Capital city, Senegal
Dakar for solo travelers
Is Dakar good for solo travel?
West Africa's liveliest capital for surf, music, street art and seafood, with direct flights from Europe and the US. Heat, traffic, hassle and strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws are the trade-offs.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here but receive frequent attention. Dress modestly, ignore touts, use taxis at night and avoid isolated beaches. |
How to meet people in Dakar
Surf schools in Ngor and Yoff, live mbalax and jazz nights, art-gallery openings, yoga classes and French language exchanges.
Good things to do alone
- Catch a surf lesson at Ngor Beach
- Take the ferry to Gorée Island
- Hear live mbalax or jazz at a Corniche club
- Visit the Museum of Black Civilisations
- Eat thiéboudienne at a local restaurant
Where to stay in Dakar
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Almadies–Ngor | Expats, surf, beach cafés and nightlife; far from the center |
| Plateau | Business district, markets, ferries to Gorée; busy, less relaxed at night |
| Mermoz–Sacré-Cœur | Residential, cafés and restaurants for longer stays |
| Ouakam–Yoff | Mid-range apartments, local food and the Monument de la Renaissance |
| Gorée Island | Day trips or quiet nights in guesthouses |
Solo travel across Senegal
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 4/5 | Limited |
| Saint-Louis | 4/5 | Rare |
| Saly | 3/5 | Rare |
Quick answers
Is Dakar good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). West Africa's liveliest capital for surf, music, street art and seafood, with direct flights from Europe and the US.
How do you meet people in Dakar?
Surf schools in Ngor and Yoff, live mbalax and jazz nights, art-gallery openings, yoga classes and French language exchanges. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Dakar?
Limited.
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.
More about Dakar
Going to Dakar solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Dakar meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.