The wooden bridge
A long walkway over the water to the island.
Clean Heart Sn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lorddesign — CC0 · Clean Heart Sn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Clean Heart Sn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Clean Heart Sn — CC BY-SA 4.0
Fadiouth is a small island made of heaped clam shells at the end of Senegal's Petite Côte, southeast of Dakar. A long wooden bridge links it to Joal, cars do not enter, and you walk lanes paved with shells in one of the country's most distinctive villages. Accounts of its origin differ, with one linking it to the Serer settling here after leaving the Senegal River valley in the 11th century. In the colonial period Joal became one of the largest trading posts in western Senegal, with Dutch and Portuguese traders established by the late 16th century. A mission arrived in 1850. Joal is known as the birthplace of Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal's first president. Shells are used here in building and crafts too, and you see them underfoot in every lane. On another shell island lies a cemetery shared by Muslims and Christians, shaded by baobabs and reached by a second bridge. Granaries on stilts stand in the water, one of the best-known images of the place, and colourful fishing boats move between the shores. The island lies about 90.1 km from Dakar and 33.5 km from Saly in a straight line. Wear closed shoes, as the shells are sharp. At the cemetery keep quiet and dress modestly, and ask before photographing residents. Local guides may offer to accompany you, so agree a price before setting off.
A long walkway over the water to the island.
Muslims and Christians on a shell island.
Stores raised on poles in the water.
Joal-Fadiouth, Thiès Region, Senegal
No, you cross the wooden bridge on foot and walk the lanes.
Closed shoes, as the shells are sharp, and modest clothes at the cemetery.