Saint-Louis Region: Senegal's Timeless Cultural Gem

• HelloSalaamalekum
  [sa-la-ma-le-kum]
• GoodbyeBa beneen
  [ba be-neen]
• YesWaaw
  [waaw]
• NoDéedéet
  [dee-deet]
• Please/You're welcomeJërëjëf
  [je-re-jef]
• Thank youJërëjëf
  [je-re-jef]
• Excuse me/SorryBa beneen
  [ba be-neen]
• How are you?Nanga def?
  [nan-ga def]
• Fine. And you?Nopp. Nopp ci kanam
  [nop. nop ci ka-nam]
• Do you speak English?Nopp, maangi angale?
  [nop, man-gi an-ga-le]
• I don't understandMaa la neex
  [ma la neex]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNopp, jamm benn menu
  [nop, jam ben me-nu]
• I don't eat meatMangi nit ginaaw
  [man-gi nit gi-naaw]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [san-te]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNopp, jamm benn yoon
  [nop, jam ben yoon]

• Help!Ndimbaleek!
  [ndim-ba-leek]
• Go away!Woyofal!
  [wo-yo-fal]
• Call the Police!Dëgg na gendarmerie!
  [de-g na gen-dar-me-rie]
• Call a doctor!Dëgg na dokter!
  [de-g na dok-ter]
• I'm lostMangi laa tànjee
  [man-gi la tan-jee]
• I'm illMangi neex
  [man-gi neex]

• I'd like to buy...Nopp, jamm benn...
  [nop, jam ben]
• I'm just lookingMangi moom
  [man-gi moom]
• How much is it?Samaa xalis yi?
  [sa-maa xa-lis yi]
• That's too expensiveYowu naa xalis
  [yo-wu naa xa-lis]
• Can you lower the price?Benn xalis bi, defal?
  [ben xa-lis bi, de-fal]

• What time is it?Waxtu bi la?
  [wax-tu bi la]
• It's one o'clockBenn jubel
  [ben ju-bel]
• Half past (10)Ngujur nool
  [ngu-jur nool]
• MorningSuba
  [su-ba]
• AfternoonKër gi
  [ker gi]
• EveningKër yaram
  [ker ya-ram]
• YesterdayDibéer
  [di-beer]
• TodayNopp
  [nop]
• TomorrowDef
  [def]
• 1Benn
  [ben]
• 2Ñaar
  [ñar]
• 3Tàttu
  [tat-tu]
• 4Nègg
  [negg]
• 5Juróom
  [ju-room]
• 6Jurok
  [ju-rok]
• 7Jurooje
  [ju-roo-je]
• 8Juróot
  [ju-root]
• 9Juróope
  [ju-ro-pe]
• 10Fukk
  [fukk]

• Where's a/the...?Ndee...?
  [nde]
• What's the address?Waxtu lay yu?
  [wax-tu lay yu]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A neex nañu (ci map bi)?
  [a neex nanu ci map bi]
• When's the next (bus)?Waxtu gu jëkk (bus)?
  [wax-tu gu jek bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Benn tiket (jot ci...)
  [ben ti-ket jot ci]

Saint-Louis, often referred to as Ndar, was founded in 1659 by French traders. It is one of the oldest colonial cities on the western coast of Africa. Named after King Louis XIV of France, the city quickly became an important outpost for the French colonial empire in West Africa.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Louis was a significant hub in the transatlantic slave trade. Slaves were captured from the interior regions and brought to Saint-Louis, where they were then shipped to the Americas. The city’s location along the Senegal River facilitated the movement of slaves, making it a crucial point in this tragic chapter of history.

Saint-Louis served as the capital of French West Africa from 1895 until 1902, when the administrative capital was moved to Dakar. The city was also the capital of Senegal and Mauritania until 1957. The colonial architecture and urban layout of Saint-Louis reflect its historical significance as an administrative center.

Saint-Louis has been a cultural melting pot for centuries. The city has seen a blend of French, Wolof, Fula, and other ethnic influences. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city's music, cuisine, and festivals. The annual Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, which started in 1993, is a testament to the city’s rich musical heritage.

The Senegal River has played a vital role in the history and development of Saint-Louis. It provided a means for trade, agriculture, and transportation. The river has also been a source of livelihood for the local communities, contributing to the region’s economic and social development.

After Senegal gained independence from France in 1960, Saint-Louis underwent significant changes. While it lost its status as the administrative capital, the city has continued to be an important cultural and economic center. Efforts to preserve its historical architecture have been recognized by UNESCO, which designated the island of Saint-Louis as a World Heritage Site in 2000.

In 2000, the island of Saint-Louis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique colonial architecture and historical significance. The designation has helped in preserving the city's rich heritage and has boosted tourism, bringing international attention to Saint-Louis as a historical and cultural landmark.

Saint-Louis Region is accessible by air, road, and rail. The nearest international airport is Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar, approximately 200 kilometers from Saint-Louis. From Dakar, you can take a taxi, bus, or private car to Saint-Louis. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. There are also domestic flights from Dakar to Saint-Louis Airport (XLS). Additionally, you can take a scenic train ride from Dakar to Saint-Louis, although schedules may vary.

Within Saint-Louis City, transportation options include taxis, minibuses (known locally as 'Ndiaga Ndiaye'), and horse-drawn carriages. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps. Ndiaga Ndiaye minibuses are a popular and cost-effective way to travel around the city and to nearby towns. Renting a car is also an option for those looking to explore the region at their own pace. Bicycles can be rented for a more eco-friendly and intimate way to tour the city and its surroundings.

The official currency in Senegal is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Saint-Louis, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Saint-Louis, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Dakar or other major cities before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Saint-Louis is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Certain neighborhoods, particularly on the outskirts of the city, may have higher crime rates. It is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can occur, so keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police assistance, 18 for fire services, and 15 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Saint-Louis. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The main hospital in Saint-Louis, Hospital Regional de Saint-Louis, provides emergency medical care.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A warm 'As-Salaam-Alaikum' is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Saint-Louis like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Senegalese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historic colonial architecture in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, take a pirogue ride on the Senegal River, offering a different perspective of the city and its surroundings. Attend a traditional music or dance performance to immerse yourself in the local culture.