Hajj Guide: Senegal

Senegalese pilgrims register through the General Delegation for Hajj Pilgrimage (Delegation Generale au Pelerinage a la Mecque) or accredited private operators. Applicants must submit a valid Senegalese passport, medical certificate, yellow fever vaccination, meningitis vaccination, and passport photographs. The delegation coordinates visa processing with the Saudi Embassy in Dakar. Registration begins several months before Hajj season. Pre-departure health screenings and orientation are mandatory.

The General Delegation accredits private Hajj tour operators annually. The list of authorized agencies is published by the delegation and communicated through local media. Many Senegalese pilgrims organize through Sufi brotherhood (tariqa) networks, particularly the Mouride and Tijani orders, which coordinate group travel. All operators must meet delegation standards for accommodation and services.

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country (~95%) with strong Sufi traditions. French and Wolof are the primary languages — French-speaking guides are available in Saudi Arabia. Senegalese pilgrims should prepare for significantly hotter and drier conditions than Dakar's tropical climate. The CFA franc is exchanged at banks before departure. Senegal's religious brotherhoods (Mouridiyya, Tijaniyya) often organize collective Hajj delegations with dedicated spiritual leaders. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Many Senegalese follow the Maliki madhab.