The checklist as a PDF
Entry, health, money, transport and safety, laid out for print, with their sources and verification date.
Senegal
West Africa
Wild beaches, nature reserves and cultural journey. Atlantic cities, the Saloum Delta and the landscapes of Bassari Country.
- On the map
CapitalDakar
When to goOctober to July
Suggested length10 days min.
CurrencyWest African CFA franc
LanguagesFrench +3
The Viafro verdict
For whom, and for which trip.
An editorial bearing, with no percentage and no rating: our criteria are written down, and every “good to know” links to its source.
- For which trip
- Dakar · Île de Gorée · Cap Skirring · Saint-Louis · Saly Portudal
- Best season
- October to July, from Dakar’s normals
- Length
- Allow at least 10 days for these 5 essentials, one stop every two or three days. (Viafro’s rule of thumb)
Best time to visit
Twelve months, in colour.
Hover or tap a month: its reading and its source appear. Bars measure rain, the figure is the capital’s mean maximum.
Ideal
November
Dakar: mean maximum 30 °C, 0 mm of rain · dry and mild.
- Mean maximum
- 30 °C
- Rain
- 0 mm
- Station
- Dakar
Source: Wikipedia (climate normals)
Before you go
The essentials, tab by tab.
Entry, health, safety, money and facts: dated official extracts, never paraphrased.
Visa, passport, customs
GOV.UK advice, written for British passport holders. French travellers: see France Diplomatie (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/information-par-pays/senegal/conseils-aux-voyageurs-entree-sejour).
- To enter Senegal, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
- You can visit Senegal without a visa for up to 3 months. You need to show border officials evidence of return or onward travel and proof of your arranged accommodation. If you do not have these, you may be refused entry.
- You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. This includes if you have transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Babies aged 9 months and under are exempt.
Vaccines, malaria, water
This is not medical advice: talk to your doctor or an international vaccination centre before you travel.
- At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- Medical facilities in Dakar are reasonable, but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Per the ministries
Viafro gives no safety rating: here are the zones and advice published by the French ministry (in French) and the official extracts, with their dates.
Vigilance zones published by France Diplomatie (in French) · page updated on 29 Sept 2026 · see the official map
- Orange · Zone déconseillée sauf raison impérative (en orange sur la carte)
Les zones frontalières avec le Mali et une partie de la Mauritanie (dans le département de Matam) peuvent être déstabilisées par des éléments extérieurs.
Les frontières de la Casamance avec la Gambie (hors axes routiers principaux, qui mènent des frontières gambiennes vers Ziguinchor via Bignona) et la Guinée-Bissao (bande au sud de Ziguinchor, hors axe routier reliant…
- Yellow · Zone de vigilance renforcée (en jaune sur la carte)
Casamance
Il est possible de se rendre dans cette région en faisant preuve d’une vigilance renforcée. Les déplacements sur les axes principaux sont à privilégier :
- Cases of robbery, burglary and assault have become more common in Dakar, and in some cases, involve the use of weapons. Hotels frequented by foreign nationals have been targeted and robbed at gunpoint. Street crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is also on the increase in Dakar.
- There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
What the country’s law provides
Photography, alcohol, drugs, relationships: the rules published by the ministries, quoted as they stand, without comment.
- Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress and behave modestly in public, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. In the main tourist areas there is more acceptance of western-style holiday clothing.
Currency
West African CFA francViafro publishes no price or budget range without a source: amounts will come from our own expenses recorded on the ground, dated and itemised.
- There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Senegal (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Express card
Structured data from Wikidata and the CIA World Factbook, re-checked at every site update.
- Population · 2025
- 18,931,966
- Time zone
- −1 h from Paris
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C, E, G and K plugs · 230 V
- Driving side
- Driving on the right
- Calling code
- +221
- Languages
- French, Wolof, Badyara, Balanta
- Area
- 196,722 km²
- Highest point
- Népin Cliff, 531 m
- Main religions
- Muslim 97.2%, Christian 2.7%
Getting there and around
Airports, roads and transport.
- DSSBlaise Diagne International AirportDakar2.5 M passengers · official site
- DKRLéopold Sédar Senghor International AirportDakar2 M passengers · official site
- XLSSaint-Louis AirportSaint-Louis
- CSKCap Skirring AirportCap Skirring
Direct flights from Paris are to be checked on the airport’s or airline’s website.
On the road
- If you are planning to drive in Senegal, see information on driving abroad. You can drive in Senegal with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. A 1968 international driving permit may be helpful in offering a translation for traffic officials.
Destinations
The essentials.
Dakar
An Atlantic city seen through its artists, everyday tables and ocean-facing neighbourhoods.
