Gorée Island Senegal Destination for Tourists

Gorée Island is a small island located off the coast of Senegal, just south of Dakar. It is known for its historical significance as a major center of the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries. The houses on the island were built by wealthy European merchants and many still stand today, serving as a reminder of the dark history of the island and slavery around the world. Today, Gorée Island is a destination for tourists, with its many forts, museums, and monuments that mark its past.

Gorée Island Senegal Destination for Tourists Summary

Attraction Name: Gorée Island
Country: Senegal
Continent: African
Capital Name: Dakar
Language: French
Currency: West African CFA franc
Nationality: Senegalese

Why must you visit Gorée Island Senegal?

Gorée Island in Senegal has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important historical sites in the country. It was a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade, and visitors to the island can explore the memorials, monuments, and structures that exist as reminders of the island’s turbulent past.

It also offers a unique look into the cultural history and heritage of Senegal, with its colorful markets, architectural wonders, beautiful beaches, and cultural festivals. Visiting Gorée Island is a great way to gain an understanding of Senegal’s history and culture.

Tell us about Gorée Island Senegal

Gorée Island, also known as the Island of Gorée, is an island off the coast of Senegal, near the city of Dakar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its role in the slave trade with Europe and the Americas. The island was an important port in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and it’s estimated that over 3 million slaves were sent on slave ships out of the port. Gorée was also a major port of the colonial trade in Africa and was the main trading port of both cloth, gold and salt.

Today, Gorée is a tourist destination, primarily as a memorial to the millions of people who were taken from Africa to the Americas and Europe through the slave trade.

What are the things to do in Gorée Island Senegal?

Gorée Island is a small slave-trading island located off the coast of Senegal, West Africa. It is known today as a World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical importance and unique cultural heritage. The island is only two kilometers wide and 800 meters long, making it the perfect size to explore on foot. Here are some of the things to experience during a visit to Gorée Island.

Gorée Island’s main attraction is the “House of Slaves”. This historic site was once an important center of the Atlantic slave trade. It is now a moving memorial and museum, with exhibits and monuments to pay homage to the people affected by this cruel practice. Visitors can tour the old merchant warehouses and see the colonial-era architecture, or the nearby church and cemetery, a poignant reminder of the slave trade.

The beaches of Gorée Island are also a top destination. They offer superb conditions for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. With its white sand and swaying palms, it’s a paradise for beach-lovers. There are also plenty of spots to enjoy sundowners with magnificent views.

The vibrant, colorful local market is must-see. Market day is always filled with enthusiasm as locals haggle over spices, fruits and traditional craft items. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars dotted around the island, serving up local delicacies, cold drinks and beachside sunset views.

Gorée Island is more than just a destination; it has a unique culture and history to discover. Get lost in the narrow-cobbled paths and discover hidden charms like the old lighthouse and the old market square. Tour a traditional workshop or take a boat ride to see La Maison des Esclaves from the sea. There is just so much to explore and experience on this beautiful African island.

What are the best foods at Gorée Island Senegal?

The best dishes on Gorée Island include thiere, a peanut-based stew; yassa chicken, a marinated chicken cooked with onions and hot peppers; mafé, a poultry or meat stew cooked in peanut sauce; and plaidou, a dish of coleslaw-like salad with fish or meat. Other local specialties include bissap juice (made from dried hibiscus leaves), grilled fish, and grilled poulet yassa.

Soups like domada (a white fish stew with potato, cabbage, cassava, and tomato sauce), benachin (a jollof rice dish with fish and vegetables), and mais fetes (a thick cornmeal porridge with vegetables) are also popular.