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Panoramic view of island Goree with colorful houses and fort. Gorée. Dakar, Senegal. Africa.
Panoramic view of island Goree with colorful houses and fort. Gorée. Dakar, Senegal. Africa.

Discover Dakar, Senegal

African Markets. Senegal Safari.

As the cultural and economic heart of Senegal, Dakar is a lively city of contrasts. Visit gleaming mosques and cathedrals, then browse the colourful stalls of one of the many bustling markets for handmade goods. Tour Place de l'Indépendance and see the colonial architecture of historic buildings lining the central square. Or trade the chaos of the city for the peacefulness of one of the nearby islands and watch surfers masterfully ride the waves. Explore the history and culture of Senegal at one of the city’s museums or simply enjoy the present with a beachside stroll. Whatever aspect of Dakar you choose to explore, you’ll encounter the outgoing friendliness for which the locals are well known.

Exciting Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with our Shore Excursions, expertly guided by locals.

Snapshots of Dakar

A visual preview of the amazing sites that await you.

DAKAR, SENEGAL - NOVEMBER 11, 2019: People working and traffic at Senegal capital Dakar, West Africa. Explore historic buildings
Aerial view of Goree Island. Gorée. Dakar, Senegal. Africa. Photo made by drone from above. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Gorée Island during a guided tour.
Blue-bellied roller called Coracias cyanogaster is found in Senegal to Zaire and Sudan. See the blue-bellied roller and other bird species.
The morning sun shining through the overhanging plants in a narrow alley of Goree Island Narrow alley of Gorée Island.
The Mosque of Divinity in Dakar, Senegal Mosque of Divinity

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

Fishing boats in Ngor Dakar, Senegal, called pirogue or piragua or piraga. Colorful boats used by fishermen standing in the bay of Ngor on a sunny day.

Famous For

Dakar is known for its cultural attractions, incredible mosques and churches, as well as beaches featuring great surfing.

One-pot Thieboudienne Traditional West African Fish and Rice Dish with vegetables closeup in the dish on the table. horizontal top view from above

Exquisite Flavours

Be sure to try Thieboudienne, Senegal's national dish of fish, rice, and vegetables. Don't miss out on freshly made Mafe, a rich peanut stew.

African Renaissance Monument, a 49 meter tall bronze statue of a man, woman and child, in Dakar, Senegal

Fun Facts

Take a boat ride to Île Gorée — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and learn about the city’s turbulent history with the transatlantic slave trade.

Port Name & Location

Dakar, Senegal

Language

French "Bonjour" means hello whilst "s'il vous plaît" means please. To ask how much something is, say "c'est combien?"

Time Zone

Greenwich Mean Time Zone

Currency & Shopping

West African CFA Franc

There are several markets in Dakar to browse for souvenirs and enjoy a glimpse into daily life, including one of the city’s largest, Sandaga Market, where you can shop for everything from clothing to handcrafted goods and sweet treats.

Featured Dakar Itineraries

Learn More about Dakar

Read more on our official travel blog.

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