FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What's the best way to contact us?

We have a public WhatsApp group that you can join and contact us directly to ask us any questions you may have. Otherwise email us at camp@gosurf.dk



2. Why choose N'Gor Island Surfcamp?

A unique blend of uncrowded waves and Senegalese culture. Located on the Western tip of Africa, it is exposed to both swells from the North and South Atlantic, meaning consistent waves all year round. A relaxed and serene island feel, but only a 2 minute boat ride from the bustling city life of dakar.



3. How do I get to the surfcamp from the airport?

We provide 24/7 pick up service from the final stop (Yoff) on the airport shuttle bus. Otherwise, we can provide a direct airport transfer for 50 euros for up to 5 people. You can specify which option you prefer when you book online.



4. Do I need any vaccinations?

A yellow fever vaccination is recommended, but not mandatory to enter the country. Cases of yellow fever in Senegal are extremely rare and virtually non-existant in Dakar. However, if you plan to travel outside of Dakar or visit other West African countries after your stay in Senegal, a yellow fever vaccination is advised. Ultimately, while we are happy to give you personal advice, the surfcamp cannot be responsible for your healthcare decisions when planning your trip to Senegal. Consulting travel advice from your local government, as well as your doctor, is the best way to decide which vaccinations you may or may not need before travelling to Senegal.



5. Do I need a visa?

As an EU or US citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Senegal. You will simply get a stamp in your passport upon arrival. For all other nationalities, please consult your local Senegalese embassy to find out whether or not you need a visa to travel to Senegal.



6. Can I buy alcohol in Senegal?

Yes you can! On the island we have shops and restaurants selling beer (local beer costs 1.50€), wine and liquor. On the mainland there are supermarkets with wide international choice.



7. Can I always get to and from the island no matter the time?

The taxi boats run all day and night. There is a list of phone numbers of the different boatmen in the camp which you can call if it is very late at night.



9. How do I book?

Go to the menu and click on 'BOOK ONLINE'. From there you can fill in the online booking form.



10. How do I pay?

Payments can be made through either bank transfers, credit card/Paypal (+ 5% transaction fee), or cash. We require a 20% deposit to secure a booking, the final balance can be paid at the end of your stay.



16. Do I need to bring my own wetsuit? If so, which one?

Only if you want to! Otherwise you can rent one from the surfcamp. We have them in all sizes including junior sizes. If you are bringing your own wetsuit, here are the recommendations: Board shorts/Bikini temperature from June to November. 2/2 Shorty from November to December and May till June. 3/2 full suit from December to May.



11. Do I need travel insurance?

We always advise having an appropriate travel insurance for surfing.



12. Has there ever been a shark attack in Senegal?

Despite Senegal being a surf destination since the 80's, there has never been a shark attack on a surfer. http://www.sharkattackdata.com/place/senegal



13. Healthcare access and quality in Senegal?

There are a lot of pharmacies and doctors on the mainland. Due to a large expat community, the health infrastructure is well established. Western-standard ambulance services exists (SOS Médecins) as well as well-regarded private hospitals (Clinique de la Madeleine). These work seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, In addition, the owner of the surfcamp is also a European qualified physiotherapist.



14. How is the infrastructure in Senegal?

Although the infrastructure in Senegal can vary throughout the country, the standard is generally quite high, especially in Dakar, where you will find a downtown area with sky scrapers, international brands and restaurants like any other city. Roads in Senegal are generally of good to excellent quality, thanks to the government's recent investment in transport links. At times, the mainland and island can experience water and electricity cuts. We have a solar system charging our battery in the daytime and there are USB outlets where you can charge different devices all day long, so powercuts tend not to affect us. In case of a water cut, we have a backup tank that can supply the entire camp to run as normal.



15. Is it okay to visit Senegal during Ramadam?

Yes, in general everyday life continues as normal. Restaurants are still open and the surf spots are even more uncrowded than usual.



22. Is it safe to swim in the ocean?

Yes it is. We have three beaches on the island, all used by both locals and tourists to swim in.



17. Is there a diving club nearby?

Yes, there is a diving club on the mainland just a cross from the island. Check out the Baracuda club here.



18. Is there malaria in Senegal?

Dakar is a dry city located next to the sea so there is no malaria in the capital, nor on the island. Expats in Dakar do not take malaria pills - but of course it is up to you to decide, the surfcamp cannot be held responsible for any health decisions you make concerning your trip to Senegal. Your doctor will properly suggest you bring/take malaria pills as there is malaria in the southern parts of Senegal.



19. Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes, we have free Wi-Fi at the surfcamp. Wi-Fi is also available in most restaurants and cafés on the mainland.



