Travel Budget for Dakar Visit Dakar on a Budget or Travel in Style

Dakar, Region de Dakar, Senegal

Dakar is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Dakar?

You should plan to spend around $75 (CFA46,063) per day on your vacation in Dakar. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $34 (CFA20,700) on meals
  • $5.34 (CFA3,269) on local transportation
  • $65 (CFA39,478) on hotels

A one week trip to Dakar for two people costs, on average, $1,054 (CFA644,882). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $75
    CFA46,063
  • One Week Per person
    $527
    CFA322,441
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,054
    CFA644,882
  • One Month Per person
    $2,259
    CFA1,381,890
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,054
    CFA644,882
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,109
    CFA1,289,764
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,519
    CFA2,763,780
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dakar cost?

A one week trip to Dakar usually costs around $527 (CFA322,441) for one person and $1,054 (CFA644,882) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Dakar on average costs around $1,054 (CFA644,882) for one person and $2,109 (CFA1,289,764) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dakar will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Dakar on average costs around $2,259 (CFA1,381,890) for one person and $4,519 (CFA2,763,780) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Dakar expensive to visit?

Dakar is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

While Dakar can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $32 (CFA19,107) per day, mid-range travelers spend $76 (CFA46,063) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $171 (CFA103,251) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Dakar.

Within Africa, Dakar is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hibiscus Coast or Tangier.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dakar Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Dakar?

The average Dakar trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dakar travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dakar cost?

Dakar on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$14
(CFA8,727)
$32
(CFA19,739)
$59
(CFA36,386)
Local Transportation 1 $2
(CFA1,185)
$5
(CFA3,269)
$16
(CFA9,822)
Food 2 $13
(CFA8,073)
$34
(CFA20,700)
$88
(CFA53,885)
Entertainment 1 $6
(CFA3,661)
$14
(CFA8,286)
$25
(CFA15,311)
Alcohol 2 $2-6
(CFA1,146-3,437)
$4-13
(CFA2,740-8,220)
$10-29
(CFA6,008-18,024)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Dakar is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.

Dakar on a Shoestring Budget?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $32 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Dakar, like Dakar International House. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most tourists in Dakar are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $76 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $171 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Dakar

The cost of hotels in Dakar can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $0, but peak season () average prices jump to $0. Overall, prices range from $0 to $0. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Dakar for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $65 (CFA39,478). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $32 (CFA19,739) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $32
    CFA19,739
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $65
    CFA39,478

Hotels in Dakar

Looking for a hotel in Dakar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Dakar

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Dakar

Dakar does not has a good public transit system.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $5.34 (CFA3,269) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dakar. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dakar is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $5.34
    CFA3,269

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Saly Zone (two directions) for $64 details
  • DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return) for $120 details
  • Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Saint-Louis (One way) for $262 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Dakar
How much does it cost to go to Dakar? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Dakar
The price of renting a car in Dakar will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Dakar

For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Dakar can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dakar is $34 (CFA20,700) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $34
    CFA20,700

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dakar is around $34 (CFA20700) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $89. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Dakar are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $10
  • Lunch: $5 to $14
  • Dinner: $10 to $24
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $5

Throughout Senegal, the cuisine reflects North African, French, and Portuguese influence as well as that of the nation's many ethnic groups. The country's location on the Atlantic coast makes fish in particular very important to Senegalese cooking, especially with Dakar as a port city. Chicken, lamb, and beef are also used, but pork is not due to the nation's largely Muslim population. Peanuts, the primary crop of Senegal, as well as couscous, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas, and various vegetables are also incorporated into many recipes. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then poured over rice or couscous, or eaten with bread. One of the most popular meals, known as the national dish of Senegal, is Thieboudienne, which consists of fish that has been marinated with parsley, lemon, garlic, onions (and other herbs), and then later cooked with tomato paste and a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, and carrots, to be served with rice. It resembles Spanish paella. Other common ingredients include bissap, ginger, buy (fruit of the baobab tree), and mango.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Dakar, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar for $115 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Dakar?

Food and meal prices in Dakar, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.


  • Breakfast
    CFA2,500


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dakar

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dakar typically cost an average of $14 (CFA8,286) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14
    CFA8,286

A few of Dakar's major landmarks include buildings such as the Grand Mosque (built in 1964) and Dakar Cathedral, as well as Africa's tallest statue-the 160-foot-tall bronze African Renaissance Monument, which depicts a young woman, man, and a child pointing out to sea raised in the man's left arm. The IFAN Museum of African Arts (or the l'Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire) is also popular, housing some of the most important collections of ancient artifacts from Francophone Africa, as well as serving as a prime location during the Dakar Biennale to promote contemporary African artists.

Goree Island is another interesting location to visit, known as a minor location used for the transport of slaves headed to the Americas. The island showcases colonial architecture, mostly in ruins, including a landmark "House of Slaves" museum that features educational and moving exhibits. Ferries leave from Place de l'Independence several times per day for a 20-minute ride between Dakar and Goree.

Other attractions include clifftop walks and beaches, as well as the Parc Forestier et Zoologique de Hann (Senegal's zoo). The gardens here feature a wide variety of Senegalese plant life and the zoo contains over 180 animal species.



The Corniche Ouest route is a nice walk or ride that hugs the coast and offers nice views of the water. It goes past a few beaches and the Grand Mosque before ending up downtown.

For a short trip just outside of the main city, visit Lake Retba, also known as "Pink Lake." It is located about 30 kilometers northeast of Dakar, iconic for its striking pink color created by high-salt algae. The color is especially vivid during the dry season (from November to June).

A nice way to explore destinations in Dakar is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour) for $130 details
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar for $31 details
  • Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local for $109 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Dakar

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.96 (CFA5,480) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dakar per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.96
    CFA5,480
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Dakar

  • During , the destination can get crowded and prices can rise significantly. To save money and enjoy a quieter experience, consider planning your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Taking your time to travel can help you save, allowing you to relish the area's beauty while you unwind. Cramming too many activities into your day often leads to higher costs. By slowing down, you can typically enjoy your trip more while spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Dakar doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour or private driver. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • Dakar doesn't have a vibrant hostel scene, so if you were counting on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your plans. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
Traveling in Dakar
Dakar 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.



Neighborhoods & Around

Dakar is divided into four arrondissements, or districts, which are further divided into nineteen communes d'arrondissement. The four districts are Almadies, Grand Dakar, Parcelles Assainies (the most populous arrondissement of Dakar), and Plateau/Goree (downtown Dakar). The commune d'arrondissement of Dakar-Plateau in the arrondissement of Plateau/Goree is the historical heart of the city, while the densest and most populous commune d'arrondissement is Medina in the arrondissement of Plateau/Goree. Plateau is a hub for visitors and locals alike with plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is also home to markets, such as Marche Sandaga, which covers a large part of the downtown area and houses hundreds of street vendors and stalls selling fish, produce, clothing (traditional and Western), shoes, prayer mats and beads, household supplies, electronics, and much more. Most of Dakar's Western-style hotels are located either in this downtown area or in the beachfront neighborhoods of Les Almadies and Ngor.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.