Table of Contents
Introduction
Gorée Island was soo real for me. The Gorée Island for me represents one of the most powerful and painful chapters in African history. Located just off the coast of Dakar, this small island was one of the main slave-trading centres along the West African coast. In 1978, it was officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and after visiting it myself, I can see why.
As a Black woman, visiting Gorée Island hit me differently. This was a part of our history I’ve always longed to feel, see and understand with my own eyes. If you ever find yourself in Senegal, this is one place you absolutely must visit. Learning the history of the island was an emotional experience that I’ll honestly never forget.
Related Post: 5 Amazing Days: A Travel & Food Guide for Dakar Senegal
Before you go further:
- You will likely need an e-SIM card if you are travelling to Senegal. I used Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
- If you are looking for travel insurance then I would highly recommend SafetyWing which can you purchase here.
What is Gorée Island?
Gorée Island was a key stop during the transatlantic slave trade. Captured Africans were held here before being shipped to the Americas or Europe. The most haunting part? The Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves), particularly the Door of No Return, was where countless African’s passed through, never to return to the continent again.
Standing in that building… it’s hard to put into words. You can feel the sorrow, the fear they slaves must of had. And the silence holds so much weight.
What Visiting Gorée Island Taught Me
Visiting Gorée Island was deep for me. This is history that I didn’t learn in schools and you don’t just learn the history here. You feel it and see it first hand.
Ever since I decided to travel more of Africa I am seeing more and more that it is truly healing me as a Black woman. It’s the real history of our ancestors that is helping me reflect deeply. And most importantly, it’s something I hope I can share with generations to come on this platform.
Tips for Visiting Gorée Island
If you are thinking of visiting Gorée Island, I would high recommend taking the ferry from Dakar. The journey is about 20 minutes and is actually a fun experience there was praise and worship on the boat and the Senegalese people were just so friendly. I would also recommend:
- Going early to avoid the heat and crowds – we went around 9am in the morning.
- If you have a ECOWAS passport using this for the ferry. It’s cheaper.
- Get a guide they provide powerful context to what happened on the island.
- Wear comfy shoes and bring water because it’s a long day and it does get super hot.
- Don’t have to much to carry it’s a long day and it is sooo hot!
- Be emotionally prepared because it will and can get heavy.
- Book your tour here.
There are a few restaurants on the Island so you can purchase food and make it a day trip. I had plantain and fish and it was superb. Make sure to carry cash with you!
Final Views
If you’re planning a trip to Senegal, then of course Gorée Island needs to be on your itinerary. This isn’t just a tourist site it’s a space for remembrance, learning of deep history that is often ignored. If and when you go you will be truly honoring those who came before us.
I have a travel guide for this which you can find A 5-Day Travel & Food Guide for Dakar, Senegal.
Hope you learnt something today.
As always speak soon,
Adebola MBV x
