Dakar

Senegal

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Dakar, Senegal

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

What you NEED TO KNOW

  • Port Name & Location
    Dakar, Senegal
  • Time Zone
    Greenwich Mean Time Zone
  • Language
    French "Bonjour" means hello whilst "s'il vous plait" means please. To ask how much something is, say "c'est combien?"
  • Currency & Shopping
    West African CFA Franc There are several markets in Dakar to browse for souvenirs and enjoy a glimpse into daily life, including one of the city’s largest, Sandaga Market, where you can shop for everything from clothing to handcrafted goods and sweet treats.
    • Famous For
      Dakar is known for its cultural attractions, incredible mosques and churches and beaches featuring great surfing.
    • Important
      Pickpocketing is not uncommon, especially in large crowds, so be aware of your belongings whilst exploring the city.
    • Fun Fact #1
      Take a boat ride to Ile Gorée — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and learn about the city’s turbulent history with the transatlantic slave trade.
    • Fun Fact #2
      Experience Senegal’s version of the Dead Sea with a visit to Lake Retba. Float on your back in this very dense salt water lake and enjoy picture-perfect views of the water that’s varying shades of pink.
      • Fun Fact: Foodies
        Whilst exploring Dakar, enjoy a refreshing cup of attaya - sweet mint tea - and savour beef or chicken mafé, which is a rich curry-like sauce made from locally-grown peanuts.
      • Fun Fact: Landmarks
        The tallest statue in Africa at 160 feet, the Africa Renaissance Monument not only is impressive in itself but also offers fantastic panoramic views of the city.

Featured Dakar CRUISE ITINERARIES

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