Should I Visit Dakar or Accra for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Dakar or Accra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dakar or Accra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Dakar or Accra?

Dakar

Located in West Africa, Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Main attractions include the city's markets, the Dakar Grand Mosque, Goree Island, the IFAN Museum, the African Renaissance Monument, beaches, and the Senegal Zoo.

Accra

Accra is the capital city of Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Popular attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, local beaches, markets, and cultural landmarks like those dedicated to Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ghana, and The Best Adventure Tours to Ghana.

Which place is cheaper, Accra or Dakar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Dakar Prices
Senegal Prices

Accra Prices
Ghana Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Dakar $82

Accra $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Dakar is $82, while the average daily cost in Accra is $49. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dakar and Accra in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Dakar $35

Accra $21
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Dakar $70

Accra $42

Compare Hotels in Dakar and Accra

Looking for a hotel in Dakar or Accra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Accra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Dakar $5.85

Accra $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

Sedan or Van Arrival Private Transfer Dakar Airport DSS to Dakar: $56
Private Transfer from Dakar to Dakar Airport DSS by Sedan or Van: $56
Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $72
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Saly Zone (two directions): $87
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $102
DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $132
Private Transfer Return Airport to Saly: $132
Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $149
Private Transfer from Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS): $212
Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $216
Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $230

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:

Aburi Gardens Transfers: $187
Airport & City Transfers: $100
Private Airport Transfer to from ACC Kotoka by Business Car: $80
Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into Dakar or Accra?

Prices for flights to both Accra and Dakar change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Dakar $37

Accra $18

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:

Breakfast

$4.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dakar.

Authentic Jollof Cooking Class: $99
Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $115

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Accra.

Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra: $25
Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
Ghana Jollof Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine : $80
Accra Makola Market Food Tour With Full Lunch: $82
Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
Culinary for Social Change-Cooking Class : $90
Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra: $90
Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Lessons and Take Out Services.: $100
Hands-On Cooking Class With Local Market Tour Option : $130
Accra Ghana Private Food and Cooking Class: $130
Fulani Dinner Experience: $150
Quad Biking, Landmark Tours and Dinner in Aburi: $218

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Dakar $15

Accra $3.70

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Private custom tour with a local guide: $33
Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $33
Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $34
prepare the thieboudienne for the ultimate local experience: $55
private tour "move, eat, act like a local": $82
Half Day Dakar City Tour (Minimum 2 Participants): $105
From Dakar or Saly: Gorée Island Half-Day Private Tour: $108
Dakar City Tour Cultural Exploration and Market Experience: $115
Private City Tour: $117
Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $120
Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130

Tours and Activities in Accra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Accra are as follows:

Makola Market Walking Tour: $41
African Alcoholic Drinks Tasting Experience: $50
Accra Guided City Tour Experience: $60
Experience the Beauty, History and the Culture Of Accra in a Day: $65
Half-Day Private Tour of Nima Market with Pick Up: $65
Accra Explored: A Full-Day Private City Tour for Culture Seekers : $80
Malabu Guided Tour: $80
Accra City Tour Experience: $80
Accra Luxury Beachfront Experience : $81
Western Used Cloth & African print Market in Accra Tour: $85
Private Makola Market & Art Centre Sightseeing & Shopping : $85
Half Day Fantasy Coffins and Art Tour in Accra.: $90

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Dakar $9.81

Accra $5.30

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dakar and Accra, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. And not only is Accra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Accra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Accra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dakar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dakar than you might in Accra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dakar Expensive? and Is Accra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dakar or Accra?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Accra. When comparing the sizes of Dakar and Accra, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dakar or Accra?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dakar or Accra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dakar and Accra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round. Accra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Dakar usually receives less rain than Accra. Dakar gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Accra receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Dakar is a little warmer than Accra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dakar in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Accra averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Accra 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Accra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dakar as well as Accra. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Accra throughout the year.

Dakar usually gets less rain in October than Accra. Dakar gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Accra receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Dakar is generally around the same temperature as Accra. Daily temperatures in Dakar average around 28°C (82°F), and Accra fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Accra 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Accra in the Winter?

Both Accra and Dakar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Accra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Dakar usually receives less rain than Accra. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Accra receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Dakar is cooler than Accra in the winter. The daily temperature in Dakar averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Accra fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Dakar 22°C (72°F)

Accra 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dakar or Accra in the Spring?

Both Accra and Dakar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Accra year-round.

Accra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dakar usually gets less rain in April than Accra. Dakar gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Accra receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Dakar is cooler than Accra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dakar in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Accra averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Dakar 21°C (70°F)

Accra 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Accra and Dakar

	Dakar		Accra
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb	21°C (70°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	28°C (82°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	28°C (82°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr	21°C (70°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	28°C (82°F)	117 mm (4.6 in)
May	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun	26°C (79°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	26°C (79°F)	281 mm (11.1 in)
Jul	28°C (82°F)	50 mm (2 in)	25°C (77°F)	86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug	28°C (82°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)	24°C (75°F)	29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep	28°C (82°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)	25°C (77°F)	73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct	28°C (82°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	26°C (79°F)	49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov	26°C (79°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec	24°C (75°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dakar vs. Accra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons