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Sightseeing in Dakar - what to see. Complete travel guide

Dakar Lighthouse 1. Museums open their doors at 8:00 am and work until 5:00-6:00 pm. Government offices and shops open a bit earlier, at 7:30 am, and serve visitors until 3:00 pm. Travelers should take into account that working hours of public institutions and shops may be reduced during the holy month of Ramadan.
2. Dakar is considered a quite safe city, in the central area you can safely walk even late in the evening. However, it's still recommended to explore the suburbs with a guide.
3. Tourists are advised to carry a copy of their identification document at all times. This can make it easy to resolve any misunderstandings. Passport, cash and other valuables are recommended to be stored in the hotel room's safe.
4. All kinds of safaris and hikes in nature reserves are very popular among tourists. During such excursions one should accurately follow instructions of the guide. It's not allowed to leave the car without permission, as well as walk close to animals and touch plants during the hike.
5. While walking around the city, one shouldn't take take pictures or film local residents. Photo and video recording are permitted in many cultural institution, while a small fee may be charged in others. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
6. In the city you can meet quite a lot of locals asking for alms. Tourists are not recommended to give them money, since in the future it will be very difficult to “get rid” of professional beggars.
7. It is not recommended to wear too revealing and provocative clothes for a walk. Beach outfits will also be appropriate solely on the beach. Lightweight sportswear is perfect for exploring the city, and for visiting a luxury restaurant or any important event, choose a more formal suit.
Guide to Dakar sightseeing - things to see and to visit
Dakar is a city located on Cape Verde in the west of Africa. This is a large port and the most famous scholarship and industrial center of the country. Without a doubt, Dakar is an important … Open
8. Smokers should be careful and pay attention to prohibition signs. Smoking is prohibited in the territory of religious sites, in public transport, as well as near some public institutions.
9. The mains voltage is 220 V; it's best to take care of necessary adapters for electrical appliances in advance. It is worth noting that a power outage may occur in some small hotels at night.
10. In large restaurants, it is customary to leave tips in the amount of 10% of the total bill. Tips are not accepted in small cafes and bars.
Dakar - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

What to visit being in Dakar - unique sights

Maison des Esclaves Prison

From the series “Famous prisons of the world”
Check on the map:   Distance from Dakar center - 11.6 km.
There are also other colonial-era buildings near the prison building. Old houses with tiled roofs are of great value from a historical point of view. Visitors to the historical museum will have the opportunity to see the cameras during the tour. Slaves were kept in them once. Visitors can also take a walk around the prison's courtyard. There were several prisons on Mount Island a few hundred years ago. All of them were used for the maintenance of slaves. The Maison des Esclaves is the only prison that has survived to this day. … Read further

Retba Lake

From the series “Top 13 Most Colorful and Picturesque Places on the Planet”
Check on the map:   Distance from Dakar center - 14.5 km.
Retba is one of the most salty lakes on the planet. The salt concentration in the salt concentration of the Dead Sea is about one and a half times. The unique natural site is not far from the Cap Vert peninsula. The remarkable pink lake is quite large, its surface is 3 sqkm. The depth of the water basin is relatively low and is a maximum of 3 meters. Retba Lake has been used for salt production for more than forty years. The numerous tourists come here to ride on the pink sea surface by boat. … Read further

Tips for the cities around Dakar

Gran Canaria
3.2. You will see special notes in the form of colored flags on all beaches, which help to define the level of environmental and safety with ease. The most dangerous beaches are marked with a red flag. Swimming in them is prohibited. Beaches marked with yellow flags ... Open »
Playa de las Americas
4. The biggest part of resort is closed for motor transport, so it is given to pedestrians. It is interesting to walk along busy central streets, original entertaining establishments and restaurants can be founded almost everywhere. 5. It is recommended to hire a car ... Open »
La Gomera
4. Many natural attractions of the island are objects of world importance, so you should carefully listen to the guide during the tour. Don’t damage the environment! You can’t pluck flowers and break down plants, and start a picnic in any place. In nature reserves ... Open »
Adeje
4. Prices for tobacco products are quite high in Adeje, but many sorts of wine and other alcoholic drinks are much cheaper than in other European cities. 5. Money is better to be exchanged in special offices or banks. Exchange offices located near the airport and ... Open »
Las Palmas
4. While relaxing on the beach, don’t neglect means of protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim will be particularly relevant in first days of rest. The period from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm is considered to be the most unfavorable time to stay on the ... Open »
Los Gigantes
4. It is most advantageous to call to other cities and countries from public pay telephones, which can be found near major shopping and entertainment centers. Such payphones work with plastic cards, which can be purchased at newsstands and bars. Phone calls from ... Open »
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