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What to bring

Clothing items

Bum bag for valuables

Long sleeve cotton shirts

Trousers with elastic band at the bottom to protect against insect bites

A light jumper or a cardigan as evenings can be cool due to the proximity of the open sea

A waterproof jacket if you are coming in the rainy season

* You can also add to your holiday wardrobe by getting clothes made locally at very reasonable prices.

Shoes

Flip flops

Trainers or chunky shoes to go for walks in the bush

Waterproof boots in the rainy season as roads are very muddy

Accessories

Hat

Sunglasses

Cotton socks

Hygiene and beauty products

Insect repellent

Sun protection and after sun lotion

Water: every shop in Abene sells bottles of mineral water. It is highly recommended not to drink water from the well.

Miscellaneous

Camera

Torch

Mosquito nets are usually provided in all types of accommodation but they may not be as "sophisticated" as the ones you can purchase in the UK. However if you are looking to save money those in sale in Senegal are cheaper and remain very safe.

Insurance

It is highly recommended to subscribe to a travel insurance.

Money

We advise you to take mostly cash in pounds or Euros which you will be able to exchange to Senegalese CFA on arrival. Banks in Gambia will not always have the Senegalese currency and you will lose out on exchanging to Gambian Dalasis and exchange again to Senegalese currency.

Please do bring more than what you need as there is no cashpoint or bank in Abene and you will have to hire a taxi and spend at least half a day to travel to the next town Ziguinchor.

Gifts

Most Senegalese people are genuinely friendly and helpful and they will do everything to make your stay enjoyable. If you wish to make a present, we suggest that you give it before leaving Abene. Any member of our team will be pleased to guide you in your choice of the appropriate gift.

In certain instances you may be given a present by someone. In most cases this is a genuine gesture. However, and in particular outside Abene, make sure that it is a "real" gift before accepting it. You may find yourself in a situation when someone hands something to you, expecting you to pay for it afterwards. To avoid misunderstanding do not hesitate to ask advice to a member of our team.

It is also a tradition in Senegal to exchange gifts on departure. In that case you will make children very happy with pens and books for school as well as footballs. Perfume samples, soap and jewellery are the women's favourites. Linen and blankets are ideal gifts for older women. For young people a walkman, a tee shirt and any other clothes or shoes will be received with much enthusiasm! Students can rarely afford to read and will be grateful if you bring them French or English books.

If you wish to make a donation to the local school or to the health dispensary, a member of our team will advise on how to proceed.