Prepare your trip

Cultural etiquette, with care.

Greetings, clothes, homes, markets and photography: connect respectfully.

A bag that follows your days

Our editorial starting point: light clothes with coverage, shoes you have already worn, sun protection, a layer for coastal wind and a protective document pouch. Adapt rain protection to the season. Keep essentials in your hand luggage. For health and personal medication, prepare with a professional and official advice suited to your circumstances.

Observe before taking a photograph

Ask before photographing someone, including in a public space. Permission to visit does not imply permission to publish portraits. At a place of remembrance such as Gorée, take time to understand what is being presented. Ask locally about entry and clothing at religious sites; these rules cannot be inferred from a photo online.

An invitation is not a tourism programme

Greet people before requesting a service and let the other person set the pace. When invited, simply ask how to join in and what is expected. Avoid turning a meal or conversation into a content session. Good preparation is not about mastering every code; it is about asking respectful questions. Learn a few words, welcome correction and stay curious.

Sources and verification
Editorial adviceLast reviewed · Last updated ·

Documentary research and editorial advice. No field visit claimed.