6 day itinerary for Dakar

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 6 days in Dakar:

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

• Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport and check into your hotel
• Start your day with a city tour of Dakar, visiting landmarks such as the African Renaissance Monument, the Presidential Palace, and the Dakar Grand Mosque
• Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Senegalese cuisine
• In the afternoon, visit the Dakar Cathedral and the IFAN Museum of African Arts
• End your day with a sunset walk along the Corniche des Almadies, a scenic coastal road with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean

Day 2: Goree Island and Pink Lake

• Take a ferry to Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its history as a center of the transatlantic slave trade
• Visit the House of Slaves and the Goree Island Museum to learn about the island's history and culture
• Return to Dakar and have lunch at a local restaurant
• In the afternoon, take a trip to the Pink Lake, a unique natural wonder with pink-colored water caused by a high concentration of salt-loving bacteria
• Take a dip in the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery before returning to your hotel

Day 3: Dakar Markets and Art Galleries

• Start your day with a visit to the Dakar Sandaga Market, one of the largest and busiest markets in West Africa
• Explore the market and shop for souvenirs, textiles, and other local products
• Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and try some street food
• In the afternoon, visit some of Dakar's art galleries, such as the Galerie Arte, the Village des Arts, and the Musée Boribana
• End your day with a sunset drink at the Radisson Blu Hotel's rooftop bar, with panoramic views of the city

Day 4: Lac Rose and Ngor Island

• Take a trip to Lac Rose, another pink-colored lake located about 30 km north of Dakar
• Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery
• Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and try some fresh seafood
• In the afternoon, take a boat to Ngor Island, a small island off the coast of Dakar known for its beaches and surfing
• Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, and surfing
• Return to Dakar in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant

Day 5: Dakar Artisan Village and Nightlife

• Start your day with a visit to the Dakar Artisan Village, a complex of workshops and stores where local artisans create and sell traditional crafts
• Watch artisans at work and shop for souvenirs
• Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and try some traditional Senegalese dishes
• In the evening, explore Dakar's nightlife scene, with options ranging from live music venues to nightclubs and bars
• End your night with a drink at the Just 4 U rooftop bar, with stunning views of the city at night

Day 6: Departure

• Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight
• If you have time before your flight, visit the Dakar Fish Market, one of the largest and most colorful markets in West Africa, and shop for fresh seafood and other local products
• Depart Dakar with unforgettable memories of your trip to Senegal!