Dakar

Dakar banner Mural in Bel Air neighborhood - A mural in the Bel Air neighborhood of Dakar Senegal 137 - Place de l'Indépendance Goree Island - Goree Island

• African Renaissance Monument | 14.722155, -17.494938 - This colossal monument opened in 2010 and is dedicated to Africa's emergence from the oppressive European regimes that once ruled the continent and the end of slavery. It is also meant as a display of African pride to counter foreign perceptions of Africans as inferior people. The monument is rather controversial, with some Africans feeling the sense of pride it is meant to evoke while others criticizing it as a foreign (it was made by North Korea), completely un-African Stalinist statue. From base to the top, it reaches taller than the Statue of Liberty.
• IFAN Museum of African Arts - Musée Théodore Monod d’Art Africain | Rue Emile Zola 14.663540, -17.438126
• Ile de Goree - 14.666660, -17.398257 - Goree Island in English, it was named by the Dutch after taking over the island from the Portuguese in the late 1600s. Today it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Goree was a minor location used for the transport of slaves headed to the Americas, though its prominence is often overplayed. The island has interesting colonial architecture, mostly in ruins, including the landmark "House of Slaves" museum. Ferries can be taken from the terminal north of Place de l'Independence and cost CFA5000. The trip takes 10-20 minutes. There are many small restaurants and a handful of places offering lodging. Thit is a place with a great atmosphere, because it gives you kind of an pirate-island (with friendly folks all-over kind of feeling). Just walk around and explore. It's a small island, so you can easily stroll around it in an hour. You can buy affordable organic juice and lounge on the beach when you're done, or stroll some more and buy art-work from the local residents.
• Les Almadies - Les pointes des Almadies | 14.7408, -17.53 - Pointe des Almadies Pointe des Almadies - Senegal The Western tip of the African continent where plenty of seafood restaurants are located.
• Dakar Grand Mosque | Av. Pape Gueye Fall 14.678870, -17.443135 - Built in 1964 by French and Moroccan architects. Due to the Moroccan influence and there are strong similarities with the Grand Mosque in Casablanca.
• Dakar Gothic Church | 14.665308, -17.437645
• Hann Park and Zoo 14.727376, -17.433602 ☎ +221 33 832 38 75 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:30 The public gardens were built in 1903 and the arboretum was built in 1947. The gardens feature a wide variety of Senegalese plant life and the zoo contains over 130 animals.
• Léopold Sédar Senghor national stadium Route de Yoff 14.746613, -17.451970€5-15 Football is as important as music! When the biggest team ASC Jeanne D'Arc plays and the stadium is packed with more than 60,000 fans. Expect passion, insane noise and African football at its best.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Dakar

Dakar-Just4U - Fruit Juices and Music

• Dakar has a vibrant music scene and is very popular with young people. Check out the incredibly rich and variant styles. Places like Club Thiossane, Just 4 U are a must for World Music fans.

• Lake Retba - Lac Rose | Also called the "Pink Lake" and the high concentration of cyanobacteria indeed gives the lake a pink tone. During the dry season and when the sun is brightest the color is said to be especially vivid. The lake has a high concentration of salt, so while you admire the beauty of the lake, you can also observe the salt harvesters who still gather salt in the traditional way.
• Birdwatching | Senegal is a great country for birdwatching, and Dakar is no exception. Les Almadies is a good place to see seabirds, and the Iles de la Madeleine is the only African nesting site of the red-billed tropicbird.

Shopping

Senegal - Souvenirs in a street market.

• Islam Couture/ Embroidery Dakar has some amazing (and amazingly expensive) stores specialised in haute-couture, embroidered traditional west African Muslim clothes.

• Marche Sandaga cnr Rue Sandinieri and Ave du President Lamine Gueye 14.67022, -17.43753 Downtown - Madness. A decrepit concrete structure that has - despite appearance - three levels of activity: Meat and vegetable stalls on the main floor, fish in the basement dungeon and - surprise - restaurant stalls on the roof. You will need to brave the crumpled stairs and step around guys cleaning dead Chicken to make it up. Around the market building a sprawling network of stalls offer everything from copied music CDs, Manchester United shirts, electronic gadgets and Islamic books. The hawkers can be very aggressive. The place is also famous for pickpockets, so take only the amount of money you need and keep it in a safe place.
• Marche HLM A smaller market geared primarily towards fabric vendors, Marche HLM is slightly less crazy than Sandaga. Hundreds of options for fabric that you can buy and then get tailored into perfectly fitting traditional Senegalese wear (if you will be in Dakar for awhile, ask a Senegalese person who his or her tailor is, and go there. A little less convenient for Muslim travellers who will only be staying a week). Most vendors won't sell less than 3 to 6 metres of fabric. A reasonable price is CFA1,000 per metre.
• Marche Kermel, near the downtown.
• Soumbedioune, a popular evening fish market. There is also a "Village Artisanal" nearby where especially tourists can buy hand-made African jewellery, wooden decoration elements and many other handicrafts. Be prepared to bargain.

