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Tourist guide: what to do and see in Dakar
A touch of French style in the desert.
A visit to the dynamic capital of Senegal, located on the Cape Verde peninsula, is a must. Today the city offers a wide range of activities for all tastes, but until 1848 it was the main centre of the slave trade headed for the Americas. Don't miss the moving African Renaissance Monument, dedicated to the continent's liberation from slavery and colonialism, built in 2010. Beaches, fine dining, art galleries... you have plenty to choose from, and by all means dive into the colourful markets: Kermel is one of the key sights of Dakar. Don't forget to bargain!
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
La Medina
In the south of Dakar, this neighbourhood off the tourist track is the place to go to see the real rhythm of local life.
Where the many of the locals live.
In many ways the streets of the city's oldest neighbourhood, quite a bit off the tourist track (occupying a good chunk of Dakar's southern zone, bounded by Avénue Blaise Diagne and the Boulevards General de Gaule and Gueule Tapée, near the Grand Mosque), Medina perhaps most embodies its essence. Along these narrow streets you'll see real Dakar life. Take a stroll through here and you'll find plenty of of colourful façades, street stalls, open-air kitchens, and a share of ruined buildings. But without a doubt what you'll find most engaging is the locals - the people-watching is absolutely riveting.
Water sports
Who knew? Turns out Senegal is one of the world's coolest places to get wet, from kick-arse kitesurfing to dramatic diving.
An aquatic smorgasbord off some of the world's best beaches.
As Senegal has some of the world's best beaches, it has also developed a water sports scene that offers just about anything you could want. Kitesurfing in particular has become very popular in recent years and is common on most local beaches, as are all other forms of surfing. People also like to rent canoes and kayaks for a scenic paddle along the coast. Under the waves, snorkeling and diving (both freediving and tank diving) are also a big deal, because areas like N'Gor Island, the beaches around Yoff and outside the city of Thiès offer large zones of clear water with rocky bottoms where you can see some spectacular submarine Senegalese scenery indeed.
Visiting the city of Thiès
Dive deeper into Senegal society and culture with a visit to a city where you can also work in some great shopping and beach time!
Daytrip to a city of handicrafts and beaches.
One of the main claims to fame of Senegal's third-largest city, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from Dakar, is as a rail depot linking the capital, Mali's capital Bamako, and the northern Senegalese city of Saint Louis. Thiès underwent particularly rapid development during the second half of the 20th century, and these days it's especially well known for its handicrafts in general and fabrics in particular; in fact, you'll want to make a point of visiting one of its well-known tapestry workshops, the Manufactures Senégalaises des Arts Decoratifs. The great outdoors is an attraction here, too, with marvelous nearby white-sand beaches for surfing, snorkeling or just sunning/splashing around; in recent years it's also become quite the thing to rent small sailboat for a cruise along the nearby coast (try to time it to include one of the spectacular local sunsets).
Soumbe-Dionne Artisan Village
On the outskirts of Dakar, a craft village where you can shop high-quality Senegalese artisanry, then go to the beach!
Handicrafts a-go-go!
In the Fann Corniche neighbourhood of the port and beach area on Dakar's outskirts, the craft village of Soumbe-Dionne is made up of artisans from throughout the country who sell their wares in the streets. They work in wood, leather, ordinary and precious metals, cloth, producing objects large and small, including traditional garb, furniture, jewelry and body adornments of all kinds, and traditional-style art. You're sure to find a lovely item or three to take home with you! And as a bonus, you can pop over to one of the gorgeous nearby beaches for a spot of sun and surf.
SenegalStyle outfitter
From Dakar art gallery crawls to going nose-to-horn with white rhinos in Bandia, this outfitter delivers the essence of Senegal.
A great one-stop shop for Senegal touring and adventure.
Ready for a little adventure? The perfect local outfit to help is SenegalStyle, which has been introducing visitors to cultural and adventure activities throughout the country for a number of years, covering pretty much all the bases - Gorée Island, drumming classes, surfing, beaches, horseback riding, Bandia Reserve wildlife, art galleries, music, and more. Tours can be arranged individually or in groups. We'd recommend the guided options but they'll also simply rent you wheels at good rates so you can get around on your own (motor scooters or cars with or without drivers). Also for rent is a variety of sports equipment. All in all, it's a pretty great one-stop shop for getting a good handle on Dakar and Senegal!
Bandia Nature Reserve
Where the wild things are - a fabulous day trip full of wildlife viewing, capped off by a meal at the edge of a watering hole.
Game for a game park?
If you have time for a day trip, this wildlife reserve 64 kilometres (40 miles) southwest of Dakar is well worth your time. For all the culture and history Dakar has to offer, among Senegal's and Africa's greatest treasures are its flora and fauna, and innumerable species roam Bandia's 3,500 hectares (14 square miles), including white rhinoceros, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, monkeys, and much more. You can hire a tour from the capital or drive yourself and pick up a guide out at the reserve. We'd advise getting as early a start as possible, as most animals are more active during the early-morning hours. Then before leaving you can enjoy a bite to eat at the funky thatch-roofed restaurant at the edge of a watering hole.
Boubous
Handmade, colourful, very reflective of local folklore - a truly excellent memento of your visit.
Traditional Senegalese robes.
