Question 1

1. What's the best way to contact us?

Accepted Answer

We have a public WhatsApp group that you can join and contact us directly to ask us any questions you may have. The link is on the homepage.
 
Otherwise, email us at welcome@gosurfsenegal.com

Question 2

2. Why book a surf trip to Senegal?

Accepted Answer

A unique blend of uncrowded waves and Senegalese culture. Located on the Western tip of Africa, it is exposed to both swells from the North and South Atlantic, meaning consistent waves all year round.

Question 3

3. Why choose Ngor Island Surfcamp?

Accepted Answer

Ngor Island Surfcamp has been running surf trips in Senegal for 20 years. We want to distinguish ourselves as the leading surf operator in the region. We have a commitment to constantly improve and upgrade everything we offer to our guests, including meals, sleep quality, transport comfort and of course, surf guiding. Our slogan is "Serious about surfing, Awesome in accommodation". For a more detailed answer, see Why Choose us?

Our location provides a relaxed and serene island feel, but only a 2 minute boat ride from the energetic city life of Dakar. The surfcamp has 2 waves out-front, including the iconic 'Ngor Right', the most consistent wave in West Africa.

Question 4

4. Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

As an EU or US citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Senegal. You will simply get a stamp in your passport upon arrival. For all other nationalities, please consult your local Senegalese embassy to find out whether or not you need a visa to travel to Senegal.

Question 5

5. How do I get to the surfcamp from the airport?

Accepted Answer

There are two options. 
1) You can either take the airport shuttle bus which leaves every hour, to the Yoff bus station. We can provide 24/7 pick up service from the Yoff shuttle bus station.

2) We can also provide a direct pick-up service from the airport for a supplementary 50 euro fee. This can shared with up to 5 people and is recommended to save time.

You can specify which option you prefer when you book online.

Question 6

6. Can I buy alcohol in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can! We have an honesty bar at the surfcamp so guests can help themselves whenever they wish. On the island we have small shops selling beer, wine and liquor. On the mainland there are supermarkets with wide international choice.

Question 7

7. Can I always get to and from the island no matter the time?

Accepted Answer

The taxi boats run all day and night. There is a list of phone numbers of the different boatmen in the camp which you can call if it is very late at night. If you are arriving on a late flight, we will organise everything for you, including crossing onto the island late at night.

Question 8

8. Does Senegal have a wet/rainy season? And is it okay to go on a surf trip during the wet/rainy season?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Senegal does have a rainy season, although in the northern part of the country (including Dakar), it is relatively mild and very tolerable. The rainy season lasts from mid-August to early October.
 
The good news is, it is absolutely OKAY to go on a surf trip in Senegal during rainy season! It does not rain every day and the rain usually only lasts an hour or two before the weather clears and the wind completely dies, leaving perfect glassy waves for us to enjoy.
 
In addition, most expats and tourists leave for the rainy season so the line-ups are even more uncrowded than usual!

Question 9

9. How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Go to the menu and click on 'BOOK ONLINE'. From there you can fill in the online booking form.

Question 10

10. How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made through via bank transfers, Bitcoin or Paypal (+ 6% transaction fee), or cash.

Question 11

11. Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

We always advise having an appropriate travel insurance for surfing.

Question 12

12. Should I pack anything specific for my trip to Senegal?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuit or rash guard/vest/lycra, depending on the time of year.

Basic first aid kit for reef cuts and minor wounds - remember where you are going!
 
Since suncreen is quite expensive in Senegal, it can often be cheaper to bring one from home.
 
Reusable water bottle (We have unlimited amount of clean drinking water in the camp.)
 
Senegal is a modern country, so you can find (almost) everything here as if it was a western country.
 
A head torch might come in useful for walking around the island at night time as there are no street lights on the island (because we don't have any streets on the island, only beautiful sandy alleyways!).

Question 13

13. Healthcare access and quality in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of pharmacies and doctors on the mainland. Due to a large expat community, the health infrastructure is well established. Western-standard ambulance services exists (SOS Médecins) as well as well-regarded private hospitals (Clinique de la Madeleine). These work seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day,
 
In addition, the owner of the surfcamp is also a European qualified physiotherapist.

Question 14

14. How is the infrastructure in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

Although the infrastructure in Senegal can vary throughout the country, the standard is generally quite high, especially in Dakar, where you will find a downtown area with sky scrapers, international brands and restaurants like any other city.
 
Roads in Senegal are generally of good to excellent quality, thanks to the government's recent investment in transport links. At times, the mainland and island can experience water and electricity cuts. We have a solar system charging our battery in the daytime and there are USB outlets where you can charge different devices all day long, so powercuts tend not to affect us. In case of a water cut, we have a backup tank that can supply the entire camp to run as normal.

Question 15

15. Is it okay to visit Senegal during Ramadam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in general everyday life continues as normal. Restaurants are still open and the surf spots are even more uncrowded than usual.

Question 16

16. Do I need to bring my own wetsuit? If so, which one?

Accepted Answer

Only if you want to! Otherwise you can rent one from the surfcamp. We have them in all adult sizes.
If you are bringing your own wetsuit, here are the recommendations:
Board shorts/Bikini temperature from June to November.
2/2 Shorty from November to December and May till June.
3/2 full suit from December to May.

Question 17

17. Do I need any vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

A yellow fever vaccination is recommended, but not mandatory to enter the country. Cases of yellow fever in Senegal are extremely rare and virtually non-existant in Dakar.
 
