Once we had cleared the shallow bank off Banjul, a turn to the north and a mere 94 miles to the north, lay Dakar, Senegal.  As an overnight passage it was slow-steaming to get there, 9 kts, a gentle pottle.  Another new port for us and another for the ‘Africa experience, (in 2020, the itinerary has several more).  Through the breakwater and into the turning basin; it was quite windy, so I turned well north of the bus and lined her up for the dock, again on joystick.

Dakar overview, our route from the south and after departure, to the west.

Our track into the harbour, the turn and backing down to the dock.  There is our track out on this one too.

Our berth awaits

Karen and I were going on one of the ship’s tours here, Bandia Game Reserve.  1½-hours drive away, the ride took us through the bustling city and along a new motorway (which also had tolls). 

I have been astonished to find just how much the Chinese are affecting Africa’s infrastructure; every port we have visited since Walvis Bay has had their ‘fingerprint’ all over it.  They must be spending billions to win hearts and minds; skyscrapers, hotels, stadiums, airports, whole cities even, (a new one outside Dakar and even Praia, Cape Verde).

Bandia Reserve has introduced some of Africa’s wildlife and for those guests who travelled to Safari in central Africa earlier in the cruise, it would probably seem ‘tame’; however for those who did not do so, it is an opportunity to view wildlife in Africa for the first time.  Off the bus and into a big 4-wheeler and off we set….

Back to the ship and what else?…A market, set up next to the ship, O what joy  🙂  Soon it was time to leave, (slightly late, as we had to wait for 3 tour buses).  It was windy again and when the compulsory pilot boarded for sailing, I asked him where he was going to disembark.  He replied that he would do so after the breakwater.  As I knew his pilot boat was only capable of 6 or so knots, I told him that was too slow for the wind conditions in the harbour and narrow channel; as an alternative I suggested that he disembark now, while we were still tied up, enough said………he disappeared and was off within minutes  🙂