Emotional journey in Senegal from Gorée Island to the fishing villages

From the colourful markets of Dakar to the historical intensity of Gorée Island, the West African country of Senegal takes you on a journey of emotion, culture and discovery. The ideal time to visit is from November to March. December and January are the best months, with temperatures ranging between 19 and 27 degrees. Once in Dakar (the base for a trip of at least five days), after visiting Independence Square, the presidential palace and the Kermel market, you can leave for Gorée Island and visit the House of Slaves, the Fort and the St Charles Borromeo Church before returning to Dakar. From here, it is extremely interesting to visit Thies, via Sindia by jeep to get to know the villages of various ethnic groups (Fulani shepherds, Serer farmers). In Thies, its market full of medicinal herbs and printed fabrics is not to be missed, while a visit to the village of Kayar allows you to witness the arrival of the fishermen. From the Petite Côte with its golden beaches to the palm forest of Samba Dia with its Peul villages, to a boat trip on the Saloum river that preserves mangroves and fishing villages, an itinerary in Senegal represents an intense and emotionally rich journey that makes those who experience it feel part of a world suspended between myth and reality. Another not-to-be-missed stop is at Lake Rosa, which is tinged with unique hues, reached by off-road vehicle with a ride on the dunes of the 'Paris-Dakar' before meeting the salt gatherers to listen to their life stories. Senegalese cuisine is also a moment of discovery with its spicy fragrances and iconic dishes such as thiéboudienne, while the warm welcome of the people makes the travel experience even more special. On Sundays, then, the Sunday mass at the Benedictine monastery in Keur Moussa is worth attending. The ceremony is celebrated in the purest African tradition and guarantees a great moment of spirituality accompanied by Gregorian chants. A final half-day stop can be made to visit the Bandia nature reserve via Rufisque and the beautiful baobab forest, where there is a great variety of fauna.