Senegalese robes called boubous are among the most typical items and one of the most meaningful souvenirs you can pick up in Dakar. The best of these are even considered high fashion; they're usually handmade, with very vivid colours (blue often predominating) and decorated with motifs of Senegalese folklore, usually in gold. You can find them all over town, but we'd especially recommend a boutique called Line Senghor, in the commercial area of the city. It's a very popular place to find the best fabrics, local garb, and hand-embroidered boubous. It's not expensive (keeping in mind that Dakar is quite cheap in general), and well worth a browse through its lovely, colourful wares.
Pointe des Almedies
Africa's westernmost point is home to Senegal's most popular beach resort area.
A beach-fringed peninsula near Dakar that's a holiday paradise.
About a half hour's drive from Dakar, Pointe des Almadies on Cap-Vert (Green Cape) is the westernmost point of the African continent, and perhaps Senegal's best known and most popular holiday destination because of its combination of proximity to the capital and endless swathes of lovely white-sand beaches and surf. Out here there are no big cliffs; instead you its highest points are a pair of conical hills known as the Deux Mamelles. From here, 105 metres (344 feet) up, you can get sweeping views over the Atlantic, the beaches below, and the city of Dakar, as well as the nearby lighthouse that first tells ships crossing the Atlantic that they have arrived in Africa.
Place de l'Independence
The heart of downtown, a mix of old and new, and a reference point to which you'll inevitably find yourself returning.
Dakar's ground zero.
With its mix of colonial-era and modern buildings, Independence Square is the Senegalese capital's epicentre and heart, as well as its actual geographic centre, with the city's main streets radiating out from its corners. To one side is Avénue Roume, to the other Avénue Pompidou, which leads to Sandaga Market, another of the city's well-known marketplaces. Along Pompidou itself you'll find quite a few bars as well as shops selling typical products and street peddlers (as in fact is also true on most Dakar streets). Also radiating from this square is Avénue Albert Sarraut, where you'll find Kermel Market, one of the most visited places in the city by both tourists and locals, where you'll find everything from crafts to meat, fish, and produce.
Yoff Beach
Interesting, attractive and accessible beach. Of course, so many qualities make it usually crowded!
White sand.
One of Senegal's main claims are its huge white sand beaches. Kilometers and kilometers of sand and Atlantic water are the limit of the Senegalese coast. Yoff beach is one of the most popular and attractive beaches. It is located on the Dakar coast which makes it a very accessible place. The least positive part is that it is usually a very crowded place. From here you can contemplate not only the city of Dakar but all the surroundings and one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. In addition, on the beach itself, there are usually numerous shows of Senegalese wrestling, music and dance from the area, as well as all the water sports you can imagine. It is common to practice kite surfing on this coast. Be that as it may, sit on the sand when it starts to get dark and you will see one of the most beautiful sunsets.
A slum tour of Pikine
One of Africa's most densely populated slums is quite a reality check, yet its residents are surprisingly welcoming.
Settled by Dakarites evicted by urban redevelopment, it's gritty yet also inspiring.
Senegal is of course a society of great contrasts - dynamic and culturally rich, yet also undeveloped, poor, and chronically mired in political crisis. One symptom of this, dating back to before independence, is the city of Pikine, just east of Dakar - established in 1952 to house Dakar residents displaced by urban redevelopment. Today it's Senegal's (and pretty much Africa's) most densely populated slum, and its denizens are known as déguerpis, referring to the fact that they (or rather, their grandparents) were summarily evicted from their original dwellings. It's kind of like visiting a favela in Rio de Janeiro or a township in Cape Town - a gritty reminder of today's reality. Yet at the same time, it's also moving and inspiring to see that despite their hardships, local residents are able to greet visitors with kindness and generosity.
Petite Côte
Away from the big city, explore another side of Senegal, from its castaway beaches to small towns and tribal villages.
South of Dakar, a region of pristine beaches, jungles, and delightfully authentic villages.
Beginning 80 kilometres (48 miles) south of Dakar, the Petite Côte region runs along a long stretch of beaches down to the mouth of the Saloum River, and offers a fascinating microcosm of Senegal - not just pristine sands but lush jungles as well as the towns of Toubab Dialao and Popenguine where you can get a glimpse of small-town life. And along the edges of the area you'll also have a chance to learn firsthand about some of Senegal's tribal cultures in the villages of Saly and M'Bour, descendants of the first settlers of this area. These folks are happy to welcome you and show you their way of life (just be sure to bring along an appropriate token of your thanks for the end of the visit!).
Bassari Country/Southeastern Senegal
Along the ancient caravan route to Timbuktu, visit animist tribes and spot lions and rhinos in a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region where myths and legends still live.
Traditional peoples and stunning safaris
Centuries ago caravan trails snaked their way across this wild land, their destination the fabled city of Timbuktu, in today's Mali. And to this day, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region of southeast Senegal remains largely the preserve of the animist tribal Bassari, as well as the Bedik, Malenke, and Coniagui. Through peoples such as these the legends of Senegal's deepest traditions live on, such as the children of the chameleon, the stone village, and the children of Dakalaba. Also fascinating in this region is the village of Dindefelo, near which you can go on safari in Niokolo-Koba Nature Reserve to see impressive wildlife. This will be an unforgettable anthropological, sociological, and ecological expedition the likes of which you may never have experienced.
Armed Forces Museum
A fascinating stop for military buffs as well as those looking for more insight into Senegalese history.
Military history on a continent of military coups.
