![Image shape of Canadian Leaf and Senegal Flag Colors](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav-top.gif)
![Greetings](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav01-e.gif)
![About the Embassy](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav02-e.gif)
![Relations between Canada and Senegal](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav03-e.gif)
![Canada and our countries of accreditation](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav04-e.gif)
![Assistance to Canadians and Australians](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav05-e.gif)
![Immigration and visas](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav06-e.gif)
![The Trade Commissioner Service](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav07-e.gif)
![Development Cooperation](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav08-e.gif)
![Studying in Canada](/web/20061209080550im_/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar/site/images/leftnav09-e.gif)
|
|
GUIDE IN DAKAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
THE CANADIAN EMBASSY IN SENEGAL
CANADIAN COOPERATION SUPPORT UNIT (BACC)
ABOUT SENEGAL
History
Geography
Main cities
Political and administrative organization
The economy
Senegal-Canada comparative data
Holidays
Some tips
Security
GETTING SETTLED
Procedures upon arrival in Senegal
Housing
Water and electricity
Gaz
Telephone service
Postal service
Household staff
SUPPLIES
Electric appliances and electronic equipment
Arts and crafts; decorative arts
Beauty care
Butcheries and delicatessens
Garages
Department stores
Markets
Antique and second-hand furniture
Clothing, fabrics and shoes
Furniture fabrics
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
Hotels
Restaurants
Bakeries and tea rooms
Bistros, bars
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Currency
Credit cards
Banks
TRANSPORTATION
Travelling by road in Senegal
Privately owned vehicle
Vehicle rental
Taxis, bus, car rapides
Air transportation
Rail transportation
Maritime transportation
HEALTH SERVICES
Health tips
Consultations
List of physicians by specialty
Health services (others)
Ambulances
Medical analysis
Aids information
Opticians
Pharmacies
Repatriation on medical grounds
Emergency services
Veterinarians
SCHOOLS
Educational institutions
CULTURE, RECREATION AND LEISURE
Libraries and cultural centres
Bookstores and stationers
Media
Museums
Galleries
Movie theatres
Theatre
Discotheques and night clubs
Cultural events
Sports
Beaches
EXPLORING SENEGAL
Places to visit in Dakar
Places to visit outside Dakar
RELIGION
Churches
Mosques
THE CANADIAN COMMUNITY IN SENEGAL
Private companies
Public institutions
NGOs
International organizations
Universities
USEFUL NUMBERS
National organizations
DISTANCE FROM DAKAR TO...
Sixth edition (2001)
Drafting and updating
Evelyne Sylva
Typesetting and printing
Graphi Plus
Acknowledgements
We wish to express our deep gratitude to Marie-Claude Diallo and Alioune Diop Seck for their work on
the contents of this guide. They spared no effort in reviewing the draft and helping to check information.
We also wish to thank Anne Gaudet, Christian Baillargeon-Côté and Angélique Barrot for their advice
and the invaluable contact information that they provided.
Next update: 2003
INTRODUCTION
Dalal ak diam! Welcome! The legendary Senegalese téranga (or "hospitality" in Wolof)
certainly lives up to its reputation. The more you come in contact with it, the better your stay
will be, whatever its duration. The Senegalese are the result of an intermingling of peoples and
cultures over the ages, and they consider it a point of honour to give foreigners a warm
welcome, wherever they are--Dakar, Tambacounda, St-Louis, Kaolack, Thiès, Mbour,
Ziguinchor, etc.--foreigners really feel at home. The Senegalese do not view foreigners as
people to be mistrusted or avoided. On the contrary, they are eager to get to know you better
and introduce you to their country, its rich culture, its food, its values and its languages.
Senegal is a country where culture and tolerance reign, a haven of peace on a continent beset
by conflict, and an example of democracy in action. Since the change in government in
February 2000, it has been going though extensive changes and making considerable
progress. Canadian citizens coming to Senegal for the first time to visit or work have an
opportunity to make their stay an enriching personal and professional experience. We have
been producing the Practical Guide to Dakar for a number of yearsas a means of helping
Canadians settle in and making their stay as productive as possible. The Guide is now in its
sixth edition. Its content and format have changed from one edition to the next, but not its
objective, which is to help new arrivals discover the capital city of Senegal by providing them
with practical information and useful advice on accommodations, travel, shopping and
entertainment--in short, on how to get on with life here.
As in the case of its predecessors, the sixth edition contains an update of information on
services, addresses and telephone numbers and continues to provide advice on health and
safety. In addition, it covers such topics as the political and administrative organization of
Senegal, tourist attractions, cultural events and typical Senegalese dishes; our aim here is to
help new arrivals as much as possible to discover and appreciate to the full their new living
and working environment. You will also find the map of Dakar and the page for personal notes
particularly useful.
We hope that the Practical Guide to Dakar will help you to settle in more quickly, and we take
this opportunity to wish you a pleasant stay.
We will be pleased to provide you with further information and to receive your comments and
suggestions on expanding or improving the Guide.
Enjoy reading it!
Evelyne Sylva
Communications Adviser
THE CANADIAN EMBASSY IN SENEGAL
Address
45, boul. de la République
B.P. 3373 Dakar,
Tel.: (221) 889-4700 fax: (221) 889-4720
E-mail:dakar@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dakar
Office hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ambassador H.E.Mr.DenisThibault
General Relations Section
This section is responsible for political and economic relations, public and cultural affairs and press
relations in Senegal and the Embassy's other countries of accreditation (Gambia, Guinea-Bissau,
Mauritania and Cape Verde).
Commercial Section
The role of this section is to promote and protect Canadian economic interests in the five countries of
accreditation. It helps Canadian companies targeting these markets to determine the potential for
exporting their products, services and technologies or making investments.
Visa Service
The Embassy is responsible for issuing visitor and student visas to citizens of the five countries of
accreditation. It provides visitor visas for stays of less than six months and student authorizations and
visas. People can submit their visa applications on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00
a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Embassy receives but does not process applications for employment authorization and returning
resident permits. Applicants must fill out the appropriate forms, which are available at the Dakar
office. Their application, along with their application for immigration, is then forwarded to the
Canadian Embassy in Abidjan for processing.
Head of General Relations and Public Affairs Section, Commercial Section and Visa Service: Daniel Tremblay
Administrative Services Section
This section manages the real and other property of Canadian staff and the Chancery. It also
manages the salaries of Embassy staff, investments and local staff.
Consular Section
The Consular Section is open Tuesday and Thursday, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It issues the
following documents: citizenship certificates, attestations in lieu of police record, relocation
certificates, certified copies of documents, Canadian passports, and diplomatic notes to assist in
obtaining visas for countries bordering on Senegal. It also provides Canadian and Australian citizens
with emergency and evacuation assistance. A nurse is available at the Embassy on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Head of Administrative Services Section and Consular section: Élise Forget
Cooperation Section
The Cooperation Section represents the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and
plays a threefold role. First, its field officers are responsible for providing input for and influencing
planning, monitoring and follow-up of programs and projects in the field by providing reports and
establishing and maintaining contacts. Second, they represent CIDA in dealing with the authorities of
Senegal and the countries of accreditation. Third, they serve as contact points in these countries for all
the development partners (financial backers, NGOs, civil society, private sector, etc.) And represent
CIDA within sectoral consultation and cooperation bodies.
Head of Cooperation Section: Guy Mercier
CANADIAN COOPERATION SUPPORT UNIT (BACC)
Address
44, boul. de la République
Dakar
Tel.: (221) 849-7749
Fax: (221) 822-1307
E-mail:
bacdi@bacdi-senegal.org
Office hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday,
8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Director Anne Gaudet
The BACC is a CIDA office established to support Canadian cooperation in Senegal. In order to meet
the needs of a variety of clients (CIDA head-office and field officers, representatives of Canadian
NGOs, visiting consultants, representatives of Canadian executing agencies and private companies,
Senegalese government and civil society officials), it provides a broad range of professional,
administrative and logistical services.
- Professional services
Resources. The main role of the BACC's human resources (advisers and consultants) is to assist in
the planning, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of Canadian cooperation projects in Senegal.
Projects cover the following fields: decentralization, basis education, natural resources, the private
sector, the gender and development approach and health, and communications.
The unit's outputs are reports, sectoral reporting, briefing notes on specific issues, activity sector
evaluations, and political, economic and social analyses.
Information/communication. The unit publishes a quarterly magazine, Le Castor sahélien, to
disseminate information on Canada's cooperation programs in Senegal. Its readership includes
Canadian aid workers, Senegalese government officials and members of the public, and the business
community and universities in Canada. Le Castor sahélien also serves as a newsletter for aid
workers, providing information on social and cultural events for the Canadian community in Senegal.
In addition, the BACC publishes a general information document called the Sommaire de l'aide
canadienne au Sénégal [Summary of Canadian cooperation in Senegal], which describes the various
Canadian projects underway in the host country, as well as a number of brochures on the cooperation
program and the scholarship program, the Local Development Fund and BACC services. For
Canadians who have just arrived in Senegal, the unit provides an awareness and information program
covering the country's political, economic, social and cultural situation. All these products and services
are free of charge. A web site is under construction.
Documentation. The unit's documentation centre is designed to meet its clients' needs by providing
in-house resources (databases and databanks), research services and referral to other local
documentation sources. The centre's services are free of charge.
