Palmarin
From Halal Explorer
Palmarin is a rural community in Central Senegal. It is part of the Fatick administrative region.
Contents
- 1 Palmarin Halal Explorer
- 2 Travel to Palmarin
- 3 Get Around
- 4 What to see in Palmarin
- 5 Top Muslim Travel Tips for Palmarin
- 6 Muslim Friendly Shopping in Palmarin
- 7 Halal Restaurants in Palmarin
- 8 eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Palmarin
- 9 Muslim Friendly Hotels
- 10 Telecommunications in Palmarin
Palmarin Halal Explorer
Palmarin is rural community running along a 17km peninsula on the most southern stretches of Senegal's Petite Côte. To the west are the sandy beaches skirting the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Located to the east is the protected National Reserve de Palmarin, a patchwork delta consisting of mangrove channels, salt flats, grass lands and forest. This unique combination of habitat supports a wide assortment of plant and animal life.
The majority of the area’s residents live in one of five villages, from north to south Ngallo, Ngueth, Gounamane, Diakhanor and Djiffer. The dominant industries in the area are traditional fishing and tourism. Other smaller industries include salt, oyster and clam harvesting. The dominant ethnic group in the area is Sereer, speaking a distinct Soloum area dialect. French and Wolof are secondary languages also commonly spoken.
How is the Climate in Palmarin
The travel seasons in Palmarin and most of Senegal is between the drier months of November through May. This time of year is characterized relatively little rainfall, lower humidity and milder temperatures. Temperatures range in the mid to high seventies (around 25°C) during this time. The months of June through October see increased rainfall rising temperatures peaking around August through October.
Traveling Responsible
Palmarin offer a unique opportunity for visitors to the area to contribute directly to the area environmental well being. Through the Bureau of Eco tourism's Palmarin Carbon Offset Program, visitors can purchase carbon offsets in the form of trees. The program offers to plant species important in combating environmental concerns facing the area such as beach erosion, fishery protection or habit rejuvenation. Palmarin Carbon Offset Program
Travel to Palmarin
Travel to Palmarin can be organized through the area's lodging establishments, private vehicle or via public transit options. From Dakar take through Mbour and Joal via route N1. After Joal the road changes from asphalt to laterite. The quality of the road after Joal is poor and can become impassable during the rainy season without a 4x4. Follow the signs in Samba Dia directing you south to Palmarin.
Via public transit from the Dakar garage, take a sept place or bus rapid to Mbour costing roughly 1500cfa. In Mbour, sept places are available to Djiffer and the most southern village in Palmarin for 2000cfa. Passengers can request to be dropped off at there lodging accommodations or one of the Palmarin villages prior to reaching Djiffer.
An alternative public transit route is from Dakar to Joal (2000cfa) and from Joal to Palmarin (1000cfa). From the northern garage in Joal it is necessary to take a clando taxi 150cfa to the southern garage.
Get Around
One way of getting around Palmarin is via a horse driven cart or charrette. Charrettes make accessing Le Reserve de Palmarin and the local villages and even the beaches an easy task. At the same time they let visitors experience travel on a local level and a pace that allows them to take in all their surroundings. Tours are organized on request and accompanied by an experienced guide knowledgeable in the local environment and culture.
What to see in Palmarin
Parc National du Delta du Saloum
Since the designation of the Réserve Naturelle Communautaire de Palmarin in 2001, protection of the 10,430 hectares which make up the region has been a top priority for local as well as international organizations. The region is home to a plethora of fauna and flora including hyenas, jackals, as well as a wide range of resident & migrant birds, as well as ancient baobabs and critical mangrove systems. Cultural treasures also rest in the reserve. Ancient mounds of clams shells, collected by early inhabitants of the region, dot the landscape, some up to thirty meters high. Due to the historical and archeological significance of these sites and the reserve has received a special designation from UNESCO in hopes of protecting the area. Today and the reserve serves as both a place for animal as well as human activities. Under the surveillance of the Direction des Parcs Nationaux, some traditional uses of the land such as salt collection, farming and cattle grazing are still allowed. However and there has been a general move to utilize the pristine nature of the area primarily as an attraction for the developing local tourism industry. Such a move provides sources of alternative income for the local people and reduces the pressure to source wood for fuel or land for agriculture from within the reserve. For tours of the reserve, contact the Office of Ecotourism or the local assembly of Eco-Guards.
