Senegal - Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

"Situated in the Senegal River delta, the Djoudj Sanctuary is a wetland of 16,000 ha, comprising a large lake surrounded by streams, ponds and backwaters. It forms a living but fragile sanctuary for some 1.5 million birds, such as the white pelican, the purple heron, the African spoonbill, the great egret and the cormorant." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

A multiview showing Djoudj Sanctuary, Senegal. Postcard bought in Senegal. Thanks to Marie of France.

Senegal - Island of Gorée

"The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a reminder of human exploitation and as a sanctuary for reconciliation." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Aerial view of Goree island, Senegal - Vue aerienne de l'ile de Goree. Thanks to Jean-Pierre of France.

Senegal - Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes

"Bassari Country: Bassari, and Bedik Cultural Landscapes is situated in the south east of Senegal. It includes three geographic areas: the Bassari – Salémata area, the Bedik – Bandafassi area and the Fula – Dindéfello area, each with its specific morphological traits. The Bassaris, Fulas and Bediks peoples settled from the 11th to the 19th centuries and developed specific cultures and habitats symbiotic with their surrounding natural environment. The Bassari landscape is marked by terraces and rice paddies, interspersed with villages, hamlets and archaeological sites. The villages of the Bediks are formed by dense groups of huts with steeped thatched roofs. Their inhabitants’ cultural expressions are characterized by original traits of agro-pastoral, social, ritual and spiritual practices, which represent an original response to environmental constraints and human pressures. The site is a well preserved multicultural landscape housing original and still vibrant local cultures.
- Bassari Salémata
- Bédik Bandafassi
- Peul Dindéfello"       

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Budik Village, Senegal. Thanks to sender from Belgium.

 

Senegal - Island of Saint-Louis

"Founded as a French colonial settlement in the 17th century, Saint-Louis was urbanised in the mid-19th century. It was the capital of Senegal from 1872 to 1957 and played an important cultural and economic role in the whole of West Africa. The location of the town on an island at the mouth of the Senegal River, its regular town plan, the system of quays, and the characteristic colonial architecture give Saint-Louis its distinctive appearance and identity." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Saint Louis of Senegal. Postcard was bought in Senegal. Thanks to Marie of France.

Senegal - Saloum Delta

"Saloum Delta, Senegal - Fishing and shellfish gathering have sustained human life in the 5,000 km2 property, which is formed by the arms of three rivers. The site comprises brackish channels encompassing over 200 islands and islets, mangrove forest, an Atlantic marine environment, and dry forest. The site is marked by 218 shellfish mounds, some of them several hundreds metres long, produced by its human inhabitants over the ages. Burial sites on 28 of the mounds take the form of tumuli where remarkable artefacts have been found. They are important for our understanding of cultures from the various periods of the delta’s occupation and testify to the history of human settlement along the coast of West Africa." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Solitary Baobab tree at Saloum Delta. Thanks to Marie of France who got this postcard from a friend visiting Senegal.

Senegal - Niokolo-Koba National Park

"Located in a well-watered area along the banks of the Gambia river, the gallery forests and savannahs of Niokolo-Koba National Park have a very rich fauna, among them Derby elands (largest of the antelopes), chimpanzees, lions, leopards and a large population of elephants, as well as many birds, reptiles and amphibians." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Elephants at Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal. Thanks to Marie of France who got this postcard from a friend visiting Senegal.