"Senegal" a Senegal Travel Page by traveldave

The area that is now Senegal was originally settled by two different peoples who migrated from other parts of West Africa, the Wolof and Mandinka. Both languages are still spoken by their respective tribe members, in addition to French. The Wolof were the first to inhabit the area, and the Mandinka came later, bringing Islam with them from what is now Mali.

In the 1400s, Europeans, led by Portugal, began exploring the West African coast. The Portuguese established trading posts along the coast, trading in gold, slaves, and other commodities. Over the years, however, the French slowly began to establish trading enclaves along the coast and their influence and power increased in the area. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 divided the African continent between the European powers. Most of western Africa was given to France and became the territory of French West Africa.

In the 1950s, independence movements began to arise in French West Africa. Although some African leaders supported the idea of a federation of all French territories in Africa, individual territories eventually became independent countries. Senegal became independent in 1960.

Nowadays, the French influence is still strong in Senegal. French is the official language, many French ex-patriots live in the country, French cuisine is featured in many restaurants, and French tourists flock to the country for its sunshine and pristine beaches.

My trip to Senegal was part of two-week birdwatching trip to Senegal and Gambia. My group entered Senegal from Gambia. We visited Kaolack, Saint-Louis, Richard Toll, and the wetlands of Djoudj National Park before returning to Gambia after a week in Senegal.

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