Featured City: Dakar, Senegal

Dakar is Senegal’s Capital as well as its largest city. It is also the Westernmost city on the African mainland. Its position on the western edge of Africa has played a key role in its history as a key port in the Transatlantic slave trade as well as European trade; today it is a major seaport in the region.

Dakar is an important urban population centre with its metropolitan area estimated to hold a population of 2.5 million.

Dakar is a vibrant tourist delight with lots to see as well as to do for all types of tourists.

Important tourist attractions in Dakar include:

The unforgettable Sandaga Market (Marche Sandaga in French)

Sandaga Market

Sandaga is a typical African market where sundry items such as spices, food condiments, clothing, hand made art and craftwork as well as raw and cooked foods from the surrounding regions can be found. Like most major markets in Africa, Sandaga hustles and bustles in a lively cacophony of sensory stimulation targeted at all your senses; so be prepared! One thing is however guaranteed at Sandaga market - a rich and authentic African shopping experience with good bargains thrown into the mix! Now, how irresistible is that?!.

Rich array of fabric - Sandaga Market

Handmade Artwork - Sandaga Market

For Fabric lovers; Marche HLM (HLM Market) is a treasure trove of vibrantly coloured fabric of all qualities and designed to suit every pocket.

Another notable attraction is Goree Island (ile De Goree)

Goree Island is about 30 minutes offshore from Dakar and can be reached via ferries which depart every 1 - 2 hours. Goree Island is replete with buildings and memorabilia relating to its painful past as a slave trading post. The Island has also since 1978 been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Must see venues: The Slave House (Maison Des Esclaves) and the Historical Museum of Senegal.

US President George W. Bush, his wife Laura and other members of his delegation on Goree Island

House of Slaves, Goree Island

Slave holding pens, House of slaves, Goree Island

Dakar's Grand Mosque (Grande Mosquée) is also a tourist Mecca. This imposing and historic edifice built in 1664 sits smack in the middle of Dakar's Medina neighbourhood - an area packed full of very talented tailors working out of tiny cramped shops.
Medina itself is an interesting neighbourhood which was originally conceived as a township for the local populace by Senegal's French Colonialists and now thrives as a hub for creativity and emerging trends.

Grand Mosque - Medina, Dakar

Tailor Shop - Medina, Dakar

Like other seaside capitals, Dakar has an abundant number of beaches perfect for unwinding and relaxation. Popular beaches in Dakar include

Virage Plage - this beach is right next to the Departures terminal of the Dakar Airport; perfect for a quick trip out to dip your feet in the water one last time before your departing flight.

Plage De Ngor, ile De Ngor, Yoff Plage and Plage Des Marabouts are other popular beaches in Dakar.

All these beaches have several restaurants and food stands offering local and continental dishes and an assorted variety of drink options.

A major attraction that keeps visitors returning time and time again is the impressive variety of dining options that Dakar has on offer. From local cuisine sold from simple street stalls to high end luxury dining paired with fancy cocktails, Dakar has it all. Dakar has something to suit every shade of taste and every budget range!

1. Chez Loutcha
Known for its large and generous portions, this restaurant is hugely popular and is always busy. It is a great place to socialize and mingle with locals and tourists alike. Chez Loutcha is literally a few minutes walk away from the popular Marche Sandaga! So after a day spent immersing yourself in the vibrant shopping of the market, you can literally top it off with a generous helping of local Senegalese cuisine!
Address: 101 Rue Mousse Diop, +221 33 821 0302

Thieboudiemme - a local "Senegalese" delicacy

2. Point D'interrogation
This is a small and cozy establishment offering up mostly local cuisine. It is also in the vicinity of Marche Sandaga. You are guaranteed to get a fantastic dining experience as well as great value for money
Address: Rue Assane Ndoye, +221 33 822 5072

3. Le Cozy
This upmarket establishment prides itself on its upscale dining experience presented with refinement and class. It is one of the pricier options but nevertheless a good venue for tourists willing to splurge! Le Cozy transforms into a lounge bar in the evenings with great music and smart cocktails on offer.
Address: Rue Des Essarts, +221 33 823 0606, www.lecozy.com

4. Ali Baba Snack Bar
This is a local go to haunt for something quick and on-the-go. Shawarmas, Kebabs, Grilled meats are all on offer here.
Address: Avenue Pompidou, +221 33 822 5297

5. Le Ngor
This serene waterside establishment is best experienced in the evenings when you can enjoy platters of grilled fish and an assorted variety of drinks while luxuriating in the soothing ocean breeze.
Address: Corniche Des Almadie, +221 77 504 3006

***cough cough*** My Naija (Nigerian) people, I noticed something ooo!! Am sure many of you did as well, Thieboudiemme is - JOLLOF RICE!!! I mean, we have spent the last few years tussling with Ghanaians over bragging rights as to who makes jollof rice better and who invented it! Now we have to contend with this Thieboudiemme (how do you even pronounce that?)!! ***tears of frustration***.
I just got it on good authority that Jollof rice is actually a Senegalese invention, the word Jollof relates to the Senegalese Wolof tribe who are thought to have first blessed the world with this delightful culinary treasure. Well, moving on ... I still stand by my firm belief that Nigerian "party" jollof rice is the best there has ever been and there will ever be! If you disagree, argue with your ancestors!! Lol

Visitors to Dakar are spoilt for choice as to where to stay! The City is packed full of hotels and apartments suitable for all pockets and tastes! Trust us when we say the variety and array of accomodation in Dakar is overwhelming! A few are

La Madrague Ngor
Hotel Jardin Savana Dakar
Pullman Dakar Teranga
Ibis Dakar
Novotel Dakar
Casa Mara Dakar
Hotel Sunugal ...

Dakar is served by the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (French: Aéroport international Léopold-Sédar-Senghor, which is served by various international air carriers including Nigeria's Arik Airlines (via Accra and Abidjan). Citizens of West African (ECOWAS) countries do not require a visa to visit Senegal.

So, if you've ever visited Dakar or if you live there and know of other exciting things to do or places to go, please please do tell us in the comments section. We are dying to hear from you! If you've never been and wish to explore this fascinating city, please do get in touch with your Travel Consultants at Quebix Travels - We can't wait to surpass your highest expectations!! really, we can't!