Senegal has marked contrasts in
climate. The coastal region, except in Casamance, is equable, with low rainfall
and high humidity. Inland, the climate is drier, ranging to the semi-desert of
the Sahel region in the east. The wet season is from June to September, rather
shorter in the north and longer in the south, especially near the coast. The
rainfall varies from less than 20 inches in the north to 80 inches in
Casamance. In eastern and central Senegal, water is often scarce in the dry
season. The country suffers from occasional droughts, such as that of 1968-73.
The Senegal River fell to one-third of its average annual flow in 1972-73, and
in 1972 failed to flood for the first time in more than 60 years. Temperatures
vary according to the season, with an average range of approximately 24° -
38°C (75° - 100°F), the highest being in the
northeast.
Embassies do NOT
always update us when they change their entry requirements - we strongly advise
you contact your nearest embassy to find our the lastest
information.
Citizens of countries member of the European Union (EU) do
not need visa to travel to Senegal for up to three months stay. Visas are also
not required for citzens of Canada Israel Japan Taiwan United States .
Domestic Flights with
Senegal: All the main towns are linked to Dakar via a domestic
air service runs by the national airline, Air Senegal
Train:
The service is slow but improvements are planned.
Bus:
The main centres are connected by fairly good quality minibuses. Long
distance travel is also covered by bush taxis, usually Peugeot 504's with three
rows of seats, they are comfortable, safe and reliable. On lesser used routes
bush taxis are pick up trucks and are less comfortable with bench
seating.
Road:
The Africa Guide's recommended Map
Senegal Map (Maps Worldwide) Institut
Geographique National (IGN) - Countries and Cities of the World Sheet map,
Full colour, Scale 1 : 600,000
Road conditions away from the coast
can be poor and sometimes impassable. Driving is on the right hand side and an
international driving licence or french licence is required. There are numerous
local and international car hire firms mainly at the airport and in
Dakar.
Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz.
The Plug types used are : Round pin attachment plug -
view Round pins with
ground - view Round
pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin -
view Round pins with
spade grounding pin - view
If you need medical care whilst in
Senegal, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
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wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
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- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
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Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.
