Top 5 Things to Do in Dakar
La Pointe des Almadies in Dakar
There is no shortage of things to keep people busy in Dakar when they are visiting Senegal. Here are is my list of the top 5 things to do in Dakar:
1. Take a ferry to the Ile de Goree. The beautiful architecture and rich history of the island make it one of the top places to visit when you are in Dakar. The ferry ride is another highlight, as it offers passengers great views of both the city and the Ile de Goree.
2. Go to the westernmost point in Africa. La Pointe des Almadies is as far west as you can get on the continent. There is a great beach there from which you can watch the sunset, and the sand is lined with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Going to the Pointe des Almadies is not only one of the top 5 things to do in Dakar, but one of the top things to do in all of Africa.
3. Take a day trip to Lac Rose. Not far from Dakar is the famous pink lake, which is so named because in a certain light the water looks rose colored. Visitors can go there for lunch, participate in adventure sports, or go shopping at the craft stalls by the water’s edge.
4. Experience the nightlife in Dakar. The city has some of the best nightlife in West Africa, and no trip is complete without a visit to a bar or club. Dakar also has a vibrant music scene, and going to a live show is a great way to experience the Senegalese culture.
5. Take a day trip to the Village des Tortues. The turtle conservation center is a great place to see large and small turtles alike. It is located near Lac Rose, and can easily be combined with the lake on a day trip. Visiting the two destinations is definitely one of the top 5 things to do in Dakar.
Malaria in Senegal
Senegal
Malaria in Senegal is a serious risk to all travellers. If you are planning to visit Senegal, you should make sure to take the necessary precautions to minimize your risk of contracting the disease.
The entire country is a high risk area for malaria, so you will need to protect yourself wherever you travel in Senegal. It is good to be prepared when you arrive so that you can be safe and healthy during your entire trip.
Malaria is spread by mosquitoes that come out at dusk and stay active throughout the night. As such, make sure to use plenty of insect repellant in the evenings and wear long sleeves and trousers as well as shoes and socks at night. Most hotels have mosquito nets over beds, but if yours doesn’t, make sure to bring one with you when you travel to Senegal.
Additionally, you should get antimalarial pills from your nearest travel health clinic before you travel to Senegal. Pills like Malarone should be taken one to two days prior to visiting Senegal, then taken throughout your trip and for seven days after you leave the country. Taking antimalarials will help prevent you from contracting malaria, but no pill is 100% effective. You will still need to use insect repellant, wear appropriate clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net to avoid getting malaria in Senegal.
Senegal Visa and Passport Requirements
Dakar, Senegal
Senegal visa and passport requirements vary from country to country. The good news is that most people can travel to Senegal without a visa as long as they have the requisite amount of validity left on their passport.
Citizens of the US, Canada, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, and most EU member states do not need a visa to visit Senegal. They can stay in Senegal as a tourist for up to 3 months without needing a visa. Citizens of African countries that are members of UMOA (West African Monetary Union) and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) do not need visas to visit Senegal either.
Citizens of EU member states like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, and Romania do need a visa to visit Senegal. A visa can be applied for by visiting the website of the Senegalese consulate in your country and following the instructions there. Citizens of EU countries like Latvia, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, and Slovakia need a special review of their visa applications, and should apply at least 6 weeks in advance of visiting Senegal.
Regardless of whether you need a visa for Senegal, you should get a Yellow Fever vaccination before you travel.
Remember that Senegal visa and passport requirements are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, check your country’s Senegal consulate website.