Canadian scholarship programs. The BACC coordinates the Canadian Fellowship program for
French-speaking Countries and the Marine Scholarship Program, providing information to students and
scholarship/fellowship administrators and conducting a follow-up on candidates for administrative
purposes.
- Administrative and logistical services
The unit provides management and accounting advice and assistance for bilateral program projects,
particularly those under the Local Development Fund.
Other services. Services and costs are as follows:
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Arrivals: 6000 CFA francs / Departures: 6000 CFA francs
Vehicle rental
|
1/1 day |
1/2 day |
2 hours |
4 x 4 vehicle = |
30,000 CFA francs |
60,000 CFA francs |
15,000 CFA francs |
Regular vehicle = |
35,000 CFA francs |
17,500 CFA francs |
9,000 CFA francs |
Rates include the cost of a driver from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday) and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Wednesday). You can continue
to use the vehicle after working hours for 1500 CFA francs per additional hour
worked by the driver.
Photocopies
Fewer than 500 copies
single-sided: 50 CFA francs; double-sided: 75 CFA francs
More than 500 copies
single-sided: 40 CFA francs; double-sided: 60 CFA francs
Telecommunications
Telephone and fax : Sonatel rates
Receiving fax : 100 CFA francs/page
Receiving E-mail : 100 CFA francs/page
Sending E-mail : 250 CFA francs/page
Sending fax : Sonatel rates
Flat rate
for internet consultation : 1,000 CFA francs/hour
Cellular phone rental
1st week : 10,000 CFA francs/week + a credit of 5,000 CFA francs
Starting the 2nd week : 5,000 CFA francs
Conditions: Time minimum: 1 week. When the credit of 5,000 CFA francs has been used up, the
user has to buy a new card at the BACC. No reimbursement will be issued for the credit that has not
been used. In case of loss or robbery, the user will have to reimburse the value of the equipment and
the 15,000 CFA francs for the subscription.
Office rental
Day : 10,000 CFA francs
Week : 50,000 CFA francs
Month : 150,000 CFA francs
Meeting room and equipment rental
|
1/1 day |
1/2 day
|
Meeting room :
|
15,000 CFA francs |
10,000 CFA francs |
Laptop :
|
5,000 CFA francs |
2,500 CFA francs |
Secretarial services
Word processing: 1000 CFA francs/page
Printing: 50 CFA francs/page
Hotel reservations and airplane ticket confirmations are free of charge.
Note: It is mandatory that all invoices be settled in CFA francs.
ABOUT SENEGAL
History
Excavations of many archeological sites have shown that human beings have been living in Senegal since
the Paleolithic Era. Unearthed funeral monuments (tumuli) were found to contain human bones, tools,
jewellery and other objects from a variety of historical periods.
Up to the IX century: The region was dominated by a succession of peoples, apparently from the
Maghreb and then from Sudan, which had already been converted to Islam. Start of conversion to Islam
with the invasion by the Almoravids.
X-XI centuries: Small kingdoms that had become established along the Senegal River and had converted
to Islam, such as the Tekrour kingdom around Podor, struck alliances with the Almoravides, paving the
way for Islam to make inroads at the expense of animism. As a result, peoples fled south: for example,
the Serer moved into the Sine Saloum region and the Wolof into the western part, which in the XIV
century would become the Djolof kingdom.
XII-XIV centuries: Trade grew in all regions. The new empire of Mali extended its reach westward
into areas where the Mandingo built other kingdoms both north and south of the Gambia River.
XVII-XVIII centuries: The slave trade assumed even greater proportions with the arrival of the French
and English on the scene. Saint-Louis and Gorée were the main slave trade centres. In Senegal, however,
European interests centred on gum arabic.
XIX century: A campaign was launched to abolish slavery on the west coast. As a result, a law was
passed on March 29, 1815, abolishing it. However, the law did not come into force in the French empire
until 1848, after the British had already taken action. The Arabs took over the slave trade on the east
coast of Africa.
XX century: Senegal became independent in April 1960. Léopold Sédar Senghor became the first
president de la Federation of Mali, which fell part a few months later. Abdou Diouf succeeded Senghor
in 1980. He held power for 20 years before giving way to President Abdoulaye Wade in the presidential
election of February 2000.
Key dates in history
1659 : Saint-Louis founded by the French
1697 : Gorée taken over from Holland by the French
1854-65 : Expansionism policy carried out by General Faidherbe. The whole region is conquered
by about 1890
1895 : Dakar becomes the administrative centre of French West Africa, and Senegal
acquires special status. Peanut production is given priority under French rule.
1958 : Senegal becomes an autonomous republic within the French Community
1959-60 : Senegal forms a short-lived federation with Mali
1982-89 : It forms the Senegambian confederation with the Gambia
2000 : A coalition wins the election and brings an end to the 40-year reign of the
Socialist Party
Geography
Relief
Located between the Sahel, which is advancing on its northern frontier, and the vast Guinean forest to
the south, Senegal shares the characteristics of both these regions. Extending over an area of 196,722
square kilometres, it borders on Mauritania to the north, on Mali to the east and on Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south. Its west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean. Its topography is that of a vast plain rarely
exceeding 100 metres in altitude. Only the Mamelles in Dakar (105 m) and the cliffs in the southeast can
be considered elevations of any consequence. Five rivers slowly snake their way across the country: the
Senegal (1700 km), the Gambia, the Sine, the Saloum and the Casamance. The source of all five is the
Fouta Djalon, in Guinea. The Atlantic coastline is 700 km long, with a deepwater port at Dakar. Located
both north and south of the lower part of the Gambia River, the Gambia is a 10,300-square-kilometre
enclave bordered by Senegal on all sides.
Climate
It is hot all year round and the sun shines brightly almost every day. There are two main seasons: a
dry season from October to June, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C, and a rainy season
from June to October, with average temperatures between 30°C and 36°C.
Population
Senegal had an estimated 8.7 million in 1998. It is a relatively young population, with nearly 58% of
inhabitants under the age of 20. The population is unevenly scattered across the country: the national
density is 34 inhabitants per km2, but it ranges from 2710 inhabitants per km2 in Dakar to 6 per km2 in
Tambacounda. In 1993, the population breakdown was 60% rural and 40% urban.
Ethnic groups
There are about twenty ethnic groups in Senegal. The largest are the Wolof (43.7%), the Haalpulaar,
comprising the Tukulor and the Peul (23.2%), the Serer (18%), the Mandingo, the Bassari (3.5%), and
the Diola and the other ethnic groups in the southern part of the country (4.7 %).
Religions
The population breakdown is 90% Muslim and 10% Christian and animist.
Official and national languages
French is the official language, but there are several national languages: Diola, Malinke, Peul, Serer,
Soninke and Wolof. Promoting these languages in the schools is now a national priority.
Regions
Senegal is divided up administratively into 11 regions and 35 departments. All the regions bear the
names of their regional capitals: Dakar, Thiès, Diourbel, Louga, Saint-Louis, Fatick, Tambacounda,
Kaolack, Kolda, Ziguinchor and Matam.
Main cities
Dakar, the capital, is a cosmopolitan city. Just under two million people live in Dakar and its environs.
It covers only 0.28% of the country's surface area but accounts for 22% of its total population. It was
founded by the French in 1857 at the site of a fishing village. Its importance as a trading centre started
to grow in 1885 with the establishment of a rail link with the city of Saint-Louis on the Senegal River.
Dakar is the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of Senegal. It is built around a
magnificent deepwater basin--the reason for the city's emergence as a major port in the 1860s.
Thiès (70 km from Dakar, 320,000 inhabitants ) is called the railway capital because it is home to the
Senegal railway corporation, or Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Sénégal (SNCS). The city
was made famous by Ousmane Sembène's novel Les bouts de bois de Dieu, which tells the story of
the Dakar-Niger corporation railway workers' strike in the 1940s. It is regarded as the cradle of
Senegalese trade unionism and is also known for its intense political activity. Thiès specializes in
livestock markets and meat packing and has aluminum phosphate deposits.
Saint-Louis (264 km from Dakar, 180,000 inhabitants) was the first capital of Senegal. Like Rufisque
and Gorée, it has retained its colonial style. The architecture of the houses and the street names hark
back to the colonial period. It seems to be a somewhat inward-looking city standing at the crossroads
that lead to either grandeur or decline. It is still a sea port and a hub of commercial and transportation
activity in the Senegal River basin. The French founded the city in 1638 and built a fortified trading
post there. The post is one of the oldest ones built by Europeans in West Africa. From 1885 to 1902,
Saint-Louis was the capital of French West Africa , and from 1902 to 1958 it was the capital of both
Senegal and Mauritania.
Political and administrative organization
Senegal achieved independence on April 4, 1960, after more than one hundred years of French rule.
In February 2000, a new party was elected to power. After 40 years in government, the Socialist
Party (Ps) gave up power to the Democratic Party (Pds). After a quarter of a century in opposition
and several unsuccessful attempts to win election to the presidency, Abdoulaye Wadewas was
elected to serve a seven-year, renewable term, winning an absolute majority of the votes cast. In
January 2000, the country voted for a new constitution in a referendum. The current political system is
a presidency, with the Prime Minister being responsible for implementing policies set by the President
of the Republic. In April 2001, early legislative elections led to a new National Assembly (Parliament),
with 120 members representing seven political parties. Most of the members (89) belong to parties
supporting the President (the Sopi coalition currently in power).
The economy
The vast majority of the population (70% of the labour force) is engaged in agriculture, and primarily
in subsistence farming. However, fishing, tourism, peanuts and phosphates are the country's main
sources of exports and foreign currency. Industries around Dakar are based on the processing of
peanuts (oil), phosphates (fertilizer) and fish (packing), textile manufacturing (cotton),
pharmaceuticals, and farm and transportation equipment assembly and repair. France is by far
Senegal's largest trading partner.
SENEGAL-CANADA COMPARATIVE DATA
|
Senegal |
Canada |
Capital |
Dakar |
Ottawa |
Area |
1,997,000 km² |
9,976,139 km² |
Population |
9,500,000 |
31,100,000 |
Annual population growth (1998) |
2,7 |
1,1 |
No. of children per female
(total fertility rate) |
5,6 |
1,6 |
Population density |
48 hab/km² |
3 hab/km² |
Urbanization rate
(% of total population) |
46,7 |
77 |
Per capita gross national product (GNP) (1998) |
US$520 |
US$19,320 |
Per capita GNP growth (1990-98) |
0,5 |
0,9 |
Structure of production
(% breakdown of gross domestic product)
Agriculture
Industry
Services |
18
25
57 |
3
33
64 |
% of labour force in
Agriculture
Industry
Services |
74
8
18 |
3
30
67 |
HDI rating(2000) |
145/174 |
3/174 |
Life expectancy at birth (1999)
Total
Males
Females |
52,9
51,1
54,8 |
78,7
75,9
81,4 |
Mortality rate--children under 5 years of age (1999)
(per 1000 live births) |
118 |
6 |
Adult literacy rates (1999)
(%)
Total
Males
Females |
35,5
46,4
26,7 |
99
99
99 |
Population with access to drinking water (1990-98)
(%)
Total
Urban
Rural
|
63
90
44 |
100
100
100 |
Per capita electricity consumption/hab in kWh
(1998) |
111 |
15,071 |
Sources:
Statistics Canada
Human Development Report, UNDP, 2001
Holidays
New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (April 4), Easter, Labour Day (May 1), Ascension Day,
Pentecost, Christmas (December 25), All Saints' Day, Assumption, Korité* (end of Ramadan, the Muslim
lent), Tabaski* (commemoration of sacrifice of Abraham), Tamxarit* (Muslim New Year), and
Maouloud*(commemoration of birth of the prophet Mohammed).
Other religious events
The Magal in Touba (194 km from Dakar and seat of the Mouride brotherhood) commemorates the start
of the exile of the brotherhood's founder, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. The Gamou in Tivaouane (92 km
from Dakar) is a celebration of the birth of the prophet Mohammed. The Christian pilgrimage to
Poponguine (71 km from Dakar) takes place on the Monday of Pentecost.
* The date of Muslim religious events varies.
Some tips
Senegalese conversational conventions may be long, tedious, even gratuitous, but they are a major
ingredient of social relationships in this country, as in most parts of Africa. Asking a Senegalese person
a question or requesting a service without first greeting them or shaking their hand would be
incomprehensible and unacceptable. So don't forget to greet people; it will help you to settle into life here
more easily. Here are some fixed conversational phrases in Wolof, the most widely spoken language:
Assalam-alaykoum : Peace be with you (to say hello)
Malaykoum-salam : And also with you
Nanga dèf? : How are you?
Mangifi rek : I'm fine!
Dieuredief : Thank you
Senegalese French vocabulary
The Senegalese do not only have trouble with the French accent of Canadians, and specifically
Quebeckers; people also find some Canadian expressions confusing or just laughable. At the same time,
Canadians will have difficulty with many local words and expressions.
Some examples:
arriérer : reculer de position sociale/lose social standing
bana-bana : marchand ambulant/street vendor
démerder : se débrouiller/manage
durer : rester longtemps dans un endroit/stay a long time in a place
gâter : casser, détériorer, abîmer/break, damage
patron ou chef : monsieur/Sir
radio cancan : rumeur publique/rumour
saboter : se moquer de quelqu'un, taquiner/laugh at, tease someone
toubab : blanc, européen/White, European
Security
The incidence of physical assaults is on the rise, and foreign residents and tourists are targeted just as
much and Senegalese people. For your own safety, you should follow the rules below:
- Do not carry a great deal of cash with you.
- Always have photocopies of your official identification documents.
- Do not wear gold or silver jewellery when strolling in the city or visiting the suburbs.
- In the downtown area, on public transit, and in lineups, keep an eye on your pockets and
purse.
- Especially in the evening, do not walk alone on the beaches or in places where there are
few people (crafts village, Soumbédioune, Petite Corniche, Place de l'Indépendance)
- Lock your car doors and keep your windows closed at all times: certain traffic light
locations in the city have become dangerous, with thugs assaulting motorists.
- Be firm, but not insolent or rude, with street vendors from whom you do not plan to buy
anything.
- Be very careful with food products, cosmetics and clothes sold on the street. The
products may be rotten or spoiled and the clothes second-hand.
GETTING SETTLED
Procedures upon arrival in Senegal
- Get your name on the list of Canadian nationals maintained by the Embassy's Consular Services
Section, so that the Embassy can contact and assist you in an emergency or evacuation.
- Apply for a foreign national identity card, which is mandatory for anyone staying for more than
six months and is renewable every year. If you lose it, you should report it to the police or
gendarmerie and request to make a lost card declaration.
Obtaining a foreign national identity card
- The card is issued on the basis of a personal file, the contents of which vary with the profession of the
applicant. Some items do, however, seem to be required in all cases. Aid workers should have the
following:
- an official document certifying that you are involved in a project under the framework cooperation
agreement. The Embassy will issue the document to you for C$50 or the equivalent in CFA
francs;
- an application for a foreign national identity card, submitted to the Minister of the Interior with a
tax stamp for 2000 CFA francs;
- a passport;
- four photos;
- birth certificate;
- a medical examination certificate;
- a character and behaviour reference provided by the Embassy.
You apply for your card at the offices of the Police des étrangers, Place de l'Indépendance. The same
documents will be required for your partner (if he or she works, attach the contract) and for children over
15 years of age (submit official statement of academic attainment).
Housing
There are a number of real estate agencies in Dakar that can give you information on what is available.
Word of mouth, classified ads, and bulletin boards in stores are other sources of information on housing.
Before you sign a lease, you should
- inspect the state of repair of the prospective place of residence
- check with the owner whether there are any outstanding water or electricity bills
- ask the owner to install a water reservoir if the district suffers frequent interruptions in supply
- make sure that the owner is responsible for making major repairs
- insist on the diplomatic staff clause be included in the lease, since it provides for one month's
moving notice. Then, if you break the contract or have to return to Canada in an emergency, legal
action will not be taken against you as the renter and you will not have to pay taxes or damages.
The renter is liable under civil law for accidental or wilful damage to the rental property. You should take
out theft and fire insurance.
Selected real estate agencies:
Agence immobilière Hortala
4, rue Sandiniéry
Tel.: 823 24 48 |
Indépendance immobilière
13, rue Hadji Mbaye Guèye (ex Sandiniéry)
Tel.: 822 15 01/ 823 39 30
|
|
Société générale de l'immobilier
(Sogedim)
21, avenue Jean Jaurés
Tel.: 821 33 01/822 98 34
|
Régie immobilière Mugnier & Cie
11, rue Mohamed V.
Tel.: 823 43 74 / 823 23 76
|
|
Water and electricity
The Sénégalaise des eaux (SDE) and the Société
nationale d'électricité (SENELEC) supply water and electricity
respectively.
|
Société nationale d'Électricité(SENELEC)
28, rue Vincens
Tel.: 839 30 00
|
|
|
Sénégalaise des Eaux (SDE)
Hann Technical Centre
Tel.: 839 37 37
|
Assistance
Tel.: 824 71 01
|
Drainage (sewers)
Tel.: 835 10 68/835 78 04
|
N.B.: There are SDE and SENELEC offices in a number of
districts in Dakar.
Becoming a water and electricity subscriber
To get water supply, go to an SDE office with the discharge notice from the previous occupant (SDE
document certifying that there are no arrears), a deposit in the amount of 8761 CFA francs, two tax
stamps (4000 CFA francs), and the lease contract. Invoices are paid every two months.
N.B.: Always check whether the previous renter's invoices have been paid.
For electricity supply, go to the SENELEC office with the meter number and a residence permit or
consular card. You will have to fill out a subscription application and specify the number of electrical
appliances used. Subscription costs depend on total electrical power of the appliances and will be at least
17,000 CFA francs (fridge, 10 amps, television and fan). Some of the costs will be refunded when you
move. Invoices are paid every two months. The price per KWh depends on the total power of the
appliances.
N.B.: You must pay your bills on time; otherwise, your water or electricity supply will be cut off.
You should also keep all receipts in case of disputes.
Gas
You can find gas at gas stations, grocery stores, department stores and small shops. A 12-kg cylinder
costs 5500 CFA francs (+ deposit), a 6-kg cylinder, 1500 CFA francs, and a 3-kg one, 700 CFA francs.
N.B.: Make sure that there are no leaks in the cylinder and be very careful transporting it.
