Cultural Family Adventure in Historic Saint-Louis, Senegal

A Day of Contrasts in Saint-Louis

Today in Saint-Louis was a delightful mix of excitement and tranquility. From the vibrant energy of an amusement park to the peaceful embrace of nature, it was a day that perfectly captured the diverse spirit of Senegal. I'm excited to share the details of our family's adventure, filled with laughter, wonder, and a deeper connection to this beautiful land.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at La Crêpe Saint-Louisienne. Francisca had read about this charming little spot, a delightful corner of France nestled in the heart of Saint-Louis. It was indeed a small air of France. The aroma of freshly made crêpes filled the air as we stepped inside. Nilton's eyes widened at the sight of the chef skillfully swirling batter on the hot griddle. I opted for a savory crêpe filled with local vegetables and a hint of spice, while Francisca chose a classic sweet crêpe with Nutella for Nilton. The crêpes were delicious, a perfect start to our day. Sipping my coffee, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, knowing that today would be filled with new discoveries and unforgettable moments.


Experience authentic French crêpes in St. Louis at La crêpe Saint-Louisienne—where flavor meets fun in every bite.

Fueled and ready for adventure, our first stop was the Tour of the Egg. I must admit, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from an amusement park in Saint-Louis, but the vibrant energy was infectious from the moment we arrived. Nilton, of course, was ecstatic. The park was a kaleidoscope of colors, with thrilling rides towering against the clear blue sky. We started with the gentler attractions, perfect for easing Nilton into the excitement. The Ferris wheel offered a panoramic view of Saint-Louis, the Senegal River snaking its way towards the Atlantic Ocean. I pointed out landmarks to Nilton, sharing stories of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.


Discover the whimsical charm of the Tour of the Egg amusement park in St. Louis, where fun, thrill, and family-friendly attractions await.

As Nilton's confidence grew, so did his appetite for adventure. He insisted on trying one of the smaller roller coasters, and Francisca, ever the supportive mother, joined him. I watched from below, snapping photos and cheering them on. Their laughter echoed through the park, a joyful symphony that resonated with the carefree spirit of childhood. Even I felt a surge of adrenaline as they zoomed past, their faces beaming with pure delight. It was a reminder that sometimes, it's important to let go of inhibitions and embrace the simple pleasures of life.

After a morning of thrills and excitement, we decided to take a break for lunch. We headed to Restaurant Teranga, a local eatery known for its authentic Senegalese cuisine. I was eager to introduce Francisca and Nilton to the flavors of my heritage, the spices and aromas that evoke memories of my childhood in Cabo Verde. The restaurant was bustling with activity, locals and tourists alike savoring the delicious dishes. We ordered thieboudienne, the national dish of Senegal, a flavorful rice dish with fish and vegetables. Nilton was initially hesitant, but after a few bites, he was hooked. Francisca was equally impressed, praising the complexity of the flavors and the freshness of the ingredients. As we ate, I shared stories of my grandmother's cooking, the traditional methods she used to prepare these dishes, and the love she poured into every meal. It was a moment of connection, a sharing of culture and heritage that transcended borders and generations.


Experience authentic Senegalese cuisine at Restaurant Teranga in St. Louis – a hub for delicious flavors and warm hospitality.

Sometimes, the most profound travel experiences come from embracing the unexpected, from venturing off the beaten path and discovering the hidden gems that a place has to offer.

With our bellies full and our spirits renewed, we embarked on our afternoon adventure: a visit to the Langue de Barbarie National Park. Leaving the bustling city behind, we drove south along the coast, the landscape gradually transforming from urban sprawl to pristine natural beauty. The park is a narrow peninsula, a strip of land separating the Senegal River from the Atlantic Ocean. It's a sanctuary for a diverse array of bird species, a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. I had packed my camera, hoping to capture some of the park's avian residents in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my binoculars at the hotel which was one of the items on my essentials list.


Explore Langue de Barbarie National Park, a serene ecological haven in Senegal with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets.

We opted for a guided boat tour of the park, allowing us to explore the intricate waterways and observe the birds up close. Our guide, a local fisherman with an encyclopedic knowledge of the park's ecosystem, expertly navigated the boat through the labyrinthine channels. As we glided through the water, we were greeted by a symphony of sounds: the gentle lapping of waves, the rustling of reeds, and the melodic calls of countless birds. Pelicans soared overhead, their massive wings casting shadows on the water below. Herons stood motionless in the shallows, patiently waiting for their next meal. Kingfishers darted from branch to branch, their vibrant colors adding a splash of brilliance to the landscape.

Nilton, initially more interested in spotting crocodiles than birds, soon became captivated by the sheer diversity of avian life. Our guide pointed out various species, explaining their unique characteristics and behaviors. We learned about the migratory patterns of the birds, their incredible journeys across continents, and the importance of the Langue de Barbarie as a vital stopover point. It was an education for all of us, a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the fragility of our planet's ecosystems. Francisca was particularly fascinated by the pink-backed pelicans, their elegant forms gliding effortlessly through the air. She captured countless photos, determined to preserve the memory of this magical place.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the landscape, we made our way back to shore. The air was filled with a sense of peace and tranquility, a feeling of being connected to something larger than ourselves. The Langue de Barbarie had worked its magic, leaving us refreshed, rejuvenated, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience its beauty. Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped by Teranga Shop, a clothing store I had spotted earlier in the day. I wanted to pick up a few souvenirs for our friends back in Lisbon, something that would capture the spirit of Senegal. The shop was a treasure trove of vibrant colors and intricate designs, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artisans. Francisca found a beautiful embroidered shawl, while I selected a few hand-carved wooden figurines. Nilton, of course, gravitated towards the brightly colored fabrics, choosing a t-shirt with a bold Senegalese pattern.


Discover unique Senegalese fashion at Teranga Shop, a vibrant clothing store in St. Louis showcasing traditional and contemporary styles.

For dinner, we decided to try Sunset Grill Restaurant. As the name suggests, the restaurant offers stunning views of the sunset over the river. The restaurant had both fast food and more traditional dishes, and we wanted something simple after a long day. I ordered grilled fish, while Francisca and Nilton opted for pizza. As we ate, we watched the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors, the sun slowly sinking below the horizon, painting the clouds with hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, a moment of shared beauty that we would cherish for years to come.


Discover authentic Lebanese cuisine at Sunset Grill Restaurant in St. Louis - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and culture.

Reflecting on the day, I realize how fortunate we are to be able to experience these moments together as a family. To witness the joy on Nilton's face as he conquered his fears on the roller coaster, to share the flavors of my heritage with Francisca, to be humbled by the beauty of nature at the Langue de Barbarie – these are the memories that will stay with us long after we leave Senegal. And it makes me look forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Village Artisanal de Saint Louis and the Grande Mosquée de Saint-Louis, followed by a relaxing evening at Nulle Part Ailleurs (NPA). Until then, I bid you farewell from this enchanting corner of West Africa. À demain!