Is Dakar safe?
Take real precautions. Petty theft, aggressive touts and beach muggings are the main problems; violent crime against visitors is less common. Protests can turn tense.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-11-30.
- Homicide rate in Senegal: 0.3 per 100,000 people (2015, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Senegal: 23.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 1515 · Fire 18.
Safety in Dakar at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag and phone snatching in Plateau and the Medina, thefts on beaches, car break-ins and occasional armed robberies on dark roads at night. |
| At night | Use Yango or hotel-arranged taxis after dark. Avoid walking in Plateau or on beaches at night. |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here but receive frequent attention. Dress modestly, ignore touts, use taxis at night and avoid isolated beaches. |
| Other risks | Strong rip currents at Atlantic beaches; Malaria in the rainy season (Jul–Oct); Chaotic traffic and minibus crashes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Touts claiming to be guides, then demanding high fees
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares without a price agreed
- Fake art or souvenir 'gifts' that turn into pressure to pay
Take care
- Plateau and Medina after dark: snatch thieves
- Empty beaches at night: muggings
- Political demonstrations around Place de la Nation
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing police, military or government buildings is prohibited
- Drug offences carry heavy penalties
- Same-sex acts are criminalised
How Dakar compares in Senegal
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Saint-Louis | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Saly | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dakar | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Dakar safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here but receive frequent attention. Dress modestly, ignore touts, use taxis at night and avoid isolated beaches.
Is Dakar safe at night?
Use Yango or hotel-arranged taxis after dark. Avoid walking in Plateau or on beaches at night.
What is the crime rate in Dakar?
Bag and phone snatching in Plateau and the Medina, thefts on beaches, car break-ins and occasional armed robberies on dark roads at night. Nationally, Senegal records 0.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2015).
What number do I call in an emergency in Dakar?
Police 17 · Ambulance 1515 · Fire 18.
More about Dakar
Going to Dakar solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Dakar BRT / TER (CETUD)
- Blaise Diagne International Airport
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.