Gorée Island slave house
Why? A holiday in Dakar will reveal the Senegalese
capital as one of Africa's most exciting cities, with a French
flair that is a legacy from its colonial days. It may be dirty,
noisy and crowded, but Dakar has plenty to recommend it with a
vibrant music scene, buzzing street markets, and interesting
attractions (especially the Ile de Goree museums where slaves were
held before being shipped out). Close to the city is a selection of
beautiful West African beaches.
When? When to take a holiday in Dakar is dictated largely by
the climate. The weather is generally hot and humid, but in January
and February the "harmattan" winds fill the air with sand, and late
summer (July and August) it is very wet and humid. The best time to
travel to Dakar is between October and December.
Who for? Any curious traveller keen for an African urban
adventure, especially one who is not deterred by a manic atmosphere
fraught with crowds and beggars, will enjoy a Dakar holiday.
Visitors are advised to keep a close eye on their possessions for
pick-pockets and petty thieves.
More Info: Dakar is an assault on the senses for most
Westerners, so it is advisable to plan your Dakar holiday well with
the help of our comprehensive Dakar travel guide. The guide is
packed with useful information from local customs to
communications, and health and safety tips.
Overview
After three centuries of French colonial rule, Senegal became
independent in 1960. Before independence the city of Dakar was the
capital of French West Africa, which included nine French-speaking
states, and Dakar has been the capital of the independent Republic
since then. The country retained strong ties with France and the
French influence remains in the architecture of the city, where
well preserved colonial buildings, the monumental government house
and café terraces stand testimony to its history.
Situated on the tip of the Cap Vert Peninsula, the modern
capital teems with life and boasts luxurious hotels, a wide range
of restaurants, beaches and watersports, a casino and an active
nightlife scene. It is also one of the busiest ports for cruise
ships in Africa.
As the nearest African country to the United States, Senegal
became the most important slave depot in West Africa and the island
of Gorée, just two miles (3km) offshore, was the centre of
the slave trade. For nearly four centuries thousands of men, women
and children were kept locked in cells on the island, the 'Door of
no Return', before being shipped to the Americas. Today
Gorée is a UNESCO Historical Monument and visitors can
experience the horrors of its past in 'La Maison des Enclaves' with
its cells, shackles and the slave dealer's apartments, as well as
at the many museums housed in former slave houses, and the forts
built to protect the lucrative business.
