My recent trip to Senegal was an eye-opening experience. I went there with a specific goal in mind – to investigate Akon City, the $6 billion futuristic city project announced by the famous musician Akon. However, my trip turned out to be much more than that, with many unexpected twists and turns. Here’s a detailed account of my journey, with all its highs and lows.
Akon City: Is It Real or Just a Scam?
When I first heard about Akon City, I was intrigued. A futuristic city in Senegal, powered by renewable energy and designed to attract investors and tourists from all over the world – it sounded like a dream come true. However, as I started researching the project, I came across many accusations of it being a scam. Some people claimed that no construction had started, and that Akon was just using his fame to get people to invest in a non-existent project.
To find out the truth, I decided to visit Senegal and see Akon City for myself. However, when I arrived there, I found out that the project was still in its early stages, with only one building constructed. The rest of the city was just a blueprint, waiting to be realized. While I was disappointed at first, I realized that building a city from scratch takes time, money, and effort. Akon City may not be as advanced as depicted in CGI, but it’s still a work in progress, with a goal to be completed by 2026.
Challenges and Criticism Facing Akon City
Although Akon City has ambitious plans and a noble goal, it’s facing many challenges and criticism. The project’s unrealistic ambitions, financial constraints, and political instability are just some of the issues it’s facing. Moreover, many people are disappointed with its economic benefits, as Akon City was anticipated to bring jobs and revenue to the region. However, so far, it hasn’t lived up to those expectations.
Despite these challenges, I believe that Akon City has the potential to become a sustainable metropolis powered by renewable energy. Akon’s project to bring solar energy to Africa has already been successful, and I hope that Akon City will follow suit. However, it will require more than just money and resources – it will require a vision, leadership, and commitment.
The Beauty of the Africa Renaissance Monument
I was riding through Dakar, and, what did I find? A hidden gem that’s sure to take your breath away. It’s the African Renaissance Monument, a stunning 52-meter-tall bronze statue located atop one of the twin hills. As soon as I laid my eyes on it, I knew we had to explore it.
Designed by a Sagalese architect and built by a North Korean company, the African Renaissance Monument is considered part of Sagal’s prestige project aimed at heralding a new era of African Renaissance. A whopping $30 million was spent building this beauty, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny.
The monument depicts a family reaching towards the sky, with the man carrying his child on his bicep and holding his wife by the waist. And let me tell you, the view from the top of the monument is simply breathtaking. It offers a panoramic view of the whole city of Dakar, and you can even see the head of the female from up there.
But what does the building symbolize? The child symbolizes the future, with the baby pointing his finger representing the future. The mother, with her hand branding, symbolizes rootedness, and the father, muscular, represents the head of the family. The idea came from the former president, Abdullah, and the Sagalese architect, PAB, designed it.
Now, you might be wondering how they made the money back after spending so much on the monument. Well, they rely on ticket sales, just like the one we paid to enter. I don’t know the exact number of visitors they get per year, but with a metro area population of Dakar at 3.5 million, it can get pretty busy towards the close of office.
Leaving the African Renaissance Monument, we got held up in traffic, but the experience was worth it. If you ever find yourself in Dakar, make sure to check out this hidden gem that’s sure to unleash the beauty of African art and culture.
Exploring Senegal: From Goree Island to the Pink Lake
Although Akon City was my main focus, I couldn’t leave Senegal without exploring its other attractions. One of the most memorable places I visited was Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a history of slave trade. The island’s “door of no return” symbolizes the slaves’ journey to Europe or America, and it’s a powerful reminder of the horrors of slavery.
Another highlight of my trip was visiting the Pink Lake. This natural wonder is known for its high salt content and salt harvesting, and it’s a popular destination for tourists. However, I was disappointed to find out that the lake wasn’t always pink – it depends on the weather and the time of day. Nevertheless, it was still a beautiful sight to behold.
The Hottest Month in Dakar – My Personal Experience
As soon as I landed in Dakar, I could feel the dry, scorching heat of the Sahara desert engulfing me. Being a traveler who loves to explore new places, I was excited to experience the hottest month in Dakar, which is June and July. I was ready to embrace the heat and explore the city like a local.
As I stepped out of the airport, I was greeted by the intense sun and the dryness that made me feel like I was in Nigeria. The temperature was soaring up to 30°C, which was the norm for this time of the year. I could feel the dust and dryness all around me.
Despite the scorching heat, Dakar has a unique charm that makes it a must-visit destination for all travelers. With its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Dakar has a lot to offer.
However, I must admit that Dakar is not the cheapest city in Africa. In fact, it has been ranked as one of the most expensive cities on the continent. When I arrived in the city, I had to pay $50 just to get to my Airbnb, which was the cheapest option available. I later learned that many locals commute by horse to save money. If I had known this earlier, I might have ordered myself a horse too!
Despite the high cost of living, I managed to find an affordable Airbnb for just $50 a day. It was a decent place to stay for a budget traveler like me. I negotiated the price, and I was happy with the deal I got.
Language Barriers and Transportation Issues
One of the challenges I faced during my trip was the language barrier and transportation issues. While Senegal has an impressive public transportation system, with an organized train network being the most affordable option for commuting, it can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak the local language. Moreover, getting to Akon City can be a challenge, as it’s located outside the capital city of Dakar. However, with a little effort and patience, I was able to overcome these obstacles and enjoy my trip to the fullest.
Conclusion
My trip to Senegal was a mix of excitement, disappointment, and enlightenment. While Akon City may not be as advanced as I expected, it’s still a promising project that has the potential to transform Senegal and the rest of Africa. Moreover, Senegal itself is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore it. If you’re planning a trip to Senegal, I would encourage you to visit Akon City and see for yourself what the future holds.