Friday, March 28, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Dakar, Senegal

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Dakar, Senegal, in western Africa.

Today’s Excursion – Museum of Black Civilizations & African Renaissance

We visited Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, to learn about African Art, Culture, and History at the Museum of Black Civilization and enjoy the scenic views of Dakar.

House of Parliament, President’s Palace, Cathedral, Great Mosque, and Dakar University
Drive past the President’s Palace with its impressive red spahi guards and the House of Parliament. See the Cathedral and the
Great Mosque of Dakar, pass through the picturesque popular district of Medina, and reach the University of Cheikh Anta Diop
Of Dakar.

Scenic Coastline and Millenium Door, the new Monument of the African Renaissance
Drive along the scenic coastline line to the Millenium Door, the new ‘Monument of the African Renaissance and tallest statue in
Africa. At 49 meters, the bronze structure on the second Mamelles Hill was inaugurated in 2010. The African Renaissance
Monument is taller than the Statue of Liberty, and is on top of a 100-metre high hill, and is a very impressive figure of man,
woman and child pointing out towards the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible by a large staircase of 198 steps.

Sand Painting and Kermel Market
From here, head for visits to the Sand Painting and Kermel Market, located near the recently-built Grand Theatre of Dakar.
Also, visit the Soumbedioune Handicraft Market and Medina for African souvernirs and soak up the city tour’s atmosphere.

Museum

Museum of Black Civilization
Before returning to the ship, head back to Dakar for a final visit to the impressive Museum of Black Civilizations, opened in
December 2018. A repository for African art, culture, and history, the Museum has space for some 18,000 artworks, but many galleries are not yet filled. With its architecture, inspired by traditional homes typical of southern Senegal and its circular
shape, the museum has changed the landscape of downtown Dakar.