Senegal is often seen as the Best of the West in terms of the African continent. It's got everything from sleepy fishing villages to dveloped resort towns, golden sandy beaches, national parks with amazing scenery, and for the people, the art of conversation is one of the priorities in life. Prepare to be talked to!
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Budget Accommodation in Senegal
Accommodation is usually in a hotel of whatever standard you can afford, expect to pay around US$13 in Dakar per night for a semi decent bed, mayne a little less elsewhere. Many hotels charge by the room rather than per person so either organise to share or try to find a single. Otherwise it's a guesthouse, mainly in the more rural areas, known as campements, which are generally affordable and clean.
A Traveller's Budget for Senegal
You can eat from the street stalls in the towns here for about a dollar a meal, bread with various westernised fillings and rice with sauce are normal . Lebanese Schwarmas are readily available and are also good value. There are markets in most of the towns where you should be able to pick up some cheap provisions.
Travel around the country if hiring a car is beyond your means is generally by bus or minibus, these serve most areas and are cheap. Otherwise you can try a bush taxi, a car with three rows of seats or a pick up with two benches in the back depending on the location, which are a little more expensive than buses but might open up your travel options a bit.
Activities for the Budget Traveller
Wildlife spotting in one of the national parks
Check out the market in Kaolack for some bargains, the second largest in Africa
The IFAN museum is worth a look, and the admission isn't deadly
Have a go at catching your dinner on a fishing safari,
Visit Casamance for some ethnic diversity, check the situation before you go though, there can be a bit of tension.
Chat with the locals over a beer in the bars in St Louis
