Dakar Travel Forum

My husband and I are going on a cruise to Dakar. We only have a short time. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Soumbedioune and a city tour is one suggestion. Or should we go to Il De Goree? I am a travel agent and I want to see as much as I can to be able to tell my clients all about it. Thanks so much.

Once again time is your main problem. Ile de Goree is the better recommendation of the two, but by the time you actually get there and come back, IMHO you won't have time to really get the feel of the place. Soumbedioune is quite a sight and a city tour will open your eyes to a capital city of Africa. One warning, but don't be paranoid about it, Dakar has some of the best pickpockets in the world so be careful with cameras, bags etc.

I concur. You really need the best part of day to see Il de Goree, as it is an interesting place, unless you just want to see the jail and the Door. Can you get a local travel agent to arrange the transport and details to ensure that you are back on the ship in time?

Yes, definitely be aware of street sellers, who will give you a 'gift' and then pester you until you give a gift (money) in return, and pickpockets, who will point to shoes, and then lift your wallet from your back pocket as you bend over looking down. Zips are essential or leave it in the ship's safe if you can. A multi-purpose jerkin with zips on the inside pockets is ideal.

Thanks again for your comments.

Eva Henry