I f you plan to fly to Senegal, you should definitely make a trip (45-minute flight) to Casamance, the southernmost region of Senegal, wich is separated from the rest of the country by Gambia. The Casamance seems to be a culturally and topographically unique part of the country with a particular proud heritage. As soon as you leave the mini airport in Ziguinchor, you feel the tropical sun, see the sandy streets full of palm trees and and beautiful people, your heart will beat faster and you will understand why it is worth coming here. To me it seemed that Casamance was a different country then the northern region of Senegal and its people of a different breed. Fact is, that other ethnic groups actually live here. Senegal is dominated by Wolof people – the Casamance, however, is Jola country, whose languages, culture and history stray far from the Wolof path.

Ziguinchor is a colonial town. The only thing you should do is just walk around and let yourself flow. You could visit the market, enjoy a cold Bissap or eat and relax at the Jardins de L’Alliance. The Jola are incredibly friendly and usually happy to accompany you part of the way, share a meal (you should be aware that several people may be eating with their hands from the same pot. or invite you to a ceremony. Everybody seems to know each other and if you’re travelling low-budget, they can give you tips and show you cheap accommodations or even local families that host you.  If you don’t have much time to explore the Casamance, my tip is not to stay too long in Ziguinchor, but to visit surrounding destinations. Elinkin, Oussouye, Sélèki and Pointe-Saint-Georges, where you still find real free manatees are some of the nearby destinations you can reach by mountain bike, car, moto or even by kayak or canoe. The region is also close to the border with Portuguese-speaking Guinea-Bissau, where the plains of the Sahel begin to transform into verdant Guinean woods

However, my absolute highlight of the region, was the small village of Diakane Oulof (800 inhabitants) with the Centre Touristique et Culturel Casamance, wich is an amazing place with wonderful hosts, where you can participate in cultural activities as dancing or cooking and learn about the village life or hang out and just enjoy the community in the middle of nature and animals. Whatever you do you will feel like home. Furthermore I really recommend you to visit surrounding villages by bike or moto. We did so and spended a whole day playing football with the kids and showing them how to ride motorbike. Amazing moments!

If you need some refreshment and a few chilled-out days, you should visit Cap Skirring. This beach gem is located directly on the Atlantic coast and has an endless white beach with coconut grove, as well as small bars and restaurants. As I said, Casamançaise beat to a different drum than the rest of the nation  in Cap Skirring it is definitely about Reggae.