A trip to Senegal offers travelers an opportunity to experience three of West Africa’s great pleasures: exceptional food, world-class music and golf in a beautiful coastal setting.
Few African dishes generate as much friendly debate as jollof rice. Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia each have their own interpretation of this beloved West African staple. Senegal is particularly important to the history of jollof, with the dish associated with the Wolof people and the Senegambian region. In Senegal, visitors will encounter local flavors and preparations that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions.
For music lovers, the Saint-Louis International Jazz Festival provides another compelling reason to visit Senegal. Launched in 1992, the festival has grown into one of Senegal’s major cultural events and an important jazz gathering in Africa. Over its history, more than 250 internationally recognized musicians have performed at the festival, including Manu Dibango, Lucky Peterson, Randy Weston and Marcus Miller, alongside celebrated Senegalese artists such as Baaba Maal, Youssou N’Dour and Cheikh Lô.
The 35th edition is scheduled for May 4–8, 2027, in the historic city of Saint-Louis. Organizers are planning a diverse program featuring international, African and Senegalese artists while celebrating 35 years of musical creativity and cultural exchange.
Golfers can add another dimension to their Senegal experience with a visit to Saly, a popular resort destination on the Petite Côte. Golf International de Saly features an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring approximately 6,038 meters. Designed by Vic Bernstein, the course opened in the 1990s and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, including baobabs and other native plants. Water hazards, generous fairways and a variety of playing conditions provide challenges for experienced golfers while remaining approachable for recreational players.
For golfers, foodies and music enthusiasts, Senegal offers an unforgettable combination: a taste of West African jollof, the sounds of Saint-Louis Jazz and a round of golf surrounded by the natural beauty of Saly. Pair that culinary adventure with the sounds of Saint-Louis Jazz, and travelers get a memorable taste of Senegal—one bite and one beat at a time.