Military history buffs will of course be in their element here at 75 Boulevard de la République. Inside you'll find an overview of Senegal history from a military perspective - which is especially instructive because Senegal has been unusually successful in Africa in staying free of military rule. There are three sections to the museum: the documents section; the area displaying the accoutrements of war including arms and uniforms; and a third dedicated to the subject of the tiralleurs, the Senegalese infantrymen recruited to fight for the French in wars from the 1850s through World War II.
Dakar Museum of History.
A crucial visit for a basic grounding in the history of Senegal and West Africa.
A key part of the local museum circuit.
This small, must-visit museum occupies a fortification dating back to the 19th century, and today it's an important part of the museum circuit featuring Gorée Island. The displays here take you from the Palaeolithic era to present day in a very visual and focused way, with of course much of the emphasis falling on the colonial era and the slave trade. This section, the most popular part of the museum, goes into some detail about the impact the institution and the trade had on the region's development.
Museum of the Sea
Here the focus is on Dakar's fishing traditions and the marine environment.
Another worthwhile visit on Gorée Island.
This city is inextricably linked to the sea, especially its iconic fishing industry (as you can easily tell by visiting anywhere along its shores and port areas). That's why you'll want to make time during your visit to the island of Gorée for this modest museum in a humble 19th-century house, easy to find on this small island. The displays here aim to educate both about Dakar's maritime and fishing traditions and about the marine environment itself, as well as the importance of marine conservation, through documentation in the form of photos, documentaries, books, and more.
Henriette Bathily Women's Museum
Often overlooked, but come in for a look at how women have been the bedrock of Senegal's history and society.
Yet another worthwhile Gorée Island museum.
Ever in the shadow of its more celebrated neighbour, the Slave Museum, this two-storey 18th-century dwelling housing exhibits documenting the role of women in Senegal all too often gets passed by. Please make the time. Females have played a key part in social relations with the colonizers since the colonial era, as well as later in the struggle for independence. All throughout, women in Senegal have been instrumental in building and holding together this society - some would say as much or more so than men. Each room, as one gives way to the other, shows different aspects of this role and this development, and it's a fascinating story indeed.
African Renaissance Monument
Meant to pay homage to the African continent, this 49 metres (160 feet) of bronze has instead attracted little but criticism.
A huge, bombastic "statue of discord."
Located in the outlying slum of Ouakam, this gigantic monument has also been dubbed known "the statue of discord." A 49-metre (160-foot) bronze statue atop a hill twice that height, it was inaugurated in 2010 and, despite aspiring to be a symbol for freedom and rebirth for the continent of Africa, it has been more condemned than celebrated. For one thing, the people of Africa - and Senegal in particular - criticised the fortune spent on its construction (some $40 million) while many of the continent's people continue to starve. Moreover, the vast majority of Senegalese people are Muslim, and many have been offended by giant depiction of a scantily attired woman. Finally, few understood why a symbol of African freedom had to be built by South Korea and not by Africans. It is clear that this is one of the least popular and most controversial symbols of the African continent.
Ouakam Mosque
Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, the pretty setting and the coming and going of fishing boats will soothe you.
A peaceful beachfront respite.
Despite the fact that a visit to the outlying Ouakam district will lead you inevitably to the African Renaissance Monument, it's also worth checking out the area along the coast to the south, where you'll find a unique spot that's not as well known but well worth your time. The mosque that has presided over the beach in this residential sector since 1997 is a peaceful place to escape the bustle of downtown. After you visit the mosque, head down to the sands to watch the little fishing boats come and go. It's the kind of very typical local scene that will draw you into the rhythm of Dakar life.
Sandaga Market
A downtown food and household goods market that's a fascinating window into Senegalese life and character.
A vibrant market scene that doesn't get more typically Senegalese.
Dakar residents come from all over the city to the downtown core between Avénues Pompidou and Lamine Gueye to do their household shopping at this venerable market where generations past have jostled and bargained, day in and day out. You're certainly welcome to make your own purchases, and there are indeed some memento-worthy handicrafts and antiques mixed in with the produce, meats, and everyday household products and appliances for sale. But the greater reason so come to the Marché Sandaga is to witness a typically Senegalese experience, right down to the national custom of bargaining every last price. It's a vibrant, colourful scene that's sure to keep your camera (or cameraphone) plenty busy - and it's also a great spot to have a taste of one of Senegal's star dishes, thiéboudienne.
Soumbédioune fish market
Fishing is one of the motors that makes Dakar run, and this is a nerve centre that's fascinating to observe.
The city's top fish market is key to its maritime traditions.
Visiting this fish market on the Route de la Corniche Ouest southwest of Medina, is more than just about sea creatures themselves; it really goes to the heart of one of this city's main activities: fishing as a way of life. Try to come in the late afternoon around 5 pm to see the bustle of the fishermen arrived from the sea and negotiating with the fishmongers. Among the dozens of boats resting on the beach, the smell of the sea and fish stalls, for a moment you can partake of this city's great tradition. And it goes without saying that this is one of the top spots in town to buy fish just hauled from the deep blue - as any of the many local customers milling about here will readily tell you.
Kermel Market
Come here for a a look at an important part of day-to-day life in Dakar - including some aspects that are not for the squeamish.
One of Dakar's most important public markets.
