There are hordes of things to do in Saint Louis, the former capital of Senegal. This colonial town somehow looks much like New Orleans. History begets in this city, in its quaint, narrow streets, in the wooden balconies and the beautiful patios. The city dates back to the year 1659. Saint Louis was the main port for all the trading activities during the 18th and the 19th centuries. If you are planning to set out for the Senegal Travels, you must allot some time in your schedule for visiting Saint Louis. There are so many exciting things to do in Saint Louis.You can take a trip of the whole town on foot or in the traditional horse drawn carriage. There are so many festivals depicting the cultural life at Senegal, to join those auspicious celebrations are also some of the joyous Saint Louis things to do.
From Saint Louis You can also go for the exciting river tours down the Senegal River, and can explore the estuary of Langue de Barbarie. You can also visit the ancient towns of Poder, Bakel and Madam known for their architectural eminence.
Tourism has played a great part in the economy of Saint Louis. There are numerous sites of tourist attractions in Saint Louis, and you won't ever be bored, hovering around those incredible spots of sightseeing in Saint Louis.
There are several natural sites in Saint Louis, as the city has managed well to preserve much of its natural morphology. It is constituted in the:
- National park of the Langue de Barbarie: This is a park, located at the estuary of Langue de Barbarie, at its southern tip. It has been the home to thousands species of water birds and migrating birds, like, cormorants, brushes, pink flamingos, pelicans, herons and many more
- National park of the Birds of Djoudj: This is the world's third largest ornithological park. It is about an hour long journey towards the north. It is a shelter for migratory birds and their favorite breeding place. It also houses some wild animals and the sea turtles.
- Fauna Reserve of Gueumbeul: This is a national reserve forest located to the south of the Saint Louis city. It covers an area of 7 square kilometers and is home to some of the endangered species.
There are various museums, monuments and other architectural edifices scattered throughout the city. They are:
- Pont Faidherbe Bridge: This is an enormous metallic structure, about 507 meters long and 10.5 meter wide
- The Gouvernance: It is a large complex holding the administrative offices of Saint Louis. It is great antique structure to watch.
- Faidherbe Square: it is a shady square with a garden and the statue of Faidherbe, the Governor of Saint Louis towers over the garden. It is the communal space for the city festivities.
- The Cathedral: It was the first church in West Africa and a great place to admire the neo classical facades.
- The regional cultural Center: It is a beautiful white building with richly ornamented wrought Iron balconies. The wooden ceiling of the building with painted coffers really needs to be mentioned.
- The Saint Joseph de Cluny nunnery: It is the most architecturally interesting originalities of Saint Louis
- The Ameth Fall High School
- Center for Research and Documentations in Senegal
- The fishing village of Guet Ndar on the Langue de Barbarie: From here Jean Mermoz started his historical journey across the Atlantic
It is also great to participate in the Saint Louis Jazz Festival, which is the most important Jazz festival in Africa. It takes place during the 2nd weekend of the month of May.
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