How to Find Hotels in Dakar, Senegal

The city of Dakar is the capital city of Senegal, a Western African nation with an Atlantic coastline. Dakar has been influenced over the last two centuries by French culture, with Senegal part of France's former colonial empire. The mixture of traditional Senegal culture and French architecture makes Dakar a great destination for travelers with an eye for interesting places.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Know Your Destination

1. Realize that Dakar features contrasting urban and natural environments that explain the dynamic lives of natives of Senegal. These contrasts are also evident in the everyday lives of Muslims and Christians in Dakar, with a variety of public celebrations for both faiths.
2. Travel to Dakar any time of year without worrying about weather. The city benefits from warm and dry equatorial weather almost the entire year, which makes travel much easier.

Arrange Transportation

3. Book your plane tickets to Dakar through Paris or one of the major African international airports. The international airport in Dakar handles flights from Johannesburg and other major African cities.
4. Utilize the Trans-Gambian Highway to travel by bus or taxi to surrounding nations. This highway cuts through neighboring Western African nations, allowing travelers greater access to tourist destinations.
5. Consider regional airlines in Senegal to travel from Dakar to outlying cities. The major national carrier, Air Senegal, provides convenient but costly trips to neighboring regions and nations.

Find Accommodations

6. To book accommodations, contact Senegal Tourist Office at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
7. Book reasonable hotel accommodations in Dakar. With rooms available from $10 to $120 per night, Dakar offers great hotel accommodations at minimal expense to the tourist.
8. Be cheap! Hostels are nonexistent in this region, but budget hotels throughout Dakar offer travelers an inexpensive way to explore the wonders of this coutnry.
9. Find a great hotel room in the Cap Skiring region. With beautiful beaches, classy resorts and crystal clear waters available for swimmers, this is a great spot for vacationers.

Discover Local Attractions

10. Plan your trip to Dakar around the various annual festivals held in Senegal. The Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, held in May, offers one of the biggest jazz music venues in Western Africa. The Dak'Art Biennale is an art festival held annually that offers travelers an inside look into the African arts scene.
11. Set up your travels and vacation plans to Dakar around the various recognized Muslim and Christian holidays. Whether it is a Christmas Week celebration or observance of Ramadan, travelers can enjoy and appreciate Dakar's diverse population.