Open the destinationÎle de Gorée
Île de Gorée (French pronunciation: [ildəɡoʁe]; "Gorée Island"; Wolof: Beer Dun) is one of the 19 communes d'arrondissement (i.e., districts) of the city of Dakar, Senegal.
Cap Skirring
Cap Skirring, also spelled Cap Skiring, is a town on the Atlantic Ocean coast of the Basse Casamance (Ziguinchor) region of Senegal, near the border of Guinea-Bissau.
Saint-Louis
Saint-Louis (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ lwi] ) or Saint Louis (Wolof: Ndar), is the capital of Senegal's Saint-Louis Region.
Saly Portudal
Saly (also called Sali or Saly Portudal) is a seaside resort and urban commune in Thiès Region on the Petite Côte of Senegal, south of Dakar.
Activities
What to do, sheet by sheet.
Starting point, season, tips and sources: each sheet says only what its sources say.
Senegal
Gorée Island
Two kilometres off the port of Dakar, Gorée is an 18.2-hectare island and a major place of memory of the Atlantic slave trade.
Senegal
The island of Saint-Louis
Near the mouth of the Senegal River, 320 km north of Dakar, Saint-Louis was the capital of the colony of Senegal from 1673 to 1902.
Senegal
The mangroves of the Saloum Delta
Over 200 islands and islets, brackish channels, mangroves and dry forest: a 145,811-hectare part of the delta has been a World Heritage Site since 2011.
Senegal
The birds of Djoudj park
Some 60 km north of Saint-Louis, Djoudj hosts nearly three million migrating birds, many of which have just crossed the Sahara.
Senegal
Lac Rose
Some 35 km north-east of Dakar, Lake Retba owes its pink colour to an alga, Dunaliella salina, and its salt content reaches up to 40%.
Senegal
Safari in the Bandia reserve
Senegal’s first private wildlife reserve, Bandia covers 3,500 fenced hectares 65 km from Dakar on the Mbour road.
Senegal
The beaches of Cap Skirring
A seaside resort at Senegal’s far south-west tip, in Casamance, Cap Skirring lies about 70 km from Ziguinchor.
Senegal
The Lompoul desert
Halfway between Dakar and Saint-Louis, the Lompoul desert lines up orange sand dunes up to 50 m high over 18 km².
Senegal
The Soumbédioune craft village
On Dakar’s western Corniche, facing the Médina, the Soumbédioune craft village was created in the early 1960s at the initiative of Léopold Sédar Senghor.
Senegal
Fadiouth, the shell island
At the end of the Petite Côte, Joal lies on the mainland and Fadiouth, linked by a bridge, on an island of clam shells, also used in local architecture and crafts.
Vincenzo Fotoguru Iaconianni
Must-try food
Six dishes, and where to taste them.
Mafé
Le mafé ou maffé ou maafé est une spécialité culinaire traditionnelle de la cuisine malienne, étendue à la cuisine ouest-africaine, à base de morceaux de viande ou de poisson cuisinés dans une sauce arachide à la pâte d'arachide. (summary in French)
Thieboudienne
Ceebu or tiep is a traditional dish from Senegal that is also consumed in Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mali, The Gambia, and other West and Central African countries. It is the national dish in Senegal. The version of tiep called ceebu jën or chebu jen –
Domoda
Domoda is a Senegalese dish. Like many dishes from Senegal, this one is also influenced by French cuisine. The name ragout comes from the French, a smooth, tomato-based sauce prepared with vinegar and vegetables, to which flour (farine) is added to thicken the
Yassa
Yassa is a spicy dish prepared with onions, lemon or mustard and marinated poultry, fish, or lamb. Originally from Senegal, it has become popular throughout West Africa. Other names for chicken yassa include yassa au poulet and yassa ganaar. The term "yassa" r
Soupe kandia
Soup kandia is a traditional West African soup widely consumed in countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Mali. It is especially popular among Mandinka, Wolof, and Dioula communities. The dish is primarily made with okra, which gives it a slimy t
Caldou
Caldou, also spelled kaldou, is a traditional dish from Senegal, particularly associated with the coastal regions. It is a broth-based meal primarily prepared with fresh fish and vegetables. The dish shares some visual similarities with the popular Senegalese
Culture and etiquette
Customs, dress, useful words.
- Bonjourhello
- Mercithank you
- S’il vous plaîtplease
- Entries checked on Wiktionary.
- Religions: Muslim 97.2%, Christian 2.7%.
- Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka, Serer, Soninke.
Festivals and events
The big dates.
