Republic of Senegal is a country in West Africa. Principal cities of interest include the capital, *Dakar; *Saint-Louis (map), an old colonial town; and the Mouride holy centre of *Touba. *Gorée Island, formerly a centre of the West African slave trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The *Niokolo-Koba National Park is a World Heritage Site and natural protected area in south eastern Senegal near the Guinea-Bissau border.

Be careful with food prepared by the road, as it could be cooked in unsanitary conditions. In Dakar, take care when walking the streets: petty theft and scams are abundant. Take anti-malarials. Avoid tap water and all dishes prepared with it.

Senegal has a tropical climate that is both hot and humid for much of the year. The rainy season, from May to November, has strong southeast winds while the dry season from December to April is dominated by the hot, but dry, harmattan wind.

In Dakar, take care when walking the streets: petty theft and scams are abundant. You will be approached by aggressive street vendors who will follow you for several blocks. If refused, often accusations of ‘racism” will be leveled at white non-local non-buyers.