Telephone service
The Société nationale de télécommunications (Sonatel) handles telephone service subscriptions. The
corporation has a number of branches in Dakar and telecentres in nearly all districts of the city, where
you can make long-distance calls and send and receive fax and telex messages.
To become a subscriber, go to the Agence commerciale des télécommunications de la Médina, av. Malick
Sy X Blaise Diagne, and fill out an application form. Telephone service installation fees are about 45,000
CFA francs.
Check with the appropriate services whether the number you are being offered
is the subject of legal proceedings. Sonatel often refuses to reconnect a line
if the previous renter or the owner has not paid outstanding invoices. You may
have to wait months, even years, before getting service, in which case you have
to decide whether to move or remain patient until the problem is solved.
Sonatel Médina
Av. Malick Sy x Blaise Diagne
Tel.: 821 99 14
|
Télécentre République
Boul. de la République
Tel.: 839 21 00
|
You can get an Internet and e-mail subscription by contacting
one of the following: |
Sentoo
Rue Amadou A. Ndoye x Dr Thèze
Tel.: 823 48 66
|
Sonatel Médina
Av. Malick Sy x Blaise Diagne
Tel.: 821 99 14
|
Metissacana
30, rue de Thiong Lot
Tel.: 822 20 43
|
Silicon Valley
56, domaine industriel Sodida
Tel.: 825 59 47
|
Association des Universités partiellement ou entièrement
de langue française (Aupelf-Uref)
Corniche Ouest
Tel.: 824 29 27/825 35 65
Postal service
There are a number of post offices in Dakar. Airmail delivery is generally good: normally, delivery time
between Dakar and Montreal is one week. Post offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from
Monday to Thursday, with a break from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
with a break from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To get a post-office box, submit a written application to the postmaster of the branch of your choice. The
subscription fee is 6600 CFA francs a year. You can access your box outside business hours.
Parcels
When a parcel has arrived for you, you will receive a notice and you go to the post office with a piece of
identification. You will have to pay tax in the amount of 1000 CFA francs, and additional costs are
possible, depending on the type of parcel.
Dakar-Peytavin Post Office
Av.Peytavin x Roosevelt
Household staff
Hiring
It is easy to find household staff in Dakar. Generally, new arrivals hire the
staff of departing aid workers. You should, however, ask for letters of reference
from previous employers. Here are some places where cleaning women can be hired:
La pouponnière des soeurs franciscaines
Médina
Tel.: 821 58 20
|
La présentation de Marie
Rue Vincens
Tel.: 822 80 82
|
La Congrégation des filles du Saint-Coeur de Marie
Fass
Tel.: 822 12 10
|
|
Hiring procedures
There is a general information brochure on conditions of employment for household staff (cleaning
woman, boy, guard, cook). It gives the various employment categories and types of leave (illness, family
events, etc.). The brochure is entitled Conditions générales d'emploi des domestiques et gens de
maison [General conditions of employment for domestics and other household staff] and is available from
the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Dakar. In addition, the "Aux Quatre vents" bookstore sells
the Convention collective nationale inter-professionnelle du Sénégal [National inter-professional
collective agreement] (chauffeurs and other trades).
N.B.: You should declare and register employees with the Caisse de sécurité sociale (CSS)
[Social security office] and the Institution de prévoyance retraite (IPRES) [Retirement
benefits institute].
To do so, you must
- buy "Mouvement du travailleur" declaration forms (four copies per employee) at the Clairafrique
bookstore (Rue Docteur Thèze x Rue Sandiniéry - tel. 822 21 69) or at the Chambre
de Commerce et d'Industrie de Dakar (1, place de l'Indépendance, tel.: 823 71 89).
- fill them out and file them with the employment office (near the Hypersam supermarket)
- wait for employee to receive a number (or be registered)
- go to the Caisse de Sécurité sociale and the IPRES.
Caisse de sécurité sociale (CSS)
All contributions are paid by the employer (8% of wages). This provides employees with accident and
health insurance and family benefits.
CSS address:
Opposite the offices of the Social Party, near the Colobane roundabout. Tel.: 823 41 41
Institution de prévoyance retraite (IPRES)
The employee's contribution is taken off the wages and shown on the pay record (5.6%). The employer's
contribution is 8.4%. The retirement age is 55 years.
IPRES address:
Av. Léopold S. Senghor, opposite the Société générale des banques du Sénégal. Tel.: 839 91 91
Salaries
Pay depends on the type of work, the number of hours worked, and whether the employee gets room and
board. Check with the other aid workers to see what they pay. Employees are entitled to one day off per
week, and the maximum number of actual hours of work per day is eight.
It is a common practice to give employees a gift, preferably money, on major religious holidays. You can
buy pay receipts (bulletins de paie) at the Clairafrique bookstore. You should fill them out when you pay
employees.
N.B.: it is advisable to give your employees nivaquine (or chloroquine) tablets and
medication for worms on a regular basis.
SUPPLIES
Electrical appliances and electronic equipment
You will find these items in stores around Sandaga and on the avenues Lamine
Guèye and Pompidou. The stores include
Hussein
76, av. Pompidou
Tel.: 821 65 25
|
Ayad & Cie Electronic corp
61, av. Pompidou
Tel.: 821 12 76
|
Daewoo
rue de Thiong
Tel.: 822 12 30
|
Arts and Crafts; decorative arts
Céramiques Almadies (permanent showcase and sale of glazed earthenware plates, vases and
bracelets)
Route des Almadies
Tel.: 820 03 38
Atelier Nylanou (arts and crafts, designs, frames, lamps, flower arrangements, etc.)
13, rue Wagane Diouf
Tel.: 822 27 18
Galerie Sarata (traditional jewellery, carpets, woven breechcloth, masks, pottery)
9, rue Mass Diokhané
Tel.: 822 03 37
Galerie Antenna (masks, jewellery, coasters, sculptures)
9, rue Félix Faure
Tel.: 822.17.51
Galerie Arte
Tel.: 821.95.56
Beauty care
Coup d'éclat
(Beauty care, parfumes, dieting)
Residence les Lys, rue Victor Hugo
Tel.: 822 40 42
|
Grain de beauté
(beauty care and perfumes)
172, av. Lamine Guèye
Tel.: 822 05 67
|
À fleur de peau
58 rue Mohamed V x République
Tel.: 822-39-75
|
Palais de la beauté
(Beauty care and perfumes)
Boul. de la République
Tel.: 823 90 63
|
Butcheries and delicatessens
Boucherie "Aux trois petits cochons"
Place du marché
Tel.: 821 16 24
|
Boucherie "Daniel Le Gac"
Kermel Yoff virage
Tel.: 820.03.39 (home delivery)
|
Score Sarrault
31, rue Albert Sarraut
Tel.: 821 86 12
|
|
Gifts
Docteur Stylo (sales and repair of pens and lighters--engraving)
10, rue Huart (opposite Score Sarraut)
Tel.: 822 45 61
Au P'tit Bonheur (crockery, gifts, wrought iron, garden furniture, light fixtures, etc.)
10, rue Ramez Bourgi (opposite Buhan Teisseire)
Tel.: 822 39 61
Frames and framing
Le coin du cadre Brico Decor
54, rue Raffenel Ave Lamine Guye
Tel.: 821 54 77
Coffee (whole bean and ground)
Cafés du Cameroun
Rue, El Hadji Mbaye Guèye x Vincens
Leather and repairs
CAM
(restoration of leather goods, bags, suitcases, shoe care, shoe making from model)
61, rue Moussé Diop
Tel.: 821.67.53
Florists
La Roseraie
1, allée Robert Delmas
Tel.: 823 26 84
|
Les Floralies
8, rue Ramez Bourgi Rue
Tel.: 821 12 30
|
Mayiflor
1, boul. de l'Est, Point E
Tel.: 825 45 10
|
Cheese
La Crémerie (local and imported cheeses)
1, rue Braconnier, marché Kermel
Tel.: 822 92 92
|
Saprolait
39, av. Faidherbe
Tel.: 823 11 83
|
Garages
Clinic auto
58, rue Vincens
Tel.: 822 92 94
|
Garage du Centre
17, rue Mohamed V Opposite
Tel.: 822.24.25
|
Carrosserie Mame Diarra
Grande Mosquée x Marsat
Tel.: 822.10.77
|
Garage 2000
Corniche Ouest
Tel.: 822 61 02
|
|
|
Department stores
There are a few department stores scattered across the city. They generally
carry quality food and beauty care products. The most popular are:
Score Sarraut
31, rue Albert Sarraut
Tel.: 821 86 12
|
Hypersam
Av. Cheikh Anta Diop x Boul. de la Gueule tapée
Tel.: 823 12 85/823 45 87
|
|
Score Liberté
Av. Bourguiba x rue 10
Tel.: 823 17 23/823 31 27
|
Ecomarché Libre service
Av. Cheikh A. Diop
Tel.: 824 40 95
|
Assad
Boul. de l'Est - Point E
Tel.: 824 75 02
|
Markets
Sandaga
Located in the heart of Dakar, it is open every day. Every type of fresh, dried and canned food and
arts and crafts are sold there. Around the market are shops run by Senegalese and Lebanese selling
fabrics, travel articles, hardware, electrical appliances, crockery and cosmetics. It is advisable not to
shop there after nightfall because of the risk of assaults.
Kermel
It is smaller than Sandaga market and is patronized mainly by Europeans. It has a reputation for
charging more than the other markets, but the higher prices are justified because of the excellent
quality of its fresh, dried and canned food products.
