Clean Cruising

Cruises visiting Dakar & all Dakar cruises for 2013 - 2014

Dakar, the western-most city on the African mainland, is the very French capital and largest city of Senegal. A feverish city that brims with life, together with its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, results in it having the most European atmosphere of any city on the continent. To get an excellent view of the city visit Les Mamelles Lighthouse that was built in 1864 and located on a small volcanic hill. At the same time be sure to visit the stunning Mosqué de la Divinité situated on the coast nearby. The IFAN Museum, one of the best museums in West Africa is also a ‘must-see’, as its wide range of imaginative displays provides an excellent overview of the region’s culture.

Along with many restaurants that offer a wide variety of local foods, shopping is very popular. The fabulous Marché des HLM is the best place to buy African fabrics together with added accessories. Hundreds of rolls of wax-dyed vibrant prints, embroidered cloth, lace and silk lend colour to the ramshackle stalls and dusty streets of this popular market. Then there’s the traditional Yoff village and its majestic Layen Mausoleum, both of which reflect the strong local Islamic culture, and require visitors to respect certain clothing requirements. The Maison des Enclaves has dungeons that held slaves and a visit here is an evocative way to bring to life the horrors of that era.

However, the island of Gorée that lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar truly serves as a reminder of human exploitation as well as being a sanctuary for reconciliation is very well worth visiting. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders.