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The perfect no rush 14 days Senegal itinerary.

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Are you planning a two week itinerary in Senegal ? Are you wondering what to see in two weeks in Senegal ? Are you having trouble putting together a 14 days Senegal itinerary that doesn’t feel too rushed?

Then you came to the right place! In this post I’m going to share with you my personal Senegal itinerary.

Let me start by saying that traveling in Senegal is safe . We often travelled by public transport in Senegal and we never felt fear. However, knowing your own limits and your own place is very important, especially in the non-touristy area. Anyway, always keep your personal belongings guarded, especially in crowded areas such as markets or bus stations.

Alessandro and I travelled in Senegal independently. I mean without hiring a guide, and I’m here to say that if you plan well in advance, you will end up taking back home some of the best memories of your life.

That’s why I published this 14 days Senegal itinerary full of inspiration so you can put together your own travel plan to Senegal.

We landed at the Blaise Diagne International airport in Dakar and drove straight to the Retba Lake in Niaga, choosing Dakar as last destination of our 14 day Senegal itinerary.

Day 1: Retba Lake.

Our 14 day Senegal itinerary started at the Retba lake in Niaga. It lies 30 km northeast from the Blaise Diagne International Airport, less than an hour’s drive. Retba Lake is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Senegal .

The interesting thing to see here is not only the pink coloured waters but especially the salt extracting activity. There are several excursions offered at this site and in my experience the boat trip on the Pink Lake in Senegal is a must.

One full day is enough to explore the area.

Day 2: Lompoul Desert.

Lompoul Desert is an 18 km2 desert located right in the Lompoul Village . It’s really worth it since the presence of such a small desert in Senegal is so unusual. Just as at the pink lake, in the Lompoul village you will have a chance to select from the many excursions.

We tried the camel ride in the Lompoul Desert which was organized by the Camp Du Desert camp , the hotel we were saying at.

Day 3/4/5: Saint Louis.

Saint Louis (or Ndar in Wolof) is listed among the Unesco World Heritage sites and it is West Africa’s first French settlement. The three days spent in Saint Louis are three days well spent. The colonial architectural style and charm that you will see right after crossing the Faidherbe Bridge won’t fail to surprise you.

Walking among the boutique shops, tailors’ workshops, and art galleries in Saint Louis is really a pleasure.

Here in Saint Louis there are several European tour operators who organize day trips from Saint Louis to many different places. We did none of that. We just went strolling around in Saint Louis with no fixed plans. We also visited the less touristy area close to the beach which lies on the external mainland. It deserves a visit.

Day 6: Bandia Reserve.

Bandia Reserve is a small, fenced Nature Reserve of about 3500 hectors in the village of Bandia. It is a privately owned Reserve where you need a four-wheel vehicle to explore the entire area.

Now, exactly for these reasons, Bandia Reserve safari is not like all the others in Africa, but it is perfect for those who are seeking wildlife in Africa for the first time.

Day 7/8: Ndangare/Palmarine.

Your 14 day Senegal itinerary should definitely include the Palmarine area. Ndangane is a base for exploring the Sine Saloum Delta. From the touristy point of view it is quite well equipped. There are many restaurants and aperitif bars along the main street in Ndangane. And all of them organize boat trips in the Sine Saloum Delta.

Actually, I loved this part of my Senegal itinerary a lot. But the reason why I’m suggesting that you spend two days in Ndangane is because journeys in Senegal are always very long due to the old vehicles they use. So once in a while, when you find your comfort zone, you need to stop and breathe before starting another trip.

Read also: Driving from Ndangane to Karang

Day 9: Joal Fadiouth.

Your 14 day Senegal itinerary can’t leave out Joal Fadiouth. Joal lies on the mainland, while the village of Fadiouth, linked to Joal by a wooden bridge, lies on an island (it seems like an island because it lies on a lagoon).

The notable aspect of Joal Fadiouth is that they collect shells around the lagoon and make wonderful craft items . It’s amazing to see that the entire village of Fadiouth is made of shells.

Once you cross the wooden bridge and reach the Fadiouth village, you can take a horse ride or donkey ride to see one of the oldest and biggest Baobao trees of Senegal .

Day 10/11: Saly.

Contrary to what you might think, tourism in Saly started back in 1995 and it remains today one of the best beach resort areas of Senegal.

Therefore, it goes without saying that the village of Saly features hotels, restaurants, and bars for any type of tourist. Many of these are located seafront from where you can admire amazing sunsets.

Day 12: Goree Island.

After relaxing on the beaches of Saly, take a day trip to Goree Island. It is one of the most heart wrenching parts of Senegal since it’s known for its role in the 15th- to 19th-century slave trade.

Gorée is a tiny, car-free island off the coast of the capital Dakar. The house of slaves and the point of no return are certainly among the once in a lifetime things to see.

In the past, Goree Island was ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French. Its colonial architecture is in fact characterized by its colonizers and it expresses the contrast between the gloomy slave quarters and elegant houses of the slave traders .

This is why strolling around the narrow streets of Goree Island is really interesting.

Day 13/14: Dakar.

Spending a couple of days in Dakar helps you to taste the urban life of the Senegalese capital. There are numerous activities to do here, among them I feel like I should advise you to check out the Village Des Art .

If you are able to, you can stay even longer in Dakar because as I said, there are so many choices to keep you busy.

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Since life in Africa is so different from your normal one at home, after only two weeks in Senegal you will feel like you have stayed for so long and that you have done and seen so much. This is why I don’t suggest running and running to see everything.

This 14 day Senegal itinerary is created to give you the essential together with some relaxation so that you return home with only good memories and not feel like you went through a lot of trouble.

Yes. Because in Senegal moving from one place to another is hard. A journey of just 60 km can last 6 hours. Their vehicles are old and break downs are frequent. Your plans need to allow for this so that your visit isn’t spoiled. That’s why I suggest this 14 day no rush Senegal itinerary. Limit the places to see, relax, and see what you can.

Organized tours in Senegal?

If you love to join organized tours, here are some great ideas of what to do during your stay in Senegal. Especially if you have only a short time to stay, they’ll enable you to leave the planning and organizing to others and just enjoy the country to the max*:

You may also like

Driving from Ndangane to Karang

Camel Ride In Lompoul Desert

Visiting Senegal soon? Here are some useful tips to make your trip go smooth.

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Is senegal safe to visit in 2024 my personal experience.

Are you wondering is Senegal safe? Read on, as we go through safety in this African nation.

The West African country of Senegal has just started to make moves on the tourist scene. 

A once little-visited nation, it’s becoming increasingly well-known for its golden beaches, lush mangroves and action-packed wildlife reserves with several African beasts that you’d usually expect to find in the East. 

But as Senegal isn’t that well-visited, it’s understandable to have a few questions about the country: one that tourists often ask is “how safe is Senegal?”. 

I recently did a two-week trip to the region, and I’m here to share all my tips! 

Is Senegal safe? 

Generally, Senegal is safe. When my partner and I were there for two weeks, we didn’t experience any situations where we felt in danger. 

Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa; while political power has transferred three times since independence, it’s always done so peacefully. 

However, there are some things to bear in mind. 

Crime in Senegal 

In Dakar, there is some low-level street crime (bag snatching or pickpocketing – violent robberies are rare), especially around Place de l’Indépendence and the general Dakar Plateau area. 

We walked around this area one afternoon, and while we didn’t encounter anything that made us feel unsafe, it did feel slightly more hostile than other areas in Dakar that we visited. 

For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend staying on the Dakar Plateau – we stayed at Ngor Beach and found it perfectly safe. 

Elsewhere in the country, there are low levels of crime. Be a little careful on Goree Island ; because the island’s very touristy, pickpocketing could happen. There’s also a small risk of this on the beach destinations in Senegal .

Poverty in Senegal 

Poverty is an issue in Senegal, with more than half of its inhabitants living below the poverty line ( source : Oxfam ). There are few state benefits and many locals take on odd jobs each day. 

Due to this, you’ll be approached by people frequently who will offer to sell you items (including souvenirs, food and drinks) or their services as a guide. 

I tried to use local services and buy from local vendors when possible, but of course, you can’t purchase from everybody. 

Nearly everybody who approached us was pleasant and good to chat with, even if we didn’t end up buying anything. 

I did experience one situation when somebody was a little too pushy and put a “gift” into my hand, which I tried to give back to him and he refused. 

I ended up putting it onto a bench next to him and leaving it there – while he’d told me it was a gift, I’d heard that accepting a gift can mean that the vendor thinks that they’re entitled to a payment and wanted to avoid this situation.

Political protests in Senegal 

There are occasional political protests in Senegal – in fact, there were some a couple of months before our trip. 

These ran through the capital and in other parts of the country, including the Casamance region. 

Generally, it’s easy to avoid political protests – they’re quite obvious after all – and Senegal’s protests are usually peaceful. 

That said, there is a small chance of it turning violent and this violence spreading, so do be careful if you’re in Senegal and something flares up. It’s likely to happen around the 2024 elections. 

Be particularly careful if you’re from France. 

A guide I had in The Gambia told me about protests in Ziguinchor, in the Southern Casamance region of Senegal, where he had two British travellers and ended up in the heart of a protest. 

Protestors were particularly against France’s continuous presence in West Africa, and threatened these two travellers, thinking they were French. They ended up convincing them they were British and the protestors left them alone. 

This seems a rare occurrence, and I don’t think it would happen in Dakar (where there are a lot of French tourists living and working), but do be mindful of the possibility! 

Road safety in Senegal 

While the streets of Dakar can be rather hectic, drivers in the city know what they’re doing, and I never felt in danger when I was a car passenger in the city or country. 

I wouldn’t personally drive myself though (although it is possible to!). 

Outside of Dakar, the streets are generally single-lane and while there can be traffic, are usually not too hectic. 

To get around, you can use local buses or sept-places, converted cars with seven seats. They’re an experience to say the least, and breakdowns do happen fairly often as the vehicles are quite old. But they’re part of the fun of travelling in Senegal! 

The bus stations can feel a little sketchy, so if you’re getting a bus or sept-place I’d recommend finding the vehicle quickly and sitting inside it, or hovering outside. 

Solo female travellers in Senegal

I didn’t visit Senegal as a solo female traveller – I was with my partner. However, I have travelled solo all over the world and have a good idea of what makes a country suitable or not. 

I think solo female travel in Senegal is definitely possible, provided you’re an experienced traveller, but I would recommend the following: 

• Stay in larger, secure hotels. 
• Don’t walk around after dark, especially in Dakar (take a taxi if you need to get somewhere). 
• Book guided excursions with reputable guides. 
• If taking public transport, try to sit with or near women. 
• Learn as much French as possible. 
• Don’t be too open with where you’re staying, what you’re doing and where you’re going. 

I employ all of these whenever I travel solo (bar learning French, of course, if it’s not a French-speaking country) and so far, it’s kept me safe. 

Check out my YouTube video for more information about safe solo travel. 

Terrorism in Senegal

The risk of terror attacks in Senegal is fairly low; I wouldn’t say they’re any greater than Western European destinations, particularly in the tourist areas.

The risk heightens a little closer to the border with Mali , but it’s still fairly low.

Terror attacks have taken place in other West African destinations, notably Côte d’Ivoire in 2016, but this is also a risk throughout Europe. There have not been any large-scale terror attacks in Senegal in recent years.

Food and water hygiene in Senegal

You can’t drink tap water in Senegal and I would recommend being careful of what type of food you eat . 

Rather than buying lots of plastic bottles of water, you could use a water filtration bottle like this Water To Go Bottle for drinking water – just make sure you set it up properly (firmly screw the lid and filter on and make sure you activate it – all instructions come with the bottle!) before consuming. 

With food, I’d avoid eating salads in most establishments, as sometimes the raw veg is washed in tap water. Personally, I don’t eat meat and I think that helps me to not get sick fairly often; so maybe do be mindful of that too. 

Cooked veggies, rice, pasta, bread etc. are plentiful and usually fine to eat; the only thing I’d be mindful of is any food that isn’t cooked fresh. 

Pack some Diahorrea capsules (just in case you have a bout of it when getting a bus or going on a tour!). 

I only had one day of stomach issues in Senegal and I’m not too sure what caused them! 

Malaria in Senegal 

Malaria is a risk in Senegal – especially in the wet season. We visited in October (right at the end of the wet season) and did notice a lot of mosquitoes, although we liberally applied DEET and didn’t get bitten too much. We did, however, see some tourists who were covered in bites!

We wanted to be super-careful in terms of Malaria, however, so we took a full course of atovaquone-proguanil (2 days before arriving in Senegal, during our time there and in The Gambia and a week after leaving) and they worked well. 

I actually did have some very severe side effects to Lariam malaria medication in the past (I was hospitalised) and was anxious about taking them again, but I didn’t have many side effects with atovaquone-proguanil (apart from a slight dizzy feeling for the first couple of days and some rather vivid dreams!). 

Doxycycline is also an option, but it makes your skin more sensitive (important to be aware of in a country as hot as Senegal!) and you have to take the tablets for four weeks after returning. 

I’d recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist about the malaria risk and best option for you well ahead of your trip. If you’re UK-based, we used Dr Fox which worked well. 

Vaccinations for Senegal 

I’d recommend staying up-to-date on your travel meds before visiting Senegal. You might want to consider vaccinations like tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies etc (this list is not conclusive). 

The yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for Senegal, but you may be asked to see it when travelling from Senegal to other countries (such as The Gambia). Senegal is considered a yellow fever risk area so I’d err on the side of caution and get the jab. Once you have it, you’re protected for life!

Speak to a travel doctor well ahead of your trip to see what vaccinations you need – bear in mind that for some vaccinations, you’ll need more than one dose and will have to leave some time in between each. 

Don’t forget Travel Insurance!

Don’t visit Senegal without travel insurance!

Travel insurance is very important in Senegal; the healthcare system has a lot of issues but with travel insurance, you’ll covered if you fall sick.

I always use SafetyWing, who are tailored to Digital Nomads but work well for other types of travellers (you can even purchase your insurance when you’re already in the country!) check them out here or use the widget below:

General safety tips for Senegal

Here are some of my best tips to ensure your trip to Senegal is safe and enjoyable!

Stay updated with news from the country

When you arrive in Senegal, make sure that you’re aware of any current political situations, and the chance of protests or unrest. Keeping up with local news and speaking to locals or your accommodation staff can provide valuable insights.

Secure your valuables

If you’re walking around downtown Dakar, be very mindful of your valuables. Carry only what you need and keep cash and phones in a zipped pocket. 

Use hotel safes for passports, travel documents, and expensive items. 

Be extremely careful when you’re in crowded areas, such as markets or bus stations.

Dress modestly

Senegal is a Muslim-majority country, but the dress code isn’t typically as modest as places like Algeria or Egypt . You’ll see some locals wearing a hijab, but others will wear short sleeves. 

So, there isn’t a particular dress code, but I’d still recommend dressing somewhat modestly. I usually wore long, floaty trousers and a T-shirt that covered my shoulders.

Do be exceptionally modest when visiting religious sites, even if you’re not going inside (when we walked around the Mosque of the Divinity in Dakar, I covered my shoulders using a floaty scarf that I was carrying with me). 

Emergency contacts

Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your country’s embassy or consulate in Senegal, local emergency services, and your travel insurance provider. Having these contacts easily accessible can be crucial in an emergency.

Stay connected

Letting someone know your travel plans, especially if you’re venturing into less-travelled areas, is a good practice. 

I’d recommend getting a local SIM card – either a physical SIM using Orange (full guide here!) or an e-SIM like Airalo. 

Be mindful of taking photos

I did find that a lot of locals were very wary of cameras – I never take photos of anyone without their permission but was asked to not take a photo of somebody’s market stall and asked for payment when I took a photo of a sept-place. I’d recommend being very cautious of taking pictures to avoid any kind of confrontational situation. 

So, is Senegal safe?

Senegal is a safe country, provided you’re mindful of local customs and cultures and take precautions. Hopefully, this guide has helped you do just that!

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Afoma's Travels

Seeing the world one step at a time

Travel Guides · April 2, 2023

20 Things to Know Before Traveling to Senegal

Traveling to Senegal and curious what you need to know about visiting Senegal? In this post, I’ll be sharing my best firsthand tips from a 12-day trip to Senegal with my husband.

I’ve found that people can be hesitant to visit Africa and other third-world countries, but honestly, you have nothing to fear. Most issues can be avoided by taking basic precautions. While a lot of what I’ll share is advice for Americans traveling to Senegal, everyone will benefit from these pointers.

Let’s dive in. 

Where is Senegal located?

Senegal is a country on the West African coast. Its neighboring countries are Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mali, and The Gambia. 

The official language in Senegal is French, but most locals speak Wolof and other ethnic languages. The country’s currency is the CFA Franc (XAF), and its capital city is Dakar.

Is Senegal safe?

Senegal is very safe. Locals are friendly and ready to help. Senegalese are conflict-averse by nature, much like Ghanaians. We never once felt unsafe during our visit–and we spent a fair amount of time with the locals.

Is Senegal tourist friendly?

Yes, Senegal is tourist friendly. I define tourist-friendly countries as easy to navigate without a tour guide, and Senegal is. 

Google Maps works well wherever you are, and you can use Google Translate to communicate if your French is poor. I speak a little French, so I was never completely lost for words.

The locals are really friendly, and we saw many tourists in Dakar and the other smaller towns we visited.

Is Senegal cheap or expensive?

Senegal is an affordable destination. One dollar is worth about 600 CFA Franc, so your dollar will go a long way. 

We’re not budget travelers and we spent roughly around 15,000-30,000 CFA per two-person meal (less than $35) at fancier places. You can get away with spending less than $50/day on food per person–even less you cook at your rental.

Traveling to Senegal

All your questions about traveling to Senegal.

Why do people go to Senegal?

Senegal is a divine beach destination. In the cooler seasons, the weather is perfect, and the skies are a stunning blue. The pace of life is slow, especially in smaller towns like Saly and Saint Louis.

Besides the beaches, you can also see some wildlife and cool monuments and historical sites in Senegal. There’s plenty to do! See our full post on what to do in Senegal .

How many days are enough for Senegal?

At least one week. Senegal has several different towns and cities worth seeing, so I recommend at least 5-7 days to see as much as possible without fatiguing yourself.

Can I wear shorts in Senegal?

Yes! Although most Senegalese are Muslim, people of other religions live and worship freely in Senegal. I wore shorts during our visit and held hands with my husband without any concern. 

So, there’s no need to stress about what to wear in Senegal. Just be respectful and dress appropriately for your location. Don’t wear beachwear at a mall in Dakar.

What language do they speak in Senegal?

French is the official language of Senegal. Most locals speak Wolof and other native languages like Mandingo.

Do US citizens need visas for Senegal?

No, US passport holders do not need a visa for Senegal. You do need a valid passport with at least six months before expiry and at least one blank passport page. 

Citizens of the EU, United Kingdom, and ECOWAS countries, among others, also do not need a visa to enter Senegal.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Senegal?

If you live in a country where yellow fever is endemic, you will need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Senegal. This applies to travelers who are nine months and older.

Life in Senegal

Got questions about life in Senegal? I’ve got answers.

Can you drink alcohol in Senegal?

Yes, you can! Alcohol is available to purchase at restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels.

What is Senegal’s special food?

Thiéboudienne (also fondly called “thieb”) is Senegal’s national dish. It’s a lot like Nigerian jollof rice but cooked with shorter rice grains. The rice is cooked in a tomato sauce and served with chicken or fish.

What is a typical drink in Senegal?

A typical drink in Senegal is baobab juice (also called bouye). Another popular drink is bissap juice (made from the hibiscus plant). Both are worth trying, although baobab juice was not my particular favorite.

How much money should I bring to Senegal?

This is totally subjective and depends on how much time you plan to spend and whether or not you’re bringing a credit card. 

You can pay for major things like accommodation and restaurants with your card. But you will need some petty cash to buy souvenirs, pay taxis, and pay for experiences. So bring what you think you’ll need. 

What are the most beautiful cities in Senegal?

Saint Louis and Saly are beautiful. Saint Louis has a unique charm, and Saly has that small beach-town vibe.

Dakar is largely under construction and has mostly high-rise apartment complexes. It’s shaping up to be a modern city, but it’s not quite there yet. Still, it has the loveliest ocean views and is in my top three Senegalese cities.

Where are the best beaches in Senegal?

Saly has fantastic beaches and fewer crowds, but really every beach in Senegal is beautiful. If you’re in Dakar, go to Ngor beach. If you’re in Saly, any of the beachfront hotels will provide you access to stunning views–and they’re pretty cheap compared to those in other cities.

What is the best time to visit Senegal?

Anytime between November to March. February is perfect! The weather in Dakar is cool in the mornings and evenings and pleasantly warm during the day. 

Senegal has two seasons: dry season from October to May and rainy season from June to September. The trick is to go earlier in the dry season before it becomes unbearably hot.

Should I get a SIM card in Senegal?

YES. Having a SIM card is necessary especially if you plan to move around the country. There aren’t a ton of public wifi areas and you will need wifi to use ride-hailing applications and even Google Maps and Google Translate (if you don’t download language packs).

I recommend Orange because they have a wide network coverage and we had network access pretty much everywhere we went in Senegal. You can buy a SIM at the airport.

How to get around in Senegal

Public transportation is not great in Senegal and there’s no Uber service. Senegal has two main local ride-share services Yango and Heetch. Heetch is newer and glitchy while Yango is fairly reliable in Dakar–but not in Saly.

There are also local taxis, and most hotels can connect you to a local taxi driver. To avoid getting overcharged, check the estimated price on Yango and try bargaining with your driver to reach a suitable price.

How to get from Blaise Diagne Airport to Dakar

The main international airport in Senegal is Blaise Diagne airport, located in Ndiass. Ndiass is about two hours away from Dakar (with traffic), so try to arrive during the day and prepare for a long car ride.

Expect to pay between 15,000 – 25,000 CFA for your road trip to Dakar. Most hotels and resorts offer airport pickup for a fee. If yours doesn’t, just take one of the yellow taxis at the airport. They’re totally safe.

Keep the distance in mind while booking your return ticket. We had to move to an accommodation closer to the airport one day before our departure to ensure we didn’t miss our 8 am flight.

Where to stay in Senegal

Senegal has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including inexpensive (but amazing) boutique and chain hotels, AirBnB stays, and lush resorts. We stayed at three hotels ( BOMA Dakar , Palm Beach Hotel & Resorts , and RIU Baobab ) and one guest house . 

See a full list of places to stay in Senegal.

Senegal is worth a visit

If you’re still unsure, I’ll say it: Senegal is worth a visit! There’s plenty to see and do and many great stays for a steal. If you plan to visit soon, check out our itinerary and what to pack for your trip to Senegal. 

Got any more questions about things to know before visiting Senegal? Leave them in the comments for me!

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June 7, 2024 at 1:02 am

HI Afoma! Thanks, this article gives me some heads up before traveling to Senegal (for a conference). Really helpful! Questions: 1. Doest the yellow taxi receive payment with credit card? 2. I could not found XOF currency in my place (Jakarta, Indonesia) what else currency would work in Dakar? I will depart in two days. So, I hope this comment reach you well. 🙂

June 10, 2024 at 9:17 am

Hi Rio! For the taxis, cash is better. Hotels will accept USD too. Have a safe flight!

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Home » Travel Guides » Senegal » 15 Best Places to Visit in Senegal

15 Best Places to Visit in Senegal

Mainland Africa’s westernmost country occupies a colossal cut out of the Sahel. It ranges from the fringes of the Guinean woods to the bottom of the Sahara, and throws up fascinating destinations aplenty.

