Don't just visit Senegal. Live there!
Let Debbie and Demba take you to Senegal - The country of TERANGA or country of hospitality ?
Want to have a real taste of Africa? Senegal is the place to visit (or revisit if you have already been there).
Senegal Discovery Tours is just what its name says: A discovery tour of Senegal. But instead of superficially visiting this beautiful country like a passing tourist we propose that you ‘’live there’’ during your stay.
Senegal is a unique country with a rich history and culture. Senegal Discovery Tours offers an eye opening personalized tour for Americans (and others nationalities) who want to see the real Africa.
Hi, my name is Debbie. I am African American born and raised in Queens, New York. My parents are both American, so were my grandparents. I still reside in Queens. I met my husband Demba, who is from Senegal, in college. We have been together for over 20 years. I have visited Senegal 19 times. I had never been to Africa prior to meeting my husband. I love this county so much that I want to take you there.
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is just like any other big city in the world but with an African touch. Tall buildings, mansions, cars, publics buses, beaches, night clubs, fancy restaurants, plenty of hotels, highways, parks, a zoo, a university, international banks; definitely not what I was expecting. And to top it off the people are nice and it's safe to wander among the locals. Who can blame me for going back every year.
Senegal is a beautiful country naturewise and an incredible country when it comes to safety, tolerance and openness to the world. I love this country which I consider like my second home and now I want to share my experience with anyone with an open mind. We all have seen the negative images of Africa on TV. Now it’s time to see the reality. I think it is very important for everyone and especially African Americans to visit the continent of Africa at least one time. Erase from your mind what you see on TV and see for yourselves.
If you are interested in seeing huts, children running around naked with bees flying around their heads looking malnourished, lions roaming the streets, and the jungle then this journey is not for you.
Besides Dakar, Senegal has many other big cities such as Saint Louis, Mbour, Thies, Kaolack, Tambacounda and Ziguinchor. Senegal has many things to see: Goree Island (an UNESCO World Heritage where the slaves left from to come to America), a colonial City (Saint Louis), the Pink Lake, the Renaissance Monument (tallest statue in Africa), bird resort parks, mangrove parks, 400 miles of beautiful beaches, plenty of nightclubs, all year around beautiful warm weather, restaurants and of course many markets for shopping. Dakar has 2 casinos and a modern upscale mall (Sea Plaza). Modern supermarkets and convenience stores exist in most neighborhoods. You can shop for African art and fabric to be sewn by local tailors for you before the end of your trip at the popular markets of HLM and Sandaga. Senegalese food is considered to be the best in Africa. And yes, they have pizzerias and hamburger joints. There are also plenty of ice cream shops, supermarkets and local convenience stores where you can buy soda, water, bread, sweets, fruit and even beer and alcohol (Senegal is a laic country). It’s easy to visit Senegal.
You do not have to take shots but we would recommend though taking the malaria pill.
Notes:
A passport with at least six months validity is required for reentry into the U.S.
Senegal does not require an entry visa for U.S. citizens.
A Visa may be required for Non-U.S. citizens.
Come Visit Senegal with Debbie!
What makes Senegal special?
What set’s Senegal apart from other African countries is primarily its stability. Senegal has never sustained a military coup. National elections are held every 5 years. Senegal is a laic country where the religions cohabit peacefully. Muslims and Christians live together in harmony and even intermarry. All faiths are recognized equally. Muslim and Christian holidays are celebrated equally (Christmas, Easter, Korite and Tabaski). Schools are closed for Christmas as well as Muslim holidays. Crime is very low. You do have the occasional pickpockets in the tourist area as you do in touristic places in other countries. Beside that you can walk freely on the streets. Mingle with the locals with no fear; anytime of the day or night; which is rare in most countries. In Senegal you can hop a cab or bus and just ride around to see the neighborhoods. The corniche (the boulevard that borders most of Dakar near the ocean) is very safe no matter the time of the day and night. This is the hangout place for athletes and joggers running all time of the day and night.
The neighborhood were you will be staying: Mamelles
Our “Bed and Breakfast” is located in Mamelles which is one of the best neighborhoods in Dakar. You will see Europeans, Americans, Asians, Middle Easterners, and other Africans residing in the neighborhood stroll freely. It is a very cultured area. You will love the neighborhood. We want you to experience the true Senegal.
You will live where the local live, eat where the locals eat, shop where the locals shop, go to the nearby beaches hangout where the locals hangout. The beach is 10 minutes from the house. The Almadies’ strip where “the Dakar by night” take place is 10 minutes away. There are at least 10 night clubs and 20 restaurants along the strip. Thus, you will never get bored.
Like in America the Senegalese’s dream is to own homes. Mamelles is no exception. The architectural style of the homes in the neighborhood are unique. Enjoy the homes beautiful styles during your stay.