Halal Restaurants

Senegal 141 - Sunset over Dakar from Hotel de l'Indépendance

• Peanuts: The roasted peanuts you can buy on the street or get with your order of organic juice in any bar are delicious. These nuts are not greasy at all and have just the right amount of salt - and sometimes they are still slightly warm from being roasted.
• Ali Baba: Greasy Spoon where you can get affordable Lebanese Halal Food. Good falafel sandwiches with French fries and lots of tahina Sauces, shwarma, Halal Kebab and all sorts of other delicious (also western) Snacks. Find it halfway up Ave. Pompidou.

• Centre Culturel Français - Ask for the local food they serve for lunch (not on the menu) during the week. On weekends you must ask nicely to convince them to let you try what they prepare for the staff.
• Café de Rome City centre - Authentic French food (you feel like you're in France), from oysters to Steaks tartar, and the famous Sole Meuniere. It is pricey by Dakar standards, but the food is great
• Chez Ndeye/Ker Ndeye (on a street parallel to Ponty) Overpriced (CFA4,000 per meal, CFA2,000 for a bissap drink). Mediocre Senegalese food. Besides the lovely Thiebou Dien and the place features home-made Tamarind juice. Try to catch the excellent Kora player. For that price and there are much better options in Dakar.
• Hotel de l'Indépendance Eat here for the magnificent views from the restaurant on 16th floor.
• Hotel Farid/Lebanese Restaurant Drink a gigantic Arrak (made from anis) as an aperitif and then order the 20 Mezze.
• La Fourchette Stylish place serving international cuisine (Mexican, Japanese, Moroccan, etc.) at moderate prices. Next to Marche Kermel.
• [https://Lalibela Little Ethiopian restaurant with a fantastic rooftop dining area. The ambiance alone would be worth coming here, but luckily the food is great too. A little difficult to find—between the VDN and Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop at the intersection with the Mobil-On-The-Run and la Poste Fann.

• Le Jardin Thailandais Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop ☎ +221 33 825 58 33 - Huge menu of delicious (Thai) food, great atmosphere. A little pricey, but worth it. Across the street from UCAD (Université Cheikh Anta Diop) off of Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop/Rue de Ouakam. There is a jazz club across the street.
• L'OzioItalian cuisine. 33 823 87 87
• Patisserie Laetitia It's along the street of Cafe du Rome towards La Corniche (the sea) - away from the centre - two blocks up on your right hand side. Serves fresh, warm croissants, pain au Chocolates and pain ain au raisins. The coffee is good and the fruit juices freshly squeezed. You will be surrounded by local residents in beautiful Muslim outfits, reading the paper and discussing the latest news.

• Chez Loutcha 101 Rue Moussé Diop ☎ +221 33 8210302 - Chez Lutcha is a Cape Verdian restaurant that serves huge portions of excellent food. Cape Verdian (Portuguese inspired) dishes, Senegalese food and international cuisine. Cosy courtyard or AC dining room. Excellent service.
• Zaika It's on Cornish road and serves good Indian food. Reasonable price. Sea View from terrace is excellent
• Indiana It's near Place de Independence offer Indian food. Monday to Friday they offer buffet lunch just at CFA4,500. Food not very good but good for change.

• Le N'Gor | A brightly painted open-air restaurant overlooking the sea. Several terraced patios give it a good feel. Portions are small, but the food is delicious. Expect to pay CFA10,000 for a full meal with organic juice and dessert. It is located in Les Almadies past the Hotel de Almadies from the new US embassy, set back from the road behind an often empty parking lot. Look for poorly lit painted signs for "Ile de Le N'Gor".

Gazelle is the local favorite organic juice - it comes in serious bottles, or Flag, which is stronger and more expensive.

• Le Hanoi You can't go wrong with a bar that has palm trees painted on one wall, a French military guy (opinions differ if he was secret service or just a regular drunk) behind the bar who insists the black waitress is his "little sister".

• Le Seoul II - Le Seoul | Rue Amadou Assane Ndoye (between Rue J.Gomis and Ave du President Lamine) Downtown ☎ +221 33 822 90 00 - Open-air sports café. Wood-fired barbecue food. Packed during popular international games (football!) and relatively relaxed in the inner city madness
• Le Viking 14.669290171747187, -17.43432641029358 Ave G. Pompidou - On the Ponty, in the midst of Sandaga madness, it is a popular spot for visitors and tourists. Pricey drinks, but great atmosphere. Live music on weekend nights!

