Senegal
Dakar
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Dakar: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
A capital full of life on the Cap-Vert peninsula: music, colourful markets, UNESCO-listed Gorée Island and Atlantic beaches.
Best weatherDuring the dry season: sunshine and slightly cooler air. The rainy season turns the country green.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Mild and sunny
The coolest, driest time: perfect for Gorée Island, Lake Retba (the Pink Lake) and the beaches of the Petite-Côte.
Festival season
It's sunny and hot. Depending on the year, the Biennale of African Art (Dak'Art) and the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival liven up the season.
Green Senegal
The rainy season arrives in short storms: lush green landscapes, warm sea and far fewer visitors.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Plateau
The administrative and historic centre: markets, museums and the ferry to Gorée.
Almadies
The western tip: hotels, fish restaurants and surf spots.
Ngor
A fishing village and its little island, with a relaxed vibe facing the ocean.
Gorée Island
20 minutes by ferry: car-free streets, colourful houses and the House of Slaves.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
Gorée Island
Twenty minutes away by ferry, this small island of colourful houses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The House of Slaves recalls the history of the slave trade: a powerful, necessary visit.
Ideal for understanding history
Thieboudienne
Rice, fish and vegetables simmered in tomato: Senegal's national dish is on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It's often shared from one big communal dish.
Ideal for food lovers
Lake Retba (the Pink Lake)
North-east of Dakar, Lake Retba sometimes turns pink, especially in the dry season. You'll see the salt harvesters at work.
Ideal for a lovely day trip
Music and markets
Mbalax, made famous by Youssou N'Dour, gets Dakar dancing at night. By day, stroll through the Soumbédioune craft village, facing the ocean.
Ideal for local atmosphere