Nicole Adenido
Longer trips continue to be a big trend, whether booking back-to-back river cruises or spending more time on land in and around the destination, many river cruise travelers want longer, more immersive travel.
As far as land-based experiences go, pre- and post-river cruise extensions are an especially great way for travelers to get a better feel for a destination.
Earlier this year, I spent two nights at the beginning and end of a Variety Cruises West Africa itinerary, a mixed ocean-meets-river itinerary, which gave me time to briefly learn about Senegal’s coastal capital, Dakar, which provided me with every Bookmark everything you want to do when you go back next time.
Terrou-Bi, an oasis south of the Sahara
My 10-day West African river trip began and ended with a stay at Terrou-Bi, a large luxury five-star hotel and resort in Dakar that certainly delivers on its promise of resort style. (Variety’s pricing does not include pre- and post-cruise accommodations, so advisors and travelers must book hotels independently.)
The rooms are spacious, the lounge and common areas are ample, and there is more than one place to eat.
At La Terrasse, the main restaurant at Hotel Terrou-Bi, guests can sit down to light and hearty meals, ranging from traditional Senegalese dishes (rice and kipper dishes) to more versatile menu items (like rib-eye steak).
Here, I tried what ended up being one of my favorite culinary discoveries in Senegal: a drink much like that of Arnold Palmer, made from bissap (a sweet hibiscus juice) and the creamy smoothie-like bouye, Made from bissap (a sweet hibiscus juice). Sap from the baobab tree.
It was delicious. What’s more, it was refreshing: I believe the temperature was close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit the day I arrived.
Meanwhile, Le Cote Ouest is an indoor and outdoor lounge with a small-plates-focused dining menu that’s open until around 1 a.m. every night, making it a great spot for a late-night snack.
At the La Terrasse 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 Ednedo
Elsewhere in the hotel there is a casino, a large swimming pool and a private beach, which the staff told me is rare since most resorts along the coast here are not on the beach like Terrou-Bi.
That’s why, in my opinion, Terrou-Bi’s biggest and brightest feature is its ability to book private boats for guests for a variety of activities, including scenic sailings, fishing trips and Gorée Island tours, which is what I took advantage of Advantages during my stay. Half-day cruises including Gorée start at $548.
Visit Gorée Island
In the afternoon, my guide and I hopped on one of Terrou-Bi’s private boats and headed to the historic Gorée Island, a 20-minute drive off the coast of Dakar.
If I didn’t take the Terrou-Bi boat, I could take the public ferry from the Dakar Port Terminal not far from the hotel.
Gorée Island is a must-see when visiting Dakar. Visitors interested in learning about the island’s history as one of the largest slave trading centers on the African coast during the Atlantic Slave Trade should visit the Slave House Museum.
Visitors interested in learning about Gorée’s history as one of the largest slave trading centers on the African coast should visit the Slave House Museum.Photo credit: Nicole Ednedo
The museum allows one to see the stark contrast between the dwellings below where slaves were kept and where slave owners lived their leisurely lives above. The Door of No Return is particularly moving as the remains of the doorway indicate the final exit from the island for slaves before boarding ships bound for foreign lands and living a life of servitude (if they did not survive the journey) may die).
In addition to the museums, you’ll find neighborhoods full of colorful colonial houses, markets, and seaside seafood restaurants.
African Renaissance Monument
Another stop during my time in Dakar occurred towards the end of my trip, an overnight stay in Terubi after the cruise.
The African Renaissance Monument is a legendary bronze statue that sits atop Mount Mamels.Photo credit: Nicole Ednedo
The African Renaissance Monument is a legendary bronze statue perched atop Mount Mamels. The statue, completed in 2010, has been controversial because of its construction cost, which was reported to be around $27 million.
It is a magnificent sculpture depicting a man holding a woman and a child, overlooking the city and sea. It symbolizes prosperity and African renaissance, the idea that African people will overcome challenges and achieve great achievements in culture, science and economy.
A tall staircase leads to the sculpture’s three pedestals, and visitors can wander around for free or pay to enter the interior.
After viewing the sculptures, I hopped on the private transfer my hotel had arranged for me and headed to a popular beach spot in Dakar.
Almades seaside area
Almadies or Point Almadies is a popular seaside area known for its tourist shops, seafood restaurants and seaside restaurants. Some of the hotel staff recommended coming here and it was a good alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city center and market area that I had visited earlier in the day.
Almadies or Point Almadies is a popular seaside area known for its tourist shops, seafood restaurants and seaside restaurants.Photo credit: Nicole Ednedo
There are many local food stalls and restaurants in the area, but there is also a luxury hotel offering more familiar dining options to Western visitors.
There were a few chairs and benches scattered along the beach, and before I left, I sat down and looked out at the coastline. Apparently this is a popular spot with surfers, but I didn’t spot any surfers during my visit.
