Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi - One People, One Goal, One Faith.

With over 3000 hours of sunshine blessing its lands every year, it is safe to say that there is not a bad time to visit Senegal. Set in a tropical climate, Senegal has only two distinct seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. During the rainy season temperatures average a daily maximum of 26°C (79°F) and minimum of 17°C (63°F).  The dry season averages maximum 30°C (86°F) and minimum 20° C   (68°F).


Click on this Weather link to view the current conditions in Dakar.

The electrical current is 220 volts, frequency 50 Hertz. Round two-pin plugs(C) are most widely used.

To view a list of Senegalese embassies around the world, as well as foreign embassies within Senegal, click on this link to EmbassyWorld.com.

The official language of Senegal is French. The are also six national languages, of which Wolof is the most widely spoken. Unlike many African languages, Wolof is not a tonal language, so it is a little bit easier to learn key phrases.


Some common phrases in both French and Wolof are:


Hello = Bonjour  or Diama ngma
Goodnight =  Bonsoir or Fanane diam
How are you? = Comment tu t'appelles? or Naga def?
I'm good = Je vais bien or Mangi fi rek
What is your name? = Comment tu t'appelles? or Nanga toud?
My name is... = Je m'appelle... or  ... la tudah.
I come from... = Je suis de... or Mangi deka fi...
Excuse me/pardon = Pardon or Balal ma.
How much does this cost? = Combien ça coûte? or Bi niata?
That's too expensive. = C'est trop cher or Cher na trop.
Thank you = Merci or Dieuredieuf.

Click here to view a list of current public holidays for Senegal.

Travellers over the age of 18 are able to purchase 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or tobacco products, perfume or gifts to the value of CFA 5000 without paying duty tax. Spirits and alcohol are not duty free.

Citizens of the US, UK, Europe, Canada, South Africa and Ireland are required to hold a passport valid for 3 months, a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.

Citizens of Australia and New Zealand are required to hold a passport valid for 3 months, a visa is required for all stays.

All visitors must have a return airline ticket or onward ticket before entering Senegal.

Europeans first landed on the shores of Senegal in the 15th century.  Up until this time, Senegal was a country of varied rule with numerous tribal empires. Senegal officially became a French colony in 1948, though it had been under French rule since the 17th century, when French trading posts were established along the coast line. 

Senegal gained independence from France in 1960, electing Léopold Sédar Senghor, a key player in the independence movement and gifted poet, to be Senegal's first president. Senegals current president is Abdoulaye Wade. Since independence, Senegal has become one of the most politically stable and safe countries of Africa.

General business hours are from 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch. Banking hours are from 8am - 11.15am and 2.30pm - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Shopping hours are from 8am - midday and 2.30pm - 6pm Monday to Friday. This can vary as some vendors are open on Sundays and will close on Mondays.