Activities in Senegal
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A
Héliopolis
The Piscine Olympique (869 0606; Tour de l'Œuf) in Point E has excellent fitness facilities. In town, Héliopolis is brilliantly equipped with state-of-the art machines and weights, and offers a range of classes from aerobics to yoga. Otherwise, try the large hotels. Many of them have gymnasiums that nonguests can use for a fee.
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Pirogue Trips
The standard day trip from Ziguinchor includes a pirogue trip to Affiniam and Djilapao on the northern side of the Casamance River and a trip to Île des Oiseaux. These three places are set in beautiful surrounding. Affiniam has a stunning case à impluvium (the campement villageois), and in Djilapao, you can see some beautiful cases à étages (traditional two-storey mud houses).
Île des Oiseaux is great for bird lovers; with very little effort you can see pelicans, flamingos, kingfishers, storks and sunbirds as well as many more species.Many hotels offer trips to these destinations including Le Flamboyant, the Hôtel Kadiandoumagne and the Relais de Santhiaba. Prices…
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B
Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor
Dakar's main arena for traditional wrestling is in Médina, near the large Stade Iba Mar Diop. Fights of big-name wrestlers are national sports events, held in Dakar's main stadium, Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Yoff. The entire population of Senegal eagerly awaits the results of the traditional star match held on 1 January.
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C
Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor
For dance courses, try the Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor. Its bleak façade doesn't do justice to the creative bustle going on inside. In Point E, the Atelier de Danse Keur Jaaraf (574 4056; Rue 1XD) is an inspiring little dance company that runs courses for adults and children, covering most major styles of dance.
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Centre Sportif Aubert
If a lack of pedal power means you're not getting your legs moving enough, try the Centre Sportif Aubert, opposite of the hotel of the same name, where you can work out on the latest fitness equipment, use the pool or participate in a range of courses from aerobics to weight workouts.
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Bicycle Touring
Bicycle Touring Ziguinchor is in theory a great base for bicycle excursions, though you'll probably need to bring your own two wheels; all the previously existing bike hire facilities have closed due to the difficult maintenance of bikes forced daily along Ziguinchor's sandy roads.
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Wrestling
During the dry season (November to May), you stand a good chance of seeing wrestling matches at the wrestling arena (really just a dusty field), east of Av Lycée Guignabo. They're usually held on late Sunday afternoons.
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D
Stade Iba Mar Diop
Traditional Senegalese wrestling matches (les luttes) are held most weekends during the dry season at this stadium. The ambiance of sweaty excitement, shrill singing and furious drumming is electrifying.
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Festival International du Film de Quartier
Film lovers shouldn't miss this annual showcasing of Senegal's best contemporary film work. For the duration of the festival many cultural centres, restaurants and other spaces mount screens to show films.
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Dak'Art Biennale
This biennial festival of painting and sculpture is the queen of Dakar's festivals. It drowns the town in colour for the whole of May, with exhibitions all across Dakar. Unmissable.
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Kaay Fecc
One of Africa's best dance festivals, Kaay Fecc features contemporary and traditional choreography from all across Africa and beyond.
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E
Tribal Surf Shop
Surfers can hire boards (US$18 per day), get advice on good spots, and even take courses at the Tribal Surf Shop.
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West Africa Sport Fishing
You can arrange deep-sea fishing at West Africa Sport Fishing, next to the Île de Gorée ferry terminal.
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Sahel Découverte Bassari
Has good tours around Senegal and caters for English, French and Spanish speakers.
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l'Océanium
The environmental-protection agency l'Océanium runs excellent diving excursions.
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Afrikakeur
This comedy and music festival is held annually at venues all across Dakar.
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Africa Batik
Offers batik-making courses of varying duration. Inquire for rates.
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Sunjata Keita
This small percussion boutique can arrange drumming courses.
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Pain de Singe
Unbeatable for ecotourism and off-the beaten track circuits.
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Dak'Art Biennale
This biennial festival of painting and sculpture is the queen of Dakar's festivals. It drowns the town in colour for the whole of May, with exhibitions all across Dakar. Unmissable.
reviewed
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Sahel Découverte Bassari
Has good tours around Senegal and caters for English, French and Spanish speakers.
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Vent Tropical
For wind and kite surfing, contact Vent Tropical in Bango.
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Saint-Louis Quad
Saint-Louis Quad organises beach buggy tours around the area. Its offices are in Gandiol, but if you call, staff can meet you elsewhere.
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Saint-Louis Fishing Club
Several hotels and campements (inns) offer fishing tours; the best-known address is the Saint-Louis Fishing Club, which is run by the Hôtel de la Poste. It offers surf-casting and angling excursions. Half-day tours are also available.
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Catamaran Saint Louis
Catamaran Saint Louis offers one-day catamaran trips around the Langue de Barbarie (adults/children under eight around CFA250/10,000) and a range of other excursions that leave from Pont Faidherbe; phone to arrange a trip and staff'll pick you up at your hotel.
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