Take the capital, Dakar: a town of pandemonius markets and endless energy. Or, look to the ports of Saint-Louis, which bustle with ships and Parisian-style arcades. Out in the wildernesses and Senegal has more treats for the traveler, ranging from the winding channels of the Gambia River to the shimmering beaches of the coast. Animals like hippos and hyenas all mingle here, while rustic communities continue to tick over.

And the cherry on the top? Despite a dangerous Ebola outbreak, Senegal has been one of Africa’s most stable places for decades. Fair elections and peaceful power transfers all add up to make this one accessible and fun place for the worldly explorer.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Senegal :

Dakar has seriously outgrown its perch on the Cap-Vert Peninsula.

It now sprawls eastwards into the arid dust plains to the east, and bursts out over the dockside jetties in a medley of lively trader ships and fish-scented marketplaces.

The port is what has driven the boom in both population and size, not to mention imbued the city with an enticing multiculturalism and energy.

So, be sure to drop by the curious Soviet-esque rises of the African Renaissance Monument, the acclaimed Museum of African Arts, and the old Dutch slave trade ruins on Goree Island, before delving into the curious medley of Lebanese eateries African embroidery bazaars, roasted peanut stalls and raucous beer bars around wild Sandaga Market.

2. Saint-Louis

There’s actually not as much separating the Saint-Louis of northern Senegal and its namesake across the great Atlantic pond in the Deep South of America as you might think.

Check out the arched steel construction of the Faidherbe Bridge, straddling the Senegal River like something on the Mississippi.

Or, delve into the heart of the old city of Saint-Louis to discover the French-style colonial builds, whitewashed frontispieces in the plantation style, and shady arcades.

There are even famous jazz fests held here every May! Still, the similarities do end eventually, especially as you dip into the salt-washed fishing hamlets of Guet N’Dar, or begin wonder at the craggy cliffs and exotic creatures of the Barbarie Peninsula.

3. Ziguinchor

A patchwork of pastel-painted colonial builds and age-stained frontispieces dressed in European filigrees and Parisian designs, there’s no denying the immersive colonial character of Ziguinchor.

And while the major sights here are few and far between – the bustling Marche Saint Maur des Fosses, the curious roundabouts of the Place Jean-Paul II – the real draw is the earthy African character of the place.

What’s more, Ziguinchor also happens to be the gateway of choice to the Casamance region: a place where pirogue canoes weave along the river ways, and the plains of the Sahel begin to transform into verdant Guinean woods.

4. Popenguine

Located south of the capital, on the panhandle of the Cap-Vert Peninsula, the small town of Popenguine is the gateway to one truly beautiful medley of natural attractions.

The main draw has to be the protected Natural Reserve of Popenguine, which boasts a clean and pretty boulder-peppered beach, nestled between two arid headlands of dramatic cliffs.

The area also boasts the rugged rock walls of the Cap de Naz, jutting out into the Atlantic, and a particularly famous lagoon, where nesting birds of all shapes and sizes draw crowds of spotters throughout the year.

The epicenter of the mystical Mouride order of the Sufis, Touba emerges from the rolling Sahel of central Senegal with its colossal Great Mosque, looming minarets, and countless other pilgrimage shrines and attractions (not least of all the tomb of the Mouride founder himself: Shaikh Aamadu Bamba Mbakke). The town booms with visitors during the yearly Grand Magal, when thousands come to honor the social and Islamic programs of the Sufi scholar and teacher.

The focal point is the majestic mosque, which is strictly run and has some gorgeous arabesque interiors and one soaring 87-meter-high minaret known as the Lamp Fall.

6. Joal-Fadiouth

The fascinating fishing town of Joal-Fadiouth is one that time forgot.

Alive with salt-stained timber pirogues and oodles of bobbing jetties, the town’s locals still utilize the age-old hand catching techniques of centuries gone by.

They can be seen haggling over prices of huge swordfish all along the coast by morning, while the eateries – unsurprisingly – serve up some of the best seafood in the country.

Meanwhile, the island of Fadiouth across the bay is another one to write home about – it’s almost totally formed from accumulations of sea shells!

7. Kafountine

Laid-back little Kafountine is the place to come and sample the undeniable beauties of the Casamance coast.

Great long stretches of golden sand are what draw most of the people here.

They run the gamut from wide bays washed by the rollers of the Atlantic to bustling strips peppered with the faded fishing pirogues of the locals closer to the town.

And then there’s the croc-spotted riparian habitats of the Foret des Narangs nearby, where rare birds flit through the canopies, macaques swing overhead, and wild West African creatures roam the undergrowth.

8. Tambacounda

Sat on a far-flung crossroads, the town of Tambacounda is often visited by travelers starting a West African odyssey through the countries of Gambia, Guinea-Bissau or Guinea to the south.

However, those who can suffer the scorching Sahelian climate just a little longer will discover an interesting spot; a place where a couple of French colonial remnants still mark the streets and earthy farming communities dominate the backcountry.

Tambacounda is also one of the best jump off points for explorations in the legendary Niokolo-Koba National Park – the upland reaches of the mighty Gambia River.

Situated on a small headland that bubbles out into the meanders of the Saloum River, the town of Kaolack is known as a center of Islamic teaching, and as an industrial hub of Senegalese salt production.

Its attractions start with the vast central square of Medina Baye – look up to see the turquoise-domed tops of the great minarets.

Kaolack Market then comes with a heady fray of lean-to shops and ramshackle sellers, while the rustic reaches of Coofog are dotted with bulbous baobab trees and tell stories of the historic Serer Kingdom that once ruled in these parts.

10. Kedougou

Nestled in the far south-eastern corner of the country, where the Guinean forests spill out and down to the Sahelian plains, the city of Kedougou has a character all of its own.

For starters, its geography and topography are unlike any other area in the nation – expect lush rainforests and verdant, mist-topped hills.

Kedougou also gets quite a lot of rain, giving rise to oodles of agricultural land in the surrounding region (for those who don’t mine gold, that is). And then there’s the wonderful reaches of the Niokolo-Koba National Park: a huge swathe of greenery where the Gambia River erupts in the company of hippos, lions, elephants and leopards.

Mboro is an interesting little place that can be reached in just over an hour from the capital city at Dakar.

It’s the hub of one of the most fertile regions in the nation, and produces oodles of vegetables to fill the bustling markets of the city to the south.

Mboro has an immersive market of its own too, and visitors love flitting between the food stalls and colorful farmer emporiums here, haggling for the curious local tie-dye costumes and tasty preserves.

The beach is another must, and although swimming can be risky, simply settling on the sands and watching the fishermen and luminescent plankton in the rollers is a real treat!

12. Palmarin

Encompassed by great swathes of verdant mangroves, brackish lagoons and salt flats to the east, and stretches of chart-topping Atlantic beachfronts to the north, the town of Palmarin might be hard to get to (there are hardly any real roads connecting this one with the greater infrastructure of Senegal), but it’s certainly got its fair share of attractions.

There are dense groves of palm trees to wander, palm tree wine to taste, and some excellent sands close to the center, not to mention packs of wild hyenas around town, folksy wrestling competitions, and even ancient burial mounds attributed to the Sereer folk.

While Fatick itself is hardly a chart-topper, and will likely never make the headlines of travel brochures with its humble boulevards and dusty cottages, its surrounding region is certainly something to write home about.

Peppered with the relics of ancient Serer prehistory, the hinterlands on the edge of the town are home to curious carved megaliths and totems dating as far back as the 9th century.

You’ll find thousands of old tumulus houses between the xeric woods of the old Baol, countless religious shrines, and places holy to the Serer religion.

Cheaper than the capital and a cheerful place all round, Thies is often used as an alternative overnight stop for expats and visitors who don’t like the frantic energy of Dakar.

It fulfils the role perfectly, and the dusty streets here are laden with smiling and welcoming locals, a few charming (if ramshackle beer bars) and some decent shops.

Thies is primarily a market town too, which means you can get a taste of the haggling and hawking that defines Senegal’s mercantile side.

There are also some good spots to sample local menus of benachin rice and fish – just look for the joints in the center.

15. Richard Toll

Curiously-named Richard Toll, a town just a stone’s throw from the border with Mauritania in the extreme north of the country, still finds a way to honor its one-time park planner, the botanist Jean Michel Claude Richard.

An interesting place that fuses cultures, it comes to life with the bustle of Xhouma Market, awash with sugar traders and craft stalls aplenty.

There are also some relics of the French colonial age to see, like the muddied face of the grand Chateau de Baron Roger.

Richard Toll also has an industrial edge, with refineries and fishing depots lining the river.

15 Best Places to Visit in Senegal:

• Saint-Louis
• Joal-Fadiouth
• Tambacounda
• Richard Toll

8 Essential Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Senegal

Traveling to underdeveloped countries can be a daunting endeavor, but the positive things — like fresh, cultural insights, friendly locals and affordable prices — often outweigh any possible complications. The Senegalese people are excited to share their beautiful culture with tourists and treat visitors with the utmost respect, so once you get all the essentials down, I have no doubt you'll have a wonderful vacation like I did. Here's what you need to know before your first trip to this incredible country.

1. There's No Need to Cover Up

Senegal is a majority-Muslim country, but you don't need to worry about covering your knees, head or shoulders in most areas. In larger villages and cities, most local women don't wear a hijab, and you won't be showing disrespect by not covering up like you might in parts of India, Malaysia or the Middle East. In fact, many local women prefer traditional Senegalese dresses — exposing their neck and arms — or modern clothing like shorts and skirts. When ladies do cover their heads, it's typically not for religious purposes, but to shield them from the intense African sun. Bottom line: dressing as you normally would in a hot, humid climate, like wearing shorts and a tank top, won't elicit stares or make you feel uncomfortable here.

2. Don't Worry, Senegal is Safe

Senegal is known for being a safe country, and while visitors — especially female solo travelers — should take the typical precautions you would when traveling alone , visiting solo here shouldn't present any big problems. The locals are friendly, and robberies and violent crime against tourists are pretty uncommon.

3. Brush Up on Your French 

Few locals speak English in Senegal. Instead, you'll hear a mix of Wolof and French. During my travels, I only occasionally encountered guides or drivers who spoke even a little bit of English — it's slightly more common to find people who might speak some Italian, Spanish or even German, thanks to a recent rise in European tourism. People will usually try their best, especially if you start with a friendly " Bonjour ," but knowing a few key words in French can be useful, too.

4. Hire a Guide for Tours and Excursions

While I'll typically run from guided tours in most countries, it can be helpful to hire a guide if you plan to tour Dakar or take excursions, especially if your French is on the weak side. For a reliable, English-speaking guide, I'd recommend contacting Moussa (+221 779180534, [email protected]), or for a reliable Spanish-speaking guide, Luna (+221 774379252, [email protected]). If you'd prefer to go the agency route for excursions, check out Nouvelles Frontières, a reputable company that has locations at the Dakar Airport (DKR), city center and in Saly.

As infrastructure and roads aren't great and traffic is maddening (since there are few rules), it's best to hire a driver rather than renting a car or hopping on an over-packed bus. Prices for both guides and drivers are extremely low, and you can always try to strike a bargain. Many times locals — who are kind, but persistent —will try to sell you things or convince you to enter their stores or restaurants, so traveling with a guide will ensure you won't be hassled too much. Some drivers and guides will accept euros as well, so if you have any laying around, bring them along.

5. Be Prepared for Anything and Everything

Though a yellow fever vaccine isn't required to enter Senegal, it's recommended, as are malaria pills and a typhoid vaccine. Using a good mosquito repellent, carrying tissues (as toilet paper can be scarce in public spots) and wearing sunblock are all essential. It can also be extremely dusty during the dry season, so having allergy pills on hand can also be helpful. Don't be alarmed to see horse carts, roaming goats and cows as well as buses packed with locals all sharing the same dirt roads with cars and pedestrians — this is normal.

