Dakar: The Hub of West Africa
Once one of the most important points in the African Slave Trade, today, the very-French Senegalese capital of Dakar is among the most cosmopolitan and accepting cities of the continent of Africa. Dakar is situated on the Cap Vert peninsula, which is Africa's westernmost point. Equally influenced by three very different cultural influences—African, Islamic and French—Dakar is the birthplace of Negritude, the philosophy of black pride.
Dakar was also home to Leopold Sedar Senghor, Senegal’s first president and the strongest proponent of Negritude. Senegal very stable and democratic political climate has made Dakar the hub of all international diplomacy vis-à-vis West Africa. Dakar has also emerged as the regional commercial and cultural hub for the West African region. Nevertheless, perhaps, the most underrated of all Dakar tourist attractions is its famous tradition of “teranga”—that is, hospitality.
Places to Visit in Dakar
Dakar is home to a plethora of tourist attractions and houses many museums and ruins. The most prominent among these is Ile de Goree, a small island just off the coast of Dakar, which was the epicentre of the slave trade. Dakar’s very-French colonial architecture too is a must-see. Some of the other sites worth seeing in Dakar are Saint Louis, La Reserve de Bandia and Le Lac Rose.
Dakar: Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Dakar is not that safe for tourists and it is advised that certain areas be avoided after dark. Needless to stay, usual precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight, etc., need to be taken. It is very likely that tourists will be approached (or at worst, mobbed) by con artists; hence, caution is necessary.
Wolof is one of the national languages of Senegal and is also the most widely spoken language in Dakar; Serere, Diola, Haal Puular, Soninke and Mandingue are the other national languages of Dakar and are spoken in Dakar and Senegal. As Dakar was once one of the most important cities of the French Empire, French is fairly common among the urban populace of Dakar. English would, in most cases, get you through.
The local currency is CFA franc (XOF). The local cuisine is rich and draws influences from a variety of cuisines, in particular French cuisine. What’s more, it is freely available and at very affordable prices. Dakar is home to many French restaurants, some of which are more French than most French restaurants in the Hexagon. Salted peanuts available with roadside vendors and local beer is a must have. Dakar also has a very active music scene and a decent nightlife.
Best time to visit Dakar
The best time to visit Dakar is from November to February, when the city experiences the cool and dry season.
Best way to reach Dakar
- By Air: Dakar has a well-equipped international airport, and is one of the regional air-travel hubs.
- By Rail: Dakar is one of the more important railway stations in Senegal.
- By Road: Dakar is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Dakar is also the most convenient jumping point for almost all of the nearby Senegal attractions.
Accommodation
The Dakar accommodation scene is very active and wide enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Dakar vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Dakar tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does.