A few weeks ago we visited an interesting island located 20 minutes by ferry from downtown Dakar. It’s name is Ile de Goree, a busy trading center in the 18th and 19th centuries that is also famous for being a slave-shipment point. However, it is probable that very few of the 20 million slaves taken from Africa passed through Goree.

Goree is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great day-trip from Dakar. Yes, there are some tourists here, but it is also a living community. It’s a great place to wander around, as it’s beautiful, peaceful and has no cars — and no fumes!

This is the ferry that runs between Dakar and Goree. As soon as the boat pulls into Goree, dozens of boys jump into the water, swimming around the boat and trying to grab onto the hull.

Island residents meet the boat to unload goods purchased in Dakar. The man in white was not happy I was taking his picture, as I discovered later when reviewing the pics.

Monument to the eventual liberation of the slaves.

Lots of quiet roads to explore.

Life goes on as usual in the small town square. Notice the Baobab tree in the background. They have very wide trunks and are found all over Senegal.

We had lunch facing the beach.

Setting a boat out for a fishing trip.

We found this isolated spot at the southern end of Goree.

Stairs to nowhere.