Accommodation
in Abene
Casamance
Senegal
Facts
Fair trade and respecting the local environment
Things we recommend you bring for your stay
Accommodation and prices
Excursions and activities
Health
Travelling to and away
Abene festival
Contact us
Links
What our guests say
Justine's guide to Abene
JAN'S FOREVER LIVING PRODUCTS
A warm welcome awaits you at Cassiopeia
About Cassiopeia
  • An individually designed hexagonal house nestling in a lush tropical setting
  • Ensuite bedrooms
  • Easy and relaxed atmosphere
  • A few minutes walk to an unspoilt beach
  • Idyllic surroundings
  • African drum and dance classes can be arranged with professional and experienced teachers

About Abene
  • Friendly traditional village in the Casamance region, Senegal
  • A popular destination for lovers of African Drum & Dance
  • Holds Abene Festival, 10 day celebration of music, dance and theatre - usually from 26th December

Facts
SENEGAL
Senegal is the westernmost country on the African continent with an area of just under 200,000 sq km. It is largely flat, with a natural vegetation of dry savannah woodland. The shore of the Atlantic Ocean marks the country's western border. Dissecting the whole country nearly in two is The Gambia.

CASAMANCE
Casamance is the region south of Gambia.

The region of Casamance is generally said to have the best climate in Senegal. Thanks to its tropical climate, a prominant characteristic of the region is its lush vegetation, which you will no doubt appreciate on long walks in the bush.

In the far south is the Casamance River, which gives its name to the surrounding Casamance area, a fertile zone of forest and farmland. It features a labyrinth of picturesque creeks and lagoons and is dotted with small islands and areas of palm grove mangrove swamp.

Senegal's most beautiful beaches are also here in the Casamance region. You will be able to lie on an endless sandy beach, swim in the beautiful sea or meet the friendly fishermen who land fresh fish everyday.

Its friendly and welcoming inhabitants will make you feel at home from the very first day of your visit.

ABENE
Abene village is a magical place perched on the shore of the Atlantic; it is a peaceful and traditional village and home to many people of diverse origin making it a unique community. It is becoming the hip face of Senegal with the sound of music and drumming most days carried on the soft African wind.

There are many different ethnic groups living in Abene including Mandinkas, Diolas, Karones, Peuls. Most people earn a living from farming and fishing, in a congenial village atmosphere.

    
The village's artistic vitality mixes traditional African percussion and dance; its crafts include woodcarving, traditional artefacts and batik fabric dying. Abene is home to many artists and musicians so on most weekends there's either a performance or an exhibition.

The villagers are friendly and very welcoming to any guests staying at Cassiopeia.

In winter the village wakes up from the rainy season with the Abene Festival. This annual festival started over a decade ago and celebrates the beginning of the harvesting period in Casamance. It promotes the multi-ethnicity of the West African coast by gathering artists performing traditional music and arts from different parts of Senegal and neighbouring countries. Mandinka, Diola, Sereres, Karoninke, Balantes, Foulas and artists from other ethnic groups bring to the village a fantastic variety of sounds and colours, which are drawn from their own specific tradition.


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If you would like to visit Abene or you need any other info on Cassiopeia, please don't hesitate to contact us.

If you would like to make a booking, then see information on our Accomodation & Prices page.

We look forward to meeting you.

or you can send an email to : info@cassiopeia-africa.co.uk
n.b. if you having difficulties with the above then please try: graylingfaire@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: 07917 673692 in the UK
Phone: 0022177 6146377 in Senegal

   
Laye and Jan Badji

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Links    back to top

Hope-Senegal - Helping children in Senegal

Abantuarts - Arts organisation promoting cultural understanding between Uganda and UK
Alnaniking - official web site of the Abene Festival
Senegalese Embassy - official web site of embassy in London
Hartbeats - Justine Hart's web site


Disclaimer: it is each person's responsibility to act appropriately during their stay in Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance and funds to cover all eventualities.