FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS AND OTHER ANNUAL EVENTS IN Dakar

There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Dakar each year. The main ones are listed below.

This festival celebrated on the twelfth day of Rabi'al-Awwal commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is one of the most important days on the Islamic (or Hijri) calendar. Senegalese Muslims use this opportunity to recall the values advocated by the Prophet. It is also a day when families gather to share a traditional meal in a festive atmosphere.

Many events are organized on this day in Dakar and across Senegal by women's associations: conferences, exhibitions, village shows, etc.

Senegal's independence on this day in 1960 is celebrated with official ceremonies, street parades including school children as well as the military and policemen, singing and dancing.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting begins each day at sunrise and ends at sunset. For the entire month, Dakar operates at a slower pace during the day and stirs into action at nightfall.

This two-day festival marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims in Dakar take this opportunity to visit with family members living outside the capital.

This day commemorates the “Tirailleurs Sénégalais”, the Senegalese soldiers who fought on behalf of the French from 1857 through the first half of the 20th century, including extensive service during the two world wars. Highlights include official ceremonies, a review of the troops, and a sound and light show at Iba Mar Diop stadium.

This festival celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu'l-Hijja honours Ibrahim's proof of his obedience to Allah. Allah asked him to sacrifice his son Ismael, but just as Ibrahim was about to make the sacrifice, Allah told him to offer a ram instead. Traditionally, to remember Ibrahim's offering, each family sacrifices a sheep on Tabaski morning and the remainder of the day is spent in prayer and celebration, feasting on the roast mutton and sharing the meat with others.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Dakar

Month	Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Average Rains (MM)	Best Time to Travel
January	18/64	25/77	2/0.08	Not the best period to go
February	18/64	25/77	1/0.04	Good period to go
March	18/64	25/77	0/0.00	Good period to go
April	19/66	25/77	0/0.00	Good period to go
May	21/70	26/79	0/0.00	Good period to go
June	24/75	28/82	8/0.31	Good period to go
July	25/77	30/86	35/1.38	Not the best period to go
August	26/79	30/86	117/4.61	Not the best period to go
September	25/77	31/88	86/3.39	Not the best period to go
October	25/77	31/88	19/0.75	Not the best period to go
November	23/73	30/86	0/0.00	Not the best period to go
December	21/70	27/81	3/0.12	Not the best period to go

Blaise-Diagne International Airport

The Blaise-Diagne International Airport is located in Diass, about 47 kilometres (29 miles) southeast of Dakar's city centre.

• One terminal

• By car
  • Accessible via the N1 national road and the A1 Dakar-Mbour motorway (about 1-hour drive).
  • A parking facility with a capacity of 700 spaces is available for travellers outside the airport (XOF 10,000 per day).
  • Several car rental companies have counters at the airport.
• By bus
  • 6 "classic" bus lines operated by the Dakar Dem Dikk company connect the capital with the airport from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (tickets from XOF 700 to XOF 1,000) in about 90 minutes. One bus every 20 to 35 minutes.
  • 3 express shuttle bus with AC also connect the city centre with the airport in 30 minutes, 24/7 (one-way ticket is XOF 6,000). For further information, visit demdikk.com/
• By taxi
  • Official yellow-and-black taxis are available at the ranks outside the terminal. About XOF 12,000 for a trip to central Dakar.

• Services: shops, bars and restaurants, duty free and free Internet access (Wi-Fi) available in the airport.
• Telephone: +221 339 39 69 00
• Website: www.dakaraeroport.com/

GETTING AROUND Dakar

Getting around Dakar is relatively easy. Various modes of transport are available in the Senegalese capital, covering the entire metropolitan area.

By Bus

25 Dem Dikk bus lines (yellow mustard) operate through town. Destination is indicated in front of the vehicle. One-way ticket is about XOF 150.

By minibus

With a capacity of about 20 people, these vehicles are ubiquitous in Dakar. Minibuses are certainly not the fastest way to get around, but they are inexpensive and make regular stops, which can be very useful. Expect to pay about XOF 75 for a short trip and XOF 150 for a longer one.

By taxi

Official yellow-and-black taxis are equipped with meters and fares are regulated. Trips within the city centre cost around XOF 2,500.

By car

Renting a car is an interesting option for getting around Dakar.

Visitor information

Upon your arrival in Dakar, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.

Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).

• Address: 23, rue du Dr. Calmette - Dakar
• Telephone: +221 33 822 73 66

Medical information

See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Dakar counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.

It is recommended to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination, as it could be required by custom authorities. No vaccination is mandatory to enter Senegal, but the following vaccines are nonetheless recommended before you leave home:

• yellow fever
• meningitis
• polio

For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:

• Address: 38, quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
• Website: https://www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr/
• Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00
• To make a vaccination appointment:
  • online (click here)
  • call the centre at +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00

To maintain good hygiene, it is recommended:

• not to use ice cubes made from tap water, not to drink fresh fruit juice, not to eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruits
• not to eat insufficiently cooked food, especially meat, fish and milk
• to regularly and carefully wash your hands

It is recommended to drink bottled water in Dakar.

Administrative formalities

Entry requirements for Senegal

As a general rule, foreign nationals must be in possession of a visa to enter Senegal. To find out if you will need one and for further information, visit the country's official website:

https://www.sec.gouv.sn/services-aux-usagers/procedures-administratives

Useful addresses

To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Dakar, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.

Essential phrases

Good to know

+221

+ phone number

-7 : 00
of time difference with
Jakarta

There is no daylight savings time in Senegal.

Usually open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Usually open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

230 V / 50 Hz

Tipping
In Dakar, it is customary to leave a tip at the city's restaurants. A good rule of thumb is about 10% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service.