Dakar Travel Guide

Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal and is often regarded as the cultural and commercial center of French-speaking West Africa. Dakar is often the first stop in exploring French-speaking West Africa because it has good flight connections with Western Europe. Tourism, especially business tourism, is growing in importance, stimulated by international events such as the Dakar Rally or the Contemporary Art Biennale.

Taxi rides from the airport to the centre of Dakar are around CFA20,000, negotiated with taxi drivers. Insist on using the toll motorway (autoroute à payage), you will be expected to pay the toll, as it will save a lot of time during the day, and the local roads are unsafe at night.

Opened in 2023, the 18 kmSunu BRTline runs through central Dakar from the Grand Mosque to the Corniche. Unlike the chaotic regular bus system, the train-like BRT has stations and dedicated lanes. Tickets have to be purchased before you get on board and cost 400 or 500 CFA depending on distance.

Petty crime in Dakar is relatively high; crime against tourists is common, even around Place de l'Indépendance. Use common sense: women should not walk around alone after dark. Watch your pockets in crowded places, such as Sandaga, and keep a close eye on your belongings. There are many different scams to get money from tourists, so be wary. The favourites such as "I work at your hotel and have run out of fuel, please can I borrow €10", etc. are common, so don't be fooled.

There is a wide selection of hotels, from the basic to the best 4 star chains. Many first time visitors stay at the expensive Meridien. There are, however, some good and reasonably priced places to stay.