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We've put together a list of answers to questions we are often asked by our customers before travelling:
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Q. What is my baggage allowance?
Luggage allowance on Brussels Airlines flight is 45kgs per person. As UK Health and Safety guidelines prohibit handlers from lifting bags weighing more than 32kgs, please use more than one bag if your are using your full allowance. Only two bags of hold luggage are permitted per person. Each piece of hand luggage may not be larger than 55x40x23 cm and may not weigh more than 8 kgs. Please ensure that you only carry one piece of hand luggage.
If you are staying at Hotel Keur Saloum or Domain Les Paletuviers, the flights will be chartered in to Banjul, The Gambia, so the luggage allowance is 20 kgs per person. Hand luggage is 5kgs per person.
Q. Is English widely spoken?
French is the official language in Senegal, although a little English is spoken in hotels.
Q. Do I require a visa to visit Senegal?
British passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Senegal for up to a 3 month stay. All other nationalities should check with the Embassy of Senegal; telephone 0207 9384048 or visit www.senegalembassy.co.uk
Q. Are transfers included?
Yes, between Dakar Airport and your hotel and they may go via Saly. All transfers will be in air conditioned 4x4 vehicles or mini buses. Please contact us if you wish to upgrade to a private or tailor made transfer.
Q. When will I receive my tickets?
These can be expected 2 weeks prior to your date of travel and will include our information booklet 'Your Guide to Senegal' which we hope you will find useful.
Q. Who do I tell about special requests?
If you have any special requests for your holiday accommodation or flights, please ensure they are requested at the time of booking as procedures for flight requests vary from airline to airline and they require as much notice as possible.
We shall be pleased to pass on your request to the airline or hotel, however we cannot guarantee that they will be met.
Q. How do I go about changing my booking?
Any amendment will be subject to availability, amendment charges, plus any difference in costs. Further details should be obtained from our Administration Department on 0845 330 2083 or at admin@senegal.co.uk
Q. Do you need vaccinations to visit Senegal?
We advise that you consult your doctor prior to booking as certain medications may be recommended. No vaccinations are compulsory to visit Senegal, however we strongly suggest you take anti malaria tablets.
Q. What is the local currency?
The local currency is the West African CFA Franc, although Euros are also accepted in hotels. Please be aware that travellers cheques are not widely accepted. Credit cards are generally accepted in hotel and restaurants, however you should always ask about surcharges.
Q. What is Advance Passenger information (API)?
As a result of UK Government legislation, we are required to collect Advance Passenger (passport) Information from all customers (including infants) travelling to and from the UK by air.
When does it start?
What information is needed per passenger?
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How can I provide this information?
What if I book late?
Q. Is it safe to walk about?
A. There is very little crime against tourists in Senegal but as with any foreign destination, we advise you to exercise caution and not show off valuables or large amounts of cash when out and about, particularly in crowded areas.
Q. What are the beaches like?
A. Saly has glorious white, sandy beaches – why else would the French call it Senegal’s Côte d’Azur? Set in a bay, the waters are calm and clear, perfect for swimming and water sports. In the Sine Saloum Delta, some of the hotels are set on rivers although there are still small sandy, beaches at frequent intervals. Caution should be taken though when swimming in any deep water, as there can be strong currents.
Q. Is there a problem with electricity?
A. There can be problems with electricity, however hotels have their own back up generators. Any slight disruption in supply may affect the efficiency of air-conditioning and supply of hot water. The current is 220V and round 2 pin adaptors are needed.
Q. Do UK mobile phones work in Senegal?
A. Most UK mobile phones do work, however it is best to check with your provider before you travel. You can also buy a prepaid SIM card for your phone in Senegal and will be given a local mobile number.
Q. How can I get out and see more of the country?
A. We offer a full excursion programme to enable guests to explore the area around the resorts. Trips include: Île de Gorée, from where slaves were transported to the New World and Le Lac Rose, also known as the Pink Lake or Lac Retba, which is the final destination of the Paris-Dakar Rally and gets its name from the way the lake shimmers in shades of pink due to the water’s high mineral content.
Q. Will one of your representatives visit our hotel?
A. In Senegal we work with a local handling agent, who arranges our transfers from Dakar International Airport to our hotels. (If you are travelling from The Gambia, our resort office in Banjul will arrange your transfers). An agent representative will also visit the hotels in Saly regularly but there are no visits in most of our hotels in the Sine Saloum Delta (we do have a representative in Le Royal Lodge), however in these smaller hotels you will be well looked after by the hotel staff who will be happy to answer any queries and arrange excursions for you.
