Portray of the Destination
Dakar is the cosmopolitan capital of Senegal, with a population of around one million in the city centre and over 2 million in the surrounding regions. The city is best known for being the finishing point of the world-famous Dakar Rally, yet there is so much more to this city than all the roaring engines.

Raw, energetic and chaotic, this vibrant city has a thriving urban and cultural scene with many museums, galleries and festivals, as well as an abundance of cafés, delicious food and a thriving nightlife. The people of Dakar are some of the warmest people around, and are extremely proud of their reputation for “teranga” (hospitality), which is evident in their many street dances and displays. Although a former hub of the African slave trade, Dakar pays homage to its victims with its perfectly preserved Gorée Island and House of Slaves, whilst embracing the future with the impressive Porte du Troisème Millenaire. This is one of the main reasons why the city is a member of the UNESCO Organization of World Heritage Cities.

Dakar serves as the economic and trade capital of Senegal due to its important port and strategic location on the Cape Verde Peninsula. It is home to both the National Assembly of Senegal and the Senegal Presidential Palace, both symbols of progress in Senegal. Above all, Dakar is famous for its bustling open-air markets, in which you can uncover the real Africa beneath all the chaos.