Dakar Destination Guide

A visit to the Ile de Goree is a must. This small island just off the Dakar coast is the epicentre of the African slave trade and a tour around its interior is an experience almost beyond words. Built by the Dutch in 1776 the House of Slaves held captive millions of men, women and children over a three and a half century period before they were sold into a life of servitude, shipped to the Americas, passing through the ‘Door of no return'.

In 1978 the island was listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO.  Despite its dark history, today the island is a peaceful place and is one of Dakar's most visited tourist sites.

65km from Dakar you will find the privately funded game park - La Reserve de Bandia. 1000 hectares of protected land which offers visitors the opportunity to view some of Africa's wild animals up close.  The park is home to giraffe, buffalo, rhinos, crocodiles, antelopes, monkeys and many more.

There are also some interesting cultural landmarks to be discovered. An ancient Baobab tree within the reserve marks the resting place for the remains of celebrated local griots and there are also some Serere burial mounds.

- Dak'Art Biennale - One of Africa's most renound art festivals.

- Saint Louis Jazz Festival.

- Kay Fecc dance festival.

- Carnival Ziguinchor.

- Festival Mondial des Arts Négres.

Dakar Geography

Dakar is the capital of Senegal and is located on the tip of the Cap Verde Peninsula, on Africa's Atlantic Coast. It is the westernmost African city, and one of Africa's most important sea ports. Dakar covers an area of approximately 158sq km.

Dakar Demographical Information

Approximately one million people call Dakar city proper home. When taking into account the metropolitan areas, the figures rise to approximately 2.45 million.

Dakar Currency

Senegal's official currency is the West African CFA (XOF) devided into 100 centimes. ATMs and banking facilites are available in Dakar, but they are limited in the rest of the country.

Credit cards: American Express is the most widely accepted, though its use is still limited to major establishments that cater to tourism. Visa, Mastercard and Diners are accepted with limited use.

Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques can be cashed in Dakar. 

Dakar Languages

Dakar was once considered a major city under the French Empire, and in keeping with its French Colonial heritage, French is Senegal's official language. Wolof is the most widely spoken national language spoken by more than 80% of the population. There are five other national languages including: Serere, Diola, Haal Puular, Soninke and Mandingue. Many more tribal dialects are spoken across Senegal.

Dakar Climate

The city of Dakar is set in a tropical climate situation with two distinct seasons. The rainy season generally spans from May to November. Heavy downpours and wind peak in August with temperatures averaging at 27°C. The dry season runs from December through to April, with little to no rain fall and hot, humid Harmattan winds.

Religion and Customs

Over 90% of Senegal's population is Muslim. The remainder of the population have Christian or traditional indigenous beliefs. As this is a conservative society, dress should be conservative, especially outside of tourist areas, and public displays of affection should be avoided.  Drunkeness is considered offensive and acts of homosexuality are illegal. Religious customs such as Ramadan should be respected.  During Ramadan, eating,drinking and smoking are prohibited from sunrise to sunset.

Dakar Entry Requirements

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, South Africa and Ireland are required to hold a passport valid for 3 months, a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.

Citizens of Australia and New Zealand are required to hold a passport valid for 3 months, a visa is required for all stays.

All visitors must have a return airline ticket or onward ticket before entering Senegal.

Dakar Electricity Voltage

220 volts, frequency 50 Hertz. Round two-pin plugs(C) are most widely used.

Dakar Local Time

Dakar time zone is the same as GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Daylight savings time does not apply.

Communication in Dakar

The international dialling code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code for phoning abroad is 00 followed by the relevant country code. Reasonable Internet connections are available in major cities.

Health Services in Dakar

Medical facilities are of a decent standard in Dakar. Services in the rest of the country are limited.  Ensure you have organised your health insurance before your arrival.

Recommended vaccinations include: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Cholera and Meningococal outbreaks are prevalent.

Protection against Mosquito bites is essential as Dengue Fever and Malaria are not uncommon.

The most common complaints amongst visitors relate to gastric and intestinal problems. Do not drink untreated tap water, and be aware of food sold by street vendors.

Do not swim in stagnant, fresh water as the risk of Bilharzia is present.

Business Hours in Dakar

General business hours are from 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch.

Banking hours are from 8-11.15am and 2.30-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Shopping hours are from 8am - midday and 2.30-6pm Monday to Friday. This can vary as some vendors are open on Sundays and will close on Mondays. But these hours apply for official shops, though the major part of shopping can be porocessed all day longwith "unofficial" shops (markets, street walking sellers, ... 

Duty Free

Travellers over the age of 18 are able to purchase 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or tobacco products, perfume or gifts to the value of CFA 5000 without paying duty tax. Spirits and alcohol are not duty free.