Dev Walker in Senegal
Senegal has attractive shorelines, a wealthy cultural heritage and in 2026, it will become the 1st African place to host the Olympics, exclusively the Youth Summertime Olympics. Senegal’s cash, Dakar, is a amazingly short flight away from the east coastline of the United States — in the very same total of time it takes to Paris, you can go to this Francophone nation which features both surfing and desert adventures.
Intrigued? We followed together as travel and lifestyle information creator Dev Walker explored Senegal for the initial time. She was astounded by the assortment of landscapes the state has to offer you. “From the beach locations in Saly, to the chaotic town of Dakar, the desert in Lompoul, and the mangroves in Fatick,” states Walker. “I was blown away by how so numerous spots were so distinctive that you would’ve imagined you ended up in many nations around the world instead of just one.”
For many Black Individuals, travel to West African countries these as Senegal is more than just a holiday, it is an exploration of their African heritage. “As a Black American who hardly ever was able to trace their African roots, I was generally fascinated with West Africa,” suggests Walker. “I often read wonderful stories about Senegal, precisely from other Black creators who traveled there and decided to make it their property foundation soon after loving it so a great deal, so I understood I had to make it out there.”
If you’re pondering about traveling to Senegal, listed here are Dev Walker’s advisable places to go to.
Senegal
1. Saly Seashore
About 90 minutes from Dakar, Saly is the fantastic seashore city. It has fantastic dining places (Chez Rasta), water activities and affordable luxurious lodges in the space. It is excellent for a working day trip if you want to get absent from the hustle and bustle of Dakar.
2. Gorée Island
My most loved working experience in Senegal was the a single that was the least expected. I was pretty hesitant to check out Gorée Island because of to its link to slavery. I was unwell of seeing slave sites and all round Black trauma. I made the decision to go but refused to do any excursions. I went there and stated I was likely to wing it.
Even though it has a dim past, it’s very possible to pay a visit to listed here and make the experience your very own. People today really dwell on the island so it’s a excellent area to satisfy locals and support their firms. Oddly adequate, I observed a tree that caught my attention so I made a decision to snap some photos and a gentleman who lived in the neighboring home released himself. We had a humorous convo above some wine on the sidewalk and then he invited my friend and I to lunch in his residence with his family members. Effortlessly some of the most effective food items I’ve ever had. They spoke very tiny English and I communicate zero French but we tried out our finest and had a fantastic time collectively it reminded me that kindness is a common language. I was able to go to a position that when held a ton of suffering and switch it into some thing positive. That day will keep with me forever.
Gorée Island has a compact beach region for swimming and some places to eat for you to attempt. It is a 20-moment ferry trip from Dakar.
African Renaissance Monument
3. African Renaissance Monument
You can’t come to Dakar with out looking at this monument. It’s the tallest statue in Africa at 161 ft and shows a Black spouse and children symbolizing triumph. Enjoyment fact: it is also taller than the Statue of Liberty and Christ Redeemer. You can get pleasure from the check out from the stairs (there are pretty much 200 of them so tempo oneself) or pay back to go inside of and just take an elevator to the man’s crown with unobstructed views of Dakar.
4. Melo
Right after having pics at the monument over, wander about ten minutes down the street and have a French-encouraged brunch below. This is the excellent location to cool off soon after strolling up and down these stairs. I experienced the avocado toast with smoked salmon, residence fries and a aspect salad. Brunch for two came to about $32.
5. Ngor Island
This is an simple but busy five-minute boat journey in Dakar. The boat is packed and the waves get tough so be ready to get soaked. But it’s rather a lot over before it commences and then you arrive. Get missing along the slim paths and admire the art, or look at the surfers do their factor at the seashore. Lastly do not forget to check out some nearby food at just one of the beach front front places to eat. I experienced some amazing Senegalese jollof rice and grilled fish that arrived to about $7.