Dakar is located in the westernmost point of the African continent and is the capital of Senegal. The city is the center of the African continent economically, commercially, politically and culturally. It is considered one of the most developed cities in West Africa. Dakar attracts many tourists every year due to its excellent beaches on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, mild climate and unique attractions.
Dakar welcomes its guests for most of the year. The city offers tourists excellent opportunities for recreation due to the developed infrastructure and many interesting events that take place in the city. Until recently, sports fans knew Dakar as the final route point in the Paris-Dakar World Rally Marathon. Today, no less interesting events are held here in the cultural and sports sphere.
How to get to Dakar?
The easiest way to get to the city by plane. Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport serves hundreds of flights from African, European and world capitals daily. The distance between Dakar and the city center is about 50 km. You can get to the city center by shuttle bus or taxi. You can also book a transfer in advance or rent a car. You can find rental points at the airport arrivals terminal.
Sights of Dakar
Dakar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Africa. First of all, tourists are sent here for a beach holiday. The beaches in Dakar are usually well equipped (if they are paid). Only 20 minutes’ drive from the city is the country’s best resort, this is Les Almadi. There are always a lot of people here, and at the weekend local tourists come here to relax in the coastal waters of the Atlantic.
Among the architectural sights, you can see the snow-white Presidential Palace, built in 1906 on the ocean and the Grand Mosque, where non-Muslims are forbidden.
The city also has many museums, among which, perhaps the most interesting is the IFAN museum, which displays objects of African history.
Only 3 km from Dakar is the unique island of Gore. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many places and museums that tell about the period of the slave trade in Africa and the influence of this monstrous fact of history on local residents, their culture and folklore.
Hotels in Dakar
Dakar has a wide tourism potential and therefore offers its guests various accommodation options. In the city there are alternatives from luxury hotels to quite budget 3-star hotels. For the most economical tourists, guesthouses and hostels are suitable. Remember that in the high tourist season it is better to book a hotel in advance, otherwise it is likely to stumble on a sold out.
Here is a short list of hotels in Dakar where you could stay:
- Pullman Dakar Teranga
- La Demeure
- La Villa 126
- Novotel Dakar
- The Djoloff Boutique Hotel
- Ibis Dakar
- Dakar International House
- Radisson Blue Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza
- Hotel Al Baraka
