The Monument de la Renaissance Africaine stands on Les Mamelles hill. It is 52 metres tall and is considered the tallest statue in Africa. The Dakar Lighthouse is also located on Les Mamelles: built in 1864, it is the city’s oldest lighthouse. Its location offers panoramic views across the Cap-Vert Peninsula.
Gorée: World Heritage and remembrance
The Île de Gorée, covering 28 hectares, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a symbol of the slave trade and a place of pilgrimage for the African diaspora. A regular ferry service runs from the port of Dakar to Gorée; the crossing takes fifteen minutes. Check the schedule before travelling if you plan to visit the island.
Cultural sites in Dakar
The Musée Théodore Monod d’art africain de l’IFAN is located in central Dakar and opens onto Place Soweto. It is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and providing a space for sharing artistic expression. Dakar also hosts the Biennale of Contemporary African Art. If you would like to plan your trip around the Biennale, check the dates for the relevant edition. Sampling seafood is also part of what Dakar offers visitors. In Senegal, Ceebu Jën is a popular lunch dish served in most households and restaurants. It originated in the fishing communities on the island of Saint-Louis; typical ingredients include fish steaks, broken rice, dried fish, molluscs and seasonal vegetables.
Parks, coast and nature experiences
Parc National des îles de la Madeleine is a destination for birdwatchers and has a protected ecosystem. The archipelago off Dakar also offers a natural rock-pool bathing spot among cliffs and small fish; local access conditions may vary. Parc d’Hann offers a different experience: it is a small forest and zoological park featuring plant species from Senegal.
Dakar’s coastline is lined with protected beaches and long stretches of sand overlooking the ocean waves. Dakar is well suited to deep-sea fishing, and divers value its seabed. Alongside coastal landscapes, there are also a variety of ways to enjoy the sea.
Near Dakar lies Lac Retba, also known as Lac Rose. The lagoon is surrounded by dunes and filaos trees. Its pink appearance is attributed to microscopic algae that oxidise the iron in the salt water when exposed to sunlight. Around Lac Rose, excursions are available by off-road vehicle, motorcycle and quad bike. Horseback and camel rides are also offered; the salt collectors are one of the area’s memorable sights. Check local providers and conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Dakar, Thiès, Kedougou, Ziguinchor, Kolda, Saint-Louis, Fatick, Louga.
For the overview of the wider region: Senegal.
