Must See

Dakar

This bustling modern capital city and major port is located at the tip of the Cap Vert peninsula. Nothing symbolises this energy more than the thronging markets of Kermel and Sandaga, where traders and shoppers haggle over clothing, souvenirs, fruit and fabrics. The city also houses the excellent Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire (IFAN) Museum, with fine collections of masks, statues, musical instruments and other regional artefacts.

Other highlights include the Galerie Nationale, the Grande Mosquée (noted for its minaret, which is lit at night) and the Presidential Palace (Palais Présidentiel) - a white building surrounded by luscious gardens. La Porte du 3ème Millénaire (the 3rd Millennium Gate) is a fairly recent addition to the city, a monument that was assembled in order to symbolise Senegal's entry into the third millennium, and completed in 2001.

Just outside of the city, visitors will find the Soumbedioune Craft Village on the Corniche Ouest, where they can see unique glass and sand painting, precious gold and silver jewellery, leather work and pottery, intricate hand-woven fabrics, batik, traditional basketry and wood carving.

Approximately 30 km (18 miles) north of Dakar is the Retba Lake (also called the Pink Lake or Lac Rose due to its pink colouring). This is the terminal for the Paris-Dakar motor rally and a popular spot for picnics and weekend excursions.

Gorée Island

This tiny island of about 1,000 inhabitants is just a few kilometres across the bay to the east of Dakar. There are no asphalt roads and no cars on this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island, which was formerly a slaving station and was one of the first French settlements on the continent. The old colonial buildings, some converted into museums, add to its charm. Highlights include the Musée de la Mer (the sea, fishes and fishing), the Maison des Esclaves (Slaves' House), the Musée de la Femme (all about Senegalese women) and the Historical Museum in the Fort d'Estrées. A rocky plateau, Le Castel, affords good views of the island and Dakar.

Parc National De Niokolo-Koba

This inland park stretches over two geographical areas: the Sudanese savannah and the Guinea forest and is the only place to see large mammals in Senegal. The park is home to 84 species of large mammal, including elephants, panthers, crocodiles and lions - not to mention hippos, baboons, antelopes, buffaloes and other native animals, along with over 300 species of bird.

The Petite Cote (Little Coast)

Stretching for about 150 km, this palm-fringed section of coast is among Senegal's best beaches, and is popular for swimming. The main tourist resorts in the area are Mbour and, slightly further north, Saly Portudal, which is set in a green park and has its own golf course.

St Louis

Further north along the coast is St Louis, Senegal's former capital and once a slave settlement. The city is located partly on the Langue de Barbarie peninsula at the mouth of the River Senegal, partly on an island and partly on the mainland. Its narrow streets flanked by beautiful colonial houses, verandas and balconies ensure that it retains a nostalgic and provincial atmosphere. The island can be reached via the Pont Faidherbe. The city is home to a colourful jazz festival in May June.