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Best Things to do in Dakar (2026)

Some of the best experiences in Dakar involve getting out on the water. Pirogues cross in a few minutes from Ngor beach to Ngor Island, where small beaches, simple seafood restaurants and surf breaks make an easy half day. Off Soumbédioune, park boats run to the Îles de la Madeleine, a tiny national park of volcanic cliffs, baobabs and seabird colonies, where visits are guided and last about four hours.

For wildlife, the Réserve de Bandia, about 65 kilometres from the city on the road to Mbour, offers guided drives among white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and antelopes, with a bar-restaurant overlooking a waterhole. It works well as a day trip, ideally starting early to beat the traffic out of Dakar, and can be combined with a night on the Petite Côte at Saly or Somone.

Bring sun protection and water on every trip, as shade is scarce on the islands and in the reserve, and keep cash for boat fares and entry tickets. Seas can be rough at times, so check conditions before setting off. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, when Dakar families head for the coast.

3 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Dakar

  1. Île de Ngor Island and beaches, NgorSmall island a few minutes by pirogue from Ngor beach, with small beaches, seafood restaurants and well-known surf breaks on Dakar's northern tip.
  2. Îles de la Madeleine National Park Island national park, Off SoumbédiouneUninhabited volcanic islands off Dakar protected as a national park since 1976, visited by park boat for seabirds, cliffs and a clear swimming cove.
  3. Réserve de Bandia Wildlife reserve day trip, Sindia, Thiès regionWildlife reserve of about 3,500 hectares on the road from Dakar to Mbour, visited on guided drives to see rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes.

Thing to do

1. Île de Ngor

Island and beachesNgor

Small island a few minutes by pirogue from Ngor beach, with small beaches, seafood restaurants and well-known surf breaks on Dakar's northern tip.

View details — Île de Ngor