Dakar
Senegal · 22 m
Description
Dakar is Senegal's capital, spread across the Cap-Vert peninsula at the westernmost point of continental Africa. The bronze African Renaissance Monument stands taller than the Statue of Liberty on a volcanic hill above the city, and the Museum of Black Civilisations holds one of the continent's most ambitious collections. The Medina and Sandaga markets carry the everyday commerce, while Ngor and the Almadies offer surf breaks and cliff restaurants. Dakar is the engine of Senegalese music, from mbalax to the clubs of the Corniche, and the ferry to Gorée leaves from the port at its heart.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- African Renaissance Monument
- Gorée Island ferry & House of Slaves(Day trip)
- Museum of Black Civilisations
- Marché Sandaga & Marché Kermel
- Corniche Ouest coastal drive
- Île de Ngor & Ngor beach
- Grande Mosquée de Dakar
- Medina quarter
- Mbalax music clubs
- Almadies surf breaks
- IFAN Museum of African Arts
- Village des Arts
- Dakar thieboudienne & seafood
- Soumbédioune fish market
- Mamelles Lighthouse
- Lac Rose (Lake Retba)(Day trip)
- Îles de la Madeleine National Park(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- DSS
- Train stations:
- Dakar, Colobane
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry