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?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Dakar is relatively safe at night compared to many other global cities but caution should always be exercised. It's recommended to stick to well-lit and populated areas, avoid flaunting valuables, and use trusted transportation rather than walking alone particularly after dark. It's also better to respect local customs and dress modestly. Always rely on your instincts to stay safe.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation within Dakar includes car rapides, taxis, and buses. While these are generally safe during daylight hours, take caution as they can be crowded and pickpocket incidents can occur. Taxis do not typically have meters, so be sure to negotiate a price before starting the journey.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

Dakar, being the capital city of Senegal, receives plenty of tourists yearly, and while locals are generally friendly, it's not uncommon to encounter some level of street harassment. This could be in the form of persistent hawkers and sometimes unwanted attention, masking as friendliness from locals. However, the city is generally safe and harassment is often non-threatening. It's advisable to maintain an assertive demeanor and be cautious about your interactions. Remember, respecting local customs goes a long way in improving your experience.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Dakar experiences a moderate level of petty crime. These usually include snatch thefts, pickpocketing, and bag snatching, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and public transportation. Travelers are advised to keep their belongings secure at all times and be vigilant in their surroundings. Despite this, Senegalese people are generally hospitable and friendly towards visitors.

Is Dakar worth visiting?

Is Dakar safe for women?

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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Meet locals in Dakar

Amy

Amy

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Hello, I have been studying and traveling overseas most of my life. But still open to explore more countries and cultures

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360Travel

360Travel

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passionnée de voyages, je crée des itinéraires sur mesure pour des aventurières qui recherchent des expériences authentiques, enrichissantes, et mémorables, tout en respectant leur rythme et leurs envies.

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Stay with locals in Dakar

Amy

Amy

Dakar

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3 days

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Hello, I have been studying and traveling overseas most of my life. But still open to explore more countries and cultures

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Ndeye

Ndeye

Dakar

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Ndeye Tening GUEYE FR. I’m 29 years old. I have a diverse set of skills and experiences. I have experience marketing relationnel, vie associative, gestion de la relation client, bank, and traduction. I worked in various roles such as Responsable Channel Syinix Electronics, Responsable commerciale Grandes Surfaces Syinix Electronics, Agent de banque at Société Générale Sénégal, Enquêtrice at Quality Center, Traductrice chez Leader Color and Conseillère clientèle de Canal + / Vente à PCCI. I have also been involved in various associations such as Angels For Africa (AFA), Ndimbeul, Jeune Chambre Internationale (JCI), 1dream and Help Yourself. I participated and managed clubs and associations that focus on humanitarian causes such as dons de denrées alimentaires, distribution de ndogous, weekend humanitaire and quêtes pour pouponnières.

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Safety in Senegal