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Description:
This small island is less than 800 meters long and 300 meters wide, but it's slave trading history alone makes it a must-see for visitors. The island holds a number of interesting old buildings and it has been declared a World Heritage Sight by UNESCO. In addition to the infamous House of Slaves, there is also the Fort D'Estrées whose horse-shoe-shaped structure now houses the IFAN Historical Museum of the Diaspora, in addition to the curch of St Charles Barromée and some additional museums. Finally, there is also an old castle built over top of a grouping of bunkers with numerous interconnecting underground passageways.
Getting there:
This small island is located about 10 kilometers off the coast from Dakar, and can be accessed by a chaloupe boat.
Verity J. says...
Added Oct 22, 2008
If your looking to escape the busy city centre of Dakar, Ile de Gorree is the perfect place. Take the ferry or hire a local fisherman to take you by piroque!The island is completly car-free. Try to divert the salespeople and you'll be able to enjoy a walk around the island 40min total. Be sure to stop at the numerous beaches, the slave museum and the old canons. The bunkers will give you a change to rest in the shade while enjoying the scrap art! The best kept secret is a little shack across from the war monument (strategicly hidden behind a number of trees and bushes) where you can relax and drink a beer (gazelle of Flag) or pain de singe (translates: monkey bread, this is a fresh milky drink made from the fruit of the boabab tree)Enjoy!
Lindsay V. says...
Added Sep 23, 2008
Mon plus grand regret, juste pour voir cette île, je retournerai dans ce pays :)... le reste etait splendide et etant en pleine "brousse" tout etait encore bien authetique et sauvage... que de souvenirs!!
Mick C. says...
Added Aug 15, 2008
Great place to go to get some history on the slave trade...truly a step back in time (not a particularly good period of time) but incredibly educational