6. Get Ready for an Adventurous Airport Experience

Many international flights from the US and Europe flying into Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR) arrive in the middle of the night between 2:00am and 4:00am. Exhausted and jet lagged, you'll find it's not a bad idea to have a driver waiting for you to avoid being accosted by locals offering taxi services and having to haggle over prices in French. Most hotels either have a pick-up included or can arrange one for you at an additional cost. Either of the guides mentioned above as well as the Nouvelles Frontières agency can also organize a pick-up for you.

There's also a stand at the airport for Orange, a cell-phone service provider where you can buy local SIM cards to use with an unlocked phone. The stand is open all night and you'll typically pay between $10 to $30 for a card offering 2 GB to 10 GB of internet, as well as local calls and texts. Just know that 4G isn't usually available in Senegal, and sometimes you won't even have access to a 3G network depending on your location. You'll also get a decent exchange rate here, so changing money at the change bureau near baggage claim is definitely worth it.

You should also expect long lines at immigration, lots of mosquitoes, no air conditioning and crummy restroom facilities. The airport, like the rest of Senegal, is a work in progress and even the lounge isn't like what you'd expect to see at your average international airport. On the bright side, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) will seem so much nicer after you visit DKR.

7. Chow Down and Enjoy Great Tunes

Senegal is known for its happening music scene and delicious cuisine. Traditional eats like thiebou dieune (savory rice with fresh fish) are often accompanied by live African drumbeats or reggae jams at practically every dining establishment. Beachfront dining is relaxing and cheap, so visit Le N'Gor in Dakar for marinated shrimp and a crisp glass of wine. You can have a full meal of barbecued fresh-fish skewers, salad and Gazelle beer for under $10 at Chez Poulo in Saly alongside live guitar and typical Wolof tunes. If you're craving live music, the outdoor stage at Just 4 U is practically an institution in Dakar, featuring many different styles of music.

8. Enjoy All the Beauty That Senegal Has to Offer

Once you get the logistics part settled, Senegal is a gorgeous place. You can soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Saly or watch the boats dock in the fishing town of M'Bour. Birdwatchers will love the lagoon beach set among mangroves in Somone. Once you get tired of watching countless pelicans swoop in and out of the water, chill out at the Paradise Rasta Bar on the beach. While bargaining at Dakar's many markets — like Marche Sandaga — isn't for the faint of heart, you can find great deals on traditional African housewares, fabric and even fruits and snacks there. Families should take a morning safari to see giraffes, zebras, rhinos and crocodiles roam the savannah at the Bandia Nature Reserve. A visit to Île de Gorée — an island that's home to the Maison des Esclaves, a memorial to the trans-Atlantic slave trade — is a somber but important experience and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just outside Dakar, Lac Rose (also called Lake Retba) is a salt lake separated from the ocean by giant sand dunes where you can float in the super-salty water, rent a quad and drive around or chat with the locals about how they excavate the salt. The lake actually looks pink thanks to an excess of the Dunaliella salina bacteria, which thrives on high salinity. The bacteria produces a pink color in order to absorb the sunlight, hence its name, Pink Lake.

Have you been to Senegal? Tell us about your experience, below.

• How Safe Is It To...

How Safe is it to Travel in Senegal?

Senegal is known for being one of the safest countries in West Africa. From relatively low levels of crime and disease to a population renowned for being generous hosts, Senegal tends to be a safe, hassle-free travel destination.

A stable democracy with a friendly and welcoming population, travelling to and through Senegal is safer than most other countries in the region. Visitors to the nation of ‘Teranga’ (which roughly translates as ‘hospitality’ in Wolof ) will have a rewarding and safe travel experience, especially if heeding the following advice.

In recent years, Senegal has made vast strides in the battle against malaria, with the rate of outpatient cases tumbling from over 30% in the early 2000s to less than 5% in 2015 (hopes are high for total elimination by 2030). Many of the main tourist areas, such as Dakar, Saint-Louis, la Petite Côte and Casamance’s Atlantic Coast can be visited without anti-malarials, but visitors should take precautions if heading in-land (especially the south-east) and during the rainy season (July-September).

In short: buy bottled. Tap water is fine for cooking, washing vegetables, boiling a cup of tea or coffee and brushing one’s teeth, but when it comes to drinking, it’s best to stick to bottled water (although don’t panic if you accidently glug a glass of tap water). Readily available across Senegal, 1.5 litre bottles cost between 200-400 CFA ($0.35-70) in a supermarket or boutique (‘local convenience store’) or up to 1500 CFA ($2.65) in a restaurant. However, the plastic sachets offered through your bus or taxi window are the cheapest form of clean water available at 50 CFA (10 cents) each.

Cultural respect

Rule #1 in any traveller’s handbook. Although most Senegalese are understanding of western cultures, with many adopting western-style dress and tastes themselves, visitors should be mindful of local cultural practices and beliefs. This can range from being appropriately dressed while entering religious buildings to respecting animals roaming the streets (as they could well be someone’s livelihood). In particular, take extra caution during religious festivals. During Ramadan, for example, it’s not great manners to eat and drink on the street during daylight hours, while most are abstaining.

Street Crime

On the whole, Senegal has a very low rate of thievery and street crime. Leave your belongings unattended – such as a beach bag while swimming or a phone charging behind a bar – and it tends to be there when you get back. However, no country is immune to petty crime and Senegal is no exception.

In particular, pickpockets operate in the downtown Plateau area of Dakar, especially around the Place de L’Indépendence and Sandanga Market, while robberies have been known to take place along the Western Corniche at night. In general, if you stick to well-lit areas, avoid large gatherings (demonstrations etc) and keep valuables out of sight (preferably zipped up in either a pocket or bag), you should be fine.

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Roads are the biggest danger to your health in Senegal. In cities and towns, pedestrians, taxis, motorbikes, horse-carts and trucks all jostle for superiority and will perform any manoeuvre that will give them an edge (don’t be surprised if your taxi decides to drive up a pavement to avoid a one-way system).

Inter-city travel is no less chaotic and should only be done during the day, due to poor roads and vehicles driving without lights. Taking a taxi or hiring a driver is the best option for most tourists trying to get around the country, but hiring a car can be fine if you are an experienced driver.

In a country proud of its harmony and tolerance, there is little appetite for religious extremism and unlike some of its neighbours, there has never been a terrorist attack on Senegalese soil. Meanwhile, Casamance has experienced separatist violence in the past, but this has simmered since peace talks in 2013, and tends to affect the less touristy areas to the east of Ziguinchor and west of Kolda.

Tourists are to scams, like butter is to toast: they were made for each other. Some of the most popular in Senegal revolve around buying milk for someone with a ‘newborn baby’, helping out a small-business owner exchange small notes for big notes and being given ‘free’ bracelets. Also, if you’ve booked a driver to meet you at the airport, ensure they properly identify themselves before you load up.

The Best Art Galleries in Dakar, Senegal

See & Do

Meet the pirogue builders of senegal.

Dakar’s Car Rapides: A Symbol of the Senegalese Capital

Guides & Tips

Kédougou: exploring senegal’s southeastern region.

Orchestra Baobab: Senegal’s Biggest Band 50 Years On

Senegalese Spirit: Discovering the Meaning of Teranga

La Lutte: Senegal’s Mystical National Sport

Sine-Saloum Delta: Senegal’s Watery Wilderness

The Best Things To Do on Senegal’s Grande Côte

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Food & Drink

Fishing, the lifeblood of senegal.

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Visit Senegal: My Detailed Senegal Travel Guide & Itinerary

Last Updated on March 15, 2023

Visit Senegal for a peek into West African culture and history. Here’s my detailed Senegal travel guide and itinerary.

Perched on the westernmost tip of Africa, Senegal beats to a different rhythm as its neighbors. The country is lined with beaches popular with surfers and dotted with islands that are home to crumbling but charming French colonial buildings.

The Senegalese pride themselves on the teranga , or warm hospitality in Wolof language. It’s one of the many reasons that makes Senegal so special in my eyes and is at the core of their culture. I traveled solo in Senegal, and met many people along the way who made a difference to my trip.

As one of the most stable countries in West Africa , Senegal is easily the best place to go for an introduction to the region. Whether it’s your first or 10th time in Africa, a trip to Senegal is never dull. Here’s my detailed guide with everything you need to know about Senegal travel.

Table of Contents

When to Visit Senegal

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The Blaise Diagne International International Airport is the main gateway to Senegal. The airport is brand new, opened in December 2017, and it’s amazingly efficient. But it is located 27 miles (43km) from downtown Dakar (1-hour car journey).

Dakar Airport is easily accessible by direct flight from major cities in Europe, including Lisbon and Paris. Major airlines that serve this airport include Emirates, Air France, TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines.

The cheapest way to fly to Dakar is from Lisbon on TAP Portugal . Flights from Lisbon to Dakar usually cost around $500 return. But I got a great deal: my flight from Amsterdam to Dakar cost only US$280 return!

Those flying from the US will have to fly via Europe. Flights from New York to Dakar cost around US$850 return (16-hour journey). Flights from Los Angeles to Dakar cost around $1000 return with stopovers in Chicago or Toronto.

Search for Flights to Senegal

Senegal has borders with Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia . The most notorious border crossing is the Senegal-Mauritania border at Rosso. It’s just two hours from Saint Louis and there’s a free ferry crossing to get you across the Senegal River. Some travelers have reported attacks at the border crossing. Read this blog post for details. 

Another border crossing that is open is the Senegal-Gambia border in Karang/Amdallai. This border has frequent protests and closures. Karang is about a 5-hour journey from Dakar. After crossing the border, you’ll need to catch a taxi to Barra and from there, a ferry to Banjul, capital of Gambia.

Overland travel in Senegal is only recommended for those who have traveled West Africa and who can handle rough situations.

The best time to visit Senegal is during the dry season from November to February . These are the coolest months and the best time to see wildlife.

It’s best to avoid the rainy season from late June to September. Some national parks can become inaccessible and even closed. The heat and humidity can be extreme and malaria is a serious problem. If you’re planning to travel only around Dakar, you won’t have to worry about malaria.

I visited Senegal in early June and the weather was perfect. It wasn’t too hot or cold. The average temperature during the day was around 75 deg F (24 deg C) and it was dusty but not rainy.

I spent one week in Senegal and got to explore three areas: Dakar, Saint-Louis and the Langue du Barbarie National Park. It gave me a good sense of the country, though I wished I had more time to go down south.

The best thing about traveling to Senegal is that it’s easily accessible from Europe where I’m based. Flights from Europe are short (3.5 hours) and cheap (mine cost $350 return). So I can easily come back anytime!

If you have the time though, I recommend having at least two weeks in Senegal. This will give you enough time to go to the desert and wildlife parks. See my Senegal itinerary at the bottom of the post.

Senegal is known as one of the safest countries in West Africa. With relatively low levels of crime and disease, plus a stable democracy, Senegal is quite a safe travel destination.

As a solo female traveler, I felt rather safe when traveling around Senegal. I got hassled a lot though, with usually 3-4 men (and women) approaching me each day. Mind you, they’re usually not that persistent.

West Africa tends to be more challenging than other parts of Africa for those who don’t speak French. I recommend hiring a guide if you’re not confident being alone. I traveled independently in and around Dakar and then hired a guide to explore Saint-Louis and a nearby national park. I didn’t get hassled one bit while traveling with him.

How to Get Around Senegal

It is possible to rent a car in Dakar and drive around on your own. Roads in Senegal are actually not too bad, especially those connecting Dakar with major cities/sights.

But there are quite a few unpaved roads so it’s best to hire a 4×4. I’d advise driving only if you’re an experienced driver and can navigate unpaved roads and crazy drivers. A 1-week car rental from Dakar Airport cost around $285 for a compact car and $1000 for a 4×4.

Rent a Car in Senegal

A popular way of getting around cities is by Ndiaga Ndiayes (colorful 30-seater minibuses). These buses aren’t the most comfortable way to get by but give you an interesting local experience.

To get from one city to another, the best way is by sept-place (Peugeot cars converted into 7-seaters). These cars leave from the main taxi station of each city and depart only when they’re full. Be prepared to be squashed!

