Flights to Dakar

From the airport

Taxis, hotel transfers and airport shuttle buses run into the city along the toll motorway. The drive is quicker outside rush hour, and many travellers heading to Saly or Somone go straight to the coast instead, which is closer to the airport. Agree taxi fares before you set off.

Gorée and the monuments

Ferries leave the port for Gorée Island in around 20 minutes. Its car-free lanes, pastel houses and the House of Slaves museum make it a popular half-day trip. On the Mamelles hills, the African Renaissance Monument has a lift to a viewing platform, and the Museum of Black Civilisations shows art and history from across Africa and its diaspora.

Markets, beaches and music

Kermel and Sandaga markets sell fabrics, spices and crafts, and Soumbédioune is where pirogues land their catch beside a craft village. The Corniche road follows the cliffs past beaches at Ngor and Yoff, with a short boat ride out to Ngor Island. At Pointe des Almadies, a signpost marks the western tip of mainland Africa. Try thiéboudienne, the national dish of fish and rice, chicken yassa with onions and lemon, and sweet attaya tea. In the evenings, clubs and bars play mbalax, the local dance music.

Day trips and timing

Lac Rose, about 35 km north-east, can turn pink in the dry season, and salt collectors work its shallow water. The Bandia reserve, south of the city, has giraffes, rhinos and baobabs. Dakar is driest and most comfortable from November to May, with cooling sea breezes, while July to October is hot and humid. Keep an eye on bags in markets and crowded areas, and carry small notes for taxis and street food.

Planning a few days in Dakar? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll arrange your flights.