Destinations Senegal 2

Ziguinchor
Ziguinchor is the chief town of the Cassamance region of Senegal.
Ziguinchor remains economically dependent on its role as a cargo
port, transport hub and ferry terminal. Attractions in the town
include markets, a cathedral, and a large peanut oil factory. It is also a melting pot of all the ethnic groups co-existing in Senegal:
Manding, Jola, Wolof, Peul/Pulaar, Mancagne, Manjack, Soninke,
Serer, Bainounck and Creole.

Population: 13.7 million

Languages: French is the official language.
Others include Wolof (most widely spoken
language in Senegal), Pulaar, Jola,
Mandinka

Religion: 94% Muslim, 5% Christian, 1%
indigenous beliefs

Capital: Dakar

Climate: Climate is tropical, with
well-defined dry and wet seasons. Senegal's
rainfall occurs between June and October,
with the hottest months (45° Celsius or
more) occurring just before the rains start.
Best travel months are November through
February, with the days reaching about 30°
Celsius, but the nights being pleasantly
cool.

Tambacounda
Tambacounda was a Mandike town and trade center, and with the
creation of the Dakar-Bamako Railway the town prospered into a
major transport center. The Tambacounda region is famous for its
rich djembé (drum) and dance culture and heritage. Some of the
greatest djembé masters of Mali all resided here, and the town is
still known as the "proving ground" of djembé masters. It is a
culturally diverse town with an ethnic mix of Bambara/Bamana,
Pulaar and Wolof people.

Children who are named after an
older relative must be called 'le
Vieux' (old man) or 'la Vieille' (old
woman), since it is disrespectful to
speak an elder's first name.

Lac Rose in Senegal: the lake's high
salt content gives it a unique
pinkish hue, especially when the
sun is high.