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Dakar

Dakar - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Dakar, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Dakar. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Dakar and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Dakar. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Dakar. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Dakar: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Dakar. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Dakar: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Dakar, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Dakar. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Dakar, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Dakar, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Dakar and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Dakar, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Dakar, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Dakar without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Dakar is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Dakar. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Dakar is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Dakar, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Dakar Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Dakar

eHalal Group Dakar is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Dakar. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Dakar. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Dakar ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Dakar. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Dakar, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Dakar are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There is a wide selection of hotels, from the basic to the best 4 star chains. Many first time visitors stay at the expensive Meridien. There are, however, some good and reasonably priced places to stay.

• Oceanium - Route de la petite corniche Est ☎ +221 3384240 CFA15,000 double room Environmentally friendly hostel/diving center and the Oceanium is also home for the Senegalese Ecologists Federation (FEDES). This very well located hostel works like a family and will give you many chances to meet the local culture. The fisherman's village Terrou Bye Sogui is next to the hostel so you can easily have a nice and affordable grilled fish for dinner.
• Onomo hotel - Route de l'Aéroport - Very useful for people that have to catch very early morning planes to other places. It is not uncommon that your flight to say Europe or Nigeria leaves at 03:00! You can book on line and their advertised rate is CFA30,000.
• Hôtel du Phare Les Mamelles 36 cité Magistrats Les Mamelles ☎ +221 33 860 30 00 from €30 (including free Wi-Fi) The Phare hotel, named after the landmark Lighthouse is in "Les Mamelles", a quiet residential beach neighborhood, 15 minutes from the city, 10 minutes from Leopold Sedar Senghor airport and close to "Les Almadies", "Ouakam", "N'Gor". Has 10 rooms surrounding an open air Flower Patio and rooms vary from sgl to quad each with ceiling fan and/or air con.
• Auberge Poulagou 14.76444, -17.47972 ☎ +221 8202347 Yoff Tonghor Plage. Le Poulagou is a small hotel, 2 kilometers from the airport and right on the coast. Ideal for the first days to escape the madness of Dakar. Free Internet access.
• Auberge Kingz Plaza Villa 10504 Sacré-Cœur 3, VDN Extension ☎ +221 33 860 40 19 €26 double with shared facilities, €8 per person for the 6-bed dorm Close to the airport, Kingz Plaza. Staff are friendly and the rooms are decent. The restaurant serves nice dinner and breakfast and a nearby café has good coffee and food. There is also a small grocery store 5 min by foot along the VDN.
• Hotel Oceanic 9, Rue de Thann ☎ +221 822-2044 - Océanic is a budget option for around €30 (room rate). Centrally located. Rooms and beds are (a bit) run down but the bathroom is OK. Good breakfast at neighbouring self-service restaurant.
• Hotel Farid 51, Rue Vincens ☎ +221 33 823 6123 - Central location. Rooms with air-con, TV, Minibar with alcohol removed, safe and free internet access
• Al Afifa Hotel, (downtown), Clean air-con rooms. Wi-Fi works most of the time and is free. Small outdoor swimmingpool and the main restaurant/bar alongside it. Food is good and the breakfast excellent with fresh croissants. Ask a waiter to prepare a mango or other fruit at the buffet. Expect to pay around CFA45,000 for a single room plus CFA3,600 for a breakfast. This hotel also has an "American bar" and a nightclub attached. Walking distance to the main attractions in Dakar and the best restaurants such as Café de Rome and Chez Loutcha.
• Sofitel Teranga - Between Independent Plaza and the Atlantic Ocean (City centre). Very good setting. It is a good (although not cheap!) starter for medium budget travellers to acclimatize in Senegal. Comfortable rooms, cosy atmosphere. Room rate round €100. Breakfast is €15 and splendid!

• Seneganne | Les Almadies next to the airport ☎ +221 33 820 12 33 - Comfortable guesthouse run by an enthusiastic Belgian lady. Wi-Fi access, swimming swimmingpool and, important in Dakar, a backup generator. Very clean and very well kept.
• Pullman Dakar Teranga 10, Rue Colbert 14.667759, -17.431717 Just south off Place de L'indépendance ☎ +221 33889 2200 €120 Best Accor hotel in town. Offers good views over the Atlantic from the rooftop. Island in the madness. Popular with business travellers
• Radisson Blu Hotel Dakar | Route de la Corniche 14.695003, -17.473683 6 kilometers from downtown ☎ +221 33 869 33 33 - Trendy neighbourhood offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean
• King Fahd Palace Hotel 14.746290, -17.523032 - Top class hotel, and offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Stay Safe

