Men greeting Men – A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting.  Handshakes tend to linger a bit and it common for two men to continue holding/shaking hands through out the conversation.

Women greeting Women - Verbal greetings tend to be the norm.  A handshake with the right hand is generally acceptable as well.  Handshakes tend to linger a bit and it common for two men to continue holding/shaking hands through out the conversation.

Greetings between Men  Women – Verbal greetings are the norm.  A handshake with the right hand is generally acceptable as well in business and certain formal situations.  It is best to allow the woman to initiate a handshake, if at all.

Note: Greetings are very important in and consist of a lengthy exchange of questions regarding your health, the well-being of your family and general pleasantries.  Sometimes it may sound like a broken recording as the same greeting is repeated each time you meet someone.  Simple greetings may go on for 10 minutes or more.  Always use the right hand. 

There is a minority of Senegalese, called “Ibado,” who are very strict Muslims and who can not touch those of the opposite sex.  In this case, a verbal greeting will suffice.