The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and Travel Channel Present –The Presidential Tour of Senegal

Gorée Island

Mr. Alphousseyni Diamanka and Ms. Marieme Ba prepare for filming inside the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves)

Mr. Jomo K. Bellard / Gorée Island: House of Slaves - Point of No Return

Gorée Island was the last stop for countless African men, women and children who ended up spending their lives in bondage. The House of Slaves has become a place of pilgrimage where visitors from around the world come to reflect upon the horrors of the slave-trade and remember the millions of souls who perished because of it.


Mr. Tiki Barber / Gorée Island: House of Slaves - Point of No Return

Although slavery was abolished in 1848, Goreé is still home to 39 former slave houses complete with instruments of slavery.



From the small castle, to the House of Slaves, and the orphange, each structure on the island is steeped in history. The Statue Coveles, shown above, depicts two slaves celebrating their emancipation. The slaves are standing on an African drum, embracing, with the male holding broken chains above his head as a symbol of freedom. The statue was made in 1999 by descendants of former slaves to honor their forefathers who passed through the island.

The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and Travel Channel Present- The Presidential Tour of Senegal

December 3, 2009 Gorée Island

All aboard! Home to roughly 1000 inhabitants, Gorée Island is located aproxminately 3 kilometers off the coast of Dakar and can be reached every day by a 20 minute ferry ride.

On board the President’s Gorée Island ferry: President Wade, Mr. Tiki Barber, Mr. Papa Mohamed Camara and Ms. Bernadette Paolo, Pres. & CEO of The Africa Society

A UNESCO world heritage site and one of Senegal’s most favored haunts, Gorée exudes a charming and relaxed atmosphere typical of many small tropical islands. Tiki Barber and President Wade recieve a warm reception by the people of Gorée.

On official visit, Ms. Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society, stands with President Wade and Mr. Tiki Barber in front of the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves) where past U.S. Presidents (and visitors of Gorée) Bill Clinton and George Bush once stood.

The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and Travel Channel Present –The Presidential Tour of Senegal

On Location in Dakar, Senegal November 26, 2009

Sandaga - Dakar’s Main Market

Sandaga is located at the crossroads of Lamine Gueye Avenue and Avenue Emile Badiane. The market is noisy, crowded, energetic and alive with the smells of spices and fresh ocean catches. Travelers to this market will find products of all kinds including electronics, fabrics, shoes, foods, and refreshing drinks.

Sandaga market is the largest and busiest in Dakar. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, you probably don’t really need it. Many vendors arrive early in the morning with their fabrics, handicrafts and souvenirs, often staying late into the evening.

Photo Credit – Jeff Siberry BEYOND Productions