Senegal

Senegal is a fairly populous country in West Africa. It in fact contains the westernmost spot on the continent. The official language is French, but Wolof, Soninke, Serer, Fula, Mandinka, and Diola are are also spoken. The latter are regional languages that correspond to the names of ethnic groups who speak them. Senegal has a Muslim majority, and an atmosphere of tolerance across group lines. The terrain includes plains, foothills, and rivers. While wind and rain are variable, the climate is considered solidly tropical. Native animal species include golden jackals, melon-headed whales, and lesser bushbabies. Mainstays of the economy include food processing, mining, refining imported petroleum, and tourism.

You can check out the world-renowned Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj, a sanctuary for flamingos and vast numbers of other birds which you can see by boat. Parc National du Delta du Saloum and Parc National de Niokolo-Koba are the biggest parks in the country, and contain more super-impressive collections of wildlife. Lions and elephants and hippos, oh my! And that’s just for starters…For some culture, check out the impressive art collection at Village des Arts, a museum in a large garden space in Dakar.

Couscous, white rice, and sweet potatoes are popular starchy staples. Typical vegetables include tomatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Chicken, beef, and fish are commonly eaten. Thi├®boudienne is a classic Senegalese seafood dish that has fish marinated in lemon, garlic, and other flavors combined with a tomato rice and additional vegetables. There are many other variations of Thi├®bou or rice dishes. Also, try avocado stuffed with shrimp. You can find Middle Eastern flavors in Dakar, and possibly some vegetarian dishes on those menus. Enjoy some mostly healthy indulgence with thiakry, a dessert made of millet, couscous, and spices like nutmeg, along with dairy such as yogurt or sweetened condensed milk. That’s a win-win situation.