Ziguinchor travel guide

Ziguinchor (from Portuguese Cheguei e choram, "I came and they cry") is the capital of the Casamance region of Senegal, lying on the Casamance River. It has a population of over 200,000 (2002 census). It was founded by the Portuguese in 1645.
According to some unverified sources, Ziguinchor's name and meaning comes from the time when Portuguese traders and explorers came to the region to form a trading post. The natives started crying, thinking they were to be enslaved. It is a cargo port and a ferry port. The Nationale 4 bridges the Casamance River here with Bignona about 25km to the north. The MV Joola, which sank in 2002, was sailing from Ziguinchor to Dakar. Facilities in the town include markets, a cathedral and an airport. It is also home to a large peanut oil factory. A vibrant tourist destination, Ziguinchor is also known for growing great quantities of rice, oranges, mangoes, bananas, cashews, tropical fruits and vegetables, fish, prawns..etc.
Labelled the most cosmopolite city in Senegal, Ziguinchor is a melting pot of all the ethnic groups co-existing in Senegal: Manding, Diola, Wolof, Peul/Hal Pulaar, Mancagne, Manjack, Soninke, Serer, Bainounck, Creole/Gourmet etc.
Ziguinchor is the birth place of some famous Senegalese writers and filmakers (Sembene Ousmane), artists (Doura Mane, Bouly Sonko, Ousmane Sow Huchard "Soleya Mama", the Tourekunda brothers etc), sports men (Jules Francois Bocande, Bassirou NDiaye, Lansana Coly etc). In 1992 Ziguinchor was one of the city-hosts of the Africa Nations' Cup. The city Sports and Arts Associations conceived for the first time the concept of having specific suburbs barracking for a particular national team in order to give a vibrant and joyful atmosphere to the Football tournament that saw Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia, Egypt, Congo play the first half of the Championship in that city. (...) more....

travel guide by edit this text

Latest Reviews for Ziguinchor

Have you been here? Write a quick review:

 You are currently not logged in. Login or register to write a review.