However, if you plan to travel outside of Dakar or visit other West African countries after your stay in Senegal, a yellow fever vaccination is advised.
 
Ultimately, while we are happy to give you personal advice, the surfcamp cannot be responsible for your healthcare decisions when planning your trip to Senegal. Consulting travel advice from your local government, as well as your doctor, is the best way to decide which vaccinations you may or may not need before travelling to Senegal.

Question 18

18. Is there malaria in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

Dakar is a dry city located next to the sea so there is no malaria in the capital, nor on the island. Expats in Dakar do not take malaria pills - but of course it is up to you to decide, the surfcamp cannot be held responsible for any health decisions you make concerning your trip to Senegal. Your doctor will properly suggest you bring/take malaria pills as there is malaria in the southern parts of Senegal.

Question 19

19. Is there Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have free Wi-Fi at the surfcamp. Wi-Fi is also available in most restaurants and cafés on the mainland.

Question 20

20. What food options are there at the surfcamp and on the island?

Accepted Answer

We serve Breakfast everyday from 07:30am - 11:00am.
Dinner is served at 20.00pm.

We cater for vegetarians.

There are plenty of small restaurants on the island serving local dishes, sandwiches and freshly caught fish.

Question 21

21. Has there ever been a shark attack in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

Despite Senegal being a surf destination since the 80's, there has never been a shark attack on a surfer. Data can be verified using the link below.
 
http://www.sharkattackdata.com/place/senegal

Question 22

22. Is it safe to swim in the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is. We have three beaches on the island, all used by both locals and tourists to swim in.

Question 23

23. Is there any site-seeing and activities to do in Dakar besides surfing?

Accepted Answer

100%! In fact, we're so keen for you to experience some real West African culture while you're here that we've written some suggestions for the best day trips you can do in Dakar.
 
As well as what we've written in the day trips page, some things you could also do include:
>Fishing or spear-fishing: there are options to fish off the island or during a deep sea boat trip with the local fishermen. You can rent a speargun on the island. It is 5000CFA (8EUR) a day.
>Snorkeling: there are multiple spots to explore and you can rent equipment from the two diving clubs on the mainland.
>Beach soccer with the locals: Soccer is huge in Senegal and you will always find a match going on on one of the beaches. They are very happy to let you join in!
>Try your hand at mosaic: There is an artist on the island who offers a workshop on how to make ceramic mosaics the traditional local way.
>Learn to play Djembe: Djembe is a popular traditional African drum and we can direct you to a lesson from a local instructor!
>Private French or Wolof (the local language) lessons at the camp.
>Professional sports massage at the camp.
>Visit Dakar's local nightlife, often with live gigs of West African bands playing Malian Blues, Kora, Afro Beats etc.
>There is also a QR code you can scan at the surfcamp, with a map tagged with restaurant recommendations, markets and art galleries.

Question 24

24. Is the surfcamp suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

While we would not necessarily recommend against bringing children, the surfcamp is not specifically geared towards hosting kids. We currently do not offer child minding services, or cots/baby beds for young infants.

Question 25

25. What is the currency in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

The currency in Senegal is West African CFA franc (currency code XOF) and it has an official fixed exchange rate to the euro: 1 Euro=655 CFA (although the commonly accepted 'street exchange rate' is 1 Euro=650CFA).
You can exchange Euros on the island or on the mainland. There are no ATMs on the island, but there are plenty on the mainland and at the airport.

Question 26

26. What is the water temperature in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

Simply put:
Board shorts/Bikini temperature from June to November.
2/2 Shorty from November to December and May till June.
3/2 full suit from December to May.

Question 27

27. What kind of waves are there in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

We are blessed in Senegal to have an abundance of different breaks (mostly point breaks and beach breaks), adapted for all levels-from complete beginner to advanced barrel riders. Check out the spot map to look up the waves suited to your level!

Question 28

28. What level do I need to be to take surf lessons?

Accepted Answer

Our surf lessons are aimed at those who are in the early stages of learning to surf, or looking to progress to riding green waves. The instructors are all local surfers with industry-standard ISA qualifications and national lifeguard diplomas. They will teach you the foundations of surfing, guide you to the best surf spots and give you and all African surfing experience.

Question 29

29. Since Senegal is a muslim country, do I need to wear anything special?

Accepted Answer

You can wear whatever you want. Senegal is a very progressive muslim country, demonstrated by the younger generation who wear bikinis and drink beers on the beach.

Question 30

30. What's the nightlife like in Dakar?

Accepted Answer

There is a thriving nightlife on the streets and in the nightclubs of Dakar. One can drift through the sounds of Afro Cuban Jazz towards more contemporary beats of hip-hop.
In general, Dakar is a very safe city and this includes nights out in the town.

Senegal also have a long and proud music history - even before Youssou N'Dour became world famous! You can find venues playing everything from Hip-Hop and Jazz to Blues and Reggae! It can be a bit tricky to find events online as information is mostly spread via word of mouth, so you will have to ask around. You can always ask our surf guides as they will know about any events coming up.

Question 31

31. Which languages do they speak in Senegal?

Accepted Answer

The national language in Senegal is French but Wolof is spoken more widely as the level of French can depend on education. English is becoming more widely spoken every year. All of our staff can speak French and a lot of them speak english too.

Question 32

32. Is there a diving club nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a diving club on the mainland just a cross from the island.
Check out the Baracuda club here.

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