As we've mentioned elsewhere, there's not much in the way of shopping streets in Dakar - here it's all about street markets and covered markets, like this one, Kermel, one of the city's most important. Located next to a brightly-coloured colonial-era building at the end of the Avénue Albert Sarraut, on the opposite side of the Place de l'Independence, you'll know you're in the right place when you see all the crowds. You can find all kinds of merchandise here (including some crafts), but it's most popular for foodstuffs such as fresh fish, beef, and produces. In fact, it's not uncommon to see cattle butchered right on the premises to show how fresh the meat is - which can be a little overwhelming for the squeamish. Nonetheless, it's par for the course for day-to-day life in Dakar.
HLM Market
Lots of typical Senegalese clothing, fabrics, and crafts, all with a festive atmosphere including music and dance. Don't miss it.
A festive, colourful street market well worth your time.
In contrast to Kermel Market, HLM is a street market full of bright colours, music, and dancing. It specialises in fabrics and in traditional Senegalese garb, although you can also find a lot of crafts, musical instruments, and various other things. Tailors come here to display their best fabrics in all possible hues and patterns, and you can have typical Senegalese ensembles made to measure on the spot (though only the more basic ones). In any case, a visit to this market will give you a good look at a very typical side of Dakar - people coming and going, roving street vendors, and above all, lots of bargaining and haggling between buyers trying to sound doubtful and sellers insisting they couldn't possibly drop their prices for a single franc less...
Colobane Market
Lots of quirky items and crafts, sure to yield a charming souvenir or two. And such local colour!
A bit out of the city centre but well worth a taxi ride.
Unlike most of Dakar's other markets, Colobane is located on the outskirts of the urban centre, about 20 minutes from downtown. The best way to get out here from wherever you may be is to take a taxi - fares are cheap as well as negotiable, and it's a good way to to have a look around the capital's outlying areas. In fact, you could could even take advantage of the trip to settle on a price with the driver for a little sightseeing tour through the city while you're at it. Taxi drivers here are known to be affable and chatty, and even if your French is not parfait, they will gamely do their best to tell you what they know about their hometown. Anyhow, Colobane Market is jam-packed with stalls full of clothing, crafts, and secondhand merchandise, where you might dig up anything from an antique kettle to a tapestry with folkloric motifs. All rather charming, actually, and a good bet for an interesting souvenir or two.
The fishermen of Soumbédioune
Come out here around sunset to get a look and feel for an area that goes to the heart of what Dakar is all about.
Experiencing the soul of Dakar.
To really get a true picture of Dakar and feel its throbbing pulse, you'll need to check out its ports, because life here is strongly linked to fishing and the sea, and so witnessing the coming and going of boats is almost like seeing a living organism in action. One of the most best places to capture this experience is the Soumbédioune, crossed by the Route de la Corniche Ouest. If you can, try to get out here around sunset, which is not just more scenic but is also when the bay is full of fishermen returning from their day's work. Even so, you'll be able to spot all kinds of boats on the beach at any time of day - a sight which perfectly captures this city. To top off this outing, stop off at its craft market, one of the most locally popular ones, and always worth a look.
L'Interrogant
Excellent local cuisine at very reasonable prices. Try the maffé.
A local dining favourite for a good reason.
A popular staple of the Plateau neighbourhood in south Dakar between Medina and the IFAN Museum, it's often packed with locals as much as foreigners thanks both to its value for money and the quality of the regional dishes it serves. Probably the speciality of the house would have to be maffé, a dish based on meat, rice and peanut sauce that's originally from neighbouring Mali but has become one of the favouriste dishes of the Senegalese.
Ancient, artsy Toubab Dialao
Perched atop a sea cliff, Senegal's oldest village offers stunning sunsets and a vibrant cultural scene.
South of Dakar, a very old fishing village with a newly artsy vibe.
An ancient fishing village south of Petite Côte and 55 kilometres (34 miles) from Dakar, Toubab Dialao (also sometimes spelled Toubab Dialaw) dates back centuries - and in fact is thought to be one of the first permanent human settlements in the territory which is now Senegal. Perched over a secluded cove atop rocky reddish cliffs, it offers among other things one of the most spectacular sunsets we've ever seen. Other highlights include the École des Sables (School of the Sands), an African dance centre as well as another arts centre, the Espace Sobo Badé with an architecture that's almost Gaudí-esque. A special little town indeed!
Lagon 1
Nautical flair, delectable seafood, and inspiring sea views - what's not to like?
A splendid terrace restaurant over the water.
It's easy to fall in love with this city's waterfront - and this marvelous spot may well en up playing a role in that. On Route de la Corniche a few steps east of Place de l'Independence, it's a hotel dining terrace, open for lunch and dinner, that reaches out several metres over the sea. Decor both inside and out has a nautical feel, and as you would expect, the international menu is heavy on seafood (you can't go wrong with the fresh fish of the day).
La Pointe Nord
This place exudes humility and tradition. Its homemade food and its cozy dining room will win you over.
Far from the center.
Coming here is leaving the city and tourists behind to delve into the authentic Senegal. To do so, you will have to move a little away from the center towards Avenue Jean Merroz in the north of the city. As you get closer, you will notice that the buildings and abundant stalls full of people are replaced by small white houses and few passers-by. Coming here means getting to know life outside the city center, in a quieter and more relaxed neighborhood. In keeping with this context, this restaurant is an example of humility and tradition. Upon entering you will see a few tables spread out in a dining room that is not very large but extremely cozy. The decoration, authentic and characteristic of the region, will serve as an accompaniment to a menu full of traditional Senegalese food prepared completely at home.