Kermel is a beautiful market because of its architecture, but it is also distinctive because of its antique and
souvenir shops and florists. Other shops (including some selling Vietnamese and Chinese products),
grocery stores, butchers' shops and delicatessens are located in the colonial homes built around the market
square.
At Kermel and at Sandaga, porters (commonly known as "porter madame") will hold your basket while
you shop and carry your purchases to your car for very little money.
Tilène
Located in the heart of the district of Médina (old colonial town), it sells just about everything, but
especially local and other African products and fruit at very reasonable prices. It also sells books,
magazines, used newspapers and even office supplies at lower prices than in the stores. In the side streets
you will find arts and crafts, basket makers, second-hand clothing shops, and spice, fabric and cosmetics
vendors. The customers are mainly Africans.
Soumbédioune
This market is located 3 km from downtown, on the ocean, not far from the craftsmen's village of the
same name. The best time to go there is in the evening around 5:00 p.m., as the fishing boats, called
pirogues, are coming back to shore, because then you can find fresh seafood that the vendors will clean
for you on the spot. Bargaining is a must.
Casamance
Located along the dock used by the boat Le Joola, which provides a sea link between Dakar and
Ziguinchor, it sells all kinds of products from the Casamance region, seasonal fruits and vegetables,
shrimps and dried fish, honey, and palm oil (delivered by boat at 4:40 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and
unloaded one hour later).
HLM
This market specializes in fabrics, offering a wide variety of materials from Asia, Africa and Europe as
well as bedding, toiletries and cosmetics, foods products, crockery and hardware.
Station
At the station market you will find products from Mali such as karité butter, Bogolan cloth, earthenware
products, incense, pearls and necklaces.
Antique and second-hand furniture
La Brocante
22, rue Jules Ferry
Tel.: 822 53 22
|
La Trouvaille
42, rue Amadou A. Ndoye
Tel.: 822 84 59
|
Notions
Kaddoura (embroidery, patterns, fleece, lampshades, embroidered names, wool, crocheting and knitting
wool)
40, rue Dr Thèze
Tel.: 821 63 54
Islima (buttons, lace, thread)
Rue de Thiong
Crockery (tin, enamel, plastic, ceramic, porcelain)
Around Sandaga market
Clothing, fabrics and shoes
You will find these items in the many shops around Sandaga market, on Lamine Guèye and Pompidou
avenues, and in the various markets. Custom tailoring and dressmaking are very popular in Senegal and
is usually cheaper than buying clothes off the rack. You will find many tailors and dressmakers in all parts
of Dakar; in the downtown area, Rue Mohamed V is the main location.
If you are looking for African fabrics, here are the addresses of some well-known
designers who created clothing out of such materials as basin, traditional woven
breechcloth and wax. They offer a wide range of Western-cut clothes (dresses,
skirt sets, suits, pant suits), African-style clothes, tablecloths and bed sheets.
Claire Kane
90, rue Moussé Diop Bopp,
Tel.: 822 96 34
|
Bineta Salsao
rue 10, villa 204
Tel.: 824 31 13
|
Dasha Nicoué
9, rue Amadou A. Ndoye
Tel.: 825 53 58
|
100% Dakar
28, rue Mohamed V Km 2,
Tel.: 821 85 44
|
ACOMA (tablecloths, bags, etc.)
av. Cheikh A. Diop
Tel.: 822 37 60
|
Collé Ardo Sow
Rue Mohamed IV
Tel.: 822 40 87
|
For children up to 14 years of age
Au rêve des tous petits
Sicap Liberté 6, villa 6073
Tel.: 827 03 73
|
Cajou
30, rue Amadou A. Ndoye
Tel.: 822 83 99
|
Furniture fabrics
Shops are located on Lamine Guèye, Pompidou and Blaise Diagne avenues.
N.B.: Under some contracts, you can buy some appliances and equipment duty-free. However,
you must buy them during the first six months of your stay, starting from the date on your
personal effects customs clearance form.
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
Hotels
Dakar is home to about forty hotels with two- to five-star ratings and a range
of services (restaurant, bar, pool, discotheque, air conditioning, conference
rooms, tennis courts). Credit cards are generally accepted.
Le Méridien Président (*****)
Pointe des Almadies
Tel.: 820 15 15 / 820 21 22
|
Lagon II (****)
Corniche Est
Tel.: 823 58 31
|
Novotel (****)
1, av. Abdoulaye Fadiga (next to BCEAO)
Tel.: 823 78 72
|
Nina (****)
43, rue Dr Thèze
Tel.: 821 41 81/821 22 30
|
Ngor Diarama (****)
Tel.: 820 10 05/820 27 24
|
Savana Dakar (****)
Tel.: 823 60 23
|
Téranga Sofitel (****)
Place de l'Indépendance
Tel.: 823 55 02
|
Al Afifa (***)
46, rue Jules Ferry
Tel.: 823 85 43
|
Croix du Sud (***)
20, av. Sarraut
Tel.: 823 29 47
|
Ganalè (***)
Rue Assane Ndoye
Tel.: 821 55 70/821 58 54
|
Hôtel Indépendance (***)
Place de l'Indépendance
Tel.: 823 22 26/823 10 19
|
Al Baraka (**)
35, rue Karim Bourgi
Tel.: 822 55 32
|
Sunugal (**)
Route de Ngor
Tel.: 820 03 30
|
Café de Rome(***)
Boul. de la République
Tel.: 840 02 00
|
Price range
1-star: 6,000 to 15,000 CFA francs
2-star: 15,000 to 20,000 CFA francs
3-star: 20,000 to 40,000 CFA francs
4-star: 40,000 to 50,000 CFA francs
5-star: 50,000 and up
Restaurants
Selected Senegalese dishes
tiébou dienne: rice, fish and vegetables.
yassa: grilled fish or chicken marinated in lemon with chopped onion, served with white rice.
mafé: beef cooked in peanut oil and served with white rice.
tiébou yap: rice and meat with vegetables or a mustard and olive sauce.
The sale of juices made from local fruit has been promoted under a "buy Senegalese" policy. Among the
most popular juices are bissap (red or white), which is an extract resulting from decoction of rosella
blossoms; ginger, resulting from decoction of ginger roots; tamarin (or dakhar), from decoction of the
fruit of the tamarind tree; bouye, from a decoction of the fruit of the baobab, known as "pain de singe"
(monkey bread); and ditakh, from a decoction of an acid-tasting green fruit.
These juices are thirst-quenching, very rich in vitamin C, and cheaper than imported fruit juices and soft
drinks.
Restaurants offer a wide variety of French, Italian, Senegalese, Chinese and other international dishes,
and the decor is usually attractive and sometimes delightfully romantic, as in the case of restaurants on
the waterfront or in the shady courtyards of homes.
International cuisine by the ocean
Le Terrou Bi ***
Route de la Corniche Ouest
Tel.: 839 90 39
(closed Sunday)
|
Le Niani ***
Corniche Est
Tel.: 822 60 71
(closed Sunday)
|
Le Dionevar **
Almadies
Tel.: 820 09 11
(closed Thursday)
|
La Pointe des Almadies **
Almadies
Tel.: 820 01 40
(closed Monday)
|
Lagon I **
Route de la Corniche Est
Tel.: 821 53 22
(open every day)
|
Le Virage **
Route de Ngor
Tel.: 820 01 40
(Closed Monday)
|
Côté Sud
Almadies
Tel.: 820 45 51
(open every day)
|
|
International cuisine on the plateau
Le Dagorne **
11, rue Dagorne
Tel.: 822 20 80
(closed Monday)
|
Le Bambou **
19, rue Victor Hugo
Tel.: 822 06 45 / 823 21 27
(closed Sunday)
|
|
La Fourchette **
4, rue Parent
Tel.: 821 88 87
(open every day) |
La Croix du Sud ***
Avenue Albert Sarraut
Tel.: 823 12 73
(closed Sunday)
|
|
Le Toukouleur **
122, rue Mousé Diop
Tel.: 821 51 93
(closed Sunday)
|
Duplex 97**
97, avenue Peytavin
Tel.: 821 14 50
(closed Wednesday)
|
|
Le Mezzo
26, rue Jules Ferry
Tel.: 822 58 88
(closed Sunday)
|
Le Sarraut **
14, avenue Albert Sarraut
Tel.: 822 55 23
(closed Sunday)
|
|
Big Five **
24, rue Victor Hugo
Tel.: 822 08 17
(closed Saturday morning and Sunday)
|
Le Tacoma **
9, rue de Thann
Tel.: 823 25 76
(closed Sunday)
|
Le Montélimar** (c)
45, rue Carnot x Dr Thèze
Tél: 822 06 07
(closed Tuesday)
|
African cuisine
Le Mini-resto camerounais *
Sicap Amitié III, villa n° 4426 30,
Tel.: 825 55 73
(open every day with break from 4:30 p.m.to 8:00 p.m.)
