Activities in Dakar
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A
Héliopolis
The Piscine Olympique (869 0606; Tour de l'Œuf) in Point E has excellent fitness facilities. In town, Héliopolis is brilliantly equipped with state-of-the art machines and weights, and offers a range of classes from aerobics to yoga. Otherwise, try the large hotels. Many of them have gymnasiums that nonguests can use for a fee.
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B
Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor
Dakar's main arena for traditional wrestling is in Médina, near the large Stade Iba Mar Diop. Fights of big-name wrestlers are national sports events, held in Dakar's main stadium, Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Yoff. The entire population of Senegal eagerly awaits the results of the traditional star match held on 1 January.
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C
Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor
For dance courses, try the Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor. Its bleak façade doesn't do justice to the creative bustle going on inside. In Point E, the Atelier de Danse Keur Jaaraf (574 4056; Rue 1XD) is an inspiring little dance company that runs courses for adults and children, covering most major styles of dance.
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D
Stade Iba Mar Diop
Traditional Senegalese wrestling matches (les luttes) are held most weekends during the dry season at this stadium. The ambiance of sweaty excitement, shrill singing and furious drumming is electrifying.
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Festival International du Film de Quartier
Film lovers shouldn't miss this annual showcasing of Senegal's best contemporary film work. For the duration of the festival many cultural centres, restaurants and other spaces mount screens to show films.
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Dak'Art Biennale
This biennial festival of painting and sculpture is the queen of Dakar's festivals. It drowns the town in colour for the whole of May, with exhibitions all across Dakar. Unmissable.
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Kaay Fecc
One of Africa's best dance festivals, Kaay Fecc features contemporary and traditional choreography from all across Africa and beyond.
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E
Tribal Surf Shop
Surfers can hire boards (US$18 per day), get advice on good spots, and even take courses at the Tribal Surf Shop.
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F
West Africa Sport Fishing
You can arrange deep-sea fishing at West Africa Sport Fishing, next to the Île de Gorée ferry terminal.
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G
Sahel Découverte Bassari
Has good tours around Senegal and caters for English, French and Spanish speakers.
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H
l'Océanium
The environmental-protection agency l'Océanium runs excellent diving excursions.
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Afrikakeur
This comedy and music festival is held annually at venues all across Dakar.
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I
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J
Pôle Linguistique de l'Institut Français
If you intend to spend more than just a brief holiday in Senegal, a Wolof course is definitely a good investment. The linguistic branch of the Institut Français, Pôle Linguistique de l'Institut Français runs recommended courses. It's also a good place to brush up on your French.
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