Place de l'Independence
Dakar's most important square is architecturally eclectic.
Independence Square, the heart of the city.
The nerve center and ground zero of Dakar, lo encuentras caminando prácticamente en el extremo sur, por donde se reparten algunos de los puntos más característicos de la capital. Named thusly after Senegal's independence from France in 1960, it's also one of the city's more eclectic areas, as you'll see historic colonial buildings such as the Chamber of Commerce or Government Palace alongside more modern structures. From here you can start any way to the main avenues to Medina, the presidential palace and the main railway station.
Senegalese music in public and in shops
You'll hear music all over the city, and there are a number of places to buy local recordings as well, from well-known music shops to street markets.
Some of Africa's best, and best-known music makes a great souvenir.
As you'll soon figure out from being here, music permeates all corners of Dakar, including street musicians playing in the streets, markets, parks, at bus stops, and sidewalk cafés. It's especially common to find yourself serenaded by a live soundtrack every time you approach one of the city's well-known markets. In the markets themselves, musical instruments are part of the merchandise, as are pop music records and CDs. If you're interested in browsing these kinds of tunes, we'd recommend the market down at the port on the Boulevard de la Libération, where you'll find plenty of merchants selling local recordings. There are also several local shops such as Radio Africaine on Avénue Jean Jaurès, with music from all over Africa; Disco Parade on Avénue Pompidou (one of Dakar's busiest streets); and Disquerie on Avénue Lamine Gueye Avenue.
The Grand Mosque
An impressive, half-century-old oasis of peace.
The country's top temple of its majority religion.
This Moroccan-influenced building stands is both a great cultural presence and an oasis of calm. You can approach it at a quiet end of a stroll through Médina, which begins to its north. Despite being of relatively recent vintage, dating from just 1964, it's the country's most important religious building, functioning in addition to a house of prayer as a place where Islamic doctrine is taught. After having a look at the white exterior and double minarets, by all means go inside (unless it's Friday, during Muslim prayers). From here, you can walk to the railway station via the Avénue Faidherbe.
Surfing/Kitesurfing near Dakar
It's Baywatch, African-style, as some of Africa's best beaches offer some of the world's best surfing - with kitesurfing in particular on the, er, upswing.
Some of the world's gnarliest waves, right here in Senegal!
You'll soon find that Senegal's beaches of are one of the country's top treasures - paradisiacal powdery sands stretching some 350 miles along the coasts. Fishing, surfing, diving, and many other watery pursuits have been going on for years, but especially of late watersports have been booming like never before, and one sport above all - kitesurfing. One area that has become a kitesurf mecca is Pointe des Almadies, a half hour from Dakar. Along beaches like Yoff (better known as the Yoff Beach Breaks), Monsieur “Ice” Beach, and N'gaparou (aka Ebony Beach) you can find various outfits that rent equipment and offer instruction (many of the local hotels will do the same). The surfing is so gnarly hereabouts that many of the sport's top figures show up regularly to practice and compete.
just4u. Senegalese food with live performances
African chords to the rhythm of jazz in a place that also offers great quality in its dishes.
Music & gastronomy.
Sooner or later it is discovered that music is part of this city. Here, jazz lovers have a true place of pilgrimage, since one of its strengths is the mixture of the genre with traditional African music. Among all the options, this restaurant on Cheikh Anta Diop Avenue is one of the favorites to listen to music accompanied by quality cuisine. It is ideal to come for dinner, since the atmosphere lends itself to turning it into an evening like no other. When you read the menu you will see that everything is traditional dishes. If you can't decide, the safe option is fish, both in small bites or portions and in whole pieces. You should also know that among the possible performances that can accompany you, it is quite common for any important figure in the current jazz scene to pass through the stage.
N'Gor Island
A popular getaway for Dakar city slickers, this laid-back island boasts a charming fishing village and bodacious beaches.
Right off Dakar, a tiny island treasure.
Gorée isn't the only island very near Dakar worth visiting. Just off the north coast of the city is one of Senegal's loveliest little under-the-radar treasures, with a little fishing village (one of the country's oldest), several fantastic beaches, and a surf camp. To get out to Île N'Gor from the city, you need to catch a ride with one of the boatmen who ferry locals back and forth. One of the beaches, Plage N'Gor, is one of the most popular in the country, where you can either laze on the sand and check out the wildlife ambling around, or engage in more active pursuits such as fishing, diving, paddleboating, surfing, and more. There are also good restaurants and places to spend the night. Charmant!
Karabane Island
Step into the past on this unspoiled island, with no cars and ravishing beaches.
An extraordinary island way down on Senegal's southernmost coast.
Here's another very worthwhile excursion southward from Dakar (so far southward, in fact, that it's down in the deep south of the country below Gambia, which slices through much of Senegal's midsection). Karabane Island is one of the most impressive and important places on the Senegalese coast, part of a delta at the mouth of the Casamance River, which has given rise to a multitude of enclaves and villages. Now this jungled 52 square kilometres (22 square miles) of thatched huts, no cars, and ravishing beaches is increasingly opening up to tourism, letting visitors appreciate local nature, beaches, and society. There are various connections from Dakar. Highly recommended if you can spare the time.
