Senegal Holiday
Located on the west of the vast African continent, tropical Senegal is the most visited country in the region - and for good reason.
While many of those who visit simply soak up sunshine on some of Africa's finest beaches, there are a host of other pleasures for the independent traveller to enjoy.
It is bordered by a number of countries including Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau while Gambia, a thin sliver of a country, is enveloped by Senegal.
The overriding religion in the country is Islam, which first arrived in the region in the 11th century - 92 per cent of the country are Islamic.
Senegal's history has been heavily influenced by the European powers who came to colonise the region from the 15th century onwards.
The French ultimately seized possession of the region, but the Senegalese finally fought back their independence in 1960, retaining French as their official language.
Local dialects Wolof and Mandingo are commonly spoken, but French-speaking travellers will have no problem weaving across the country.
Visitors to Senegal will also enjoy a clearly defined dry and humid seasons due to the country's tropical climate.
Between June and October travellers can expect average temperatures of 27 C while from December to February the minimum temperatures sits at 17 C.
The capital of Dakar, famous for being the westernmost point in Africa, is also well known amongst travellers as a lively and rewarding city and has two million friendly inhabitants.
A mix of African, French colonial and modern architecture lends itself to an exciting visit to this frenetic city.
A few days may be enough for most visitors but during that time you are guaranteed to receive a huge dose of Senegalese culture through its music, dance, restaurants and bars.
Attractions worth visiting in the capital include the Dakar Grand Mosque built in 1964, Hann Park and Senegal Zoo.
The IFAN Museum (Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noir) in Soweto Place also has a wonderful collection of the masks, statues and instruments intrinsically linked to West African society.
Cap Skiring is a good place to head for a cool-down period after the steamy delights of Dakar.
The beaches here are fantastic and this area attracts the most foreigners in West Africa.
While Cap Skiring is pleasant, it is also the epicentre of the tourist trade, so much so that it may be worth heading along the coast slightly to beat the crowds.
However, travellers willing to make the effort to break out of this tourist hub will be suitably rewarded.
Diembering, nine kilometres north of Cap Skiring, has a beautiful and quiet beach where travellers can escape any thoughts of life back home.
Those wishing to experience some of West Africa's fantastic wildlife should visit Nikolo-Koba National Park, which covers just under 350 square miles.
It has a huge range of varied vegetation and over 35 bird and eight mammal species - including the famous Green and Hussar Monkeys.
A trip to Senegal can be as culturally active or horizontally relaxing as you like and offers a great insight into one of West Africa's finest countries.
