Natuurpracht & tradities van Gambia & Senegal

Resting on the coast at the westernmost tip of West Africa’s bulge, Senegal is best known for its dramatic natural landscapes of scenic desert, lush tropical forest, and pristine white-sand beaches. While those seeking urban distractions typically head for the capital city of Dakar, with its colourful markets and vibrant live music scene; travellers eager to relax can make their way to the nearby Goree Island or the laidback beaches of Yoff and N'Gor. When the novelty of the beach wears off, there are plenty of inland nature reserves, the lovely Casamance River, and the bright pink Lake Retba to explore. Other must-see sights include: the Fathala Game Reserve, inhabited by some of Africa’s most exotic wildlife; and the Old Town area of the historical city of Saint-Louis, filled to the brim with exquisite French Colonial architecture.

Currency 
Local currency: West African CFA franc 
Symbol: CFA 
ISO code: XOF 
Subunit: Centime (1/100 of a Franc) 
Banknotes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 francs 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 francs 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited 
Diner’s club: No 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 16:30, closed on weekends 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Senegal 
International Airports: Blaise Diagne International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Leopold Sedar Senghor Airport (mainly for domestic flights) 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in and around urban centers 
Gravel roads: Yes, commonly in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited; Dakar-Diamniadio has a new express regional train 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, to Goree Island and Casamance region 
Water taxis: Limited 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, but wash or treat before eating 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is well cooked 
Street food: Yes, choose reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Senegalese cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, prominently featuring dishes like Thieboudienne (fish and rice), Yassa (onion and lemon chicken or fish), and Mafé (peanut stew). Seafood is extensively used along the coast. 

Drinks: 
Popular local drinks include bissap (hibiscus tea) and ginger juice. 
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated, around 10% in restaurants and for services. 

Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, generally higher in the south 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 17°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Senegal is from November to May during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and suitable for wildlife viewing and beach activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Recommended during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Accommodation options: Yes, with varying connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, mainly in cities 
Cafes: Yes, in cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major urban areas 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes 

The lovely West African nation of The Gambia occupies a long, narrow strip of land sandwiched between north and south Senegal. This tiny country is blessed with a stunning North Atlantic coastline of beautiful palm-lined beaches, bustling fishing villages, luxury resorts, and a slew of lively bars, restaurants and nightclubs. This exquisite coastal area has been dubbed 'The Smiling Coast' due to the wonderfully warm welcome received by all who visit. Must-see Gambian attractions include the superb Sanyang Beach with its popular Rainbow Beach Bar and a boat cruise up the magnificent Gambian River to visit James Island and its historic slave trading station. Browse the bustling markets of Serrekunda and Banjul or tour the Abuko Nature Reserve, which features a remarkable variety of wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles and over 300 bird species.

Currency 

Local currency: Gambian Dalasi 
Symbol: D 
ISO code: GMD 
Subunit: Butut 
Banknotes: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 Dalasis 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 Bututs; 1 Dalasi 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Gambia Bird, Brussels Airlines 
International Airports: Banjul International Airport 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Limited 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: The Gambian cuisine is influenced by African, European, and Asian culinary traditions. Staple foods include rice, fish, and vegetables, often cooked with flavorful spices like ginger and chili peppers. Domoda (peanut stew), Yassa (marinated meat with onions and lemon), and Benachin (one-pot rice dish) are popular dishes. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Wonjo (hibiscus drink), Attaya (green tea), and Julbrew (local beer). 

Tipping: Tipping is not customary but appreciated if service is exceptional. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit The Gambia is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: No