Gorée Island
Still grey and bleak, Gorée Island's museum and empty cells bear witness to the terrible history of the African slave trade.
Senegal's world-famous "Slave Island" an emotional place to visit.
There are some iconic places in the world that evoke deep emotional reactions. Auschwitz is one, and this speck of land off the south shore of Dakar is another. Also known as the "slave island," until 1807 Gorée was used as a barracks, processing centre, and shipment point for human chattel destined for transport across the world, particularly the Americas, through the famous "doorway of no return." The atmosphere here is still grey and bleak, even though the former House of Slaves and other facilities here are used today only as a museum and monument to this terrible trade and institution of the past. Here you can see exhibitions as well as inspect the cells that held thousands of unfortunates over the course of more than a century - as have world figures such as Pope John Paul II, U.S. president Barack Obama, and Nelson Mandela.
IFAN Museum of African Arts
A white building downtown that houses a key collection of Senegalese traditional art.
The richness of Senegal's tribal heritage.
The white building behind the palms across from the central fountain and the National Assembly Building at Soweto Square puts you in touch with the more tribal face of West African culture. The permanent collection here holds some 300 objects, the most striking and characteristic of which are the tribal masks from all parts of this corner of the continent. There's much more besides, from drums to figures and other rutual and artistic objects. Temporary exhbitions regularly supplement these displays, and all of it will leave you with striking and memorable images of this country's cultural heritage.
Senegalese cuisine
One of Africa's favourite cuisines brings a mix of cross-cultural influences, including French.
Exotic and tasty
As in Europe, there are great variations within African cuisine, and the gastronomy of Senegalese is one of the continent's most appealing and popular. Benefiting from some exotic local ingredients and spices, it's brings a mix of West African, North African, and French influences. On the protein side, much of it is based on chicken and fish (pork being rare in a Muslim country), and we'd suggest three dishes especially worth looking out for. Chicken yassa is marinated with local spices then simmered in lemon juice with onion, garlic, and mustard. Thiéboudienne is a very popular, tomatoey fish and rice dish. Also popular is maffe, meat or fish in tomato-and-peanut sauce. A good place to try all the above and more is Chez Loutcha, downtown at 101 Rue Mousse Diop, next to Place de l'Independence.
Le Manège Gallery
Housed in a historic armoury but looking to the future, with the mission of promoting national art as well as cultural exchange with France.
Centre of Dakar's avant-garde.
Just east of Place de l'Independence, a gallery housed in a 19th-century armoury (manège) has become the latest venue of choice for up-and-coming art on the cultural scene that has boomed in Dakar in the years since independence. Since 2005, the gallery has set two main objectives: to preserve and disseminate Senegalese art, and promote cultural dialogue with former coloniser France, from which it inherited a considerable artistic legacy. Its nearly 300 square metres (3,230 square feet) is largely devoted to rotating exhibitions, so before going you may want to check the Institut Français website first to see what's on: www.ifdakar.org/-Galerie-Le-Manege-Dakar.
Guis Guis Gallery
There's a lot of art to be found in Dakar these days, but the difference here boils down to one word: sand.
Art that's strikingly original, and you'll see why.
This modest gallery in the west of Dakar (look for Avévue Bourguiba, then ask anyone for the the Galérie Guis Guis, it's well known) is about as authentic and original as it gets hereabouts. It's also unusual because of the medium used to create the art here: sand, applied in different shadings, tones, and gradations to create amazing images of the city and country. Though it's a small space, you could easily find yourself lingering for quite a while over these impressive works. To see how they're created, you're welcome to watch the artisans at work in the second-floor workshop. There's a lot of art to be found in this city, but this is sui generis.
Galerie d'Art
One of the best places to experience Senegal's artistic richness.
A large and diverse gallery.
One of the principal galleries promoting Senegalese art is a great place to lose yourself for short time or several hours, depending on your interest. This gallery has a huge number of pieces which you can either examine in depth or use as a quick study on Senegalese art. And it's a diverse collection indeed, including furniture, paintings, weaving, photography, jewelry, wood crafts, which provides invaluable insights into this country and its cultural traditions.
Monument to the Senegalese Fallen
As a colony of France, Senegal took part in its wars, and this statue tells an interesting tale of World War II.
A little known episode of colonial history.
It's likely that the history of Senegal will be unfamiliar to you, but one chapter of the later colonial era is commemorated by a statue of two Senegalese soldiers at the entrance to the Dakar-Niger railway station. You'll notice that they're not depicted in a warlike pose but just the opposite, holding flowers aloft. It represents the pacifist spirit of Senegal, whose young men were sent to fight in the Second World War, often without any training. This statue commememorate the fallen of that conflict, known as tirailleurs, who died without firing a shot.
Dakar Railway Station
The antique French colonial railway station is still chugging along nicely.
A blast from the railway past.
Dakar's main railway station - which you'll almost inevitably come across if you're exploring the city on foot - is more than a land transportation hub, it’s also a veritable trip back to colonial times. After a good look and some photos of the outside, head on in, where on top of the usual Dakar hustle and bustle you'll find an equally antiquated interior and trains connecting to nearby cities, but which nonetheless all work perfectly fine. From the station you then have just a little way to walk toward Independence Square, and it's also a great place to start a stroll to the port to the southwest.
The port of Dakar
Pretty and ugly. One of the most unknown places in Senegal deserves a full-fledged tour.
The port of contrasts.