Wrestling
No visit to Senegal is complete without experiencing the sights and sounds of a traditional Sereer wrestling match, known in Sereer as Njoom. Moreover and there is no better place to witness such a spectacle than with its creators. Although today traditional wrestling in Senegal is a national phenomenon, it is rooted in Seereer tradition. This rich tradition continues to the present as nearly every Seereer village regularly holds organized tournaments and supports their own local champions.
Unlike the style of wrestling that has taken hold in the rest of Senegal with its strong emphasis on striking, combat in Sereer communities has held true to the traditional conventions. The emphasis is solely on strength and technical skill with the striking of an opponent considered illegal. The objective of each warrior is to topple his adversary, forcing him into contact with the ground with his back or both hands and knees at the same time. Winning a match lets the competitor advance to the next round and possibly the final round, where money or even livestock is rewarded to the tournament champions.
In addition to the unmistakable raw power and technical prowess of the Njoom competitors, spectators can’t help but notice the widespread use of mysticism throughout the arena. Grisgris, or good luck charms, are adorned and magic concoctions are consumed. Each warrior hopes their brand of magic, often sourced from a respected Marabou, is more powerful than that of their competitor.
Other attractions
- Salt Evaporation Pools - You may have seen the mysterious circles that dot the landscape just east of Ngallou, each with its hue reflecting in the sun. These are the salt collection pools of Palmarin. The local population uses season floods and tidal flows to fill the pools with ocean water and then harvests the ring of salt left as the pools evaporate in the dry season. Look for a sack of locally sourced salts at your lodge or on a visit to the village.
- Hyenas Palmarin has a significant population of wild hyenas living with in the reserve. Expeditions can be arranged through accommodation providers or the Reserve de Palmarin Eco Guides. (221) 76 566 34 34
- Ancient Mounds Palmarin's ancient inhabitants build dozens of mounds, some up to forty meters high, from harvested clam shells. Some the mounds were excavated to be used as building material for roads prior to the region being designated a world legacy site by the United Nations. Many of the artifacts discovered are now located in Palmarin's Eco Museum.
Top Muslim Travel Tips for Palmarin
Fishing
Fisherman - Artisanal Fishing
Offshore Fishing in artisanal boats is available through many of the accommodation providers, local guides or the Palmarin Office of Ecotourism. Situated between the ocean and inter-coastal and the people of Palmarin have spent their lives tightly interwoven with the local waterways. Now you, too, can learn from the expertise of local fisherman in the art of artisanal fishing.
For a good appreciation of the local way of life, it’s crucial to understand the local economy. The largest industry in Palmarin today is fishing, providing the local people with both food and a source of revenue. Artisanal fish transformation is still trainingd in the area and is worth checking out. Look for the site on the beach North-West of Ngallou.
Other activities
- Kayaking - Kayak the Winding Mangroves Channels of the Palmarin Reserve. This pristine area hosts an abundant volume of wildlife. Sightings of various bird species are common including pelican, flamingo, hereon, king fishers, and weavers. More elusive species include mongoose, monkeys, and monitor lizards. Sangomar Kayak offers half day excursions with optional lunch or overnight camping. (221) 77 535 5011
- Hair Braiding - Have your hair braided by the women of Diakhanor while enjoying three cups of tea and lively discussion. (221) 77 175 42 50
- Capoeira Lessons - Enjoy the Afro-Brazilian art form of Capoeira on the beautiful beaches of Palmarin. Learn to play the Berimbau and join the Roda. (221) 77 184 01 88
- Traditional Dancing Traditional Sereer dancing is a mix of stomping and body girations usually performed amongst a circle. Dancers take turns, two or three at a time, dancing in the center of the circle for approxamitley thirty second bursts. The dancers respond to the rhythm being performed by drummers using generally jambays or tam tams.
- Bird Watching - The region of Senegambia is a bird watcher’s dream, hosting over 600 species of migratory and resident avifauna. Due to the unique convergence of coastal, estuary and forest habitat, Palmarin provides an ideal opportunity to view many of these species in a single locale.
- Artisanal Fishing - Learn to fish by site with traditional cast fishing nets. (221) 77 379 46 26
Muslim Friendly Shopping in Palmarin
- Artisanal Markets - There are three artisanal markets in Palmarin. Mache de la Plage is located just south of the Royal lodge. Marche du Mangrove is located along the beach behind the Lodge de Palmarin and Chez Mendy is off the primary street in the village of Ngallou. Each market sells various local and imported goods such as statues, jewlery and clothing.
