Dakar Vacations

Admire the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine, a colossal sculpture standing at 52 meters. Climb its 198 steps and at the summit, Dakar sprawls out beneath you in every direction - the ocean on one side, the city’s streets on the other. Visit the city’s largest church, the Cathédrale du Souvenir Africain de Dakar, with its unique architecture: a mix of neo-Sudanese and Byzantine styles. Perched dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, the Mosque of the Divinity stands out with its twin minarets and white façade, which contrast beautifully with the blue sea. It’s especially magical at sunset! The Grand Mosque of Dakar boasts a striking Moroccan-inspired design with intricate mosaics, a towering minaret, and elegant arches.

Discover Dakar’s soul as you shop at one of the many colourful markets throughout the city, perfect for buying local crafts, fabrics, and souvenirs. Be ready to haggle (it’s part of the fun and tradition). The Marché Sandaga is Dakar’s most iconic market, while the Marché HLM is the perfect spot for wax print fabric lovers. Visit the city’s fish market, Soumbédioune, and the Marché Kermel, housed in a beautiful colonial-era building. For culture and art, visit the IFAN Museum (African Arts Museum). Immerse yourself in the beating heart of local life as you walk through the Medina, considered the soul of Dakar. Join a cooking class and learn how to make thieboudienne, Senegal’s national dish, a delicious mix of fish, rice, tomatoes, and vegetables.

A day trip to the Island of Gorée, just 3 km off the coast, is an unforgettable experience. The UNESCO World Heritage site looks like a postcard paradise, with its French colonial buildings in pastel tones, palm trees, and cobbled streets. But the island also has a sombre history related to the Atlantic slave trade. The House of Slaves and the “Door of No Return” are memorials worth visiting. A short boat ride will take you to Ngor Island, where you can enjoy a quiet beach day. Escape into the stunning Lompoul Desert as you explore the dunes on a 4 x 4 adventure, a tour, or a camel trek at sunset. Lake Retba (Pink Lake) is a natural wonder just 1 hour from Dakar. With salinity levels rivalling the Dead Sea, you can easily float on the unique pink-hued water.

Dakar’s coastline offers beautiful spots for sunbathing, surfing, and swimming, with each beach boasting a unique vibe. Popular with locals and surfers, Yoff beach offers a laid-back atmosphere, strong waves, and wide stretches of sand. Less crowded, Virage Beach features dramatic cliffs and is a favourite for sunset views. Tucked near downtown Dakar, the Plage de l’Anse Bernard is a calm, family-friendly beach with gentle waves. For a mix of elegance and tranquility, head to the upscale Almadies area, where you will find beaches like Pointe des Almadies and Plage de la Voile d’Or. Perched atop one of Dakar’s twin hills, the Les Mamelles Lighthouse provides incredible vistas of the ocean and the city’s skyline and is a favourite of sunset seekers.