PRACTICAL INFOS

Health & Well-being

Before departure (4–6 weeks): consult a travel health or vaccination center for personalized advice (malaria: prevention + repellent with ≥ 20–30% DEET; ensure routine vaccines are up to date).

Water & food: drink only bottled water (sealed cap); avoid ice cubes and unreliable food stands; favor well-cooked meals and fruits you peel yourself.

Sun & heat: wear a hat, UV-protection sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen; carry salt/electrolytes and stay well hydrated.

Personal medical kit: prescribed antimalarial, anti-diarrheal, antihistamine, painkillers, plasters, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent, personal medication + copies of prescriptions.

Bivouac: wear light long sleeves and trousers in the evening, socks and closed shoes, and ensure your mosquito net is properly secured.

Money & Payments

Currency: XOF (CFA franc). Bring a mix of cash and card. Reliable ATMs are available in Dakar and Saly; withdrawal fees are often high — it’s better to withdraw larger amounts rather than multiple small ones.

Cards: Inform your bank that you’ll be traveling to Senegal, check your withdrawal and payment limits, and activate international transactions.

Small bills: Useful for tips, taxis, and market purchases.

Mobile money: Wave and Orange Money are widely used — convenient for small payments if you have a local SIM card.

Currency exchange: Avoid informal money changers; use banks or authorized exchange offices instead.

Sécurité & déplacements

Safety & Transportation
Valuables: keep them to a minimum. Use a money belt or discreet bag; avoid displaying your smartphone openly in the street.
Transportation: follow your guide’s instructions; wear seatbelts in minibuses; when traveling by canoe, use a life jacket and keep devices protected (waterproof pouch).
Cash withdrawals: use ATMs during the day and in busy, secure areas.
Drones: regulated; prior authorization is recommended, and flying in sensitive areas is prohibited.

Culture & Etiquette

Greetings: Salam aleikoum (hello); greet with a smile and a light handshake.

Photography: always ask for permission before taking photos (people, boats, markets).

Clothing: dress modestly in villages or religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).

Bargaining: be polite and good-humored; support local artisans.

Meals with locals: wash your hands beforehand and graciously accept the meal offered. small portion, Thank the host.

Communication & Connectivity

Local SIM: (Orange / Free / Sonatel) recommended for data and Mobile Money; keep your French eSIM as a backup.

Power outlets: types C / D / E – mostly type E (French standard); a power strip and power bank are recommended.

Contact sharing: keep the phone numbers of your guide, driver, and local coordinator.

Environment & Respect

Leave no trace: take all your waste with you, especially during bivouacs or on small islands.

Wildlife & mangroves: do not feed animals or collect live shells; keep a respectful distance.

Water & energy: take short showers and use air conditioning wisely — the local power network is fragile.

Documents & Insurance

Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months after your return. Keep both digital and paper copies.

Travel / repatriation insurance: required by Terres d’Héritage; keep your policy number and emergency contact details handy.

Tickets & vouchers: store offline versions on your smartphone and carry printed copies as backups.

Tipping Guidelines (at your discretion)

Boatman / local guide: €2–5 per person per activity
Driver: €3–5 per person per day
Restaurants: round up the bill if the service is satisfactory and appreciated.

Emergencies

Use the Terres d’Héritage emergency assistance number (to be provided early 2026).

The nearest clinic or health center will be indicated by your guide at each stage.

Notify the staff immediately in case of any issue (health, loss, or safety).

Flight Duration

Paris (CDG/Orly): 5h30 to 6h00 – Air France, Transavia, Air Sénégal
Brussels: 6h00 to 6h15 – Brussels Airlines, Air Sénégal
Lisbon: 4h30 to 5h00 – TAP Air Portugal
Madrid: 4h30 to 5h00 – Iberia, Air Sénégal
London (Heathrow/Gatwick): 6h00 to 6h30 – British Airways
Zurich / Geneva: 6h00 to 6h30 (often with a stopover) – Swiss, Air France (via Paris)

Direct Flight from the USA / CANADA 7hrs or 8hrs

Average flight time:
👉 Between 5h and 6h15 for direct flights from Western Europe.
Flights with stopovers (often in Lisbon, Madrid, or Casablanca) may take 7 to 9 hours in total, depending on connections.