- National and Independence Day
4 April marks the independence of 1960, with a parade in Dakar and ceremonies across the country.
- moveable dateGrand Magal of Touba
Annual pilgrimage of the Mouride brotherhood to Touba on the 18th of Safar: millions of pilgrims celebrate the life and teachings of Amadou Bamba. Moveable date, see the official calendar.
- moveable dateGamou (Mawlid)
Annual pilgrimage commemorating the Prophet’s birth, held in several Senegalese towns, chiefly Tivaouane since 1902, as well as Touba and Médina Baye. Moveable date, see the official calendar.
- moveable dateTabaski (Eid al-Adha)
The feast of sacrifice, the most important Muslim festival, known as Tabaski across West Africa. Moveable date, see the official calendar.
- moveable dateKorité (Eid al-Fitr)
The feast marking the end of the Ramadan fast, on the first day of the month of Shawwal. Moveable date, see the official calendar.
- moveable dateSaint-Louis International Jazz Festival
Born in 1991–1992 and held in its present form since 1993, the festival turns Saint-Louis into Africa’s jazz capital for a few days every year. Moveable date, see the official calendar.
- moveable dateDak’Art, Dakar Biennale
Biennale of contemporary African art, founded by the state in 1989 and devoted to contemporary African creation since 1996; held every two years in Dakar. Moveable date, see the official calendar.
Fixed dates and moveable events, each with its source; moveable dates change every year and are to be checked on an official calendar.
Did you know?
Three things to remember.
Lake Retba, some 35 km from Dakar, owes its pink colour to a microscopic alga and very salty water; the hue is strongest from late January to early March, and it was the final stage of the Paris–Dakar rally.
Gorée Island, in the bay of Dakar, was one of the very first sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, in 1978, as an “island of memory” of the slave trade.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, north of Saint-Louis, hosts almost 400 bird species, pelicans and flamingos first; it is the single most important known wintering site of the aquatic warbler from Europe.
Gallery
See it before you go.
Real photographs: free images under a verified licence and Viafro images. Never a generated image. Credits in the footer.
Share your trip with #viafro: the best images will join this gallery, with your credit.
Live, work, invest
A few key figures.
Sourced data (World Bank). No investment advice.
GDP per capita (current US$)2World Bank · 2025GDP growth6.7 %World Bank · 2025Inflation (consumer prices)1.5 %World Bank · 2025Unemployment (ILO estimate)2.7 %World Bank · 2025International tourist arrivals1.4 ,000World Bank · 2017
World Bank data (World Development Indicators), consulted on 28 Oct 2026. Tourist arrivals are the latest year published.
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Sources and verification dates · 31 sources, checked on 28 Oct 2026
Travel advice · GOV.UK (FCDO)Entry, visa, safety: the official page, kept up to date by the ministry. Travel health · US CDCVaccines and precautions from a reference medical source. World Heritage · UNESCOThe country’s inscribed sites and tentative list. WikidataCapital and currency, verified structured data.
- Wikidata · Senegal (Q1041)
- World Bank · World Development Indicators
- GOV.UK (FCDO) · Senegal · Foreign travel advice · Entry requirements (page updated on 19 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK (FCDO) · Senegal · Foreign travel advice · Health (page updated on 19 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK (FCDO) · Senegal · Foreign travel advice · Safety and security (page updated on 19 Oct 2026)
- Wiktionary · Checked entries (French)
- Wikipedia · Mafé
- Wikipedia · Thieboudienne
- Wikipedia · Domoda
- Wikipedia · Yassa (food)
- Wikipedia · Soupe kandia
- Wikipedia · Caldou
- Wikipedia · Dakar
- Wikipedia · Île de Gorée
- Wikipedia · Cap Skirring
- Wikipedia · Saint-Louis (Sénégal)
- Wikipedia · Saly Portudal
- CIA World Factbook · Senegal (public domain) (page updated on 29 Oct 2026)
- France Diplomatie · Sénégal · Travel advice · Security (zones, in French) (page updated on 29 Sept 2026)
- Wikidata · Airports of the country (IATA code, traffic) (page updated on 29 Oct 2026)
- CIA World Factbook · Senegal · National holiday
- Wikipedia · Grand Magal of Touba
- Wikipédia · Gamou
- Wikipédia · Aïd al-Adha
- Wikipédia · Aïd el-Fitr
- Wikipédia · Festival international de jazz de Saint-Louis
- Wikipédia · Biennale de Dakar
- Wikipédia · Lac Rose · Lake Retba
- Wikipédia · Île de Gorée
- Wikipedia · Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
- Wikipedia (climate normals) · Dakar · monthly normals (NOAA NCEI{{Cite web) (page updated on 29 Oct 2026)
Information checked on 28 Oct 2026. Check the official source before you travel. Viafro gives no safety rating and publishes no price without a source.
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