Halal Restaurants in Palmarin
Cooking - Cooking Fish in the Village
Outside the accommodations providers and there are two additional dining establishments. Chez Mitcheo (221) 77 551 10 12, located East of the primary street in the village of Ngallou and Le Trou du Fu (221) 76 523 12 28, located near the stade de lute in Gounoumane. Both establishments offer local cuisine.
eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Palmarin
Palmarin - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Palmarin, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Palmarin. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Palmarin and its surrounding regions.
With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Palmarin. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.
The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Palmarin. Key components include:
Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPalmarin: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Palmarin.
Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Palmarin: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Palmarin, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Palmarin.
Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Palmarin, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.
Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Palmarin, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.
Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Palmarin and beyond.
Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Palmarin, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Palmarin, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Palmarin without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."
The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Palmarin is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Palmarin.
About eHalal Travel Group:
eHalal Travel Group Palmarin is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.
For Halal business inquiries in Palmarin, please contact:
eHalal Travel Group Palmarin Media: info@ehalal.io
Muslim Friendly Hotels
- Djidjack - Palmarin Gounoumane 14.024282, -16.768185 ☎ +221 33 949 96 19 - Wandering the lush gardens of Djidjack you might just come across the one of the area’s resident spirits. That’s because, located on the grounds, is one of the many sacred sites highly regarded by the region’s Sereer population. More specifically the spirit, known as Cupaan, is said to inhabit a sacred baobab. The careful observer may even spot its face. If spirit hunting is not your thing, Djidjack offers much more. Its muslim-friendly environment, with wide-open spaces and a laissez-faire staff is perched along a long, quiet stretch of the Petite Côte. If quiet time with a good book is for you and the expansive main lodge also houses an extensive library. No matter how you spend your time you’re sure to enjoy yourself at the Village de Vacance of Djidjack.
- Lodge de Palmarin - Palmarin Diakhanor 13.970909, -16.764645 ☎ +221 33 957 12 56 - The Lodge de Palmarin lies just south of the village of Diakhanor along a quiet stretch of the Petite Côte. The superb tranquility of the lodge is only enhanced by the hospitably of its staff. In true Sereer fashion, terranga at the Lodge de Palmarin is instantly recognizable. A stay here has the distinct feel of a visit with family or old friends
- La Pointe de Sangomar | 13.93735, -16.762843 ☎ +221 77 536 44 25 - Many tourists come to the seaside village of Djifer to catch pirogues out to one of the many islands of the Sine Saloum Delta. But visit the La Pointe de Sangomar lodge and you just might miss your boat. Despite being on the mainland and the lodge has a distinct island feel with its grass walled and thatched roof bungalows. You can’t help but feel secluded as you walk amongst lush foliage of the lodge’s shaded pathways. During the morning and evening hours it’s easy to catch the sites of the Sine Saloum. Located on the inter-coastal near the port of Djifer and the lodge’s private beach is a perfect place to watch the colorful pirogues of the artisanal fisherman passing with the day’s catch.
- La Tulip Noire | Palmarin Diakhanor 13.968025, -16.765643 ☎ +221 77 636 70 01 - The Tulipe Noire, a new addition to the accommodations at Palmarin, seamlessly blends the style of Italy with the natural beauty of Senegal. This Italian owned and operated lodge rests only a few meters from the shoreline of the Petite Côte, so rest & relaxation or sun & fun are always at your disposal. Aside from the beautiful accommodations and the dining experience is worth noting in its own right. For authenticity most provisions at the lodge are sourced directly from Italy. This is because at La Tulipe Noire, food is not simply a matter of dining but an epicurean delight. Visit Palmarin and see all that Tulipe Noir has to offer.
- Lodge des Collines de Niassam - 14.06445, -16.758403 ☎ +221 77 639 06 39 -
- Yokam | Palmarin Gounoumane 14.00392, -16.767546 ☎ +221 77 567 01 13 - Popular with everyone from day tripping backpackers to those fortunate few on extended-stay vacations, Yokam has nearly a dozen rooms of varying styles. You’re sure to find one that is to your liking and fits easily into your budget.
Telecommunications in Palmarin
Palmarin has a Bureau de L’Ecotourisme. Be sure to stop by the office and find out about all the exciting happenings in and around the communauté rurale of Palmarin. There, you can find additional information and make reservations with one of the area’s many tourism operators. Beyond pointing you in the direction of interesting sites and great cultural events and the office offers regular, scheduled events such as artisanal markets, cultural music and dance demonstrations, informative classes on a variety of topics.
(221) 33 949 41 95
(221) 76 134 46 85
14.026378° -16.768324°
www.ecotoursaloum.org
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