As a West African country, Senegal shines out as one of the inspiring destinations in the continent, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east and Guinea to the south. Owning a highly valuable geographical location, Senegal has been a French colony for many years and gained its independence in 1960. Numerous historical artifacts and museums remaining from the colonial period now are the significant attractions countrywide. Moreover, the archeological studies have revealed that Senegal has a deep-rooted history dating back to the prehistoric ages, which turns the country into an alluring holiday destination.

Have a look at the flights offered by Turkish Airlines now to set your plan in advance and have an outstanding experience in this splendid country, witnessing its colorful identity as a blend of Asian and European cultures, as well as its breathtaking natural marvels and hospitable people.

Senegal flight details

Flights to Senegal with Turkish Airlines take off from Istanbul Airport (IST) and land at Thies Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in the capital Dakar within nine hours and thirty minutes in average.

As a country with high temperatures throughout the year thanks to its tropical climate, Senegal would be the warmest alternative especially during the cold winter days. You may therefore visit Senegal at all seasons throughout the year. Another effective factor in this respect is the extraordinary events and festivals Senegal hosts to witness the country’s peerless culture.

Held with traditional drum performances of Casamance people in Abene, Abene Festival takes place in the last 10 days of December every year. Offering dance shows, wrestling matches and various performances, this festival is known as the event reflecting in the best way the Senegalese people. Moreover, Dakar Biennial held in May, on the other hand, gathers together the most remarkable contemporary artists of Africa and their works, ranking among the top significant art events in the continent.

St. Louis Jazz Fest, the largest jazz event in the entire Africa, offers a wide range of genres from soul to blues and even rap performances and held with great enthusiasm and huge participation, including the globally-known people. Kaay Fecc festival held at the end of May or the beginning of June, is another event providing unforgettable moments accompanied by the traditional and contemporary dances of Africa. Even though all these cultural events bring in a large number of visitors to the country, the most popular event in Senegal is without doubt the Paris-Dakar Rally. Held since 2009, the rally event is flooded by thousands all over the world every year.

Senegal sightseeing and attractions

The largest city and the capital Dakar is one of the most populous destinations in Africa as well. Served as a capital of French Western Africa in the past, Dakar still bears the traces of colonial administration. The Independence Square in the heart of the city, and important governmental buildings like the Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs truly show such effect. IFAN, one of the oldest art museums in West Africa is extremely attractive by its broad collection gathering together the masks, statues, traditional costumes and musical instruments from different places of Africa. Moreover, you may drop by Galeria Arte in Victor Hugo Street and see the furniture, jewelry and decorative objects made by African designers, buy souvenirs from Tilen Bazaar full of medicinal plants sold by conventional herbalists, or visit Soumbedioune, the most famous fish market countrywide, favorite of those interested in seafood.

Although there are many touristic spots to visit in the capital, one of the most noteworthy sites of both Dakar and Senegal is Goree Island. Cited as the tragic destiny of Senegal, Goree used to serve as a hub for slave trading in the past. The island now is one of the top-visited attractions countrywide. Declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, during your visit to this island, you may witness the dark and tragic background in the House of Slaves Museum. Another popular spot in the capital is the Lake Retba, a natural marvel extending in the north of Cap-Vert peninsula. As the end point of the famous Paris-Dakar Rally, the popularity of this lake comes from its pink color indeed. It would be an utterly pleasant experience to have a picnic on the shore of Lake Retba by its unusual color thanks to the minerals and microorganisms within. You may consider the option of car rental to move freely in the capital and comfortably reach these significant spots in the city. Thus, you may have a chance to see all the natural charms Senegal is home to.

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary in the southeast of Senegal River is another notable natural charm. Included in World Heritage List by UNESCO, this site hosts 400 bird species, especially the pelicans and flamingos. Niokolo Koba National Park covering a vast forestland over Gambia River, and Saloum Delta National Park by its area of eight thousand square meters as home to numerous bird species, are also included in UNESCO World Heritage List, both are truly worth-seeing, revealing all the natural charms the country harbors.