Senegal is at the extreme west of Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is a Sahelian country, mostly flat, bordered north by Mauritania, east by Mali, south by Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, and crossed by The Gambia at his center.

How to come ?

Several major airlines and several charters operate regular air links with Dakar from Europe. Allow five to six hours flight from Europe and a price for the roundtrip starting at 500 euros in economy class.

Traveling by road, is possible, through Morocco and Mauritania. Check in advance to complete the required formalities for the crossing of these two countries. In Mauritania, the road between Nouakchott and Nouhadibou is now paved.

Entry formalities

Visas

To enter Senegal, a valid passport is required (preferably valid until 3 months after the end of the stay). A national identity card is sufficient for ECOWAS nationals. The visa is mandatory, except for nationals from ECOWAS countries, the European Union citizens and nationals from neighboring countries of Senegal, who do not need visas for stays of up to three months.

For nationals from other countries, the visa is issued by embassies and consulates of Senegal in various countries around the world. Contact the closest Senegalese representation, with a valid passport and ID photographs.

Vaccinations

The vaccine against yellow fever is mandatory. An international vaccination card of yellow fever vaccine is recommended as it may be request at the airport upon arrival. The vaccines against hepatitis A and B are highly recommended as well as a treatment for malaria.

For animals, a rabies vaccination certificate and a certificate of good health are required.

Currency and change

Senegal is part of the zone of the African Financial Community (CFA). The CFA franc has a fixed parity with the euro (1,000 CFA francs = 1,524 euros, 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs).

Euro checkbooks and major credit cards are widely accepted and will allow you to withdraw money at most banks and cash dispensers.

Language and local customs

The official language is French, understood by much of the population. There are a dozen of national languages (Wolof - the most widespread - Serere, Diola, Puular, Soninke, Mandingo, etc...) and several other dialects. The greetings are important, to avoid mistakes, you may use the traditional Arab greetings (Salaam aleikoum, Aleikoum Asalaam). Please check out this French/Wolof lexicon :

http://www.au-senegal.com/Lexique-senegalais-francais-wolof.html and this suggested rules of conduct : http://www.au-senegal.com/Us-et-coutumes-du-Senegal.html (in French).

Time zone

Senegal is in GMT.

Electricity

Power plugs give 220 Volts and take to two round sheets (French connectors). Frequent power cuts are observed due to lack of capacity.

Telephone and Internet

Dialing indicative of Senegal is 221

The telephone network is very good and you will find anywhere public phone centers for your national or international calls, and for sending faxes. Two operators (Orange and Tigo) offer cellular telephone service (subscription or cards) :
http://www.orange.sn
http://www.tigo.sn

The cyber-cafes are abundant in Dakar and in the regions. The rates range from 300 to 1 000 CFA francs per hour.

Hotels generally offer WiFi connections.

Postal services

The postal service is reliable. Post offices open from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Additional services (express mail, money transfers) are available. The website of the postal services is : http://www.laposte.sn

Religion

The population is composed by 80% of Muslims, mostly the Wolof, the Toucouleurs, the Lébous, the Fulani and the Madingues. The Diola and Serer ethnic groups are mainly Christians. Most people practice a mix of traditional beliefs.

Holidays

The holidays are : 1st January, April 4 (Independence Day), May 1 (Labor Day) and Dec. 25 (Christmas), plus Easter Monday, Ascension, Pentecost and Assumption. Most Muslim great celebrations, whose dates depend on the Islamic calendar, are also holidays. .

Hotels

Please check the list of hotels on :

http://www.au-senegal.com/Dakar-hotels-campements-et.html
http://www.senegal-online.com/francais/pages-jaunes/hebergement/hotels/autres/dakar.htm