Goree

Île de Gorée, Senegal

Introduction

Île de Gorée is a small island just off the coast of Dakar, Senegal though could easily be 2,000 miles away. Very reminiscent of a Mediterranean island, Gorée is a tranquil oasis after the hustle of Dakar and only a 15 minute ferry ride away.

Attractions

There are a number of museums on the island:

  • IFAN Historical Museum - Housed in the Ford d'Estrées on the northern most tip of the island. This houses a history of Senegal starting back at the beginning of time. (French Only)
  • La Maison des Esclaves - The most famous attraction on the island, this is the former house of a slave owner that is now a simple, small museum, on the history of slavery in Senegal.
  • Musée de la Femme - Just opposite the La Maison des Esclaves, this museum houses a number of small rooms containing exhibits about the role of woman in West African society.
  • Musée Maritime - A museum of Maritime history. Not really worth a visit (unless you like looking at pickled fish).

La Maison des Esclaves

Restaurants

While there are a number of cafes around the ferry jetty the best meals are available at the Hostellerie du Chevalier de Boufflers just to the right of the beach. While not cheap by Dakar standards it offers a simple menu with excellent food. There are also a number of local places including “Chez Penda” (down an alley beyond the beach, the alley BEFORE (not AT) the Hostellerie du Chevalier which offers great local food at local prices (Chez Penda is in a family compound!).

Further Information

For further information, please see:

  • Senegal Journal - My visit in Spring, 2002 for the St. Louis Jazz Festival