Taxis are common and easy to get everywhere, but be sure to bargain. Prices to get around the downtown area are around 1000 CFA.

From downtown Dakar to Ngor shouldn’t cost more than 3000 CFA each way. And a taxi from Dakar to the airport is priced at 25,000 – 30,000 CFA each way.

West Africa tends to be more challenging than other parts of Africa for those who don’t speak French.  I traveled independently around Dakar and then used the service of a guide to explore the north. I hired Moctar, founder of From Dakar , that focuses on immersion trips. He’s multi-talented guy who’s also a photographer and media company owner.

If you prefer to travel with a group, check out this 10-day Senegal and Gambia adventure with small-group operator G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them many times (to Mongolia, Antarctica, Brazil, Nepal etc.) and can highly recommend them. Every single trip was epic and I made many lifelong friendships on my trips with them.

Alternatively, you can book day tours on Viator to have a guide only on certain days.  Here are some day tours from Dakar worth checking out :

• Museum and Mosques: Exploring the Cultural Fabric of Senegal
• Day trip around Dakar and Goree Island  
• Day trip to Bandia National Park and Pink Lake
• Solidarity Tourism in Traditional Villages

There are lots of affordable choices when it comes to accommodation, especially in Dakar. A good resource for apartment or villa rental in Senegal is MyAfric.com (akin to the Airbnb of West Africa). If you’re an upscale traveler, then that’s the best place to find comfortable accommodation.

Blaise Diagne Airport: Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio

If you’re arriving late into Dakar, I recommend booking a hotel near the airport as Dakar is an hour away by taxi. This is the only airport hotel (albeit around 20 minutes away) with a free airport shuttle. It’s a proper 5-star hotel with an excellent pool and restaurant. Check the latest rates.

Dakar: Villa Renaissance

This was the best place I stayed at in Senegal. The private mansion has been converted into a comfortable boutique hotel with clean and stylish rooms and a swimming pool. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature 4-poster beds and a turquoise beach theme. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the beach in Ngor. Check the latest rates.

Dakar: Hotel du Plateau

I also stayed at this clean and pleasant hotel located right in the heart of downtown Dakar. This area is where all the colonial buildings stand and there’s quite a lot to see here. But it is a gritty area, so be prepared for some hassling. The hotel is a great escape from the chaos of the city though, with comfortable air-conditioned rooms. Check the latest rates.

Saint-Louis: Hotel La Residence

This is one of Saint-Louis’ oldest hotels, located right in the heart of the island. The owners (an ancient Saint-Louisian family) have done a great job in evoking the sense of history. The heritage hotel is well located and definitely the best place to stay in town. Check the latest rates. Check the latest rates.

Langue du Barbarie: Zebra Bar

Located on the edge of the Senegal River, this campsite has awesome views and access to the bird reserve of Langue du Barberie. The spacious kid-friendly camp has accommodation in simple huts and big bungalows. Check the latest rates.

Senegalese food took me by surprise: it’s hearty, spicy and comforting. Traditional Senegalese dishes often come with rice and a dollop of chili or mustard.

Fish and seafood are staples of Senegalese cuisine. You’ll find grilled sole, dorade and calamari in many restaurants. Otherwise, chicken and goat are always available. Vegetarians might have some difficulty finding options in Senegal as meat is found in almost every dish here.

There are the three main Senegalese dishes you need to try:

• Thieboudienne (pronounced Chebu Jen) literally means “fish and rice” in the local Wolof language.
• Yassa is a sauce of onions, lemons and garlic. It is used to garnish chicken and fish.
• Mafé is a succulent peanut butter-based sauce that is usually served in curry form with beef, pork, goat, or chicken.

There are lots of cheap eateries and patisseries all over the main cities. Food hygiene may be a problem at street-side stalls and some dibuterie (barbecue meat stands), so be careful.

Here are some of the best places I ate at:

• Keur N’Dya, Dakar — This is undoubtedly one of the best places to try thieboudienne in Dakar. They serve traditional Senegalese dishes that are sometimes accompanied by the kora (West African harp-like instrument).
• Chez Katia, Ngor — This hip restaurant in Ngor is particularly popular with Senegalese. It’s got an affordable menu that includes amazing pastries, grilled meat, and pizza.
• Le Reveil, Saint-Louis — This humble restaurant/bar in the heart of Saint-Louis serves up amazing mafé with goat meat. My guide said it’s the best place to eat in Saint-Louis.

The currency used in Senegal is West African Franc (CFA). The exchange rate is roughly US$1=580 CFA. You can get a decent exchange rate at the airport, so changing money at the change bureau near baggage claim is definitely worth it.

Senegal is generally cheap when it comes to accommodation and transport. You can get a room at a guesthouse/campsite for around $20/night and a comfortable air-conditioned room in Dakar for $50-70/night.

Food isn’t as cheap as you’d think. A dish of thieboudienne in a local eatery usually costs 2000-3000 CFA ($3.70-5.50), and grilled fish or calamar in a tourist town costs around 4000-6000 CFA ($7.50-11).

The majority of Senegalese are Muslims, but they tend to be less conservative than their counterparts elsewhere in Africa.

Most Senegalese are understanding of western cultures, with many adopting western-style dress themselves. It is acceptable to dress in singlets and dresses, but you should still be mindful of local cultural practices and beliefs. Cover up when entering religious buildings.

In particular, take extra caution during religious festivals. During Ramadan, it’s not polite to eat and drink on the street during daylight hours, while most are abstaining.

The Senegalese take pride in “teranga”, a Wolof word for hospitality.   You’ll hear that a lot during your Senegal trip.

People tend to be open and welcoming towards visitors. I lost count of the number of locals who approached me to strike up a conversation. The hassling can be annoying, but stay firm and calm.

Most of the time, they want to show you their shop or be your guide. I usually respond with a firm “no”. But if I sense that the man is trying to make an honest living, I would hire him for a short tour and pay 2000 CFA for his time.

The main languages spoken in Senegal are Wolof and French. But I’ve found quite a few people who speak English, particularly the young Senegalese who are constantly hassling tourists.

Don’t expect taxi drivers or waiters to speak English. Knowing a few key words in French or Wolof can be very useful. Start with a friendly   “Bonjour” (Hello) and “Ça va? Bien?” (How are you? Good?) in French. Even better, say “Salaam Alaykum” to greet locals and “Jërejëf” (Thank you in Wolof).

I can understand a bit of French (but can’t really speak it), and didn’t find it difficult to get by. You can always find help at your hotel or use Google Translator.

In recent years, Senegal has made vast strides in the battle against malaria, with cases falling from over 30% in the early 2000s to less than 5% in 2015.

Dakar and Saint-Louis can be visited without malaria medication . But you should take precautions during the rainy season (late June – September) and if heading inland (especially the southeast). I visited in early June and didn’t take any malaria medication. It didn’t rain at the all when I was there and mosquitoes were very few.

Though a yellow fever vaccine isn’t required to enter Senegal, it’s recommended. Once you get one, it’s effective for life. Remember to bring a good mosquito repellent, tissue and sunblock.

Senegal Travel Itinerary: Things to Do in Senegal

I’m sharing my 1-week Senegal itinerary to help you plan your Senegal trip. Many of the interesting sights like Lac Rose and Goree Island are near Dakar, so it’s easy to base yourself in Dakar and explore the area.

Downtown Dakar is where most of the old colonial buildings are found. It is quite rough, be prepared for some hassling.

Some of the points of interest in downtown Dakar worth checking out are Le Musée des Civilisations Noires , Gare du Dakar, Hotel du Ville and Marche Kermel (street market).

Continue to the Ouakam fishing village that is home to two major sights: Monument de la Renaissance Africaine (tallest statue in Africa) and Mosquée de la Divinité.

Île de Gorée (or Goree Island) is a gorgeous island and UNESCO site just 1.8 miles (3km) from downtown Dakar. The tiny island makes for an ideal day trip, as it’s just a 20-minute ferry ride from the Gare du Dakar.

The island’s sandy car-free lanes and pastel-colored colonial buildings flanked by lush bougainvillea flowers and baobab trees are undeniably alluring.

But don’t let the bright colors here fool you — the island bears witness to some of the worst brutalities in human history. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the Senegalese coast.

Next morning, head to Ngor, a fishing village that is one of Dakar’s most attractive areas . A taxi ride from downtown Dakar to Ngor costs around 3000 CFA ($5).

Ngor itself has a nice beach with lots of colorful boats lined up on the sand and kids frolicking in the water. Next to the seafront is an interesting labyrinth-like residential area where locals live.

Then head out on a pirogue (leaves whenever it is full) to Ngor island or Île de N’Gor, just off the shore. The peaceful islet has a few calm beaches with some legendary surf on the norther end. The sandy walkways are flanked by surf camps, eclectic art galleries and artistic houses.

It’s time to head out to explore the countryside of Senegal. Saint-Louis is a 4-hour journey from Dakar on the sept-place (7-seater). Catch a sept-place from the Gare Routiere Pompiers.

Saint-Louis was the first French settlement in Africa, founded in 1659. It became a thriving trading centre, and eventually the capital of the French colonial empire.

The old town stands on an island in the middle of Senegal River. Today it’s a shadow of its former self, existing as a sprawl of dilapidated colonial buildings which hint at former glory. A  few of the beautiful buildings have been wonderfully restored such as the Museum of Photography and Keur Fall Artisan shop .

There is a lot to Saint-Louis so I recommend spending another day wandering its dusty roads and checking out the interesting shops and museums.

The best way to explore every corner of Saint-Louis is by horse-drawn carriage, the original mode of transport here. Make a stop at the Faidherbe Bridge, the city’s most significant landmark. It was designed by Gustav Eiffel, the famous engineer behind Eiffel Tower.

Cross the bridge and you’ll find a very different side to Saint Louis. The fishing district of Guet Ndar is an extremely lively area with thousands of pirogues parked on the beach and gritty houses lining the dusty roads.

Located around a 30-minute taxi ride from Saint-Louis, the Langue du Barbarie National Park is a protected area around the estuary where the Senegal River and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

It is home to many bird species, including the flamingo, pelican, cormorant heron and egret. Catch a pirogue and you’ll see them in big flocks, especially from November to April. 

There are also lots of small villages within the national park. We took a stroll to a village just outside Zebra Bar and it was fascinating to visit the market and see how locals live in the rural area.

It’s time to head back to Dakar. Spend some time in the morning wandering around Saint Louis (lots of markets, interesting shops and boutiques) before catching a sept-place back to Dakar.

I’d advise staying near the Blaise Diagne airport if you have a morning flight to catch as Dakar is an hour away. There’s not a lot going on around the airport and the only hotel that’s near is the Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio.

Other Things to Do in Senegal

• Lac Rose — A pink lake that shimmers under the sun due to the cyanobacteria that flourish in the water.The degree of pinkness depends on the season.
• Toubab Dialow — My local guide’s favorite surfing spot in Senegal. The cliffs drop off to the Atlantic Ocean beneath. This fishing town is home to a hippy campsite and backpackers’ favorite, Sobo Bade.
• Sine-Saloum Delta — If you have more than 1 week in Senegal, I highly recommend visiting this delta. About three hours from Dakar, Sine-Saloum is a beautiful area of shimmering flat plains, palm groves, salt marshes and lagoons.
• Desert du Lompoul — Near the Grand Cote lies giant dunes that stretch from the coast far into the country’s interior. You can stay in Mauritanian desert tents right in the middle of the dunes.
• Bandia Wildlife Reserve — If it’s your first time in Africa and you’re dying to see big animals, head to Bandia Reserve just outside Dakar.

Did I miss out on anything? Ask me anything in the comment field below!

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides . She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Thank you for sharing your trip Nellie! I’m planning a trip with my family to spend five full days in Dakar. Is that too short to include Saint-Louis?

hi Raymond, yeh five days might be too short to include Saint Louis if you want to see everything I mentioned in Dakar. That said, if you’re not traveling with young kids and you’re all able to move fast, then it is possible with 3 days in Dakar (including a day trip to Ile de Goree) and 2 days in Saint Louis. You can even hire a whole sept-place if you’re a family of four/five.

