Is Senegal safe for solo female travelers?
Safety rating
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How safe is Senegal for female travelers?
Overall rating
based on 4 experiences from female travelers
Things to do
Safety
Food
Budget-friendly
Cherlynn
Zimbabwe
Dakar, Group travel
My stay was lovely (Forced me to polish up on my french). Clean streets, friendly people (you will find people exercising everywhere,all the time). Seafood is amazing with lots of eateries to try on the mainland and on Goree island !! VISIT the monument and explore inside the statue, visit Goree island especially the House of Slaves,immerse in the history of the island and the people. Get some cfa at the airport and also buy a local line(cfa1000) for Yango(local uberlike app). Curio market sellers aggressively market a friendly but firm "Jerejef" will indicate you are not interested. The seafood market and eatery close to Magicland is a must(pops up at night), Chez de Thio on Goree island was superb. A guide will give you a fuller experience of the island and trust, and they are reasonably priced.
Posted: July 15, 2025Experienced: May, 2025
Johanna
Austria
Dakar, Solo travel
While Dakar can be a bit overwhelming, especially for woman alone, I really enjoyed my stay. It’s a fantastic city that has lots and lots to offer, from a rich cultural and night life, to beautiful beaches and lots of different activities and sports. I didn’t feel in danger at all, but it was kind of annoying sometimes, that I encountered so many men that would constantly try to talk to me, no matter what I was doing at that moment.
Posted: December 1, 2024
CocoMont
France
Senegal, Group travel
I felt safe. I was with my best friends from high school during 3 weeks. One of my BFF married here. So we met a lot of local people, we learnt about local stories and traditions, we ate very very good specific meals. I remember all the colors, the sea of Popenguine, an incredible village at the south of Senegal, our home was settled directly on the beach, it looked like paradise.
Posted: January 9, 2024Senegal, Couple travel
I was there with my boyfriend and honestly, I wouldn't go there alone. I traveled solo through Europe and Asia, but if I ever had to return to Senegal, I would probably rent a car with a larger group. I also recommend learning French, as we had some difficulties communicating using only English.
Posted: October 11, 2023How safe is Senegal for women?
Safety index
Based on 3 local experiences
Crime index
Based on 3 local experiences
Rosie
Dakar
As long as you keep your wits about you, it’s absolutely fine! Just take the same precautions you would anywhere else—especially being extra careful if you’re out alone at night. I did have my phone and some money pickpocketed, so I’d strongly recommend keeping valuables in a zipped bum bag worn on your chest rather than in open pockets or bags.
Posted: August 25, 2025Dakar
Walking alone on day light should be fine provided that other people are in the street. If you look foreigner vendors would harasse you. At night it can be dangerous to walk alone in streets. Taxi are a painful experience cars are totally not maintained unsafe and must negotiate with drivers some are greedy.
Posted: June 22, 2024Dakar
Dakar can feel like a safe city once you are familiar with it, especially if you understand the local language, Wolof, or speak French. However, for visiting and ensuring your safety in the city, it is advisable to go with someone who knows Dakar well and has lived there. This way, you can avoid being scammed.
Posted: June 1, 2024Safety in Senegal
