Itinerary Dakar

December is one of the best times to visit Dakar: the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant, with daytime highs in the mid-20°Cs (mid-70°F). Expect a lively atmosphere and excellent beach conditions.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	1100 USD
🏨 Accommodations	800 USD
🧳 Gear	100 USD
🗺️ On-site	400 USD
Total	2400 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇸🇳 Dakar - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏛️ Maison des Esclaves (Gorée Island) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • One of West Africa’s most important historical sites. Accessible by ferry from Dakar; emotionally impactful guided tours—arrive early to avoid crowds.

• [ ] 🌳 Île de Gorée – explore the island ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Colorful colonial houses, art galleries, and museums; ideal for a walk and photography.

• [ ] 🏙️ Plateau District & Place de l’Indépendance ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Dakar’s heart: art deco architecture, shops, and people-watching.

• [ ] 🛕 African Renaissance Monument ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Africa’s largest statue with panoramic city and Atlantic views; take the elevator to the top for stunning vistas.

• [ ] 🏛️ Museum of Black Civilizations ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Showcasing pan-African heritage: exceptional modern museum.

• [ ] 🎨 Village des Arts ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • A vibrant community of Senegalese artists; watch them at work and buy original pieces.

• [ ] 🌳 Parc de Hann ⭐ (~2h)

  • Relax amid lush greenery and see local wildlife; peaceful escape in Dakar.

• [ ] 🏖️ Plage de Ngor & Ngor Island ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Take a pirogue (local boat) to the island for a swim and relaxed beach cafés.

• [ ] 🏖️ Plage de Yoff ⭐ (~2h)

  • Surf culture hub; great sunsets and fisherman scenes.

• [ ] 🏛️ IFAN Museum of African Arts ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Senegalese and West African art in a historic building.

• [ ] 🎨 Sandaga Market ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Busy, authentic market—bargain for handicrafts and textiles.

• [ ] 🏙️ Medina Quarter ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Legendary neighborhood for music, murals, and vibrant street life.

• [ ] 🕍 Cathédrale du Souvenir Africain de Dakar ⭐ (~1h)

  • Large Catholic cathedral; architectural curiosity.

• [ ] 🕌 Grande Mosquée de Dakar ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Landmark mosque with beautiful tilework (outside viewing for non-Muslims).

• [ ] 🏖️ Plage de la Voile d’Or ⭐ (~2h)

  • Smaller, less frequented beach with calm vibe.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Le Bazoff Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Chic African jazz spot; enjoy cocktails and live music.

• [ ] 🍸 Keur Samba ⭐ (~2h)

  • Dance to live mbalax music with locals; vibrant energy.

• [ ] 🍸 Hotel Terrou-Bi Casino & Lounge ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Elegant beachside spot for drinks, people-watching, and a flutter at the casino.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Soumbédioune Fish Market & Beach BBQ ⭐⭐⭐

  • Pick your catch and enjoy fresh-grilled fish on the sand; affordable and iconic.

• [ ] 🍜 Restaurant La Calebasse ⭐⭐

  • Rooftop dining, traditional décor, and excellent yassa chicken.

• [ ] 🍜 Chez Loutcha ⭐⭐

  • Classic local eatery serving thieboudienne (fish and rice), under 12 USD/plate.

• [ ] 🍜 Le Lagon 1 ⭐⭐⭐

  • Legendary waterfront seafood restaurant; indulge in fresh shellfish.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Les Almadies Peninsula (~2h)

  • Trendy expat area—seafood shacks and nightlife.

• [ ] 🌳 Réserve de Bandia (half-day) (~5h)

  • Safari park for wildlife viewing—requires drive outside Dakar.

• [ ] 🎨 Atelier Céramiques de Thiès (~3h)

  • Hands-on pottery workshops.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇸🇳 Dakar

• [ ] 🎬 Atlantics (2019) — ⭐ 6.7 — Supernatural drama set in Dakar’s outskirts, exploring migration — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 Hyenas (1992) — ⭐ 7.1 — Senegalese satire, classic of African cinema — DVD
• [ ] 🎬 Mossane (1996) — ⭐ 7.2 — Coming-of-age story in a Senegalese village — YouTube
• [ ] 📺 Yelo Pèppè (2018) — ⭐ 8.1 — Web series about food and modern African life — YouTube

🍜 Local specialties

🇸🇳 Dakar

• [ ] Thieboudienne (rice & fish, national dish)
• [ ] Poulet Yassa (marinated grilled chicken in onion sauce)
• [ ] Ceebu Yapp (rice with beef)
• [ ] Pastels (fried fish turnovers)
• [ ] Bissap juice (hibiscus)
• [ ] Café Touba (spiced local coffee)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇸🇳 Dakar

1. Maison des Esclaves
2. Le Bazoff Bar
3. Sandaga Market
4. Terrou-Bi Hotel
5. Soumbédioune Fish Market

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Dakar
• [ ] ✈️ Dakar → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Dakar	5	Terrou-Bi Hotel (4★), Pullman Dakar, Radisson Blu Dakar	800 USD
Total	5 nights		800 USD