Thanks Nellie! I sent you a message via your FB wildjunket channel, do you mind checking if you get a chance?

hi Raymond, I just answered your message. Hope you have a good trip to Senegal!

Lisa E Lynde

Hi! I am looking at a quick trip to Dakar in a couple weeks and would love to find out a reputable tour company that can guide me through the downtown and to Goree. I will be a solo female traveler and don’t speak French, so it makes sense I go the tour route (though I normally don’t like them!) :) Would love suggestions!

hi Lisa, I shared my guide’s contact above, in the ‘tour operator’ section. But here it is again: I traveled with Moctar, founder of From Dakar, that focuses on immersion trips. He’s multi-talented guy who’s not just a tour operator, but also a photographer and media company owner.

Peggy Vander Meulen

Loved your informative and up-to-date guide to Senegal. Is there a way to download a printable or pdf copy of your travel guide? I’d be willing to pay! I can’t find any guidebooks newer than 2019. Our family lived in Dakar for 7 years back in the 1990s and we’re returning for two weeks Feb. 2022. Thank you. Peggy

hey Peggy, thank you for your kind words! Glad you find it useful! At the moment, I don’t have a PDF version (although I’m in the process of hiring a designer to create PDFs for some of my articles.) But you can actually click on the printer icon on the left and print out this whole article. It might be quite a few pages though. I’ll let you know when a PDF is available for this article. Thank you!

Hi Nellie thank you for you sharing your experience in Senegal. I have 9 days to spend in the area…Does it worth going to Gambia? tks

hi Debora, I’ve been to Gambia too and it’s a beautiful country that definitely deserves more time. I don’t think you’ll have enough time to see both Senegal and Gambia in 9 days. Here’s a link to my Gambia articles in case you’re interested to see what you can do there.

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Senegal Travel Guide

Travel & Tourism

Senegal has it all: it is one the most beautiful countries of the West African coast. Most tourists come for the region’s exceptional weather—more than three thousand hours of sunlight per year—and dazzling, sparsely populated beaches. But Senegal also offers a broad variety of crafts and textiles, and the country’s six major game parks and reserves have great opportunities for hunting, bird watching, and ecotourism.

The Senegalese capital, Dakar, is known for its nightlife, and the country boasts one of Africa’s most varied music scenes. French jazz, American funk and hip-hop, and percussion-based genres all thrive in the country, and Senegal’s many musical exports include Youssou N’Dour,  Daara J , and Akon.

What to Do in Senegal

1. Dakar:  Despite everything Senegal has to offer, you could easily schedule your entire trip within Dakar, the country’s capital, which has a population of more than 1.5 million. Open-air markets sell art, Senegalese food, jewelry, and many other items, whose prices can often be bargained down to very reasonable levels. The museums, especially the Musée Théodore Monod (for African art) and the Institut Français Léopold Sédar Senghor (for African art of French influence), are on a par with the best museums in European and American cities.

2. Lac Rose:  Also known as the Pink Lake, this shallow, salty lake is one of Senegal’s most popular tourist destinations. On sunny days, the water appears bright pink, owing to the water’s high salt content. Tourists are welcome to swim in the lake’s warm waters or watch the local salt traders scrape salt from the lake’s bottom by hand. Some inns offer horseback riding in the area.

3. Île de Gorée:  An important stop on the slave transport route from the 16th to the mid-19th century, the island is a short ferry ride from Dakar. It has a number of historic forts, houses, and museums, including La Maison des Esclaves, where visitors can see where slaves and their traders lived while waiting to be transported to the New World. Despite its unpleasant history, the island is known for its beautiful Mediterranean architecture, and many travelers find in the Île de Gorée a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Dakar.

4. Beaches:  Senegal’s beaches are among the most photographed in the world and are not to be missed. Some of the best (and most popular) beaches near Dakar are the ones on the Île N’Gor and Toubab Dialao, a site famous for its stunning red cliffs. Beaches farther south of Dakar are generally larger and less crowded, the Petite Côte spanning over 94 miles (151 kilometers.) The Casamance region is known for its beaches as well, and the region is welcoming to tourists. Resorts in the city of Saly, near M’bour, offer a variety of water sports, including jet skiing and scuba diving.

5. Fathala Reserve:  One of the most accessible ways to experience Senegal’s natural beauty is to visit the Fathala Reserve, part of the Parc Nationale du Delta du Saloum. The park is known for its forest and wetlands, with hundreds of species of wildlife. Excursions on pirogues (small boats), fishing trips, and hiking tours can be purchased in the charming village of Missirah.

6. Saint Louis:  A namesake of the American city, Saint Louis retains much of its colonial-era architecture. It offers excellent shopping and walking tours, as well as easy day trips to the Djoudj and Langue de la Barbarie national parks.

7. Stone Circles:  Spread throughout central Senegal and Gambia, stone circles make up the largest group of megalithic complexes in the world, and they are protected World Heritage Sites. The stones weigh up to ten tons apiece. Smaller than the ones in Stonehenge, their carvings are nonetheless quite sophisticated, and although they are found near burial grounds, their exact purpose is unknown. The two main locations in Senegal, Sine Ngayène Kaolack and Wanar Kaolack, have visitor centers that offer guided tours.

8. Keur Moussa:  A large Benedictine complex, Keur Moussa is secluded in the hills outside of Dakar. Tourists are welcome to observe mass, which incorporates indigenous musical instruments into the liturgy. Locals and visitors alike praise the goat cheese sold by the monks after services.

9. Sine Saloum Delta:  Although the Delta offers easy access to the Petite Côte, its highlights are the gorgeous rivers and forest groves, which have many opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and boat tours.

10. Bassari Country:  This remote area in Eastern Senegal is worth the trip. It has good accommodations, especially in the city of Kédougou, and provides a rare opportunity to observe life in tiny, rural villages that adhere to traditional lifestyles. This region is best explored by means of hiking, and guides can be found in most of Kédougou’s hotels.

11. Goree Island: Goree Island is one of the famous tourist spot situated on near the coast of the capital Dakar. It has a history of prominent slave-trading center. It is crucial place for African-Americans who visit it to pay their respects to the past of their ancestors.

12. Pink Lake: Pink Lake, also well-known as Retba Lake, is a spectacular lake full of pink-purple color. It has known to possess large amount of salt content and unique species of bacteria. Watch this spellbinding lake in the reflection of the sunlight offers you a stunning view.

13. Saloum Delta National Park: Don’t miss visiting the Saloum Delta National Park that stretches over 76,000 hectares in the western area of the Senegal. It features outstanding biodiversity. You can find here fishes, various species of birds, savanna, and mangrove forests.

14. Senegal river: Another wonderful attraction that you should not miss when in Senegal is the stunning Senegal River. This majestic river flows covering over 1,700 km. The interesting fact is that this amazing river creates impressive fertile valley in the middle of the Sahel Desert.

15. Lompoul Desert: Have an experience of exploring the desert by visiting the Lompoul Desert in Senegal. Make sure you enjoy fun camel trekking, marvelous vistas, and thrilling sand dune buggies.

We recommend visiting Senegal during its dry season, between December and April. Heavy rains during other times of the year mean that some national parks may close and overland travel can be difficult.

When planning your trip, you will want to take Ramadan into consideration. While the evening festivities are among the most exciting and memorable experiences available to visitors, most restaurants are closed during the day, and the country’s nightlife goes dormant for the monthlong fast. The  dates of Ramadan  are based on the lunar cycle and vary from year to year.

Getting In and Around

Visas:  If you are a citizen of the United States, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Canada, South Africa, Japan, or Israel, you do not need a visa. Tourist visas are modestly priced but cannot be purchased at the airport.

Your passport must be valid for three months after your intended stay. If you are coming from an infected area, you will need certification that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever.

Transportation:  Senegal’s only internal airline went out of business in 2010, but plenty of other options exist for travel within the country. Ferries and large passenger boats run from Dakar to Casamance, the Île de Gorée, and other islands and towns and are convenient and cost-effective. Long-distance buses and bush taxis provide transport to smaller cities and rural destinations, and Dakar has a number of minibus and taxi services

Safety and Security

Concerned about your safety as you plan travel to Senegal? We at Africa.com, together with our friends, family and colleagues, travel extensively throughout the continent. Here are the resources we consult when thinking of our safety in Senegal:

• UK Government Senegal Travel Advice Guidance

Africa.com comment: Very timely and frequently updated. Perspective assumes that you ARE going to travel to Senegal, and seeks to give you good guidance so that you understand the risks and are well informed.

• U.S. State Department Travel Advisory on Senegal

Africa.com comment: Can sometimes be considered as overly conservative and discourage travel altogether to destinations that many reasonable people find acceptably secure. On the other hand, they have the resources of the CIA to inform them, so they know things that the rest of us don’t know. See what they have to say about Senegal.

The Top 5: Travel Advice

1. Senegal’s five official languages are French, Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, and Mandinka. Most business is done in French and Wolof, and it will be helpful to learn a few phrases in both languages.

2. Ninety-four percent of Senegal’s population is Muslim (the remaining 6 percent consists of either Christians or followers of indigenous religions). Although locals in Dakar and other tourist centers are accustomed to seeing visitors in Western garb, it is best to dress conservatively, especially in rural areas. Leave the low-cut tops and short shorts at home; instead, consider loose-fitting shirts, pants, and long skirts, which will also protect your skin from the region’s harsh sunlight.

3. Since Senegal’s short-lived 1982 union with Gambia, a violent separatist movement called the MFDC (Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance) in the southern region of Casamance has occasionally clashed with authorities. Peace talks with the group started in 2005. The MFDC does not target tourists, and Casamance’s beaches remain a popular destination. Locals are often happy to explain Senegalese politics to foreigners, but be careful not to start an argument.

4. Senegal’s currency is the West African CFA franc, which is fixed to the value of the euro and is used in seven other West African countries. It should not be confused with the Central African CFA franc, which looks similar but is not accepted in Senegal. ATMs are common, especially in Dakar and other major cities, although service can be unreliable in rural areas.

5. The most popular newspapers in Senegal are L’Observateur, Le Populaire, and the government-owned Le Soleil, all in French. Wi-Fi access is available in many hotels and restaurants and is usually cheap or free.

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Introducing Senegal

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Senegal travel guide

Senegal is often known as 'The Country of Teranga'. Teranga means hospitality in the local tongue of Wolof, and you will indeed find Senegal to be one of the friendliest spots in West Africa. The locals are hospitable - once you get to know them, you may find yourself being invited to share a steaming cup of tea or even some delicious home-cooked meals.

A simple wander around the local markets will unearth handmade fabrics and authentic arts and crafts, while on almost every street corner in the towns and cities you'll find musicians full of energy. It is also worth checking out bustling restaurants that serve up rich Senegalese cuisine influenced by the Maghrebis (inhabitants of northern Africa), French and Portuguese.

Most visitors land in Dakar, the chaotic, fast-growing capital, packed with great nightlife and restaurants. However, Senegal also offers beautiful, untouched rural scenery, along with golden beaches, tropical rainforests and semiarid grasslands. Suffice to say, Senegal offers something unique for every traveller.

Indeed, the diversity of Senegal is perhaps its best feature. The southern Casamance region boasts palm-fringed tropical beaches. The western region is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a series of wetlands teeming with biodiversity, including one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds in the world. Then you have the relatively flat plains which give way to the mountainous region in the southeast – this is where the highest point of Senegal is found, reaching an elevation of 581m (1,906ft) near Népen Diakha.

Adventurous travellers come to Senegal to surf some of the best waves in West Africa in year-round warm waters, hike through lush tropical rainforest-clad mountains, discover towering waterfalls or go deep-sea fishing in the depth of the continental shelf. With birds, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, lions and panthers abound, wildlife viewing is also high on the agenda among some travellers.