Q. What is the food like?
A. Excellent. Most of the hotels are French owned and / or employ French chefs, so food is of a particularly high standard, with a variety of international and also local dishes on offer making the most of fresh seafood and local produce.
Q. Can I go on safari?
A. Senegal has no migrating wildebeest, giraffes or any of the large animals commonly associated with Africa, however in Saly you can visit the Bandia Nature Reserve where you can see up close and roaming freely giraffes, rhino, zebra, ostrich, antelopes, buffalo bush pigs, impala etc. In the Sine Saloum Delta you can also see a breathtaking variety of birdlife, in addition to monkeys, baboons, hyenas, lizards, dolphins and manatees.
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For general enquiries, calling from outside the UK and sales information:
+44 1489 866947 (OVERSEAS)
EXTENDED OPENING HOURS
January & February 2010 (Sales Only)
Mon - Thurs: 9am-7pm Fri: 9am-6pm Sat: 9am-5pm Sun: 10am-4pm
All calls are answered live within 8 seconds (2009 avg)
+44 1489 866978 (OVERSEAS)
Our expert sales team is on hand to help you with any type of enquiry.
Kerry - Team Leader
Likes - Le Royal Lodge
Kerry enjoyed a touring trip of the Gambia & Senegal, taking in many areas & properties & noticing the many differences between these 2 countries. Her highlight was then spending the final few days enjoying a well earned rest at the gorgeous Royal Lodge!
Nina
Likes - Lamantin Beach Hotel
Nina's favourite experience whilst in Senegal was visiting the Bandia nature reserve. She finds that, having a European influence, the general service in Senegal is higher of that in the Gambia.
Shelley
Likes - the Bandia Nature Reserve
Shelley really enjoyed her stay at the Hotel Espadon & in particular loved the high quality food & gorgeous beach there.
Claire
Likes - Souimanga Lodge
The Sine Saloum area of Senegal is absolutely stunning. The view from the pool at Souimanga Lodge is amazing & it's so peaceful there. This area is excellent if you want to do some bird watching or just completely relax.
Ingrid
Likes - Espadon Hotel
As a lover of Seafood Ingrid found the cuisine at the Espadon Hotel excellent. Not only does the restaurant have a great atmosphere but it's lovely to have a cocktail as the sun sets at Le Ponton.
Lynda
Likes - Lodge Les Collines
Lynda visited Goree Island during her trip to Senegal & thought it was an amazing experience, likening it to stepping back in time and getting to really understand the history of this country.
Email your enquiry to a member of our sales team:
Sales enquiry emails are answered in real time during normal office hours.
A member of our expert reservations team will endeavour to call you back within 15 minutes during normal office hours (unless a preferred time is selected)
For specific business enquiries:
Press: Jenny Adams 0845 330 2077 press@senegal.co.uk
Customer Relations: Sarah Taylor +44 (0)1489 866951 customerrelations@senegal.co.uk
Recruitment: Elaine Mayston +44 (0)1489 866925 careers@senegal.co.uk
Travel Agents: Jason Dicks 0845 330 2066 trademarketing@serenityholidays.co.uk
Affiliates: Matt Smith +44 (0)1489 866942 affiliates@senegal.co.uk
Website Links: Matt Smith +44 (0)1489 866942 links@senegal.co.uk
Reservations: 0845 330 2080 / +44 1489 866947 Email reservations »
Administration 0845 330 2083 / +44 1489 866978 Email administration »
Fax: 0845 330 2045 / +44 1489 866917
The Senegal Experience Serenity Holidays Ltd Cutter House 1560 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire, UK, PO15 7AG
The Senegal Experience Resort Office c/o Senegambia Beach Hotel Kololi Banjul PO Box 2373 The Gambia
Senegambia Hotel Office Hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm Sunday Closed Office Tel: (00220) 4461104 / 4460317 Flight/Reservations Information. Fax: (00220) 4464788 Admin : (00220) 4463867 (Holidays) Customer Relations: (00220) 4463864
By Road Solent Business Park, Whiteley - M27:J9 Portsmouth - 12 miles Southampton - 10 miles Fareham - 5 miles
By Air Southampton Airport 7 miles away with daily flights across Europe.
By Rail: Waterloo to Swanwick - 143 mins Waterloo to Soton Central - 69 mins Soton Central to Swanwick - 20 mins
By Sea: Passenger service from Portsmouth to Cean, Cherbourg, St Malo and Le Havre.
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