Casamance - ADS (EN) ...

Wonderful Casamance (Kasa) in Portuguese, and its lush vegetation. Small paradise of beaches bordered by coconut palms, considered by many to be the most beautiful region of Senegal and West Africa, Casamance appears as a garden of Eden ...

Casamance, historical and natural region of Senegal, located in the South of the country and bordering the Casamance river. The inhabitants of this region are called the Casamance. The Diolas are the majority ethnic group and speak Diola (joola) or ajamat. This region is a country of forests, rivers and rice fields, you can drift in a maze of inlets, in the middle of hundreds of islands. It is an exuberant world where lush vegetation surrounds you, the forest is getting denser, water is everywhere. Ornithology specialists like the neophyte observer will not be disappointed! Bolongs and mangroves are a little paradise for fishermen! The islands, Carabane, Eloubaline, the island of birds, the Kassel ornithological reserve, little bits of the world a stone's throw from canoes. The first colonizers were amazed by the talent of the architects Diolas, builders of impluvium huts and two-story huts. Rooted in animist culture, this region is rich in initiation festivals and traditions. The most important city is Ziguinchor, a small nonchalant and welcoming city with its pretty colonial houses concentrated in the district of the port of call. A visit to the Alliance Française for its amazing architecture and cultural showcase of the city. Beyond Ziguinchor, the villages of Abéné, its annual festival of traditional music,  its magnificent beach and its impressive cheese maker, Kafountine, a typical and authentic village, calm and still preserved from mass tourism. The villagers are reputed to be hospitable and gladly invite to the many folklore evenings. The village square, a place of convergence par excellence for long traditional evenings. Kafountine is also the starting point for canoe trips to the Karones Islands. In the south, the country is famous for its beaches. A day or two of lazing around at Cap Skirring, a famous seaside resort. A little visit to the fishing village when they land the fish, a festival of colors guaranteed! And to better understand the Diola culture and traditions, the Kadiout Museum will meet your expectations.

Oussouye is worth a detour, peaceful village, stronghold of the most persistent animist culture, surrounded by sacred woods, the King's Day is celebrated there every year. There are dances, music, friendly meetings of traditional wrestling. You can, if you wish, meet the king, visit the royal house and chat with the royal wives. The king of Oussouye, an enigmatic character, is highly respected by all the Diolas in the region. Both religious and political leader, he governs the different stages that punctuate the lives of the inhabitants. The small villages around Oussouye with their museums presenting the Diola culture and traditions, forming this kingdom will deepen your knowledge. If you choose to come during the winter, you will be surprised by the green landscape of Casamance, the granary of Senegal. Different circuits are possible, at your convenience and depending on the time you have. The overall presentation by region, is only for information and allows, I hope, to guide you geographically, it can be sectioned, reorganized according to your expectations.