Backpacking or travelling in Senegal?

• Senegal is a popular destination for backpackers because of its combination of culture, nature and hospitable people. The infrastructure for travellers is quite good, especially around Dakar and other tourist areas. You can easily travel from one place to another with minibuses (bush taxis) or taxis.
• Spotting activities: explore Dakar and its museums and markets; learn about the slave trade on Île de Gorée; go on safari in the Niokolo-Koba National Park; enjoy the beaches and surfing in Saly and other coastal spots; visit the Dakar Biennale.
• Spotting animals: lions, elephants, flamingos, giraffes, many bird species.
• Spotting food: thieboudienne, yassa, maafe, bissap, sambusa.

Studying in Senegal?

• There are several universities and study options in Senegal.
• Study cities: Dakar and Saint-Louis.
• Language: French and local languages.

Internships in Senegal?

• Internships in Senegal offer opportunities in various sectors, including development, health, agriculture and education. Many (international) NGOs and organisations are active in the country and welcome interns.

Volunteering in Senegal?

• There are many opportunities for volunteering, especially in areas such as education, construction, health and the environment.

Working in Senegal?

• Consider jobs in education, development work with NGOs, tourism and for healthcare specialists.
• Work culture: important aspects are greeting others, respecting elders and authority, understanding the concept of “teraanga” - loosely translated as hospitality and being respectful and indirect communication.

Working as a digital nomad in Senegal?

• Senegal is a fun, cheap and friendly destination for digital nomads who want to experience Africa. Nowadays you can also find fast internet connections and you come across more and more co-working spaces and cafes to work.
• Favorite locations: Dakar, Saint-Louis.

Living in Senegal?

• One of the biggest reasons for moving to Senegal is the rich culture with lots of music, colorful festivals and lovely people. “Teraanga” is the key word in Senegal, a concept and culture of great hospitality and togetherness, woven into the whole society.
• Why yes, why not? Well, the why is already mentioned above, plus the warm climate and low costs compared to the west. On the other hand, the health care is not very good, there is a big language barrier if you do not speak French and it can take quite some getting used to the local lifestyle and ways of working including bureaucracy.
• Education: there are good international schools.
• Expat community: Dakar has an active expat community with lots of opportunities to meet others.
• Safety: Senegal is generally politically stable and safe, although it is of course important to stay alert to advice from local authorities.
• Culture: the culture is a mix of African, French and Arabic influences. Music, dance and food play an important role in daily life.
• Health insurance: healthcare is reasonable in the cities, much less so outside. Many expats go abroad for treatment. So make sure you have your own good health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Senegal