Abene

9 december 2022

I bid farewell to my Gambian friends and headed off to the south of Senegal, the Casamance area.

Travelling across the border via Seleti

I took local shared taxis from Tanki to Birkama from where you can get a shared taxi heading towards Seleti in Senegal. The border crossing process was totally hassle free - there is an office to get the exit stamp for the Gambia and then a short drive before the office to visit for the Senegal stamp. The shared taxi then takes you to Seleti.

From Seleti, I paid for a taxi for myself and another passenger to go all the way to Abene. This is a small village in the northern Casamance, well known for its creative vibe and music festivals.

Accommodation in Abene

I stayed at the wonderful home of Regula Trutmann, a Swiss / Senegal artist; painter, sculpture and puppeteer. Her home is a labour of love - personally designed and made in the local materials. The wonderful peaceful garden displays her 3D work, many of which are a humorous take to Senegal life. She runs the guest house with her assistant Ishmail - they create a balanced dance of duties throughout each day and a relaxed easy atmosphere spreads throughout the compound which attracts short and longer staying guests and local musicians.
Rooms are 13,000CFA including breakfast. A three course, home produced vegetarian meal is 5000CFA.

I walked the back way to the beach along sandy tracks and past buildings surrounded by lush gardens. The beach was deserted.

In the evening, the wide open veranda at the front of the guest house became the meeting place for guests. Around, Regula's tasty cooking we shared stories and experiences. A very special place to be.