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

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Dakar is currently ranked #1 safest place in Senegal for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Dakar?

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: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: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: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?

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

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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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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