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escapade à Dakar I getaway to Dakar I

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At the western end of the African continent, Dakar,
the capital of Senegal, is a real crossroads between Africa
and the Occident.

1. Iles de la Madeleine © Sarah
Giles I Madeleine Island I

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2. Garde Présidentielle ©JeanPierre Chudeau I Presidential
Guard ©Jean-Pierre Chudeau I

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La Gazelle 54 I

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nce a fishing port, the city
stuns with its cosmopolitanism
and cultural intermingling.
While you travel in Senegal,
the best thing to do is to stroll
through the streets of Dakar
and discover the contrasts
that enliven the town. You will therefore be able to
enjoy a variety of historical monuments. Whether
it’s the Dakar Cathedral, also called Cathédrale du
Souvenir Africain (Cathedral of the African Memory),
a sumptuous building made of pink sandstone from
Sudan, or the Dakar Grand Mosque which is Senegal’s
largest one, you will be charmed. Given to Senegal by
Hassan II, King of Morocco, the Dakar Grand Mosque
was opened in 1964. It houses an islamic institute
and is worth a visit. It is interesting to note that its
surface is richly decorated with engravings on both
the interior and the exterior.
A stopover in Dakar also deserves a detour for its
markets full of bewitching odours such as the
Senegalese incense called tchourai : Sandaga’s
covered market, Tilène’s market near the Medina
and finally Kermel’s market, known for its crafts.

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From November to April, the climate is particularly
mild and pleasant. During this period, with the help
of average temperatures around 20°, you’ll have a
perfect stay.

Gorée, world historical
heritage
The Slave House in Gorée is a compulsory step
when visiting Dakar. Located on the island of the
same name, it is therefore necessary to take a boat
in order to get there.
From this island, slaves were sent to America and
Europe.
Once made prisonners in their village and brought to
Dakar, they waited for the boat that would take them
to the unknown. The house is now a museum. The
back door leads to the sea, where ships landed and
from where no one ever returned. Many died along
the route, those surviving were then sold to work in
the cotton and sugar cane industries.
Gorée Island deserves more than a lightning visit.
Plan to spend at least one day to truly enjoy the
beauty of the place, the historical tours and the
numerous artist workshops. I