On your holiday to Senegal with children? We have already considered it, but secretly I also find it a bit exciting. Tamara van Passievrouwen went on an invitation to us on a press trip to discover Senegal and has more information about a Senegal trip with children. Is this also on your wishlist? Then be sure to read on.
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Actually, I am more of a sun lover than a winter sports fan. You can really make me happy with a sun holiday in the winter, so a few days on a press trip would be a good thing 😉 . If you think of a sun holiday in the winter, the country Senegal would not immediately be a country that comes to mind to go to. However, I went to this African country for a few days in October. An ultimate experience to refuel with vitamin D, enjoy the sun and the opportunity to make fun cultural trips and see a little more of the country in one week.
You can fly from Schiphol Amsterdam to Dakar in six hours with a weekly flight on Tuesdays. Most people know Gambia as a sunny holiday destination. The Gambia is embraced by Senegal on the west coast of Africa. In Senegal it is always around 30 degrees with a gentle wind and therefore easy to maintain. Especially by doing good with the wonderful breeze.
Dakar is located on the coast with a beautiful beach. The all-inclusive hotel Royal Horizons Baobab in La Somone is just over 1.5 hours' drive from Dakar. Senegal's best all-inclusive hotel with two spacious swimming pools overlooking the sea. Real wooden African houses as a hotel room with a nice walk-in shower, a separate toilet and a walk in closet, how luxurious can you have it? The garden is beautifully maintained and the African style is reflected in everything.
A special entertainment program for children and adults or a dance in the disco? Sports such as volleyball, football, basketball, aqua gym, kayaking and windsurfing? Everything is possible. This hotel is absolutely top notch. It is right on the beach with a bird park. It is particularly beautiful to sail through the mangrove in a boat. You have to book this separately, but it is worth it. For the children you can also ride a quad bike through the area, rent a canoe or do various sports on the beach. If you want to completely relax, this is a perfect hotel.
The Royal Horizons Baobab's breakfast buffet is extensive. Tasty fresh and crispy sandwiches, fresh fruit, good cheese and meat. And for the enthusiasts a special omelette, fried egg or pancake. The cook will prepare it especially for you in the morning. The restaurants are spacious. You look at the sea and enjoy a delicious breakfast. It feels a bit French with delicious French cheeses and the baguette.
Dinner is also fine. In the buffet restaurant you can enjoy European dishes every day, but also Senegalese specialties, such as the Thiébou-dienne, a dish with rice and fish. Peanut sauce (maffee) and yassar (chicken or fish in lemon onion sauce) are also widely eaten. Something else:the couscous is different and grayer than the Moroccan one, but tastes very nice. For the children you have fresh pasta, a homemade pizza and fresh salads that complete the dinner. Every evening something different is served. On Tuesday evenings, the hotel even organizes a Lobster dinner on the beach with beautifully laid tables, a luxurious BBQ buffet and lots of fish. But that's not surprising when you're in Senegal.
Fun fact:Senegalese eat with the right hand. The left hand is used after they have gone to the toilet.
The best travel time is during the dry season. This lasts from mid-October to June. The coolest period is from December to mid-February with an average temperature of 25 degrees. In October, November, March and April the average temperature is around 27 degrees. In May and June, the temperature in Senegal can reach 30 degrees. The coastal region is often a few degrees cooler. The rainy season lasts from June to the beginning of October and due to the high humidity, the perceived temperature is oppressively hot during this period. The temperature can rise to 45° C during the day and even at night it often remains around 30° C. Then you would rather not hang out here 🙂 .
If you want to relax for a week, sunbathe or lie on the beach, Senegal is an excellent option. But Senegal offers so much more that it is of course a shame to stay only in your hotel or at your resort. If you are in the mood for nature and culture, then the trips below are definitely recommended on a holiday in Senegal with children.
The Africans don't take time too seriously. Everything moves at a slower pace. If you have to wait for the bus? Just take it for granted. Dakar is a busy city. About 25% of all 14 million inhabitants live in this city. You have beautiful churches, cathedrals, neighborhoods and the station is also worth a visit.
Are you renting a car here? Then keep in mind that you 'go along' in the Senegalese driving style. It's pushing, pulling, yielding and taking your place. A dent more or less in your rental car? You see that often!
Fish farming and tourism are the main sources of income for the Senegalese population. If you're in Senegal, it's definitely worth checking out the fish auction. So impressive that you should not miss this! Actually, it's better to summarize it as an organized chaos.
You can see with your own eyes how the fish is caught in the sea, how the fish is brought ashore in the fishing boats and how the fish is processed and transported to the restaurants. An entire organization. Everything runs smoothly, everyone has their task and is hard at work. Incredible. Thousands of Senegalese are busy fishing that day.
It is a mixture of scents and colors and so impressive that you always have the urge to take pictures of Senegalese. They don't always like this, of course. If you buy something from them or give money, they are already a lot friendlier and they are happy to take a picture with you or for you. The market where fish, fruit and vegetables is traded is also fun to watch.
Something you should definitely not miss:Senegal has a beautiful wildlife park Bandia Game Reserve. You won't spot the traditional big five here (rhinoceros, zebra, lion, tiger and giraffe), but this wildlife park gives you the feeling that you are really experiencing Africa. You can spot animals such as zebras, buffalo, monkeys, antelopes and wild boars in an open terrain vehicle. And if you're lucky, you'll see the park's only rhinoceros. The rhinoceros and giraffes were brought from South Africa, but the other animals come from Senegal itself. In this reserve they want to revive the animals that once lived in Senegal. This piece of Africa and this jungle tour is great for children. You can experience a beautiful piece of Africa with the feeling of being in the wild. In the coming period, this park will expand with birds of prey to maintain the balance in the park even better.
With a large boat, and that is an experience in itself for the many Senegalese and their children, you sail from Dakar to the island of Gorée. This is where the slaves used to be housed and then sent to America. Just the thought of it gives you the shivers. The island is still authentic. You will see a small harbour, nice restaurants, small colorful houses and a collection of the traditions of the hippies from the 60s who make music. A 1.5-hour walk gives you a good idea of how the Senegalese lived there. This piece of history clearly adds something extra to your holiday in Senegal with children.
Are you staying (more than) eight days in Senegal with children? Then a visit to the village of Sally is recommended, for example to visit the market.
Joyce wondered if Senegal with children is safe enough. I did get an idea about that during my stay. The people of Senegal are very friendly and helpful. Dakar is a busy city and you have to be careful especially at the busy intersections. I would advise booking an excursion and not going out on your own. In the evenings it is better to stay at the resort. There you will find plenty of entertainment and fun. Senegal does not appear unsafe, but it is better not to take any risks.
If you normally go on holiday to Crete, the Turkish or Egyptian sun, Senegal with children is definitely recommended for a change. In Senegal you can experience a real piece of Africa in just a six hour flight. It is a beautiful country and certainly doable with older children who like to experience a safari and discover the history of the slaves. Make sure you take note of the practical tips and be sure to visit your doctor to check.
As indicated, Tamara was invited to Senegal for Mamsatwork. You can also contact Tui to book a trip to Senegal with children.
