People all over Senegal are proud of their “teranga,” or hospitality. While scams are common, most of the locals are very friendly and helpful. One of the real highlights of any trip to the City of Dakar (French) is the music. The Port of Dakar is one of Africa’s brightest music centers. It is well known for its mbalax music and hip-hop, and there are some lively clubs where you can enjoy Dakar’s infamous nightlife.

If music is not your thing, you can take a short trip to Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some two kilometers outside the Port of Dakar. Future West African slaves were transferred to slave ships bound for America from Goree Island. The island has some interesting colonial architecture, but the major attraction is the House of Slaves Museum. The Dutch built the house in 1776, and it has been preserved in its original condition. The home’s owners lived on the upper floor, and the slaves were weighed, fed, and imprisoned on the lower level.

Visitors to the Port of Dakar can find wonderful art objects at the Marche Sandaga market. Here, you can find sculptures, leather work, paintings, and the beautiful local cloth called “bazin.” While the vendors are very friendly, it’s wise to keep an eye on your wallet or purse while visiting this lively market.

Travelers who want to see the Port of Dakar and Senegal by sea can find a list of scheduled cruises on the Cruise Compete website.

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