In the late afternoon, head to the beach at Kayar, where the hustle and bustle of village life unfolds. The beach is crowded with villagers, with men heading out to fish for the night, traveling anywhere from 40 to 70 km away from the coast, while others have just returned. It’s a fascinating sight as the fishermen come back with their large pirogues, unloading their catch. The women, often their wives, are there to sell the fish directly on the beach.
The scene is truly impressive: the sheer number of people, the massive amount of fish, the smell, the chaos, and the noise. It’s better to have a guide here, as locals might be surprised to see foreigners, and some may not want to have their pictures taken. Always be respectful and ask for permission before snapping a photo.
This experience is truly something special. When you realize that hundreds of people spend their nights on boats, fishing far from the coast and return to sell their catch for very little money, you can't help but admire their hard work and bravery. You will eat a lot of fish in Senegal, and after this experience, you will truly understand where it comes from and the real labor behind it.
Getting there is easy too—Brussels Airlines flies direct from Brussels to Dakar several times a week. Smooth, simple, and straight to the sun.