|
Chez Mimi
route Corniche (Fann Hock)
Tel.: 823 97 88
(closed Tuesday)
|
Le Sargane *
Point E, boul. du Sud n° 51
Tel.: 825 69 59
(closed Monday)
|
|
Asian cuisine
La Baie d'Along **
Av. Bourguiba Rue 5,
Tel.: 824 16 69
(closed Sunday)
|
Le Taïwan **
Point E
Tel.: 824 37 53
(open every day)
|
Hong Kong **
Boul. de la Libération
(by Gorée dock)
Tel.: 822 54 44
(closed Monday)
|
Le Dragon*
Rue Jules Ferry
Tel.: 21 66 76
/td>
|
Le Jardin Thaïlandais**
Boul. Sud Point E
Tel.: 825 58 33
(closed Sunday)
|
|
Bakeries and tea rooms
Gentina
22, av. Sarraut
Tel.: 822 41 90
(open every day)
|
Lutetia
180, av. Lamine Guèye
Tel.: 821 75 48
(open every day)
|
La Marquise
52, rue Dr Thèze
Tel.: 821 04 27
(closed Monday)
|
La Royaltine
20, boul. de la République
Tel.: 821 99 94
(closed Sunday p.m. and Monday)
|
LGM Pompidou/LGM Point E Aux fins palais
28, rue Mohamed V
Tel.: 823 44 45
|
|
Bistros, bars
Café de Rome *
30, boul. de la République
Tel.: 823 26 16
(open every day)
|
La Palmeraie **(c)20, av. Pompidou
Tel.: 821 15 94
(open every day)
|
Caesar's
27, boulevard de la République
Tel.: 823 84 00
Home delivery
Tel.: 822 16 16
|
|
*** Expensive ** Medium price range * Inexpensive
(c) Canadian owner
Hours of business: lunch from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 or 11:00
p.m.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Currency
Senegal belongs to the Franc Zone, where the CFA franc is the unit of currency. The equivalent with
the French franc and with the Euro is: 100 CFA francs = 1 French franc = 0,15 Euro. $1 cdn dollar
was the equivalent of 488.31 CFA franc the day this guide was written.
You can exchange currency at all banks, the airport, and some of the major hotels. Since the January
1994 devaluation of the CFA franc, banks have been applying a 2% service charge for over-the-counter exchanges between French and CFA francs.
Credit cards
Visa is the one most widely used, but you can also use American Express, Master Card and Cirrus in
banks.To withdraw money with your American Express card, go to Sénégal Tours (5, place de
l'Indépendance, tel.: 823 38 38) with the following items:
- your passport,
- your American Express card,
- a personal cheque from your bank in Canada in the amount of the transaction (plus 1%).
N.B. You can withdraw money with Cirrus card and Master Card at the CBAO counter. With
your Visa Card you can withdraw money at the following banks: BICIS, CBAO, SGBS,
Crédit Lyonnais. A bank account (cheque) is necessary.
Banks
Banque pour l'Industrie et le Commerce International (BICIS)
2, av. Léopold S. Senghor, Tel.: 39 03 90
Business hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:40 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:40
p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Friday, 7:40 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
|
CBAO
1, place de l'Indépendance, Tel.: 839 96 96
Business hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:15
p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
|
Citybank
2, place de l'Indépendance, Tel.: 849 11 11/849 11 00/01
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
|
Crédit Lyonnais
14, rue Ramez Bourgi, Tel.: 823 10 08
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a break
from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday
|
Société Générale des Banques du Sénégal
(SGBS)
Av. Léopold S. Senghor, Tel.: 839 55 00
Business hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:40
p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
|
Western Union
Place de l'Indépendance, Tel.: 823.79.80
Business hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
|
TRANSPORTATION
Travelling by road in Senegal
Senegal's highway code is based on the French one. You therefore have to give priority to traffic
coming from your right. That being said, you must above all be alert and cautious when driving,
because the roads are narrow, certain types of vehicles, including express buses and taxis, do not
obey road signs, and pedestrians and animals cross the road recklessly. If you are involved in an
accident, you must stop and call the gendarmerie or the police immediately. Be wary of accepting an
informal accident report or damages offered privately by another party. If you have hurt someone,
you should get the injured person to the closest hospital before going to the gendarmerie or police.
Vehicle insurance is mandatory (see insurance companies).
The police require the following documents when conducting checks and inspections:
- driver's license: Canadian, international or French. We strongly suggest that you obtain an
international driving permit in Canada. You can renew it by mail annually.
- certificate of insurance (yellow form, renewable annually).
- grey card or temporary form for vehicle.
- registration stamp (renewable annually).
- technical inspection for vehicle over three years old (renewable annually),
- temporary admission form for "TT" (temporary admission) vehicles (renewable annually).
Tip: Go to the police and have them certify photocopies of all documents relating to your
vehicle. You can keep the originals at home. You should own your own vehicle while
you are in Senegal. However, purchasing one is a complicated matter and usually takes
at least a month.
Privately owned vehicle
Procedure for purchasing a "TT" (temporary admission) vehicle.
New vehicle:
- Note characteristics, chassis number, engine number, etc.
- Fill out temporary admission application forms, including vehicle characteristics and the name
of your customs clearance agent, and then give them to customs along with the agreement
proving exemption.
- Once the forms are approved by customs, give them to your customs clearance agent, who
will issue you a notice of temporary admission through direct import or private bonded
warehouse (pink form, journal format). The notice must be certified by customs at the port of
Dakar. The process will take at least a week. The customs clearance agent will charge
160,000 to 180,000 CFA francs.
- Contact an insurance company for appropriate insurance. We recommend that you take out
insurance covering civil liability, fire, theft, broken glass, legal defence and claims (legal
assistance), family and passengers.
- Give an original of the insurance certificate to the dealer to obtain the grey card (yellow
form).
- Fill out the form "Déclaration de mise en circulation d'un véhicule" [Vehicle operation
declaration].
- Bring to the dealer the documents given to you by the customs clearance agent, a copy of the
insurance certificate and the vehicle operation declaration. The dealer will then make
arrangements for obtaining a grey card from the Service des Mines and will have to provide
originals of the following documents:
- vehicle operation declaration, signed by purchaser;
- original of insurance certificate(yellow form);
- original of customs clearance form for tax- and duty-exempt vehicle (pink
form);
- vehicle description form;
- certificate of compliance.
The Service des Mines will issue a temporary certificate to be used until the grey card is issued. The
certificate is valid for two months. After that, it will be necessary to go back to the Service des Mines
to obtain the grey card or an extension on the temporary admission certificate.
You may have to do this yourself. The Service des Mines in Dakar is located on the Route de
Rufisque, between S.C.O.A. Auto and the Colobane bridge. Its telephone number is 832 08 55.
The dealer will obtain and install the vehicle plates. Registration costs about 40,000 CFA francs.
N.B.:
- To get a new, one-year temporary admission certificate, you have to apply to customs
for certificate renewal authorization and show them the current certificate and the
grey card.
- You have to obtain the new registration stamp early in the year (January-March). By
submitting their project agreement, aid workers are granted payment exemption.
They are issued with an "exonération de vignette" [stamp exemption] if the
agreement provides for this type of exemption. If it does not, you can obtain the
stamp (annual tax stamp) from the Domaines et Impôts office on Rue Thiong,
opposite the gendarmerie, or on Boulevard Djily Mbaye, opposite Dakar city hall.
The cost is about 20,000 CFA francs.
Pre-owned vehicle
The procedure for temporary admission of a pre-owned vehicle is basically the same as for a new
one.
Note the following differences, however:
- If you purchase a pre-owned vehicle, make sure that you have a proper sales certificate or
contract and that the former owner has obtained temporary admission sale authorization from
the Direction des recettes douanières [Tax revenue branch].
- You do not have to fill out the vehicle operation declaration.
Bringing a vehicle from Canada
- Follow the same procedure, but obtain a "passe avant" (operating permit to cover you until the
temporary admission certificate is issued) by filling out the appropriate application form and
including with it a photocopy of the Canadian provincial registration permit.
International driving permit
The chamber of commerce, located on the Place de l'Indépendance, will issue an international driving
permit upon submission of a provincial permit, 15,000 CFA.francs and 3 photographs.
Technical inspection
Cars three years old or more must undergo a technical inspection every year to check whether they
are in good condition. You have to purchase a tax stamp for 2000 CFA francs and go to the Service
des Mines in Dakar. You will be informed of any repairs that are required. Once they have been done,
you will receive a certificate, which is valid for one year.
Insurance
Vehicle insurance is mandatory. You can get a 20% reduction in insurance costs if you submit your
Canadian insurance record showing no accidents during the period covered by the policy.
Selected insurance companies
La Nationale d'assurances
5, av. Sarraut
Tel.:822 10 27
|
Assurances Générales Sénégalaises
(AGS)
43, av. Sarraut
Tel.: 839 36 00
|
SONAM
40, Boul. de la République
Tel.: 823 10 03
|
|
Fuel
In Senegal, the high-test gasoline sell for 514 CFA francs (incl. tax) a litre at the pump
(approx. $1.10); diesel, for 337 CFA francs (incl. tax).
Vehicle rental
There are a number of agencies from which you can rent a vehicle with or without
a chauffeur. Here are some of them:
Avis
km 2,5 route de Rufisque
Tel.: 823 63 40
|
Avitours
115, av. Blaise Diagne
Tel.: 822 93 28
|
Sénégalauto
19, rue Moussé Diop
Tel.: 822 42 70
|
Taxis, bus, car rapides
Taxis
They are yellow or orange and black. The fare is indicated on the taximeter. In recent years, it has
been possible to engage in waxalé (bargaining) with taxi drivers--propose a fixed price for the ride.
