Casamance: Journey to The Heart of the Attic of Senegal

The visit of the villages of Casamance allows a real immersion in the heart of this forgotten region. Some like Kafountine still seem to be living as they were decades ago, and seem totally ignorant of modernity and new technologies. This large fishing village is located on the edge of one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, bordered on one side by an azure sea and on the other by rows of casuarinas. The village may be touristy, it is never crowded and allows a real foray into the local way of life.

Oussouye is also one of the must-see villages of Casamance. Located between Cap Skirring and Ziguinchor, it allows you to dive into the heart of the Diola culture, the main ethnic group of Casamance. This peaceful little town hosts each year one of the most important cultural events in the region: Humabel, or the feast of the king of Oussouye. This traditional festival is organized at the arrival of autumn and represents a privileged moment to attend the dances, rituals and prayers of the inhabitants. It is also the opportunity to meet the last animist king, known and respected by all the Diolas of the region.
In Lower Casamance, the village of Eloubaline Island is also worth a detour to discover the rural way of life of the locals. Here, we live mainly from fishing and rice growing, to the rhythm of the tides and the sun. The village is only accessible by canoe. On our arrival, we discover the famous impluvium huts, these typical houses of Lower Casamance where the locals still live, under their granaries filled with rice. The village also has a maternity hospital, a school and a small museum where you can learn more about the Diola culture. An essential passage to discover the cultural treasures of Casamance, especially since it is not uncommon to stumble upon an animist festival with the key to traditional dances and songs and the tasting of the famous palm wine…

Casamance is probably the greenest region of Senegal, and many possibilities for treks exist to discover its main points of interest. Île aux Oiseaux, for example, is accessible by boat from the village of Kassel. In the company of an ornithologist guide, it is possible to observe many rare species such as white pelicans, terns and ibis.

Here, nature hikes are not only done on foot, but also by bike and kayak. There are also many mountain bike loops, such as the one through the palm groves and villages of Eyun or another in the heart of the bush to the village of Mlomp. Another activity to do in Casamance is to discover the mangroves by kayak, in the heart of the mangroves, from the island of Eloubaline to Enampore. It feels like traveling here in the heart of the Amazon.
But the best way to discover Casamance is of course to walk off the beaten track, between palm groves, savannah and forests. The hike offers the opportunity to meet a unique flora and fauna, in the heart of an incredibly rich ecosystem. 

Another aspect of Casamance that we have not yet mentioned concerns the seaside resorts and beaches in the region. The most beautiful beaches in Casamance are located in Cap Skirring, a charming seaside village. No wonder Club Med has chosen this little corner of paradise to set up its holiday village. But don’t worry, there is enough room here for everyone.

Many activities can be practiced on site, ranging from water skiing to snorkelling, fishing, swimming, golf on the Club Med course and lazing around. A visit to Cap Skirring is a must during a relaxing stay in Casamance. Many Europeans come here to enjoy an extremely mild climate from late autumn until early spring. It is the perfect place to treat yourself to a real break from the heat and sun in the middle of winter!

The village of Cap Skirring is bordered by kilometers of warm, fine sand beach. The water, warm and offering beautiful shades of blue, is a real call for swimming. And even if Cap Skirring is one of the most touristic sites in Senegal, it is difficult to forget its former function as a fishing village. Even today we can observe them sailing off in their canoes, with a smile on their faces as they return with full nets to dry their fish at the end of the beach.

Cap Skirring is a place apart, a unique site in Casamance where you can perfectly combine cultural discoveries with encounters, idleness and exotic activities.