Highbrow tourists won't be disappointed either. There are year-round music and art festivals such as the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, as well as well-managed museums displaying some of the most interesting artefacts found in the region. You'll also find well-preserved colonial ruins and sites that remember the dehumanising Transatlantic slave trade.

Senegal is easily accessible from Europe and the USA. The country offers an array of experiences, has warm temperature year-round and one of the best infrastructures in the region, so it is time to put Senegal on your radar and come for a visit.

196,712 sq km (75,951 sq miles).

16,657,759 (UN estimate 2020).

87 per sq km.

Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye since 2024.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko since April 2024.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers

LGBT+ travellers

• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications  when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Senegal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Senegal in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Senegal.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Senegal, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Senegal without a visa for up to 3 months.

You need to show border officials evidence of return or onward travel and proof of your arranged accommodation. If you do not have these, you may be refused entry.

If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you must register with local authorities after you arrive. They will issue you with a Carte d’étranger , which you must carry as identification.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk . This includes if you have transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Babies aged 9 months and under are exempt.

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Senegal.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Senegal guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Senegal (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Senegal .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Senegal

Terrorist attacks in Senegal cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorist groups in the Sahel region in West Africa have shown their capability and intent by mounting attacks in Mali, which shares a border with Senegal.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a threat of kidnapping in the wider Sahel region, which incorporates Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, so take precautions to reduce the risk of kidnap in remote regions and border areas.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

Political situation

There are frequent demonstrations about political issues in Dakar and other cities.

Demonstrations can turn violent. Protestors sometimes block major roads, including the road between Blaise Diagne International Airport and the city of Dakar.

Monitor local media and ask local contacts about possible upcoming protests. Ahead of big demonstrations, if you’re in Dakar or another major city, consider stocking up on food, water and fuel. Once they have begun, you should:

• continue to monitor local media for information
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• stay away from areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution

If you are in doubt about where protests are taking place, or the level of safety of an area, stay at home or in your hotel.

Foreign nationals have been prosecuted for attending protests that have not been approved by the government.

Street crime

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially from scooters or motorbikes, are common in Dakar.

This type of crime is more common in the run-up to religious festivals. It can also increase early in the month after salaries are paid. To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid walking alone in the evening and after dark, especially if you are a woman
• avoid wearing conspicuous jewellery and keep any handbags or satchels on the side of your body that is furthest from the street
• step inside a shop or restaurant if you need to use your mobile

Bogus taxis at the airport

There is a risk of bogus taxi drivers pretending to know you and then overcharging you for the journey from the airport. Pre-arrange transport with your accommodation or an authorised operator. If you’re expecting someone to collect you at the airport, make sure they show you their ID.

Fake currency

Be cautious when changing cash, as there is a risk you will be scammed with fake money. Use ATMs or reputable exchange bureaux.

Laws and cultural differences

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress and behave modestly in public, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. In the main tourist areas there is more acceptance of western-style holiday clothing.

Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive and penalties for drink-driving are severe.

Kissing as a greeting is acceptable, but kissing romantically in public is not.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not drink alcohol or wear revealing clothes in public during Friday prayers between 1pm and 3pm.

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening when traffic will also be heavier than usual
• be patient and show tolerance

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. People accused regularly spend lengthy periods on remand before being tried. The maximum sentence for trafficking is 20 years.

Prison conditions in Senegal are considerably poorer than in UK prisons. There may be problems such as overcrowding, lack of adequate meals, clean drinking water and electricity, and poor sanitation.

Only use reputable exchange bureaux to change your money. Dakar has ATMs that accept foreign bank cards, but there are few ATMs or bank facilities in the rest of the country. Withdrawal limits can be low, and ATMs regularly run out of money, including in Dakar.

Larger or more upmarket establishments that cater for tourists usually accept foreign credit cards. Mobile payment applications, such as Orange Money and Wave, are also widely used around the country.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Same-sex relationships are generally not tolerated in Senegal’s conservative society.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

 Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Senegal, see information on driving abroad .

You can drive in Senegal with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. A 1968 international driving permit may be helpful in offering a translation for traffic officials. If you’re staying longer or living in Senegal, you must get a Senegalese driving licence.

Road conditions

Most main roads are of good quality, but minor roads can be in very poor repair. During the rainy season from June to September, torrential rains can cause floods and landslides which damage roads.

Driving standards are not the same as in the UK. Drivers can make sudden movements without signalling and speeding is common. Many taxis and public mini-buses (‘cars rapides’) are not roadworthy by UK standards. Driving after dark is more dangerous because of poorly lit roads and vehicles without lights.

Traffic congestion gets worse in the run-up to and during religious festivals.

If you have an accident, you must contact the police on 17 and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Do not move your car until a police officer gives you permission. In remote areas, go to the nearest police station to report the accident.

This section has safety advice for regions of Senegal. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Northern and eastern border areas

Take particular care in remote areas of Senegal near the border areas with Mauritania and Mali, and to the east of the city of Podor as far as Kidira.

Casamance Region

Casamance, the spur of land south of The Gambia, has suffered from decades of low-intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces. Be on alert for clashes if you are travelling in the region. The risk of attacks is lower in the main tourist areas of the Casamance.

When driving:

• avoid travelling at night
• stick to main roads
• travel in convoy if possible
• do not pull over if anyone tries flag you down
• be aware that many roads in the Casamance are of low quality

Senegalese forces carry out minor operations near the border with The Gambia to combat wood trafficking.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 15 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Health risks and recommended vaccines

Check TravelHealthPro’s current advice on Senegal to find out how to reduce the health risks you’ll face there, including:

• yellow fever

TravelHealthPro also lists the recommended vaccines that could apply to you. At least 8 weeks before you travel, check how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

You’ll find pharmacies which accept UK prescriptions in major cities. The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Senegal

Medical facilities in Dakar are reasonable, but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Senegal where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Senegal

Ambulance: 15

Call 123 for the military police, who may be more responsive if you are in the countryside.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers ,  funeral directors  and  translators and interpreters  in Senegal
• dealing with a  death in Senegal
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Senegal
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications  when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Senegal and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Dakar .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Senegal on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Related Articles

16 things to know before travelling to Senegal

Palm-fringed beaches, colourful cities and a reputation for world-class hospitality, Senegal deserves a spot on any seasoned traveller’s bucket list

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Is Senegal Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Senegal is a country located in Western Africa, that shares its borders with Guinea-Bissau to the south, Guinea to the southeast, Mali to the east, and Mauritania to the north, and it has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Senegal has a reputation of being West Africa’s most stable country, but that doesn’t make it a boring destination, though.

Expect to have a wild time in the capital’s dizzying atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, and then just sink into the relaxing life and serenity of nearby Île de Gorée and the beaches of Yoff and N’Gor.

In northern Senegal, the gorgeous city of Saint-Louis, known for its unique colonial architecture is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

It is also very nearby Senegal’s picturesque national parks, and this isn’t something you’d want to miss as one of the things Senegal is actually known for is its astounding biodiversity, including hundreds of bird species.

• Warnings & Dangers in Senegal

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally speaking, Senegal is not the safest country to visit. It has extremely high crime rates, of both violent and petty crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something wrong happening.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

It is advised that you avoid public transport in Senegal due to high levels of crime and armed robberies in crowded places such as bus or train stations, and on public transport as well. Always opt for hiring a taxi from a reputable company instead of hailing one on the streets.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is an extreme threat of petty crime in Senegal, as in the majority of countries in West Africa. Never carry your money in a purse or a back pocket. Never carry all your money in the same place, or flash your credit cards around ATMs. Many thieves have a tactic of grabbing you by your leg while the other one takes your wallet out of your pocket, so if you feel someone grabbing your clothes, focus on the person on the other side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, Senegal is susceptible to many natural disasters like flooding, drought, land degradation, rising sea levels, and locust infestation.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent crime is common in Senegal so be extremely careful on the streets. Robberies and armed roadblocks are also known to happen. You might run into violent street vendors who will follow you for a few blocks. Be wary of people claiming that they have met you before. Many tourists have been led somewhere else and then robbed.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Senegal, as Senegal contributes to the UN peacekeeping initiative in Mali, which makes it a legitimate target by terrorist groups including Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) and their associated groups. You should be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Be extremely careful with your cash while bargaining. There have been cases of street vendors quickly taking the cash out of your pocket and then claiming it is theirs. You have no way to prove that they're lying so this is a particularly tricky situation. Be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Senegal isn't the safest place for a woman to be visiting alone. If you do, you should know that women are often targeted when alone on the streets or at beaches. Avoid remote streets as much as you can, both during day and night. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.

• So... How Safe Is Senegal Really?

Apart from the fighting going on in the Casamance region of Senegal, between the government and the MFDC or Mouvement des forces démocratiques de la Casamance, which is why it would be wise to avoid this area, there is serious reason to be extremely vigilant on the streets of Senegal, as petty theft and violent crime are a severe issue in this country.

As for petty theft, pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft have been known to happen both on the street and in taxis, but you should be wary of pickpockets as such incidents can turn violent.

Violent crime is also something Senegal is notorious for and many tourists have reported being victims of an armed robbery at knifepoint.

Here, basic precaution rules apply: never flash your valuables and be vigilant in large crowds and markets.

When it comes to the places where crime is most prominent, you should be extremely careful on the streets of Dakar and the airport as well as areas such as Place de l’Independence, the Western Corniche and the central part of the Plateau.

Apart from those, Dakar’s restaurant district, called La Petite Corniche, and St.-Louis’ restaurant area, are all known for muggings and robberies.

Travelers are strongly advised against going out alone and must be extremely cautious of suspicious-looking strangers.

• How Does Senegal Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries don't need a visa to travel to Senegal. If you're planning on staying in Senegal for longer than 3 months, you'll need to register with the local authorities in order to obtain a 'Carte d'Etranger'. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

West African CFA franc is the official currency in Senegal. All major towns have banks with ATMs while US dollars and euro are the most common currencies exchanged in the country.

Senegal has a tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid weather. It has a rainy season that lasts from May to November, during which you can expect strong southeast winds and a dry season that lasts from December to April, and is dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind.

Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport is the busiest international airport serving Dakar, the capital of Senegal. It is located near the town of Yoff, north of Dakar.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Senegal, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Senegal Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature
• Where to Next?

15 Reviews on Senegal

Senegal stop.

Our plane broke down there on a routine fuel stop. We all had to disembark with locals bringing personal pickup trucks to take our luggage somewhere. We knew not where. It was very sketchy and scary. The city folks eyeing us suspiciously as we were transported to a local hotel (which had such potential for uniqueness and beauty if only it had been clean! Yucky bathroom and spiders! ). I have to say tho … that the beach was simply gorgeous and the food very good. Getting back on our plane was a nightmare with the security folks throwing their weight around. Checked through all our suitcases two different times making us all feel like criminals. It took hours … Extorting money for fees and more. I was nervous the whole time and couldn’t wait to leave

However, I realize If I was visiting locals it might’ve been a better experience all around.

Wonderful and safe country to visit

I’m not sure which Senegal this article is about?! I’ve been to Senegal many times as a solo female traveller. I’ve never had any problems, I always felt safe. People are very friendly and helpful. I’ve walked on my own at night, taken taxis on the street – yeah the taxis are probably dangerous in that they never have seatbelts and road safety is pretty bad. But I’ve never witnessed any of this crime the article describes. The airport was also very professional, no harassment or any problems

Thanks I really appreciate your honest input.

thank you for sharing. Nice to hear a personal experience

Safe and wonderful country

Ok first of all, this website is completely incorrect and exaggerated. I am American and have been living in Dakar for 7 years and I feel safer walking around here at night than I do any city in the US. I live immersed in the Senegalese community (not the expat community) and everyone knows each other and I’ve never been mugged or felt unsafe or been out at knifepoint. This website makes Senegal look like a super dangerous country and it’s not at all. Just take basic precautions like you would in any city. I’d say the most “dangerous” thing that happens is some people take advantage of tourists who don’t understand how things work and overcharge them or pick pocket them. But I’ve never seen really violent crimes here. Watch the Anthony Bourdain episode on Senegal for a better representation of the country!

