Former slave island
Ile de Gorée or Goree Island is located in a natural harbour just 4 km from Dakar. Gorée is a small island with a long history. Portuguese, English, Dutch and French have all waged war over their possession. From the 15th century onwards, the island was regularly visited by gold and slave traders. At the time, the island was used as a slave depot: hundreds of thousands of slaves were brought here to America. On the island you can visit the 'Maison des Esclaves' and the historical museum, where you will get a good view of this painful time in history. The name of the island probably comes from the Dutch name 'Goede Reede'. The island was given this name at the time of the Dutch occupation. The island has a turbulent history and a visit will certainly not be forgotten soon.
