 |
| Tukolor weavers from Mali working looms on the streets of Dakar. |
Wind your way through the narrow alleyways of an African market amongst sellers of everything imaginable. Dakar boasts a variety of markets, from the sprawling Sandaga Market in the center of Dakar, to the more upscale Kermel Market, and the more sedate Tilene Market. You can pick-up a cobra head or a few dried iguanas at the Medina Fetish Market, shop for antiques at the Soumbedioune Artisans' Market, or browse the basketry and beadwork at the Mali Market. Or do it all, then recover over lunch in the calm of the French Cultural Center.
The little island of Goree, located only 20 minutes by ferry from Dakar, is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Senegal. Goree is best known for the Maison des Esclaves (the House of Slaves), an important symbol for the horrors of the slave trade in Africa. The island is quiet, unhurried and colorful -- a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Dakar. Learn about the island's illustrious history from a local expert.
You'll find lots of arts and crafts to choose from in Dakar, from the popular glass painting, to fabric weaving, wood and stone carving, embroidery, basketry, waxed fabrics and batik, and antiques from across Senegal and West Africa. Let Almamy haggle with the sellers to get you the best price. Remember, in Senegal, the price is always negotiable.
What better way to appreciate life in Dakar than by walking through a typical Senegalese neighborhood, guided by a cultural expert who can answer your questions and make sense of the culture around you? Almamy will guide you through Fass, an exceptionally vibrant neighborhood on the north side of Dakar. Visit a school, observe the students in class; talk to a tailor, or a jewelry maker, or a boutique owner; stop for breakfast and a Cafe Touba; learn about the talibe. There is so much to learn by experiencing life on the street.
Senegal boasts one of the most developed music scenes in Africa, led by artists such as Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal. Being a drum maker and a former musician, Almamy can guide you to the most popular venues in Dakar, whether your taste is in contemporary music, or more traditional rhythms; whether you'd prefer an established venue, such as Just4You or Thiossane, or a neighborhood street party featuring sabar drumming.
The Lebou have resided along the Dakar coast for over 500 years. They're a fishing people, often seen cruising along in their colorful pirogues. In the late afternoon, the fleet of pirogues return to Yoff beach by the dozens, off-loading the day's catch on horse-pulled carts for delivery to exporters, local restaurants and fish markets. Come walk the beach, and tour the fish market. It is a site to behold, and located just a few minutes north of Dakar.
Looking west from Dakar, you'll notice the two islands of Ile de Madeleine National Park. A short boat ride away, Ile de Madeleine is a sanctuary, combining natural beauty and a rich cultural legacy. It is home to breeding colonies of migrating waterfowl, and a popular dive spot, with a rich and varied marine environment. Bandia Nature Reserve is located about 90 minutes from Dakar. Driving through the park you'll see giraffe, white rhino, antelope, waterbuck, kudu, oryx, impala, eland, forest buffalo, wart hogs, crocodiles and monkeys. Lunch in the park restaurant, and shop for souvenirs in the gift store. Both Ile de Madeleine and Bandia make for very pleasant day trips from Dakar.
The culture of Senegal has tremendous depth. Traditional animistic beliefs and practices continue to penetrate modern life throughout the country. The use of talismen and fetish in the form of gri-gri is very common in Senegalese society, as is consulting with traditional healers and fortune tellers. This world of mysticism and magic is available for you to explore. Visit with a respected traditional healer in his village outside Kaolack; tour the fetish market in the Medina neighborhood; see plant medicines for sale in the kiosks of Tilene; have your fortune told by a Malian soothsayer.
Senegalese lutte (wrestling) is the national sport -- a fascinating combination of sport, magic and ritual, pageantry and hyperbole. The stadium is a cacaphony of sound, as drumming groups pound out rhythms, griots shout running commentary, and teams of wrestlers enter to the roar of their admiring fans. If you're looking for a full experience while visiting Senegal, then lutte is not to be missed.
