Foundiougne is a city of about 6,700 people (2015) in Central Senegal.

Understand

Ile du Saloum Dinouar

Foundiougne's main activities are based on agriculture to the south in the surrounding villages and fishing to the north of the town, in particular shrimp fishing.

The population is made up of Sérères (50%), Wolofs (30%), Peuls (15%), Bambaras and others (5%). It is 92% Muslim.

History

The city was founded in 1917. It is one of the oldest municipalities in Senegal. Thanks to its strategic position on the Saloum, its commercial port played a leading role in the colonial era.

In 1940, during the Battle of Dakar, General de Gaulle used Foundiougne as a discreet landing point for his clandestine emissaries. The administrator Marcel Campistron rallied to Free France, and facilitated their penetration and their preparatory actions for this operation in the territory.

Get in

Travel to Foundiougne can be organized through the area's lodging establishments, private car or via public transit options.

Private transport

From Dakar take Route N1 to Fatick then turn right in Fatick and continue along the only road going south from Fatick which will dead end at the ferry crossing to Foundiougne.

To cross on the ferry it is 100 CFA/person and for a small car it is 1000 CFA. The ferry makes its last trip across at 18:30 so should you miss it you can take a private boat across for 3000 CFA.

The longer route there from Dakar is taking the N1 to Kaolack, turn on the road going to Sokone until Passi. Turn right on the road to Djilor which will continue on to Foundiougne (this road is in disrepair.

Public transport

From Dakar take a sept place from Garage Pompier to Fatick (1900 CFA). In the southwest section of the garage there are large white cars that go to the Foundiougne ferry crossing (500 CFA) and you can also hire a taxi (5000 CFA). The ferry crossing is 100 CFA/person. thumb|Foundiougne ferry Ferry schedule:

• To Foundiougne 08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 15:30, 18:30
• From Foundiougne: 07:30, 09:30, 11:30, 15:00, 17:00

There are two buses that leave Dakar at 13:00 each day to go to Foundiougne. One bus leaves from Patt D’Oie at the bridge near the stadium (2000 CFA). The other bus leaves from garage Coloban (2000 CFA) in the downtown area.

See

The city of Foundiougne offers a lot of things to visit such as the weekly market (Luma) which is held every Tuesday next to the garage.

Guide service is provided by eco guides who have received training and have experience gained over a number of years of practice.

Walks: a walking tour allows you to discover the historical aspect of the city. By canoe, you can take the eco-routes to discover the mangroves, the birds and the islands of Saloum in turn. It is also possible to make transfers from Foundiougne to Djiffer, Mar Lodjie, Ndangane, Toubacouta, Missirah

By car, you can visit the Serer villages of Thiaré, Soum, Ndorong Log, Bambou and the eco roads of Mbam and Mbassis. Tours to Niombato, the small coast, parks and animal reserves and tours to the craft village of Kaolack, Lac Rose or the island of Gorée can be considered.

The annual Foundiougne festival since 2000 takes place in May. It aims, among other things, to promote sport, culture and leisure.

Weddings and baptisms which always remain colorful through clothing, music and dance, songs and dance still showcased by local troupes:

Other types of entertainment are also offered in Foudiougne:

• Le Pangol Night International disco
• The international disco Le Chaudron Night Club

Do

The Saloum, like many estuaries, is full of fish, which explains the presence of many fishing camps along the banks of the city. Otherwise, it is possible to rent a canoe and walk on the arm of the river.

From July to October, shrimp fishing is in full swing and at night, at low tide, fishermen pull their nets, speckling the darkness with their small lamps.

Go next

Leaving Foundiougne via public transport

At 07:30 both buses return to Dakar via the first ferry crossing of the day. It’s best to speak the driver the night before to reserve a seat or get the bus an hour before it crosses especially during peak travel times (any holiday or weekends). Otherwise other large white cars may be crossing in the morning heading directly for Dakar. If not, cross the ferry at any time of day and a car will be on the other side going to the Fatick garage (500 CFA in the large white car). From Fatick take a sept place to Dakar (1900 CFA).