A Local’s Guide to Senegal

Khadjou Sambe, 25, made history when she became Senegal’s first professional female surfer. Though she’s spent the last few years training around the world—from southern California to Sierra Leone, and Japan for the Olympics—she hails from Dakar, where she still spends much of her time training and teaching aspiring wave-riders at the Black Girls Surf camp.

This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

Describe Senegal to us.

Senegal is a beautiful country. We have a concept we call teranga, which means that when you visit, everyone will welcome you and share with you. It feels like you're part of the family. We respect where others are from, and the lives of others, and those who are older than us. We are Lebou people, who know the sea—diving, fishing, swimming, surfing—we know when the sea goes up or down without needing to look at a phone. The connection I have to my country, to the sea, the waves, the surf, and especially my village, is something extraordinary. I feel it in my heart and in my body.

We have 24 hours. Where do we go?

Visit Ile de Gorée, Lac Roses, and Ngor Village Lighthouse on Ile de Ngor. Have breakfast at La Cabane du Surfer or Dream in Ngor, lunch at La Mer à Table, dinner at Raisonnable Blue, drinks at Radisson Blu, or go eat at Chez Awa Ndione. A trendy neighborhood to explore is Ngor Almadies, or Mamelles.

Where do we go for art and music? What is exciting you now?

For art, check out Black Rock. Listen to Akon, Youssou and Viviane N’Dour, and mbalax, a local style of Afrobeat music. What excites me is surf and Black Girls Surf. For girls who do sports, Black Girls Surf supports a new generation.

When you are away, what do you miss most about your home country?

I miss the good surf, the Tabaski, Korite, and Tamkarite [festivals], the tam-tam [drum], Senegalese dishes like thiebou djeun, Yassa [chicken], and the warm water and children at the Black Girls Surf school.

Tell us a secret about your home country/city we might not know

We are friendly and welcoming people, and there are cool places to visit—especially if you want to surf. There are surf spots for all levels, and you’ll be safe in the country of teranga.

Follow Khadjou Sambe on Instagram @sambe_khadija