a human guide?"


When I first started traveling I felt the same way. Why spend the money on a private tour guide when I am an educated woman who can figure things out on my own.. It's crazy that money I save ,I can spend now in the gift shops. Who wants to follow some silly know-it-all guide waving a a umbrella around?

Private Tour Guide

When touring a site there is much more to see and experience then what it in the guide books. I found myself ease dropping in on other guided tours. I was dismayed to hear tidbits not found it my books. The last time I visited Versailles I hired a private tour guide. It was money well spent,even though I had been before,at which time I paid for one of those audioguided tours. An audio tour or audio guide provides a recorded spoken commentary, normally through a handheld device. I remember being very stressed out during my self guided tour because of the crowds and fiddling with the headset.

Private Tour Guide

Having my own private guide was like night and day. My guide Antonio not only knew how to navigate the crowds (it was even more crowded that day)  he also was able to answer any questions I had at the moment. What a relief not having to try and find the answers in a guide book. He was also able to make the tour more interesting  because of his endless knowledge on the history of Versailles. He could gage my reactions and go in depth on the the things that I was interested in and skim over what was boring to me. I was so happy with Antonio I also hired him to show me the Louvre.


As far as the cost , yes it was more than an audio tour but there was a group of us that chipped in, so it helped with the cost. Remember, you get what you pay for.There was other ways he saved us money. We where going to take a private car to the Louvre not being comfortable with the train system. He told us to meet him at  certain metro stop  he would show us the way.  It was so easy we felt silly afterwards  thinking about the money we would of wasted on a car.


Still not convinced...here are my reasons for hiring a private tour guide.

• Their Brains..what they know

Private Tour Guide

 You see a building and want to know more about it. A guide book will give the facts in black and white. A good guide will tell you anecdotes about the building and its history in color.  You see the building in a new light, your guide has given it a soul. They will tell you facts that you will find interesting that you would not of even known to ask. I find that every place has its tantalizing secrets that the local tourism board doesn't like to advertise but your guide will tell you.

• Saves you time

 You will not waste your time reading plaques or trying to decider maps . Your guide will know where he/she is going and will guide you around in a efficient manor. While doing this they make sure that you don't miss out on anything of importance. You should never feel rushed because the guide knows how to get you the information you need in a timely manner.

• Helps with other aspects of your journey

Private Tour Guide

A good guide will question you on your trip. They will want to know what you have seen and what you plan on seeing. Partly yes , to see if they can maybe pick up more business guiding you again. You know that as much enthusiasm as they have for guiding it is not a hobby. For many guides this is the way they support their family. Even if you don't hire them again they are usually more than willing to give you free advice on your itinerary. Most guides will tell you about the best ways to exchange money. Where its not safe to venture on your own. They will give suggestions for dining, shopping and entertainment. Remember that sometimes the guides do make commission on these tips. I found though that they usually don't steer you wrong because their reputation is also on the line. They also realize that word of month is how the get a huge share of clients.


You spent a lot of money and time 

to get to your destination. While you do not need a  private guide 24/7, but just  for a couple of hours a day. You will find that hiring a private guide will greatly increase the value of your trip. Finding a good guide can be tricky. I think the best way is word of mouth. Ask around, do your research, get referrals. After all that has been said... some of the best guides I had... I just picked up along the way.

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 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.