Cars Rapides or “Fast Cars” are usually blue, yellow or white mini-buses that drive through the city. The fares are somewhat fixed rates for certain distances, but you need to check with Senegalese beforehand. To find out where one is going, flag it down and shout out your destination at the apprenti, the person in charge of collecting fares who hangs out the back. They will shout out the destination and you signal the bus to stop and hop aboard. To stop, bang loudly on the side of the bus, on the roof, or signal to the apprenti you want off. Apprenti’s don’t always speak French, so be prepared to communicate otherwise if you do not speak Wolor.

Besides the large rental companies, small companies offer cars at reasonable prices. Pick-up points are available at Dakar Airport and at several depots throughout the city.

Paved roads link the major towns and the coastal region but it’s not advisable to drive at night as the roads may not be well-lit. The network of roads in the interior is rough and may become impassable during the rainy season.

There are often police checkpoints at the entrance and exit to villages to enforce speed restrictions; fines are paid on the spot.

There are five road classification categories in Senegal: national roads, regional roads, department roads, urban ways and classified trucks.

Dakar is the end point of three routes in the Trans-African Highway network. The three routes are Cairo (Egypt) to Dakar, N’Djamena (Chad) to Dakar, and Lagos (Nigeria) to Dakar.

Although the streets are sandy and potholed, Dakar is much more walkable than most big African capitals. Walking during the daytime is generally safe, and walking at night along well-lit arteries is typically fine as well.

We recommend avoiding the beaches and the Medina area, as well as market spots when walking alone after dark, and stay away from the Corniche coastal road if you’re on foot late at night; there are long stretches between residential areas, and in the past, there have been isolated attacks outside the International School of Dakar.

Dakar is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any other city, it’s important to remain cautious and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Visitors are advised to take necessary health precautions, such as getting required vaccinations before traveling and taking measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.

The official currency in Senegal is CFA Franc XOF (Franc of West African Communities) and is only available in West Africa. The euro and the US dollar can be easily changed in big cities, banks and some hotels.

Dakar has a tropical savanna climate, characterized by a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. The temperatures are generally warm to hot throughout the year.

French is the official language of, but there are 39 spoken languages in Senegal. The lingua franca of the Senagalese administration is French but only a small number of people speak it fluently. Wolof, the language of Senegal’s largest ethnic group, is far more commonly spoken across the country, while Jola is the main language of the Casamance region in the south. Other languages include Pulaar, Mandinka and Balanta Ganja.

It’s worth familiarizing yourself with a few Wolof phrases before you travel including jerejef (thank you), waaw / deedeet (yes / no) and baal ma (sorry or excuse me). Some basic French might also come in handy for communicating with tour guides and airport staff.

Dakar is know for its delicious cuisine. You’ll find spicy street food, exotic juices, mouth-watering sharing platters and fish fresh from the Atlantic. The country gleans its culinary inspiration from far and wide, combining French and North African influences ith ancient local traditions.

Respect for local customs and traditions is important. It’s advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and to ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.

Some popular attractions in Dakar include the African Renaissance Monument, Goree Island (known for its history in the Atlantic slave trade), Dakar Grand Mosque, IFAN Museum of African Arts, and the bustling markets like Sandaga Market.

Dakar hosts various cultural events and festivals, including the Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art), a major contemporary art exhibition, and the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival.

Dial Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, dial 15 (SAMU – Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence) or 17 (Police) or 18 (Fire Brigade) from any phone within Senegal for immediate assistance.

Some well-known hospitals in Dakar include:

-Hôpital Principal de Dakar: Avenue Nelson Mandela, Dakar
-Hôpital Le Dantec: Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar
-Clinique Pasteur: Avenue Nelson Mandela, Dakar.