Gap Year Programs in Senegal

Blessed with ocean front, baobab trees, plains, and rainforest, Senegal is very diverse. There are many locations where you can spend your gap year. Here are two popular gap year locations in Senegal.

Dakar. Located on the Atlantic coast, Dakar is the largest city and capital of Senegal. Although it’s generally hot, it’s cooled by sea breezes throughout the year. Dakar is one of West Africa’s most vibrant cities with pulsing mbalax music, nightclubs, mosques, museums, markets, monuments, and beaches. 

However, if you just want to escape the crowds and noise while on your gap year in Senegal, there are a couple quiet islands just a short ferry ride offshore. On Ile de Gorée (a UNESCO World Heritage site), kick back and enjoy fish mafé (groundnut stew) and local beer. Afterward, explore the ruined colonial buildings and the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves), a sober reminder of the slave trade. 

Saint Louis. Locals and travelers alike say that it’s hard not to fall in love with this city. Located to the north of Dakar, Saint Louis is West Africa’s first French settlement and Senegal’s former capital city. It was founded in the 17th century on an island in the mouth of the Senegal river. Since 2002, the city’s colonial history and architecture has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site—no wonder gap year programs like Global Citizen Year in Senegal make a point to visit here.

Highlights of the city include national parks, beaches, quays, Faidherbe Bridge, and the colorful pirogues of the fishing village of Guet Ndar. Saint Louis is the place for culture. During Christmas time, there are fanal (giant paper lanterns) processions at night. The city also hosts many music festivals, including the Saint Louis Jazz Festival. Every year, there’s also a regatta or race of the pirogues in Guet Ndar.