Day 12 - Discovering Dakar: Colour, Culture and Connection


I was up early this morning to watch us sail into Dakar Harbour, the sun rising gently over the city skyline. There’s something so special about those early moments of arrival — the quiet hum of the ship, the anticipation of stepping onto new soil, and the first glimpse of life unfolding ashore.

I began the day with a peaceful session in the gym, which was wonderfully quiet. Afterwards, I treated myself to a refreshing veggie juice before heading for a shower and then a hearty breakfast, ready to fuel me for a full day of exploration.

Joe decided to stay on board for a relaxed morning, choosing rest over the bustle of excursions. Later, he took a taxi into the city to look for a pharmacy in hopes of finding his missing medication. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any luck, but he did enjoy a brief tour of Dakar and caught a glimpse of the city’s vibrant daily life.

My tour of Dakar began mid-morning with our lovely local tour guides who were very knowledgable, and it was immediately alive with colour, noise, and movement (our bus drivers skill at negotiating the traffic and the constant beeping to move people out of the way was interesting). Our first stop was the inside market, which had an incredible variety of stalls — everything imaginable was on sale: fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, fabrics, crafts, and spices. The atmosphere was intense and fascinating, though I must admit the stench of the fish and meat was quite overwhelming! Still, amid the chaos, I spotted several tiny kittens curled up fast asleep on the floor, completely undisturbed — a sweet and unexpected sight that made me smile.

From there, we continued to Independence Square, where our guide pointed out the Presidential Palace, the military offices, and the House of the General Assembly. At the centre stood a striking statue of a man and woman, celebrating the moment when women in Senegal gained equal rights — a symbol of pride and progress.

Our next photo stop was at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories, with its beautifully painted dome, followed by a visit to Dakar’s largest mosque, one of the many impressive places of worship that punctuate the city skyline.

We then made our way to the Sand Art Centre, where we were introduced to the Baobab tree — a sacred and deeply meaningful symbol for the Senegalese people. The guide explained its healing properties, found in both its fruits and leaves, and how it features in much of their traditional art and storytelling. Inside the centre, we watched artists at work, using the naturally coloured sands of Senegal to create exquisite textured paintings — delicate, intricate, and full of soul.

Our final stop was at the house of Senegal’s first Prime Minister, which now serves as a cultural centre. Here, we were warmly welcomed by local musicians and dancers, who filled the courtyard with music, rhythm, and joy. It was a truly uplifting experience — a celebration of Senegalese culture and hospitality.

By mid-afternoon, we returned to the ship, and I spent the rest of the day enjoying a relaxed afternoon, catching up on a few calls and watching the world go by from our balcony.

As evening arrived, we dressed and headed for dinner at our favourite, the Compass Rose. The familiar warmth of the staff, the beautiful food, and the gentle clinking of glasses made it the perfect ending to a full and vibrant day.

With an early start tomorrow for our beach day in Banjul, we turned in early — ready for another sunrise, another adventure, and another memory waiting to unfold.

Daily Reflection:

Today reminded me of the beauty of diversity — in people, in places, and in the ways we express life.
I am grateful for every colour, sound, and smile that greeted me in Senegal.

Highlight of the Day:
✨ Being welcomed by local musicians and dancers at the cultural centre — their joy, rhythm, and energy capturing the spirit of Senegal perfectly.


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