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Senegal.
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Travelling to Senegal: what to know before you go

Senegal sits on the westernmost bulge of Africa, with a long Atlantic coast, river deltas, savannah and a lively music and food culture. Dakar is one of West Africa's most dynamic cities, and colonial-era Saint-Louis, Gorée Island and the mangroves of the Sine-Saloum are all within reach. Senegal is known for teranga, a deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.

Where to go

• Dakar. A sprawling capital on the Cap-Vert peninsula with markets, beaches, music venues and the bronze African Renaissance Monument on a hill above the sea.
• Gorée Island. A short ferry ride from Dakar, this car-free island of colourful colonial houses is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a memorial to the Atlantic slave trade.
• Saint-Louis. The former colonial capital on an island in the Senegal River, reached by the iron Faidherbe Bridge.
• Lac Rose (Lake Retba). A shallow lake north-east of Dakar whose water can appear pink because of salt-loving algae, particularly in the dry season.

Best time to visit

The dry season, from about November to May, is the best time to visit, with sunshine and pleasant temperatures on the coast; inland it becomes very hot from March. December to February is the coolest time, and the Harmattan can bring hazy, dusty skies.

Staying online in Senegal

4G coverage is good in Dakar, Saint-Louis, Thiès and other towns and along the main roads. Coverage thins out in rural areas, in the delta islands and in national parks such as Niokolo-Koba. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafés and restaurants in Dakar and resort areas, though often slow elsewhere. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can book a ride from Blaise Diagne airport, which is some distance from the city.