| 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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Laye and Jan Badji
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.
You can fill in the following form to make a provisional booking
or request further information:
or you can send an email to : info@cassiopeia-africa.co.uk
n.b. if you having difficulties with the above then please try:
Phone: 07796 234420 in the UK (June to October inclusive)
Phone: 00221 6146377 or 00221 6146500 in Senegal (November to May
inclusive)
If you cannot get a reply from the above then you can contact Justine
from hartbeats
on 07773 047684
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Links back
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Hope Senegal
- information about our work in raising funds for the children of
Niankitte village (Laye's ancestral home)
Alnaniking - official
web site of the Abene Festival
Senegalese
Embassy - official web site of embassy in London
Hartbeats
- Justine Hart's web site
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