Waxalé is not recommended for short distances (except in heavy traffic); it will probably be cheaper
to stick with the taximeter reading. It is recommended, however, for longer distances, particularly
since some drivers will have no compunction about taking a roundabout route to your destination
because you are a foreigner and do not know the city.
Fares:
Basic fare : 100 CFA francs
Ride in city : 100 CFA francs/km
Ride outside Dakar : 200 CFA francs/km
Taximeter: day A1/green, night B2/red.
Fares double between midnight and 6:00 a.m. A ride between the airport and downtown costs 3000
CFA francs during the day and 4700 CFA francs at night.
- Allo taxi tél: 823 44 04
Many of the green and white taxis clandos provide service between Dakar and ths suburbs and
between suburbs. Drivers charge a fixed price per distance, pick up a number of customers for each
trip and drop them off one by one. There are special pickup points in Dakar, including on Avenue
Lamine Guèye, opposite Sandaga market. Many of these taxis are in poor condition, even though they
provide extensive services to people in the suburbs.
Bush taxis travel to all regions of Senegal from the Colobane and Pompiers bus terminals.
Buses
The bus fleet of the Société des transports Dakar Dem Dikk ("Dakar round trip" in Wolof) serves
most of Dakar and environs. Many routes take passengers downtown.
Fares:
- 1st section (Dakar, Sicap) : 150 CFA francs
- 2nd section (Pikine, Thiaroye) : 175 CFA francs
- 3rd section (Rufisque, Bargny) : 200 CFA francs
Express buses
They serve all Dakar suburbs. Be wary of pickpockets, especially when standing in the bus. In any case, for your own safety case, you should avoid standing. The fare ranges from 50 and 100 CFA
francs, depending on the destination.
Air transportation
Senegal is very well served by many air carriers. Sabena, Iberia, Alitalia, Tunis Air, Ethiopian Airlines
and Royal Air Maroc all offer regular flights to Dakar. Air Afrique and Air France each have daily
flights to and from Paris.
The Léopold Sédar Senghor international airport is the main one
in the country. The airports at Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor handle a great deal
of tourist traffic.
Air Afrique
Place de l'Indépendance
Tel.: 39 42 00
Yoff 820 03 03
|
Air France47,
av. Sarraut
Tel.: 839 77 77 / 839 77 50
|
Alitalia,
5, av. Georges Pompidou
Tel.: 823 31 29
Yoff 820 03 67
|
Air Sénégal International
45, av. Albert Sarraut
Tel.: 823 49 70 / 842 41 00
|
Ethiopian Airlines
16, av. L.S.Senghor
Tel.: 821 32 98
|
Ghana Airways
Rue Ramez Bourgi
Tel.: 822 28 20
|
Iberia
2, place de l'Indépendance
Tel.: 823 34 77 / 823 24 27
|
Sabena
2, place de l'Indépendance
Tel.: 823.49.71 |
TACV (Cape Verde)
105, rue Moussé Diop
Tel.: 821 39 68
|
Royal Air Maroc
1, place de l'Indépendance
Tel.: 822 32 67
|
|
|
Travel agencies
Sénégal Tours
5, place de l'Indépendance
Tel.: 823 31 81
|
Nouvelles Frontières
3, boul. de la République
Tel.: 823 34 34
|
Agence Nader
2, av. L.S.Senghor
Tel.: 822 49 71
|
Delmas voyage
1, rue Parent x Macodou Ndiaye
Tel.: 823 23 74 / 823 47 75
|
|
|
Rail transportation
The petit train bleu (PTB) runs from Monday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., between Dakar
and the suburbs (Pikine, Thiaroye et Rufisque).
Fares
100 CFA franc from Dakar to Rufisique
There is a train every 15 minutes, and the ride from Dakar to Pikine takes 15 to 20 minutes.
The Dakar-Bamako-Dakar (the Express)
Train I:
Departs from Dakar 10:00 a.m., Wednesday and Saturday; arrives at Bamako Thursday and Sunday
2:30 p.m.
Train II:
Departs from Bamako 9:15 a.m., Saturday and Wednesday; arrives at Dakar Sunday and Thursday
2:30 p.m..
Fares
1st class 31,085 CFA francs for Senegal and Mali trains
2nd class 22,785 CFA francs
Rail links between Dakar and the regions--primarily Saint-Louis and Kaolack--were not viable
economically and had been cut. However, they are now being re-established.
Société nationale des chemins de fer (at the station, near dock)
Tel.: 849 46 46
Maritime transportation
The ship Le Joola sails between Dakar and Ziguinchor. Departure from Dakar: Tuesdays and
Fridays, 8:00 p.m. Arrival in Ziguinchor Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. Departure from
Ziguinchor: Sundays and Thursdays, 12:00 noon. Arrival in Dakar: Mondays and Fridays, 5:00 a.m.
Fares
Comfort class (armchairs): 6,000 CFA francs.
Individual cabin: 18,000 CFA francs per bed.
Double cabin: 15,000 CFA francs.
Four-berth cabin: 12,000 CFA francs per bed.
Deck: 3,500 CFA francs.
Tip: reserve one week before your trip.
Tel.: 821 58 52 / 22 54 43
To buy tickets
S.D.V. Voyages
47, av. Albert Sarraut
tel: 839 00 00
|
Senegal Tours
5, Place de l'Indépendance
tel: 823 31 81
|
Senegal Travel Services
55, av. Albert Sarraut
tel: 822 82 74
|
Delmas Voyages
1, rue Parent x Macodou Ndiaye
tel: 823 18 74
|
Gorée launch fares and schedule
Crossing takes 20 minutes.
Fares
A Non-residents--Africa
Adults 5000 CFA francs
children 2500 CFA francs
B Residents--Africa
Adults 1500 CFA francs
Children 500 CFA francs
Elementary school groups 300 CFA francs
Secondary school groups 600 CFA francs
Coumba Castel special launch 1,750,000 CFA francs
Augustin E. Ly special launch 750,000 CFA francs
Liaison maritime Dakar Gorée
21, boulevard de la Libération, Gorée dock
Tel.: 823 45 45 (ext. 4482)
Fax: 823 80 01
Schedule:
Monday-Saturday
Departure from port of Dakar 6:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00
p.m., 5:00 p.m. (Except Saturday), 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m.
Departure from Gorée: 6:45 a..m., 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.,
6:00 p.m. (except Saturday), 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m., and 1:00 a.m.
Sundays and holidays
Departure from port of Dakar: 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon,
2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.,
and 12:30 a.m. Sunday or 12:45 a.m. the day before a holiday.
Chaloupe de Gorée
tel: 823 80 06/823 80 09
|
Port autonome de Dakar
tel: 823 45 45 (24h/24h)
Capitanierie: 823 46 46
|
Pilotage
823 17 17
|
http://www.senegalaisement.com
HEALTH SERVICES
Health tips
- The only vaccination required for entry into Senegal is the one for yellow fever. However,
immunization against poliomyelitis, tetanus, typhoid, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and meningitis is
recommended too.
- Take mefloquine tablets regularly (if you have brought some from Canada), or take nivaquine with
paludrine, which is available in Dakar pharmacies, to protect yourself against malaria. Sleep under
mosquito nets and put mosquito cream on before going out in the evening.
- Use condoms to avoid being infected with AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases if you have
sexual relations with someone other than your regular partner.
- Wash your hands before touching food or eating.
- Avoid consuming products (doughnuts, water, fruit) sold by street vendors.
- Never ignore illnesses or symptoms that do not go away, particularly diarrhea; see a doctor
immediately.
- Be wary of dehydration and the effects of long periods of sunbathing.
- Follow the advice of health services on keeping vaccinations up to date.
- In the bush, avoid tall grass because of scorpions and snakes.
- Always take a first aid kit, a mosquito net and anti-malaria products with you when travelling in the
bush; this is vital when children are with you.
- Iron your clothes; flies can lay eggs in your clothes when they are drying on the line.
- Drink filtered or boiled water. It is advisable to give mineral water to babies under one year of age.
- Wash raw vegetables and fruits bought in the market in bleach or permanganate.
- Do not consume raw vegetables and tap water in restaurants, unless the establishment has a very
good reputation.
For further information, contact the Embassy nurse at 823 92 90.
Consultations
Hospitals
Hôpital Principal
Av. Nelson Mandela
Tel.: 839 50 50
Clinics
Clinique du Cap
Av. Pasteur
Tel.: 821 36 27
|
Clinique de la Madeleine
18, av. des Diambars
Tel.: 821 80 74 / 94 70
|
Clinique des Mamelles
Route des Mamelles
Tel.: 820 20 71 / 72 |
Clinique Pasteur
50, rue Carnot
Tel.: 821 24 34/822 13 13
|
|
|
List of physicians by specialty
Dakar has many doctors in nearly all areas of medicine (pediatrics, gynaecology, cardiology,
obstetrics, etc.).