20. What food options are there at the surfcamp and on the island?

We serve Breakfast everyday from 07:00 (7am) - 10:00 (10am).
Dinner is from 20.00 (8pm).
There are plenty of restaurants on the island serving local dishes, sandwiches and freshly caught fish.



21. Should I pack anything specific for my trip to Senegal?

Wetsuit or rash guard/vest/lycra, depending on the time of year. Since suncreen is quite expensive in Senegal, it can often be cheaper to bring one from home. Reusable water bottle (We have unlimited amount of clean drinking water in the camp.) Senegal is a modern country, so you can find (almost) everything here as if it was a western country. A head torch might come in useful for walking around the island at night time as there are no street lights on the island (because we don't have any streets on the island, only beautiful sandy alleyways!).



8. Does Senegal have a wet/rainy season? And is it okay to go on a surf trip during the wet/rainy season?

Yes, Senegal does have a rainy season, although in the northern part of the country (including Dakar), it is relatively mild and very tolerable. The rainy season lasts from mid-August to early October. The good news is, it is absolutely OKAY to go on a surf trip in Senegal during rainy season! It does not rain every day and the rain usually only lasts an hour or two before the weather clears and the wind completely dies, leaving perfect glassy waves for us to enjoy. In addition, most expats and tourists leave for the rainy season so the line-ups are even more uncrowded than usual!



23. Is there any site-seeing and activities to do in Dakar besides surfing?

100%! In fact, we're so keen for you to experience some real West African culture while you're here that we've written some suggestions for the best day trips you can do in Dakar. As well as what we've written in the day trips page, some things you could also do include: >Fishing or spear-fishing: there are options to fish off the island or during a deep sea boat trip with the local fishermen. You can rent a speargun on the island. It is 5000CFA (8EUR) a day. >Snorkeling: there are multiple spots to explore and you can rent equipment from the two diving clubs on the mainland. >Beach soccer with the locals: Soccer is huge in Senegal and you will always find a match going on on one of the beaches. They are very happy to let you join in! >Try your hand at mosaic: There is an artist on the island who offers a workshop on how to make ceramic mosaics the traditional local way. >Learn to play Djembe: Djembe is a popular traditional African drum and we can organise a private lesson from the local instructor! >Private French or Wolof (the local language) lessons at the camp. >Professional sports massage at the camp. >Visit Dakar's local nightlife: one of our surf guides will gladly join, and we often arrange trips for the whole camp to the bars and parties in Dakar.



24. Is it okay to travel to Senegal with kids?

We would recommend that it is safe to bring children above the age of two years old to Senegal.



25. What is the currency in Senegal?

The currency in Senegal is West African CFA franc (currency code XOF) and it has an official fixed exchange rate to the euro: 1 Euro=655 CFA (although the commonly accepted 'street exchange rate' is 1 Euro=650CFA).
You can exchange Euros on the island or on the mainland. There are no ATMs on the island, but there are plenty on the mainland and at the airport.



26. What is the water temperature in Senegal?

Simply put: Board shorts/Bikini temperature from June to November. 2/2 Shorty from November to December and May till June. 3/2 full suit from December to May.



27. What kind of waves are there in Senegal?

We are blessed in Senegal to have an abundance of different breaks (mostly point breaks and beach breaks), adapted for all levels-from complete beginner to advanced barrel riders. Check out the spot map to look up the waves suited to your level!



28. What level does the surfschool require?

All levels are welcome at the surf school and we go to different surf spots depending on the group level. For example, if we have complete beginners and people who are already improving, our surf teachers will take them to different spots seperately. All our instructors speak French and English.



29. Since Senegal is a muslim country, do I need to wear anything special?

You can wear whatever you want. Senegal is a very progressive muslim country, demonstrated by the younger generation who wear bikinis and drink beers on the beach.



30. What's the nightlife like in Dakar?

There is a thriving nightlife on the streets and in the nightclubs of Dakar. One can drift through the sounds of Afro Cuban Jazz towards more contemporary beats of hip-hop.
In general, Dakar is a very safe city and this includes nights out in the town.
Senegal also have a long and proud music history - even before Youssou N'Dour became world famous! You can find venues playing everything from Hip-Hop and Jazz to Blues and Reggae! It can be a bit tricky to find events online as information is mostly spread via word of mouth, so you will have to ask around. You can always ask our surf guides as they will know about any events coming up.



31. Which languages do they speak in Senegal?

The national language in Senegal is French but Wolof is spoken more widely as the level of French can depend on education. English is becoming more widely spoken every year. All of our staff can speak French and a lot of them speak english too.