The port of Dakar mixes the racking of being one of the country's main sources of subsistence with the degradation of not having the necessary resources for its maintenance. In this way there is a beautiful, coastal and very attractive part and another part in which so many ships in ruins from so many eras are mixed together that make it an authentic ship cemetery. Be that as it may, it is an unprecedented and necessary place to understand life in Senegal. Hundreds of boats leave every day from here to go to sea and on their return it becomes a food market. In Senegal, everything is bought and sold on the go. At sunset, a multitude of exotic bird species come here, as the ruins of abandoned ships become the perfect place to nest and seek sustenance. After all, tomorrow will be another day in port.
Presidential Palace
The residence of the Senegalese head of state is also one of the country's great architectural icons.
A stately white symbol of the country.
A key symbol of the republic and a witness of the country's social history since being built in 1907, the palace on Rue Léopold Senghor is one of the main centres where important public protests take place, and because of it's importance it's a must-visit, even if you can only do so from outside, allowing a good look at the stately white neoclassical structure, attended by red-attired palace guards.
Lac Rose/Pink Lake
Not for nothing is this body of water dubbed "Pink Lake." You have to see it to believe it!
A unique bio-geological oddity well worth a day trip from Dakar.
One of the world's odder quirks of biology and geology lies 32 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Senegalese capital. Lake Retba, 3 square kilometres (just over a square mile) in size, is more commonly referred to as Lac Rose ("Pink Lake") because the water actually does turn pinkish, especially during the dry season, due to its mix of salt water and microscopic algae. The natural setting is lovely, with the way here leading through a wild landscape of baobab trees. There are various villages along the lake shore, and no shortage of locals offering boat rides; you can also have a swim if you like. One thing we would definitely recommend not missing, though, is either a sunrise or sunset over the lake, as the glow of the rising/setting sun on these pinkish waters is especially impressive.
"Touba" coffee
The jolt in this java comes not just from caffeine but also from hot pepper - it's a true local experience, and you might just find you fancy it!
Coffee with a bite?
Among the edibles (well, drinkables) you should sample in Senegal, touba coffee is probably one of the most particular. It's brewed pretty much like your garden-variety java, except for one wee little difference: the addition of a touch of popular local hot pepper called selim. And people tend to either love it or loathe it. If you like a spot of coffee yourself, we'd recommend giving it a try more than once, as it can vary greatly depending on where it's made and by whom - in other words, if at first you're not convinced, do give it another go. You'll have many sampling opportunities at a score of coffee stands along the city streets; an especially good area to seek them out is around Place de l'Independence and Medina. Bottoms up!
The dunes of Pink Lake
As if a pink lake weren't striking enough, these nearby dunes offer more unforgettable experiences.
Sudden dunes to accompany an amazing lake.
In the vicinity of Lake Retba (aka "Pink Lake") north of Dakar, there's another phenomenon a few kilometres west of the famous body of water that you shouldn't leave without checking out (and local as well as Dakar-based operators offer 4x4 vehicles for the purpose). What you'll find is landscape suddenly transformed into a desert, with sand stretching as far as the eye can see. In fact, it can be so disconcerting and disorienting that a guided tour is probably the best way to go; that will allow you to better navigate this sandy expanse, from which you can contemplate the singular Pink Lake on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Quite an experience.
Niokolo Koba National Park and Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
In opposite corners of Senegal, two nature reserves well worth visiting.
Two tremendous troves for nature lovers.
If you are a lover of nature in its purest forms, you'll want to know about a pair of Senegalese parks in particular. One is the Parc National Niokolo Koba, some 913,000 hectares (3,525 square miles) in southeast Senegal near the Guinea-Bissau border where you can can walk the sylvan wild forests and observe a wide variety of flora and fauna including leopards, chimpanzees, elephants, and even lions reputed to be Africa's largest. The other is the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a wetland in Senegal's far north near the Mauritania border and on the southern edges of the Sahara desert, near Saint Louis (meaning you'll need a chunk of time to devote for a visit here). But this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an amazing experience for the millions of migratory birds which it harbours annually.
Saloum Delta National Park
River, islands, and sea come together to form a marvellous natural environment.
A spectacular, wildlife-rich reserve south of Dakar.
The mouth of the Saloum River, some 100 kilometres (67 miles) south of Dakar, forms one of Senegal's loveliest areas, a delta which is protected as a nature reserve covering more than 150 square kilometres (58 square miles). Out here, herons, pelicans and other birds swoop over countless more species of land animals, with monkeys predominating. There are various spots for a swim in the river, but especially as it widens upon reaching the Atlantic, and that's where you'll find the white-sand beaches that are some of the most delightful Senegal has to offer. Local towns not to miss include Palmarin and Ndangane, where you can find various spots to overnight, eat, and whence you can catch boats to visit the islands of Saloum.
Street shopping
The Dakarois are not big on organised shops - street stands and roving vendors are the thing. Better get used to it!
Most Dakar shopping takes place on the street, so get into the spirit!
The city of Dakar is a city with enormous charm but admittedly pretty disorganised. You will not find tidy streets lined with shops - here it's all about street markets and especially roving vendors. Even within the markets there's not all that much in the way of organisation. You'll pretty much find yourself coming across vendors in every corner - bus stop, crosswalk, doorway, it doesn't matter - hawking items from wristwatches to suits, all the way up to large furniture such as sofas, tables, and wardrobes. You should also be prepared to always bargain - and don't stress out about it; time is always on the buyer's side, so you can take it easy. In Place de l'Independence there are always a lot of street stands, so that's a good place to start your outdoor shopping adventure.
