Where should I visit in Senegal and The Gambia?
 

Looking at visiting by m'bike in January 2008, partly to coincide with the arrival of the Lisbon-Dakar rally. Obviously there's St Louis, the Zebrabar, Lac Rose and Dakar. But where else should I visit in Senegal and The Gambia?

I'll only have five or six days. I like places of natural or man-made beauty. Not into bird watching unless it's the bikini variety.

Bear in mind accom is at a premium for the rally.

Dakar is interesting for a couple of days, the beach at Yoff is quiet and relaxing (not weekends) and there are great bars/restaurants in Ngor. Goree is worth a visit. Inland the scenery isn't too spectacular and so-called game reserves are a little disappointing.

Heading south it is a good road to Kaolack then sand piste (in the dry season) to 50 klicks from the border. In the rainy season it is a long and tough stretch. You know you are in Gambia as the road deteriorates dramatically and the police become more vigilant (notably the drug squad).

Gambia has really gone down the tubes in the last 15 years - Jammeh is destroying his country. The "tourist coast" is well worth avoiding entirely, though Abuko is still great value. That said, if you head east (use the NORTHERN road from Barra - best road in the country -) the people are still extremely friendly (ie: not much tourism there) and the living is cheap. Georgetown is interesting and Bassé very laid back, though a little "one-horse and dusty". The road back into Senegal, en route Tamba, is ok once clear of Gambian territory.

Dave

In six days or so ... I presume you're not continuing on somewhere?

Thies is nice; Kaolack has some charm, Dakar's expensive but stay out in Yoff where it's a bit more laid back ...

If you're continuing on somewhere, Casamance is a must, as is the region south of Kedougou heading into Pays Bassari and the border at Fongomlembi

Kira

Niokolo Koba Park...Tamba airport is the best place to catch the guys in a cool bivouac...easy access to them there...Dakar/Lac Rose access will be tougher...

Toubab Diallo Beach...next to Popenguine and the route to Thies..

Casamance...great beaches but you have to go through Gambia to get there.

Skip zebra bar...overrated...much more interesting stuff elsewhere unless you're into watching birds...the scenery is not that interesting and its about 30-40 minutes South of St. Louis...hit a campement in St. Louis...

cheers guys, much appreciated

Contoversial but ...
 

Don't go to Senegal, Gambie is a bit better. Go to Mali, Guinea anywhere else. To Senegal the saying goes, people just go once. Maybe others want to comment.

Manfred, I would not recommend the Gambia to anyone (except those seriously into birding and experiencing rural life in the Interior). In the last 15 years it has gone down the toilet (IMHO). Senegal is very interesting to the south (again, the Casamance is mainly for birders unless you want to share a beach with countless French tourists), the rest of the interior is quite dull.

If you have the time, Mali is a different World!

Dave

Well I know
 

I spent 2 month in Senegal/Gambia, even liked it (even Dakar). but never returned, just must not have it again. Actually it is beautiful especially Casamance (and Casamance is different) but the rest is the biggest hassle (hustlers/police/border etc) in West Africa. And I know Mali (4 month and Guinea (3 month) and it is truely another friendly welcoming world. SO WHY GO TO SENEGAL???