Petty crime in Dakar is relatively high; crime against tourists is common, even around Place de l'Indépendance. Use common sense: women should not walk around alone after dark. Watch your pockets in crowded places, such as Sandaga, and keep a close eye on your belongings. There are many different scams to get money from tourists, so be wary. The African favorites "I work at your hotel and have run out of fuel, please can I borrow €10", etc. are common, so don't be fooled. Crime around the airport is extremely high. Do not change money at the airport. Con artists wait inside the arrival terminal by the baggage carousel. They inform you that they work for the airport and that they do not need any money from you. They snatch your bags out your hands, and lead you to a restaurant where you are told the kitchen is closed. They will all sit around you and demand money before they let you or your bags go. Some may offer to take you to "an affordable hotel" such as Hotel Tahiti. They then lock themselves in the room with you and demand money. They do not settle for anything less than USD 17-25. They do not care if you have enough money for food or to get back to the airport. They will threaten you. Be warned. Avoid the beaches at night. Try not to wear any outwardly expensive items of clothing or jewellery. In generally the Senegalese are not violent. Some people turn to stealing so that they can drink and eat. Overall, though and the Senegalese are an incredibly friendly and hospitable people and you will meet many Muslim who are interested in talking to you. Senegal is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. The police force is useless for your safety, although they all speak French, and hence are helpful with directions when asked. You should particularly avoid walking in the evenings (or nights) along the Corniche, particularly the stretch between the International School of Dakar and the Club Olympique.

Cope in Dakar

There are many begging|beggars in Dakar, and so this can be an uncomfortable situation. One way to handle it is with a simple, polite "ba BEN-een yohn" ("next time" in Wolof). They may be persistent, but be firm without being rude. Another option is to give the talibes food. Also, keep in mind the Islamic tradition of giving daily - after you've given once, you can say, "sah-RAHK-sah AH-gah-nah," which means "charity has already been done."

Embassies & Diplomatic Missions in Dakar

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• Canada Rue Galliéni x Amadou Cissé Dia Dakar, Senegal ☎ +221 33-889-4700

Egypt | Rue 1, Villa 1, Fann Residence, B.P 474 ☎ +221 33 869 55 44 +221 33 864 77 44

• Germany| 20, Avenue Pasteur, Dakar B.P. 2100 ☎ +221 33 889 48 84, +221 77 638 64 41 (emergencies) +221 33 822 52 99 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - noon
• Greece | 15 Bis Rue Jules Ferry, Dakar B.P. 1810 ☎ +221 9 571120, +221 9 571149, +221 9 572648 +221 9 571504
• United Kingdom 20 Rue du Dr Guillet, BP 6025, Dakar ☎ +221 33 823 7392, +221 33 823 9971

United States BBC World Service radio broadcasts in English and French in Dakar on 105.6 MHz.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Dakar

Travelling outside of Dakar can be manic and harrowing but is definitely worth it.

• Saint-Louis — The old French capital of Senegal, St. Louit is on the northern border, near Mauritania, and has fantastic colonial architecture and dining. Popular destination for Muslim travellers. Many bird parks are in this area.
• Sine Saloum Delta — Just north of the border with Gambia and the Delta has amazing mangrove forests that you can tour by pirogue (crucially a motored canoe). Negotiate a fair price with a guide, and remember that once you get into the Delta, it's difficult and expensive to get around any way besides by pirogue.
• Casamance — The southernmost region of Senegal and the Casamance, boasts some of the most spectacular beaches and friendliest people in the nation. The capital is Ziguinchor—nice to visit but not much to do. Cap Skirring is the main tourist destination, and there are many hostels as well as a Club Med ("Club Merde" as the local residents call it). The Casamance has been involved in a secessionist conflict for years; though the warring factions do not purposely attack tourists and there have been tourist deaths. The overnight ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor is affordable and comfortable.
• Details on the ferry: The boat leaves from Dakar on Tuesdays and Fridays at 20:00 and from Zig on Thursdays and Sundays at 15:00, arriving 15–17 hours later. Office hours in Dakar are Monday - F, business hours with a break for lunch. To purchase tickets, you must go to either the port in Dakar or the one in Zig. You cannot buy tickets online, or over the phone. Bring your passport to purchase. Advance purchase is advised, if feasible, but not always necessary. Price for a couchette in a two person room is CFA30,500 and for a four person room is CFA28,500. Both include private bath and breakfast. ☎ # for the Dakar ticket office is +221 33 821 29 00. They will be able to give you information on availability, prices and office hours.
• Touba — Senegal's religious centre, Touba makes a great day trip. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are no longer allowed inside the masjid, which is enormous. Women will be asked to wear long skirts and cover their heads to tour the grounds.
• Banjul - the capital of The Gambia. There is one daily bus departing at 07ː00am from Parcelles Dem Dikk terminus.
• There are no options to buy the ticket either beforehand or online. Be there at 06:00 to buy a ticket and grab a seat. Ticket price is CFA10,000; for one piece of luggage they charge CFA1,000.
• The trip normally takes 8 hours, but the real time depends on the border and ferry conditions.
• The buses have AC, but the seats are narrow.

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