Senegal is most notably famous for the Dakar rally which is the biggest offroad and road race in the world. Originally running from Paris to Dakar, the race has been moved to South America due to the insurgency in Mauritania. People of Senegal also take pride in their national football team which ranks in the top 25 of the world and is ranked the highest out of all the African teams.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Senegal must have a valid passport. Entry requirements vary depending on visitors nationality. Citizens of certain nations i.e. the USA, EU member states, are allowed to visit Senegal without the requirement of a visa and may stay for a period up to 90 days. Citizens of most countries around the world can enjoy visa on arrival policy meaning that visa is obtainable in the Senegalese airports, maritime ports, and some border crossings. Citizens of some countries must obtain a visa prior to their travel. Senegalese visa can be obtained in any of the Senegalese consulates, embassies or missions. Visitors who wish to drive in Senegal may do so using their national driving permit. An international driving permit is not required but is strongly recommended. Such a document will aid drivers in situations like dealing with the local police or renting a vehicle. Those who are IDP holders must know that such a document cannot be used alone and must always be substituted by the original driving permit.

Traveling hazards

While most main roads in Senegal are in relatively good condition for daytime driving, smaller roads are poor by modern standards. Roadways are poorly lit and poorly marked, and many sections have deteriorated surfaces. Some roads have sidewalks or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic, others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk in or along the roadway. Due to limited street lighting, pedestrians are difficult to see at night. Drivers in both rural and urban areas may frequently expect to encounter and share the road with motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, livestock, and animal carts. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers may be stopped at police roadblocks throughout the country, where their vehicles and luggage may be searched. Service stations are available along main roads. Due to poor road conditions and the risk of crime, driving outside major cities at night is not recommended.

Environmental hazards

Senegal is mostly made up of plains stretching from north to south of the country. This allows for a large population of animals to thrive. Lions are present in the south of Senegal. These animals are the apex predators of Africa and are not afraid to attack even elephants is such opportunity arises. The African bush elephants are present in Senegal. These animals are not aggressive however their sheer size makes them dangerous. If startled or angered, they can easily trample people to death, flip over cars or even break trees. Hippopotamuses are also present in Senegal. They inhabit the freshwaters in the country and pose a significant threat to anyone who approaches them. They are fiercely territorial and will attack even crocodiles. The western African crocodiles are present in Senegal. These reptiles are large and dangerous however they are considerably less aggressive than their Nile crocodile cousins. There are several species of dangerous snakes including pit vipers like the puff adder which alone is responsible for over 30 thousand deaths across Africa. There have been several reports of shark attacks with the most recent one happening over a decade ago. Some shark attacks could have possibly gone unreported. Such attacks can take place close to shore as well as far offshore. Beachgoers should stick to guarded beaches and avoid swimming after dusk.
There are many different natural hazards occurring in Senegal. Among these are floods, storms, and drought however floods are responsible for most damage and carry the biggest death toll.

Health hazards

There is a risk of contracting yellow fever in Senegal. The government of Senegal also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Those who are not required, are strongly recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever. There is also an outbreak of dengue fever which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Two other diseases are also transmitted through mosquito bites, namely malaria, and Zika. This accounts for three deadly diseases with no approved vaccination meaning that increased measures against mosquito bites should be taken. There is medicine on prescription against malaria which should be available to anyone after consulting their local general practitioner. Other recommended vaccines include the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis and rabies vaccines. Services in rural areas are delivered on three levels. The first level is Health centers and health clinics that have some operational facilities, these facilities will typically have approximately one to two qualified doctors and between 15 to 20 health staff. The second level of rural healthcare provision is Health Posts, the number depends on the population of the district, the staff at health posts usually number between four and five people. The third level is Health Points, here are numerous Health Points operating under the directive of health posts, the staff is usually health agents or a midwife. Access to rural health services is hampered by poor road infrastructure, extreme distances and environmental conditions. Hospitals and clinics in Dakar are equipped to treat major and minor injuries and illness, however, services and doctors may be difficult to obtain. Due to the extremely low quality of the medical situation in Senegal, and the frequent crowding at local hospitals, expatriates and travelers who suffer from a severe illness or accident while in the country may have to be transported overseas to continue treatment.
In case of an emergency dial 15.

Crime

Street crime is very common, particularly in urban areas. Crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft of valuables from vehicles, assaults, residential burglaries are the most frequently encountered crimes by foreigners and locals. Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and street children often attempt to divert victims’ attention while an accomplice steals valuables. Do not accept items offered by anyone on the street unless you are planning to buy it. This is a favorite ploy of street criminals. Street robberies and muggings frequently involve the use of knives or machetes, though injuries, when the victim is compliant, are rare. There is currently no risk of terrorism in Senegal however the surrounding countries of Mali and Mauritania experience terrorism which might spill over into Senegal. Narcotics on any kind are strictly illegal. Mere possession is a criminal offense and might result in jail time.

Summary

Senegal is considerably one of the most popular western African spots. This is partly attributed to the Dakar rallies and many incredible landmarks within the country. Despite not being the safest, it remains a popular tourist spot. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.aeroport-dakar.com/visa_on_arrival_senegal.php
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/senegal