Food shopping at Kermel market
Both for its wares and its people watching, this colonial-era market is a remarkable window into the life of Senegal.
The essence of Dakar.
You won't want to miss this reknowned marketplace, as it represents in many ways the essence of the city of Dakar. To get here, walk down the Rue Aristide Le Dantec eastward from Independence Square. Soon you'll start start to hear the hubbub that will lead you to that will guide you to the door of the Kermel market. Before going in, check out the Victorian-era building itself, one of the most impressive colonial structures in the city (built in 1860, faithfully reconstructed after a 1994 fire). Then, once inside, you'll note a plethora of high-quality produce, meat, fish, and some souvenirs. But really, the best thing about this experience is the ability to rub shoulders with the locals while they go about their food shopping and to get some colourful and totally kick-arse photo ops.
Dakar Cathedral
Senegal's Catholics may be few, but their mother ship is an impressive work of art and history.
One of Dakar's most striking buildings.
It's hard to miss the Cathedral of Nôtre Dame des Victoires (Our Lady of Victory) on a visit to Dakar, and it's well worth a visit to check out the impressive premises, consecrated in 1936. Well situated halfway along Rue de la République in the south of the city, from here it's an easy walk to Place de la Indépendence to the northeast, the IFAN Museum of African Arts to the south or the Grand Mosque to the north. Roman Catholics make up less than 5 percent of Senegalese, and this of course is their largest church and the seat of the country's archdiocese. Take a walk around the white building and its tranquil grounds, and have a look at the sculptures of angels by Anna Quinqaud, inspired by Fulani tribesmen. Inside, the most impressive feature is the soaring central dome with its unusual painting.
House of Slaves, Gorée Island
The last place African slaves saw before being shipped across the Atlantic will shake you to your marrow.
An intense experience indeed.
Requiring a boat ride from the port to the nearby island of Gorée, the Maison des Esclaves is a visit that for some is on a par in intensity with visiting a Nazi concentration camp. In this compound you'll find the building that once was the processing centre for slaves being shipped to the Americas through the "door of no return." Today it's marked by a statue at the entrance of a couple slaves breaking their chains. Inside, exhibits document the their horrific treatment and living conditions - backed up by the grimness of the surrounding cells and environs. Of all the places you can visit to learn about Senegal's history, this is without question the hardest hitting.
Keur Salim Holiday Park
On the shores of an actual pink lake, delicious Senegalese food in lush, relaxing surroundings. A lovely escape!
A tasty out-of-town countryside repast.
For a singular al-fresco dining experience less than an hour's drive outside Dakar, consider heading out to this holiday park on the shore of Lac Rose (Pink Lake, which really is pinkish due to microbes in the water), where amid gardens, a pool, and traditional thatched huts and pavilions you can enjoy some first-rate Senegalese fare (particular specialities being rice dishes with meat or fish). Lovely, relaxing, and tasty!
Cape Skirring
If you have the time, head down south for a lovely beach break.
An overnight in Senegal's top beach resort destination.
If you have time for an overnight trip, this lovely stretch of coast down south just above the Gambia border is well worth it. You'll find long stretches of clean, white, gorgeous Atlantic beaches, backed by palm trees and verdant vegetation. There's also a village 9 kilometres (5½ miles) inland called Diembéring which makes for a charming visit. Cap Skirring's have not unsurprisingly become one of Senegal's premier holiday resort areas, and so there are quite a few hotels, restaurants, and varied attractions, as well. And as you would expect, there are numerous connections with Dakar, both by air and motorcoach.
Bissap tea
Said to be very healthy, but also a tasty and ubiquitous part of Senegalese culture - don't leave without trying a cup!
The national drink, courtesy of the hibiscus flower.
Just as Italians have their espresso and Argentines their mate, so Senegalese dote on bissap tea. It has been thus since the pharoahs ruled in Egypt, and even today it's such a part of local life that you should make it a point to sample on your visit. Brewed from the hibiscus flower, with a characteristic violet color and a unique flavour, bissap is also known for its healthy properties, particularly helpful for the digestion as well as in fighting anemia and infections; parents commonly give it to kids with fever. That's just a fringe benefit, though - the point here is to get to know another aspect of Senegal's culture. You can drink it hot or cold, and we'd recommend seeking it out any mid-morning at virtually any café you come across (you can try areas like Plateu, Ouakam and around Place de l'Independence).
Local products and crafts
Some key suggestions for cool stuff to take home - and a reminder to bargain for everything!
Pick up a [erfect memento of Senegal.
What better mementos of your visit to Senegal than examples of fine local workmanship? And there are plenty of places in which to buy it, from specialty shops to marketplaces, street stalls, and roving vendors. Senegalese batiks, garments made from handpainted fabrics are very typical and quite cheap. They're usually decorated with motifs from local culture. Many visitors also take home items of typical local jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets (wooden bracelets in particular are quite popular), as well as small figurines of ceramic and finer materials such as silver and gold. Leather items are another favourite. And don't forget, bargaining for each purchase is always necessary and expected!
Find your trip to Dakar
Documents for travelling as a tourist to Dakar
Check the documents you need for your trip.