Discover Senegal

The vibrant capital at the westernmost tip of Africa impresses with the monumental African Renaissance Monument, lively markets like Marché Sandaga and a diverse music scene ranging from mbalax to hip-hop. The coastal promenade and fishing boats on the beach further shape daily life in this metropolis.

The small, car-free island off Dakar is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands as a moving memorial to the slave trade, with the famous "House of Slaves" and its "Door of No Return." Cobblestone lanes, colonial architecture and bougainvillea blooms lend the island a peaceful atmosphere despite its heavy history.

Lac Rose owes its name to a special type of algae that turns the water an extraordinary pink under strong sunlight. Traditional salt harvesting by local workers, who stand for days in the highly concentrated salt water, makes the lake a fascinating and unusual photo subject.

The lush green Casamance region in the south of the country captivates with mangrove forests, traditional Diola villages and a relaxed, rice-farming way of life away from the tourist trail. Senegal's famous hospitality "Teranga," along with traditional drumming and wrestling, shape the country's cultural identity.

Direct flights from Zurich to Dakar are offered by Brussels Airlines among others with a connection, with a total travel time of about 8 to 10 hours. Swiss citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

The official language is French, used in tourism and business. Wolof is also widely spoken as the everyday language of most Senegalese.

The CFA franc (XOF) is the official currency and pegged to the euro. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Dakar, but cash is recommended for markets and rural regions like the Casamance.

Yes, Senegal is one of the more affordable destinations in West Africa. Local accommodation, street food and trips to Île de Gorée are significantly cheaper than in Europe, while international hotels in Dakar cost more.