Dakar Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Dakar’s notorious street hustlers and hard-to-shake-off traders do a pretty good job at turning any walk around town into mild punishment, particularly for women. Stride purposefully on, and throw in a brief ‘bakhna’ (‘it’s OK’) and they’ll eventually leave you alone. Violent crime is rare, but pickpocketing and muggings are favourite inner-city sports. Keep your wits about you at the beaches, in the town centre and any deserted spot. Oh, and don’t fall for the cheap scams. The ‘remember me?’ scam involves someone calling out ‘my friend, long time no see!’, pretending they know you, then cheating you out of money. The remedy: don’t respond to random calls.

^ Back to top

While you're there

Medical services

Hôpital Principal (839 5050; Ave Léopold Senghor) Has the best emergency service.

Pharmacies are plentiful in Dakar; 24-hour openings rotate.

Pharmacie Guigon (823 0333; Ave du President Lamine Guéye; 9am-11pm) One of the best-stocked options.

^ Back to top