Cheap flights to Dakar

• Air France
• Royal Air Maroc
• Brussels Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• Iberia
• Tunisair
• TAP Air Portugal

Currently there are no direct flights between the United Kingdom and Dakar. Only indirect flights are available from major airports in the UK. Major airlines like Air France, Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Tunisair and TAP Air Portugal offer connecting flights from the UK.

• The minimum flight duration from London Heathrow to Dakar is 7 hours and 35 minutes with Royal Air Maroc. Casablanca is the stopover.
• From London Gatwick to Dakar, the minimum flight time is 8 hours and 25 minutes with TAP Air Portugal. Lisbon is the stopover.
• From Manchester to Dakar the minimum flight duration is 8 hours and 45 minutes with Royal Air Maroc. Royal Air Maroc flies via Casablanca.
• From Birmingham, Brussels Airlines offers one-stop flights via the City of Brussels that take 10 hours.
• Iberia offers the minimum time duration on flights to Dakar from Edinburgh - 9 hours and 50 minutes. Iberia flies via Madrid.

The peak-season for tourism in Dakar stretches from November to April. The winter season is preferred by the majority of tourists for being dry, warm and sunny. The average daytime temperature hardly exceeds 25 °C and there is lesser humidity. Since the dry weather remains for a little more than 8 months, Dakar is considered to be a year-round destination for tourists.

Blaise Diagne International Airport is a relatively new airport that began its operations in 2017. The new airport, as it is commonly called, is an hour's drive from the city centre which is about 56 kilometres away. Blaise Diagne International Airport has the IATA code DSS.

There are a total of 3 duty-free stores offering a wide assortment of boutique items, confectionaries, newspapers and magazines, and even electronic appliances. Branded perfumes, cigarettes, alcohol and cosmetics are readily available. Waiting passengers can spend quality time at the bar (LEO Bistro) or order a family deal at the MIA Bakery.

Those who are planning to visit Dakar anywhere between July and October; there is a good chance that they may get cheaper flight deals. The average daytime temperature is 30 °C and it may exceed that figure in the month of October. Unlike other African countries, Dakar experiences a milder summer and a short rainy season as well. Even though hot weather here is not unbearably hot yet many prefer to visit the city in winter time. This may often lead to a slight drop in airfares and hotel charges.

African Renaissance Monument: This monument presents an aesthetic value as well as an ideological function. The monument was erected to promote a selective narrative of history focusing on the revivalist movement of Africa. The man, woman and child looking at the horizon articulate the future possibilities of regional growth and emphasize an optimistic approach towards the future.

IFAN Museum of African Arts: This museum has been collecting and promoting indigenous art for several decades now. Whereas western art has its own place in the annals of art history, it is always a pleasure to see the other side of the picture. To the unaccustomed eye, African art is at once exotic and surreal. It starts with a day-trip but many find themselves visiting the museum again and again.

Iles de la Madeleine: A pristine island sanctuary that few people know of, this reserve is home to a good number of birds and marine species. Some archaeological discoveries in one of its islands have added an additional charm to the island.

Lake Retba: This iconic tea-pink lake is a major attraction just about 30 kilometres from Dakar. Folks visit this lake to watch the sun set and for photography. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorée Island: Apart from its colonial history and slave trade, the island today is a recreational hub and a great place for beach-parties. Its natural beauty and mild climate has been a magnet, drawing tourists in increasing numbers to this day. What is more? There is not a single car on the whole island!

Price-wise travellers in Dakar place their demands on the public transport service which, though much of it is in need of upgrading, continues to render services. The public bus becomes the first priority. There are blue buses that come after an hour’s interval (after every 30 minutes during rush hours) but the white ones are more frequent. Another popular option is the Ndiaga Ndiaye (a cross between a coach and a van) which can easily be spotted here and there. The car rapide is the evolution of the ever-popular tuk-tuk but this cheap and ergonomic option will soon be put out of service in the capital. However it will remain operational in the suburban areas and townships.

For visiting the far-reaches of the greater Dakar and the tourist attractions situated outside of the main city, there are a number of private auto rentals that offer GMCs and SUVs. Of course these options are expensive but travel experts and veterans recommend these to those travelling with families or in large groups.

• TERROU-BI Hotel - 5-star
• Radisson Blu Hotel - 5-star
• Pullman Hotel - 4-star
• King Fahd Palace Hotel - 4-star
• Hotel Novotel - 4-star
• Le Ndiambour – Hotel et Residence - 4-star
• La Villa 126 - 3.5-star
• La Résidence - 3-star
• ONOMO Hotel - 3-star
• La Demeure Hotel - 3-star