The travel seasons in Palmarin and most of Senegal is between the drier months of November through May. This time of year is characterized relatively little rainfall, lower humidity and milder temperatures. Temperatures range in the mid to high seventies during this time. The months of June through October see increased rainfall rising temperatures peaking around August through October.
Palmarin offer a unique opportunity for visitors to the area to contribute directly to the area environmental well being. Through the Bureau of Eco tourism's Palmarin Carbon Offset Program, visitors can purchase carbon offsets in the form of trees. The program offers to plant species important in combating environmental concerns facing the area such as beach erosion, fishery protection or habit rejuvenation.
[url=http://www.palmarinoffsets.org]Palmarin Carbon Offset Program[/url]
Since the designation of the Réserve Naturelle Communautaire de Palmarin in 2001, protection of the 10,430 hectares which make up the region has been a top priority for local as well as international organizations. The region is home to a plethora of fauna and flora including hyenas, jackals, as well as a wide range of resident & migrant birds, as well as ancient baobabs and critical mangrove systems.
Cultural treasures also rest in the reserve. Ancient mounds of clams shells, collected by early inhabitants of the region, dot the landscape, some up to thirty meters high. Due to the historical and archeological significance of these sites, the reserve has received a special designation from UNESCO in hopes of protecting the area.
Today, the reserve serves as both a place for animal as well as human activities. Under the surveillance of the Direction des Parcs Nationaux, some traditional uses of the land such as salt collection, farming and cattle grazing are still allowed. However, there has been a general move to utilize the pristine nature of the area primarily as an attraction for the developing local tourism industry. Such a move provides sources of alternative income for the local people and reduces the pressure to source wood for fuel or land for agriculture from within the reserve. For tours of the reserve, contact the Office of Ecotourism or the local assembly of Eco-Guards.
No visit to Senegal is complete without experiencing the sights and sounds of a traditional Sereer wrestling match, known in Sereer as Njoom. Moreover, there is no better place to witness such a spectacle than with its creators. Although today traditional wrestling in Senegal is a national phenomenon, it is rooted in Seereer tradition. This rich tradition continues to the present as nearly every Seereer village regularly holds organized tournaments and supports their own local champions.
Unlike the style of wrestling that has taken hold in the rest of Senegal with its strong emphasis on striking, combat in Sereer communities has held true to the traditional conventions. The emphasis is solely on strength and technical skill with the striking of an opponent considered illegal. The objective of each warrior is to topple his adversary, forcing him into contact with the ground with his back or both hands and knees at the same time. Winning a match lets the competitor advance to the next round and possibly the final round, where money or even livestock is rewarded to the tournament champions.
In addition to the unmistakable raw power and technical prowess of the Njoom competitors, spectators can’t help but notice the widespread use of mysticism throughout the arena. Grisgris, or good luck charms, are adorned and magic concoctions are consumed. Each warrior hopes their brand of magic, often sourced from a respected Marabou, is more powerful than that of their competitor.
Salt Evaporation Pools - You may have seen the mysterious circles that dot the landscape just east of Ngallou, each with its hue reflecting in the sun. These are the salt collection pools of Palmarin. The local population uses season floods and tidal flows to fill the pools with ocean water, then harvests the ring of salt left as the pools evaporate in the dry season. Look for a sack of locally sourced salts at your lodge or on a visit to the village.
* Hyenas Palmarin has a significant population of wild hyenas living with in the reserve. Expeditions can be arranged through accommodation providers or the Reserve de Palmarin Eco Guides. (221) 76 566 34 34
* Ancient Mounds Palmarin's ancient inhabitants built dozens of mounds, some up to forty meters high, from harvested clam shells. Some the mounds were excavated to be used as building material for roads prior to the region being designated a world heritage site by the United Nations. Many of the artifacts discovered are now located in Palmarin's Eco Museum.
Offshore Fishing in artisanal boats is available through many of the accommodation providers, local guides or the Palmarin Office of Ecotourism. Situated between the ocean and inter-coastal, the people of Palmarin have spent their lives tightly interwoven with the local waterways. Now you, too, can learn from the expertise of local fisherman in the art of artisanal fishing.
For a good appreciation of the local way of life, it’s essential to understand the local economy. The largest industry in Palmarin today is fishing, providing the local people with both food and a source of revenue. Artisanal fish transformation is still practiced in the area and is worth checking out. Look for the site on the beach North-West of Ngallou.
Kayaking - Kayak the Winding Mangroves Channels of the Palmarin Reserve. This pristine area hosts an abundant volume of wildlife. Sightings of various bird species are common including pelican, flamingo, hereon, king fishers, and weavers. More elusive species include mongoose, monkeys, and monitor lizards. Sangomar Kayak offers half day excursions with optional lunch or overnight camping. (221) 77 535 5011
* Hair Braiding - Have your hair braided by the women of Diakhanor while enjoying three cups of tea and lively discussion. (221) 77 175 42 50
* Capoeira Lessons - Enjoy the Afro-Brazilian art form of Capoeira on the beautiful beaches of Palmarin. Learn to play the Berimbau and join the Roda. (221) 77 184 01 88
* Traditional Dancing Traditional Sereer dancing is a mix of stomping and body girations usually performed amongst a circle. Dancers take turns, two or three at a time, dancing in the center of the circle for approxamitley thirty second bursts. The dancers respond to the rhythm being performed by drummers using generally jambays or tam tams.
* Bird Watching - The region of Senegambia is a bird watcher’s dream, hosting over 600 species of migratory and resident avifauna. Due to the unique convergence of coastal, estuary and forest habitat, Palmarin provides an ideal opportunity to view many of these species in a single locale.
* Artisanal Fishing - Learn to fish by site with traditional cast fishing nets. (221) 77 379 46 26