Nicole Edenedo
Long-distance travel continues to be a huge trend, and whether booking back-to-back river cruises or spending more time on land in the destination and surrounding areas, many river cruise travelers are looking for longer, more immersive trips.
When it comes to land experiences, extending river cruises before and after is a particularly good way for travelers to get a better feel for a destination.
And earlier this year, I spent two overnight stays at the beginning and end of my West African trip with Variety Cruises, a hybrid sea-river trip, to get to know Dakar, Senegal's coastal capital, briefly before returning. Bookmark everything you want to do every time.
Terrou-Bi, a sub-Saharan oasis
My 10-day West African river trip began and ended with a host stay at Terrou-Bi, a luxury five-star hotel and resort located in Dakar. (Variety does not include pre- or post-cruise lodging in its prices, so advisors and travelers must book accommodation independently.)
The rooms are spacious, there are plenty of lounges and common areas, and there is at least one place to grab a bite to eat.
At Terrou-Bi's main restaurant, La Terrasse, guests can enjoy a mix of light and hearty fare, from traditional Senegalese dishes such as theiboudienne, a rice and cured fish dish, to more conventional menu items such as ribeye steak. there is.
Here I tried one of my favorite dishes in Senegal. It's almost a similar drink to the Arnold Palmer, made with bisap, a sweet hibiscus juice, and creamy, smoothie-like Bouye. From the sap of the baobab tree.
It was delicious. More importantly, it was refreshing. I think the temperature was close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit the day I arrived.
Meanwhile, Le Cote Ouest is an indoor and outdoor lounge that offers a dining menu consisting of small plates and is open until 1 a.m. every night, making it a great place to enjoy a late-night snack.
At La Terrasse, a restaurant in the Terrou-Bi resort, the author tried a drink similar to the Arnold Palmer, which was delicious and, more importantly, refreshing. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
Elsewhere on the property you will find a casino, a large swimming pool and a private beach. Most of the resorts along the coast here are not located on the beach like Terrou-Bi, so the staff said this was rare.
So I think Terrou-Bi's biggest and brightest feature is its private boats that guests can book for all kinds of activities, including scenic sailings, fishing trips, and trips to Goree Island. This is the advantage I took advantage of. During my stay. Half-day cruises including Goree start at $548.
Visit Goree Island
I spent the afternoon boarding one of Terrou-Bi's private boats with a tour guide and heading to the historic Goree Island, a 20-minute drive off the coast of Dakar.
If I hadn't taken the boat in Terrou-Bi, I could have taken the public ferry from the Port de Dakar terminal not far from the hotel.
Goree Island is a must when visiting Dakar. Travelers interested in learning about the history of the island, which was one of the largest slave trading centers on the African coast during the Atlantic slave trade, should head to the Slave House Museum.
Travelers interested in the history of Gorée Island, one of the largest slave trading centers on the African coast, should head to the Slave House Museum. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
The museum illustrates the stark contrast between where slaves were confined in the lower quarters and where slave owners lived at their leisure. The Door of No Return is especially moving. The remains of the doorway are particularly moving because they represent the final exit of the slaves from the island before boarding ships bound for foreign lands, and their life as slaves (and death if they did not survive the journey).
Beyond the museum is a neighborhood filled with colorful colonial houses, markets and beach seafood restaurants.
african renaissance monument
Another stop while in Dakar was towards the end of our trip, when we stayed overnight in Terrou-Bi after a cruise.
The African Renaissance Monument is a larger-than-life bronze statue located atop the Collines des Mamelles hill. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
The African Renaissance Monument is a larger-than-life bronze statue located atop the Collines des Mamelles hill. Erected in 2010, the statue is controversial due to the cost of its construction (reportedly worth around $27 million).
A spectacular sculpture to see in person, it depicts a man holding a woman and child overlooking the city and the sea. It symbolizes prosperity and the African Renaissance (the concept that African people will overcome difficulties and make great advancements in culture, science, and economics).
There are tall stairs leading up to the three bases of the sculpture, and travelers can wander around for free or pay to enter the sculpture.
After admiring the sculptures, we took a private transfer arranged by the hotel and headed back to Dakar's popular beach destination.
Almadies coastal area
Point Almadies, or Point Almadies, is a popular coastal area known for its tourist shops, seafood restaurants and waterfront eateries. Some of the hotel staff recommended this place, and it was a good alternative to the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown and market area we visited that morning.
Point Almadies, or Point Almadies, is a popular coastal area known for its tourist shops, seafood restaurants and waterfront eateries. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
There are plenty of local food stalls and restaurants in the area, but there are also upscale hotels that offer dining options more familiar to Western travelers.
There were a few chairs and benches scattered around the beach, and I sat down and looked out at the coastline before leaving. This seems to be a popular spot for surfers, but we didn't spot any during our visit.
