Every Vive trip is uniquely curated for the interests of the travelers, but we will likely visit most of these Dakar Top 10 spots in 2025. Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, has a great blend of culture, history and art sites to visit.
1. Île de Gorée (Gorée Island): A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance related to the Atlantic slave trade. Explore the "House of Slaves" museum and enjoy beautiful views of the coast. This pedestrian island will touch your heart and soul unlike anywhere else in Dakar.
2. Monument de la Renaissance Africaine (African Renaissance Monument): A massive statue, standing at 49 meters tall, symbolizing Africa's rebirth. It offers panoramic views of Dakar and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a long hike up the stairs but worth the view.
3. Lac Rose (Pink Lake): A stunning natural wonder known for its pink-colored water caused by high salt content and algae. It's a great spot for photography, salt harvesting tours, and relaxation. Due to flooding a few years ago, the lake has lost its pink hue and the salt & tourism industry has suffered a loss. They are working to restore the natural balance to bring back the pink. We hope to add this back to our itinerary someday soon.
4. Mosquée de la Divinité (Mosque of the Divinity) A beautiful seaside mosque located in the Ouakam neighborhood. Its unique architecture and stunning location overlooking the ocean make it a must-see and an ideal place to learn more about Islam in Senegal and its brotherhoods. Your guide explains how this was literally a dream come true.
5. Marché HLM: A popular textile market where visitors can find a wide variety of colorful fabrics, traditional Senegalese clothing, and all sorts of accessories. It's an excellent place for shopping, bargaining, and experiencing local fashion. In small groups, you can wander through and try your luck at bargaining, and then meet with a local tailor afterwards to get some clothes made.
6. Musée des Civilisations Noires (Museum of Black Civilizations): A modern museum showcasing African heritage, history, art, and culture from prehistoric times to modern-day, offering a deep dive into the continent's diverse civilizations. Our participants find this stunning museum a beautiful place for learning and reflection.
7. Les Almadies: In the westernmost point of Africa, this neighborhood is known for its upscale restaurants, surf spots, and vibrant nightlife. Located along the Corniche Ouest, it offers some nice spots for small dinner concerts where you will welcome the ocean breezes. Great for dining on fresh seafood and enjoying the ocean views.
8. Musée Théodore Monod (IFAN Museum of African Arts): One of the oldest art museums in West Africa, housing an impressive collection of traditional African art, masks, textiles, and sculptures from across the continent. This museum is a classic.
9. Village des Arts (Artists' Village): A creative space where local artists work and showcase their art. You can tour the studios, interact with artists, and purchase unique pieces. This is different from the typical tourist market; sometimes there are many artists at work, other times maybe just a few. If you time it right, you can go into the main gallery where each artist displays one of their favorite pieces.
10. Île de Ngor (Ngor Island): A small, picturesque island just off the coast of Dakar. Perfect for a day trip to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on its beaches. Dakar itself is on a peninsula, and has three main islands on each side. When you go to Ngor for lunch, the restaurant will send a pirogue to the mainland to pick you up and will shuttle you back afterwards.
Best,
Katy
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