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Dakar Senegal Cruise Port Guide
Location:
The ships dock at Mole I Port de Dakar. The city center is less than a mile. Taxis are generally available outside the main entrance of the port. Establish the fare with the driver before departing the port and be prepared to be hassled at journeys end, over the previously agreed price, demanding more money.
Warning: be very vigilant for pickpockets etc.
Printable map to take along on your cruise.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Dakar Senegal
Sightseeing:
Dakar, capital of the Republic of Senegal, is a vibrant city of broad, tree-lined avenues, colorful open-air markets, inviting cafes and just a splash of French elan. Striking contemporary architecture is set off by historical colonial buildings while a myriad of galleries, boutiques, and street vendors offer everything from fine paintings, sculptures, and crafts to colorful clothing and imported goods.
Tucked n a corner of Independence Square is the 5* Pullman Hotel (Accor Group) with good views over the sea, corniche, Presidents Palace, and beaches.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
Taxis. Cheap and safe and everywhere. Just don't mind the broken windshields. All taxi fares are negotiated beforehand and will require bargaining. If you're not from Senegal, you will probably have an outrageous price proposed, so check with locals before to get an idea of what they pay, in order to know what you will be able to get.
Due to the relatively high crime rate, an organized tour is recommended.
It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.
Nearby Places:
Gorée is known as the location of the House of Slaves (French: Maison des esclaves), built by an Afro-French Métis family about 1780–1784. The House of Slaves is one of the oldest houses on the island. It is now used as a tourist destination to show the horrors of the slave trade throughout the Atlantic world. It is rather easy to do on your own, without a ship tour--if you can get yourself over to the ferry (it's not that far from where the ship docks). You need about 3 hours--and watch the ferry times.
Shopping and Food
Leave all your shopping until you get back to the dock as a large market is set up there by the locals and you need to bargain!! .
Marche Kermel a bustling marketplace is also close to the docks.
You definitely will get annoyed with the constant haggling of the thousands of street vendors. Just politely say "No thank you" and walk away.
Don't get abusive to the trader; he is only trying to feed his family.
Currency:
The local currency is the CFA francs, but the US dollar is generally accepted.
Communication:
Wolof is the native language, French widely spoken. Plenty of cafes which offer free WiFi for customers around, many restaurants offer free WiFi.
Opening Hours and Holidays:
Store hours are generally from 8:30a.m. to 7:00 p.m. mon-sat
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