Dakar Travel Guide (Cap Vert-Thies/Senegal/West Africa/Africa)

Introduction to Dakar

Dakar is the vibrant capital city of Senegal, located on the west coast of Africa. A bustling city known for its vibrant nightlife, colorful markets, and rich cultural heritage, Dakar is also home to beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes. Tourists flock to Dakar to experience its unique blend of African, European, and Islamic cultures, as well as to enjoy world-class food, shopping, and entertainment.

List of Places to Visit in Dakar

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, Dakar has something to offer every type of traveler. Here are some of the top attractions in Dakar:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gorée Island: Take a short ferry ride from Dakar to this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its role as a major slave trading center.
African Renaissance Monument: This giant bronze statue is the largest in Africa and commemorates Senegal’s history and culture.
IFAN Museum of African Arts: Home to one of the largest collections of African art and artifacts in the world, this museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Dakar Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in West Africa, this beautiful structure is a testament to the city’s Islamic heritage.

Natural Attractions of Dakar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pink Lake: This stunning lake gets its name from its unique pink color, caused by a type of algae. Visitors can take boat tours and even swim in the naturally salty water.
Dakar Beaches: Dakar is known for its beautiful beaches, including N’Gor Island, Yoff Beach, and Les Mamelles Beach.
Dakar Plateau: This historic neighborhood, also known as the “Old City,” features colonial architecture, narrow streets, and bustling markets.
Dakar Corniche: This scenic coastal road offers stunning views of the ocean and is home to some of Dakar’s best restaurants and bars.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dakar

Lac Rose Circuit: This challenging 30km trail takes hikers and bikers around Pink Lake and through the surrounding desert landscape.
Les Mamelles Nature Park: This park features several well-marked hiking trails, as well as stunning views of Dakar’s coastline.
African Renaissance Trail: This scenic coastal path offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Dakar’s skyline.

Best Things to Do in Dakar: Activities and Tours

Dakar by Night Tour: This tour takes visitors to some of Dakar’s top nightlife spots, including bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Ile de N’Gor Surfing Tour: Take a surfing lesson or rent a board and glide on the waves of this beautiful island beach.
Dakar Food Tour: Explore Dakar’s vibrant culinary scene through its many street food vendors, traditional restaurants, and markets.
Goree Island Day Trip: Take a ferry to Goree Island and explore its rich history and cultural significance.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dakar

Day	Activities
1	Visit the African Renaissance Monument and explore Dakar’s beaches
2	Take a ferry to Gorée Island and visit the House of Slaves museum
3	Hike or bike Les Mamelles Nature Park and the African Renaissance Trail
4	Visit the IFAN Museum of African Arts and the Dakar Grand Mosque
5	Explore the Dakar Plateau and its historic buildings and colorful markets
6	Take a day trip to Lac Rose and enjoy a boat tour and swim in the lake
7	Relax on the beaches of Dakar Corniche and enjoy the local food and drink scene

Food and Drink Scene of Dakar

Must-Try Dishes

Thieboudienne: This national dish of Senegal is a flavorful rice and fish dish served with vegetables and spices.
Yassa: A popular chicken or fish dish marinated in onions and lemon juice.
Maafe: A hearty stew made with beef or chicken, peanuts, and vegetables.
Pastels: These savory pastries are filled with fish or meat and vegetables and fried until crispy.

Local Beverages

Bissap: A refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers, sugar, and spices.
Touba Coffee: This strong coffee is brewed with spices and has a distinct taste and aroma.
Gazelle Beer: The most popular beer in Senegal, this lager is light and refreshing.

Where to Stay in Dakar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dakar offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. Some of the top options include:

Radisson Blu Hotel Dakar (luxury)
Terrou-Bi Hotel (mid-range)
Keur des Azur Hotel (budget)
Surfing Village (hostel)

What to Buy in Dakar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Traditional fabrics: Senegal is known for its colorful and intricate textiles, including the popular “wax print” fabric.
Art and handicrafts: Dakar offers a variety of artisanal products, including carvings, pottery, and jewelry.
Spices: Dakar’s markets are a great place to buy fresh spices, including those used in local dishes like thieboudienne and yassa.
Music and movies: Senegal has a rich music and film industry, and visitors can find CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records at local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Dakar

Senegal has a rich cultural heritage and traditions, including the Wolof people’s music and dance, the Islamic religious customs, and the colorful clothing and textiles. It’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques, and to ask for permission before taking photos of people or places.

Best Time to Visit Dakar

The best time to visit Dakar is between November and February, when the weather is dry and temperatures are mild. The rainy season lasts from June to October and can make travel difficult, but also offers a unique opportunity to witness the lush green landscapes and experience local festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dakar

Do:

Learn some basic French or Wolof phrases to communicate with locals.
Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs when visiting mosques.
Negotiate prices when shopping at markets or street vendors.

Don’t:

Leave your valuables unattended or walk alone at night.
Drink tap water or eat raw vegetables and fruits without peeling them.
Take photos of people or sacred places without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dakar

Dakar is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take precautions to avoid theft and pickpocketing. Avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables out of sight. Be cautious when taking taxis or public transportation, and always negotiate prices in advance.

Health in Dakar

Visitors should be up to date on their routine vaccinations, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. Malaria is also a risk in Senegal, and visitors should take measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets.

Getting to Dakar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dakar

Dakar International Airport
Blaise Diagne International Airport

Bus Stations Near Dakar

Dakar Dem Dikk Bus Station
Gare Routiere de Liberté 5

Other Options

Ferries to Gorée Island and Casamance
Shared and private taxis

How to Get Around in Dakar

Dakar’s public transportation system is limited, so visitors may want to consider renting a car or hiring a private driver. Taxis are also widely available, but negotiate prices in advance. Buses and minibusses are a cheaper option, but may be overcrowded and uncomfortable.

Where to Go Next from Dakar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Saly: This popular beach resort is just a two-hour drive from Dakar and offers a range of water sports, restaurants, and hotels.
Saint-Louis: Located on the northern coast of Senegal, this historic city was once the capital of French West Africa and is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant music scene.
Casamance: This peaceful region in southern Senegal is home to stunning beaches, lush forests, and a unique culture and cuisine.

Conclusion

Dakar is a vibrant and dynamic city, offering an unparalleled mix of history, culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to explore its rich cultural heritage, relax on its beautiful beaches, or indulge in its delicious food and drink scene, Dakar is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler. Plan your trip today and experience the best of Senegal’s capital city.