Useful information about Dakar
The capital and bustling city of Senegal, Dakar is located on the Cap-Vert Peninsula on the Atlantic Coast is the westernmost city on African mainland. It is a political, cultural and commercial center of country which is home to major ethnic groups and vibrant communities. It is a sprawling vibrant cosmopolitan where modern buildings stand side by side with impressive colonial architecture. Like any big African country it is chaotic, dusty and congested but you might see, hear or experience the rhythm of this beautiful city that remains with you forever. It is a place where you can listen all-night chanting of verses from Koran, the drumming rhythms of djembe at street parties, National Ballet's performances of European and African dances or fusion from pop bands which all makes this place even more happening.
Reasons to VisitOn a visit to Dakar, you come across as one of Africa's most excited cities with a French flair and rich legacy from colonial days. It may be chaotic and noisy but it is due to its friendly people and their laid-back altitude, it creates a unique atmosphere that you surely love and enjoy. Its vibrant music scene, buzzing markets, beautiful selection of beautiful beaches, and amazing museums makes it a great destination to visit and explore. Africa's tallest statue, the African Renaissance Monument is hard to miss. Larger than the Statue of Liberty, built with bronze it is 160 meters tall, features a man, women and child pointing in vaguely communist style is a symbol of renewed African hope. If you love African beats then there is no better place then Dakar where music is very much part of life and where every street has its own soundtrack. If you love adventure then there is no dearth of it in the city. You can go for horse riding, scuba diving, hunting expeditions, nature reserve trips, bird watching etc which allow you to see African wildlife in their natural habitat. Do enjoy shopping at Marche Sandaga where hundreds of street vendors and stalls selling everything from clothes, to shoes to electronics etc.
Best Time to VisitWhen to enjoy a holiday trip to Dakar is dictated largely by the climate. The weather over here generally remains hot and humid. In the months of January and February, the "harmattan" winds fill the air with sand and in summer months July and August it is very wet and humid. The best time to travel is from October to December.
Major Tourist AttractionsPatience is a virtue in Dakar, the seaside capital and gateway to the rest of West Africa. The beauty of it lies in its jumble of villages, former French colonial towns, the people and atmosphere they created. Visitors who are keen to find about the fascinating history of country, then the best place is IFAN Museum of West African culture. Explore the modern Grand Mosque which contains an extensive library on Islam in the region. Don't miss Goree Island a 16th century trade outpost, which was once an African slave port and processing center is now a beautifully maintained UNESCO world heritage site to visit. If you love shopping then the markets over here are quite famous for their noise, color and haggling. Do enjoy shopping at two finest markets namely Marché Kermel and Marché des HLM to buy anything and everything.
Festivals and EventsFestivals and events celebrated in capital city include African Traditional Dance Festival, Dakar Arts Festival, FESTA2H (International Festival of Hip Hop and Urban Culture), Ramadan, Tabaski etc that you surely love and enjoy.