Is Dakar safe for solo female travelers?

Dakar presents a vibrant cultural atmosphere but requires attention to safety as a solo female traveler. While most locals are friendly, instances of petty crime like pick-pocketing and scamming are common. There are areas that are not recommended to visit at night. It is generally safe during the day, especially in populated areas or tourist spots. As long as you exercise common sense precautions such as not flashing valuables and avoiding traveling alone at night, your travel experience should generally be satisfactory.

Safety rating

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How safe is Dakar for female travelers?

Cherlynn

Cherlynn

Zimbabwe

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
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Johanna

Johanna

Austria

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
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How safe is Dakar for women?

Local safety index

2.5 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Local crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Rosie

Rosie

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, 2025
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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, 2024
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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, 2024
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