x-default

UIG via Getty Images

African Renaissance Monument

Dakar


Allegedly Africa's highest statue, the African Renaissance Monument was unveiled in 2010 to commemorate Senegal's 50 years of independence from France. At 49m in height, it is taller than New York City's Statue of Liberty and Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer.

The bronze of a man, woman and child looking out to sea has been heavily criticized for its cost (over US$30 million). You can walk around the base for free; the entry fee is for the interior of the monument. A small display explains its construction, and an elevator whisks you up to the head of the male figure, boasting expansive views of Dakar.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dakar attractions

1. Mamelles Lighthouse

0.28 MILES

A photogenic 1864 lighthouse graces the top of one of Dakar's few hills. It's worth making leisurely 20-minute walk, with sweeping views across the city…

2. Plage de N'Gor

2.33 MILES

Plage de N'gor is a small beach popular with families and football-playing youths, and there are a few snack spots with tables on the sands. It's not a…

3. Plage de Virage

2.52 MILES

Plage de Virage is a popular spot with surfers. This small beach gets packed on weekends with a mostly local crowd, though a few foreigners pass by,…

4. Île de N'Gor

2.71 MILES

For a quick escape from the frenetic streets of Dakar, head to peaceful Île de N'Gor, a tiny island just off Dakar's north shore. It has a few calm…

5. Layen Mausoleum

3.3 MILES

In Yoff village, take a look at the Layen Mausoleum, a shrine to the founder of the Layen Muslim brotherhood. Residents of Yoff are noted for their strong…

6. Village des Arts

3.5 MILES

An arts tour around Dakar is simply not complete without a visit to this famous art complex, where some of Senegal's most promising and established…

7. Plage de Yoff

4.26 MILES

Like all of Dakar's beaches, Yoff's stretch of sand isn't very clean. That doesn't stop beach-goers and surfers who come for the consistent waves. Aside…

8. Grande Mosquée

4.71 MILES

The impressive Grande Mosquée, built in 1964, sits in the heart of Médina, a lively neighbourhood where tiny tailor shops fight for space with improvised…