Is Senegal safe for solo female travelers?

Senegal generally has a friendly and welcoming community with a relatively low crime rate compared to other countries. However, like any other place, night time can present a greater amount of risk and caution is advised. Avoid unfamiliar, quiet, poorly lit areas and, if possible, try not to walk alone all of the time. Use trusted transport services when possible, especially at night. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

Public transportation in Senegal, like the popular minibuses known as 'Car Rapides' and taxis, is commonly used by locals and tourists alike. However, they can often be over-crowded and not well-maintained, which might make some solo female travelers uncomfortable. The hours of operation are also not consistent. The new Dakar Dem Dikk buses are a safer and more reliable option, but routes are limited. Taxis are abundant, but it is advised to negotiate the fare upfront to avoid being overcharged. While crime is not typically associated with public transport, it's always essential to remain alert and safeguard your belongings.

Senegal is generally safe and respectful toward women, with lower levels of street harassment when compared to other countries. However, it is still advisable to dress modestly and avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas. African cultures can sometimes be more verbally expressive, so don't be surprised if you receive comments or compliments in the streets, but these are often not threatening. Always trust your instincts and if something doesn't feel right, get yourself out of the situation.

Senegal experiences moderate levels of petty crime. Tourist areas and bigger cities like Dakar, in particular, see occurrences of pickpocketing and purse-snatching, often carried out by children or young adults. Always be cautious when in crowded places and secure your belongings. However, Senegalese people are generally friendly and welcoming, and crimes against tourists are not the norm.

The tap water in Senegal is generally not recommended for drinking, especially for travelers. The water supply system in the country can sometimes be contaminated due to various reasons, hence it might not be safe for consumption. Therefore, it's safer to opt for bottled water or purify the tap water before consuming it.

The United States government advises you to exercise normal precautions in Senegal, although, some areas might have an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Senegal due to high crime levels. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Senegal overall, due to the risk of civil unrest. Check the full travel advisory.