Where is the best and safe place in Senegal for a first time visitor who’s an expatriate ?

Senegal is Not Dangerous

This article I feel like is covering a country they know nothing about. If you know Senegal and visited, you would make it seem this bad and dangerous. People that have never been here, will automatically assume this is a bad country to visit based off this review and it’s not at all. I was born there and went back for vacation and never witnessed all of the negativity mentioned in this article. Every country has issues and stuff but I would say the U.S is far more dangerous than living in Senegal.

Senegal is amazingly safe and beautiful and friendly

This Person who wrote this is really misinformed and probably has never spent over a few days in Senegal!!! I was born and raised in the USA and lived in many states and have traveled to many countries and Senegal was the safest ive felt out of anywhere ive ever been!!! Not only are the people friendlier but literally night or day whether i was in Dakar , St Louis , Walo, Mbour , Saly , Popenguine, Nianing i was safe and the people were always so friendly!! Local bars were amazing and i even went to a few strangers houses after to smoke weed in Saly it was so much fun walking through there neighborhood at night and seeing the way they lived was an experience worth having!! This person was writing about a war torn country or something !! Maybe they mixed Senegal up with Somalia or something either way two thumbs down for whoever wrote this!!! I love Senegal its amazing and i reccommend every person go visit there and buy land there !!!

For African country it’s not that bad. crime exists everywhere in the world

Love for Senegal

I have never been to Senegal before but I love Senegal as my best country in Africa and the second best in the world. I hope to visit Senegal this December, 2022 along with my family. (Wife and daughter)

Negative Experience

It is true that crime happens everywhere but it is important to share our experiences to avoid other people going through the same situations. I have lived in Senegal for a year and, overall it has been a great time. Unfortunately, there is a high probability of getting robbed. Specially people breaking into houses. Someone broke into my house two months ago and stole all my devices, money, and other valuable things. Police did nothing. The officers themselves said that is a common crime in the city and it isn’t surprising that houses get broken in. IMPORTANT, if you are planing to travel to Senegal make sure the place you rent is secure and never leave any valuable item out of sight. Also double check that doors and windows are locked when you leave your apartment day and night.

That also happens in French cities too, honestly. They adapted this “lax on thieves” approach that the French have for whatever reason

I have been investigating this country for 20 years. In this country, thieves and swindlers are innumerable and some of them are protected judicially and in the media.

Stay safe !

Hello, If you are a foreigner, we advise you not to set up a company in Senegal. If you are a Senegalese or a foreigner and if your Senegalese company makes profits and if you don’t give money (in cash) to powerful politicians, you will have big problems with the tax authorities and with the justice system and with the thugs. Best regards, Iba.

Be very aware and proyect your self

I was attaked in the middle of the street in front of everyone only cause I Discover Someone that cheated me and still, he got mad at me cause I just discovered his real face.

I went from Dakar to Cap Skirring stopping in different places. I have been cheated in most places. I took the bus from Dakar Airport to the centre and my couchsurfer says was 6000fca. For the time I took me to get there It was almost double price than Spain. Then, I got to know last years was a vessel, boat from Dakar to Cab Skirring for 5000 FCA so something doesnt fit. Zinganchor was crazy garage , bus station where they cheated me even un the Office and then, again in my way back, you said to them they are cheating you but then, they said its because you have to Pay for your backpack ( all lies ) I was with 2 couchsurfers in Dakar with many positive references. Then, the First one that is always in the Pink lake I got to know by other Senegal person far away that he raped a Japanish girl 18 years old.. I went to his profile and then, I realized for more that I Saw all positive that he has 4 bad references despite 180 good that are Girls saying not recommend to a solo girl. He was interested not to show me anything but to help me to buy my card. 8000 or 7000 I cant remember but Its 1000 for the sim and every giga 1000. He says they put me 7g and It stopped in 2 days. My txt and card says 4 giga and It last nothing compared with the 2 time. I have him 3000 to buy 2 bread with omelette and chips. I did not see the change. 2nd Cs It was fine except he was cheeky to ask me for sex at night. I thought to leave my backpack there and go for 1 day to Goree but cause of It I just left Next day with everything. After days he was asking me for a reference in Cs and I says you could do It too. He did not … As I Saw the poor room where he lived I paíd for everything. At the end I put a positive review but saying he was cheeky. Lately I Discover again under all his positive references he was one positive saying the same than the negatives that he was expecting the CS to pay for everything all the time and even one of the negatives says It was robbered by him. So for some Senegalés Couchsurfing is a way to get sex but thats internacional now because they do not care about what Cs is. And for some of Senegalés is a business with turist to get profit. Worst experience I had an agression in Toubakuta. I Contact Babacar CS. He had 4 references but one even positive was about to once more get money from Cs. I mention It and he was offended and arrogant. I was travelling at the end with a french Guy by car , another turist a met and he did not have anything booked and I spoke to him about Babacar. Still I wanted to get to know him by that wonderful reviews and to give a chance. He was giving me instrucciones about how to get there and…. the day we went going to Toubakuta I mention him the french Guy and that if maybe he could take him , too although the french Guy might be prefer a 🏨 with swimming pool. so everything on the Air. I say to Babacar we are getting there in 30′. He says to met him in a bar Next to him. Suddenly when we arrived he was not connected to internet. Just as well I have credit and I called him I asked him why he was disconnect if he knew I was very clóse then, he reply un rude way and the french Guy says I do not like that guy! I have to say he was a bit stress after driving during 5 hours , stopped by the police 3 times and the second time was have to Pay 10.000 cause of a corrupt police. We. Inter in the bar at the end to meet Babacar even if he wasnt very happy but as he did not have data he was Happy to get wifi in the bar. We Inter and the woman nice help us to get the passwords for the wifi. I asked for juice, tea and other things but … my travel partner come and says they want you to drink and the waiter appeared with 2 beers 12am. I said not and I gave It back. I did not know french! We were gonna be a few minutes waiting for Babacar so as they did not have more options than alcohol and the french was gonna drink the beer I thought was fine. The nice woman come saying angry that if I take wifi I was have to drink. I left saying I do not want anything and the french Guy followed me. He did not even touch the beer but It seems the waiter opened so she come as crazy saying we have to Pay outside in front of the car. People come around as we had done something. Nobody would understand me with not french and english almost nobody. It was in one moment a mess and we left. the french got nuts saying he is a quite person and that he wanted to invited me that It could have been dangerous for a bit of money. He left faster and shocked by the situation and start to say to me that in very stressful way. I asked him to stop the car, I got my suitcase and left as during the trip he says the police asked him for money cause travelling with a woman makes more vulnerable the man. A stupid him but he was keeping saying that no in Colombia, Favelas Brasil never happened to him , only in Perú when he was with her ex. He just made his silly stadistic so between that thing and then, saying to me I was not right that I was have to drink and not to … well, just when I was getting my backpack from behing appear Babacar. He says this Guy is unrespectful to Drive like that in my village. I explain what happened and I say well we can have a drink. He was giving the reason to the woman in the bar and took me to a place with 10 people in a circle. He was speaking his language with them and I was being a part as I did not understand anything. One was with a bottle of wine and this Guy Babacar I said to him I was leaving as he gave me such a bad impresión with his muscles and that really arrogant and stupid actitud like a completely prick. He had good English but saying I got an university and everything in rude and super arrogant way and this and the other…. It was 2 bad situations. So I found my self Alone in that town with no one knowing English. I went to a restaurant at the beginning of the town as soon as u get off from the main Road and I found Mamadu , the owner of the restaurant Who knew a bit Spanish. He helped me to get the boat I negociated It and a fisherman took me to see the nature +221 77 364 11 33 you can Contact him, he was fine and explain me about the places but with Google traductor. Next day I went to the restaurant of Mamadou, from 1 day to other he charged me double 3000 saying it was an special dish. It was the most simple thing I got in the whole trip. I trust of him to get me a taxi without cheating , 1000 for 10 min driving in 🛵 or less. I said to him It cant be that cause thats the price to the Gambia borders. He says yes cause Its a 🛵. Later on I got to know he cheated me with everything. i got a 🛵 to comeback cause I forgot something where I sleep and I wanted to buy water. It was 500 to go and comeback when the other was 1000 and he was saying it was the right price. of course if doesnt bother me a pair of euros but that people pretend to be helping you and being super friendly when they are ripping you off and .. its about some principales and respect. so in my way back I said to him in good manners that I knew he lied lier me with the prices. By the way but casuality this man, Mamadu was the uncle of the couchsurfer Babacar Who says to have had 1000 of Couchsurfers but then, why he had only 4 references. BECAUSE THEY DELETED THEIR PROFILE and start again…. to have clean references. so Mamadu , another snake with skin of goat. He became to say that I was crazy, that he did not cheated me , that he has much more money than me!!!! complex of inferiority. of course they have more money ripping off White people or turist all the time. they get a lot but the once that are poor dont get anything only this ones that have business and they get more related with turist plus with languages they manage better than others than only knows walof or french. He Saw me his other face and he was really bad… he says how much money I own you , get the change and … offering me to give me back but then he really did not wanted. He became so agressive talking that I said I was gonna call the police , he did not leave my driver to go with me in the back just blocking him in front of the motorcycle, then saying he was calling the police. of course in a small village , probably their Friends and other ocasión to get more money from a turist. Of course he could say whatever b4 than me and then, the police there I doubt they would speak English even one of them. I was tired of the crazy situation. Before to met him I say to the Cook why they charged me so much if because I am foreing they think I am stupid.. I was explaining the price and everything with Google and why was embarrasing I could see It. IT WAS JUST CLEAR HE REALLY CHEATED ME VARIOUS , he got 3 times business with me with different people and for sure he tales comisión too. They do that! Between one and the other , all they get. Well, I left the motorcycle and lots of people around from the neighbourhood.. I try to walk so he could leave my motorcycle Guy to leave Who It was asking him to leave me Alone and to leave him to go , same the people around. he come and grabbed me hangbag and pull It 3, 4 time. It got Broken then he grabbed me by the wrist. He was mád and everybody was trying to splitted Up him from me. I tried to move my arm but he was grabbing me so strong. A woman I guest his wife or sister was shouting him cause he did not leave me. He was agressive with her, and he keep me around 15 min like that with everybody trying physically to Split him from me and saying things to him… very at the end he left me cause he realized It was everybody againts what he was making me…. People says here Its safe , well I have been in dangerous places like 3000 viviendas in Sevilla and more like that , really bad áreas but that I did not happened anything to you ,thats not mean you can Say or if safe. After being travelling all over the world, India, Irán, Israel, Palestine, Brazil, etc… the most dangerous situation I have lived was at night in Palermo and in one second could change everything. 3 Spanish Girls were raped in Cossamance and It was with another Spanish guy. they were stopped at the Road and also they stealed lots of money. That was in 2018 and they were in a car , driving. Safe ? U have to be careful Who you trust here. All become really nice but They could be real assholes. See the writing of the exterior Ministery of ur country. some áreas in Spain are tagget as a very risky áreas. I got better impresión of the people in Gambia but still U did not have been in that beach places, lets see! Do not forget you are in AFRICA! Really nice people but lots of real besties and shit people. Senegal the country of the Taranga no, the place of the turist vampires. I felt the turist is totally unprotected and even police doesnt care or even worst they are corrupt lots of them. Also I have to say I travel as backpacker and I mix with locals. I did not go to expensive places for Turists.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Senegal. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio May 23, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles August 14, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Senegal.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Senegal.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Senegal take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Senegal.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to  areas of Senegal  that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season.

Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis Belt Map

In Senegal poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Senegal are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Senegal who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Senegal.

If rabies exposures occur while in Senegal, rabies vaccines are typically not readily available.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Senegal, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Senegal. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Senegal include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Senegal. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Senegal’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Senegal. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Senegal may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Senegal, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Senegal for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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