Consulting fees vary
- from 15,000 to 20,000 CFA francs for a specialist
- from 12,000 to 15,000 CFA francs for a general practitioner
Cardiologists
Dr. Massamba Thiam
Hôpital Principal
Tel.: 839 50 50
|
Dr. Adotévi Nyavo Bénédicta
16, rue Victor Hugo
Tel.: 821 51 19
|
Dr. Farouk Mourad
Clinique de la Madeleine
Tel.: 821-80-74
|
Dr. Farid Ghozayel
144, rue Joseph Gomis
Tel.: 821 50 51
|
Surgeons
Dr. Ardo Bâ
14, av. Karim Bourgi x Dr Thèze
Tel.: 822 44 90
|
Dr. Pr. GeaudHôpital Principal
Tel.: 839 50 50
|
Dr. Abdoul Aziz Kassé (oncologist)
Hôpital Le Dantec
Tel.: 823 81 25/825 40 47 (residence)
|
|
Dentists
Dr. Joseph Faye
74, rue Carnot
Tel.: 823 34 51
|
Dr. Aly Attyé
22, Boul. de la République
Tel.: 821 75 68
|
Dr. Anny Husseini
174, avenue Lamine Guèye
Tel.: 821 85 54
|
Dr. Lucien Leconte
10, rue Sandiniéry
Tel.: 822 10 66
|
Drs. Gérard Drouet / Mac-Hoï Chang
180, avenue Lamine Guèye
Tel.: 821-11-58
|
Dr. Henri Canis
55, av. Sarraut, 2nd floor
Tel.: 822 55 07
|
Dr. Mehsen Baalbaki
56, rue Jules Ferry
Tel.: 821 31 15
|
Drs. Alain and Joëlle Vautier
15, rue Foch
Tel.: 821 34 16
|
Dr. Khalil Abdou Khalil
31, rue Kléber
Tel.: 822 92 52
|
|
Dermatologists
Dr. Bassirou Ndiaye
Hôpital Le Dantec
Tel.: 822 57 49 / 822 24 20
|
Dr. Waldemar Daluz
7, rue Kléber
Tel.: 821 45 00
|
Dr. Karim Ndiaye
178, av. Lamine Guèye
Tel.: 821 65 50
|
Dr. Chehadi Souleymane
13, rue Victor Hugo x Mohamed 5
Tel.: 821 94 95
|
Gastroenterologists
Dr. Pape Saliou Mbaye
Hôpital Principal,Boufflers building
Tel.: 839 50 50
|
Dr. Hussein Jouni
Clinique des Madeleines
Tel.: 821 80 74
|
Dr. Isabelle Cabou
45, Boul. de la République
Tel.: 822 60 92
|
Dr. Djimathie Coly
77, av. André Peytavin
Tel.: 821 85 01
|
Dr. Fadel Ndiaye
34-36, rue Wagane Diouf
Tel.: 822 84 08
|
|
Gynaecologists/obstetricians
Dr. Mahmoud Aïdibé
18, av. des Diambars
Tel.: 821 80 74/821 94 70/76
|
Dr. René Beynis
70, boulevard de la République
Tel. 822 59 74
|
Dr. Youssoupha Diallo
Clinique du Cap
tel. 821-56-43 / 822-10-73
|
Dr. Sassoum Lèye Diop
7, boul. Général De Gaulle
Tel.: 821 57 13
|
Dr. Alseyni et Leila Dansokho
Parcelles Assainies, unité 14, villa n°350 Rue 5,
Tel.: 835 16 90
|
Dr. G. Bassinet
av. Birago Diop, Point E
Tel.: 824 22 67
|
Dr. Gérard Fayémi
76 rue Carnot
tel: 822 99 24
|
|
General medicine
Dr. Djoneidi
Rue A x rue 1, Point E 29
Tel.: 825 75 03
|
Dr. Hassan Bahsoun
rue Dr Thèze x Thiong
Tel.: 821 36 14
|
Dr. Robert Rahmi
123, rue Joseph Gomis
Tel.: 821 04 09
|
Dr. Majdi Kaouk
144, rue Joseph Gomis x Kléber
Tel.: 823 46 79
|
Dr. Robert Jaouiche
Boul. de l'est x rue 5, Point E
Tel.: 824 98 02
|
|
Homeopath
Dr. Shanaz Ardekani
Rue A x rue 1, Point E
Tel.: 825 75 03
Ophthalmologists
Dr. Claude Abram
5, avenue Georges Pompidou
(Immeuble Sokhna Anta, 2nd floor)
Tel.: 821 82 66
|
Dr. Jouni Hassan
144, rue Joseph Gomis x Kléber
Tel.: 821 50 51
|
Dr. Alassane Wader Hôpital Le Dantec
Tel.: 822 24 20
|
Orthopedic surgeons
Dr. André Dansokho
Hôpital Le Dantec
Tel.: 822 24 20
|
|
Dr. Issa Sèye
Clinique Pasteur / HGGY / Le Dantec
Tel.: 822-57-70
|
Dr. Moncade
Hôpital Principal
Tel.: 839 50 50
|
Ear, nose and throat specialists
Dr. Issam Attyé
66, boul. de la République x Calmette
(Immeuble Seydou Nourou Tall)
Tel.: 821 77 99
|
Dr. Claude Conessa
Hôpital Principal
Tel: 839 50 50
|
Dr. Malick Diop
Hôpital Le Dantec
Tel.: 822 24 20
|
|
Pediatricians
Dr. Mouhamadou Fall
Hôpital A.Royer, Fann
Tel.: 825 03 08 / 825 04 51
|
Dr.Déogratias Manama
5, rue Calmette
Tel.: 822 15 70
|
Drs. Claude Moreira and Antoinette Bâ
Résidence Mame Fatou Cissé-Bourguiba (Apt. 793)
Tel.: 825 88 50
|
Pr. Léandre Martin
7, rue Kléber
Tel.: 821 45 00
|
Dr. Moussa Hassan
Clinique du Cap
Tel.: 821-24-34 (emergency: 638-65-16)
|
|
Radiologists
Dr. Mbaye Ndoye
41 bis, rue Carnot
Tel.: 821 44 29/821 62 39
|
Dr. Pierre Pineau
41, rue Mohamed V x Victor Hugo
Tel.: 822 56 78 / 821 53 83
|
Urologists
Dr. Aristide Mensah
5, rue Jules Ferry (impasse SGBS)
Tel.: 821 58 24
|
Dr. Boubacar Diallo
Hôpital Principal
Tel.: 839 50 50
|
Dr. Baye Assane Diagne
Clinique Casahous
Tel.: 821 30 30
|
|
Lung specialists
Dr. Ayad Mohamed
13, rue Jules Ferry
Tel.: 822 92 75
|
Dr.Abdoul Almamy
Hôpital Fann
Tel.: 825 19 30 |
Health services (others)
Ambulances
Sapeurs pompiers / fire department (downtown)
Tel.: 18
Service ambulancier de l'Hôpital Principal
Av. Nelson Mandela
Tel.: 839 50 50
Medical analysis
Laboratoire De Souza
130, rue Moussé Diop x Pompidou
Tel.: 821 75 55
|
Laboratoire Discacciati
78, rue Mohamed V x Pompidou, 1st floor
Tel.: 821 66 70
|
Laboratoire Esplan
Rue Mohamed V x Victor Hugo
Tel.: 821 33 14
|
Laboratoire Bio 24 (24h/24, will come to home to take samples)
15, rue Dr Thèze
Tel.: 822 51 51
|
Institut Pasteur
36, av. pasteur
Tel.: 839 92 00
|
Centre de transfusion sanguine [blood transfusions]
Av. Cheikh A.Diop
Tel.: 825 31 24
|
AIDS information
Polyclinique de la Médina SIDA services
Tel.:821 30 09/822 48 64 (association of private Catholic clinics)
Tel.: 821 79 54
Chinese medicine
Cabinet médical chinois
Sicap rue 10
Tel.: 824 46 21
Opticians
Optique Ponty Dakar-Optic
24, av. Georges Pompidou 37, av. Georges Pompidou
Tel.: 821 04 23 Tel.: 821 73 26
Pharmacies
There is always one pharmacy that stays open all night and three that are open
on Sundays and holidays (see the national daily Le Soleil or the free
ad magazines for details). Here are the addresses of some pharmacies:
Pharmacie Aimé Césaire
Rue Aimé Césaire, Fann résidence
Tel.: 825 44 23
|
Pharmacie de la Nation (24h/24)
153, av. Lamine Guèye
Tel.: 823 49 01
|
Pharmacie Drugstore (8h à 0h)
60, av. Pompidou
Tel.: 822 22 27
|
Pharmacie du Théâtre
47, boul. de la République
Tel.: 822 56 66
|
Pharmacie du Point E
Boul. de l'Est, Point E
Tel.: 824 56 04
|
Pharmacie Résidence
Av. Cheikh A. Diop (opposite Relais)
Tel.: 824 23 20
|
Repatriation on medical grounds
In an emergency, some Canadian insurance policies cover repatriation on medical
grounds. It is vital that you check on this with your insurance broker. If you
are not covered, we recommend that you take out insurance from one of the following
companies:
La nationale assurance
5, av. Albert Sarraut
Tel.: 822 10 27 / 822 34 20
|
Central Insurance Broker Agency (CIBA)
40, rue Vincens
Tel.: 823 48 20 / 23 63 53
|
Société nationale d'assurance du Sénéga
Av. Abdoulaye Fadiga
Tel.: 823 41 76
|
La prévoyance assurance
Immeuble Sokhna Anta
Tel.: 823 42 43
|
Sosar Alamane
Immeuble Fadh
Tel.: 822 96 64
|
|
Emergency services
SUMA Assistance
Av.Cheikh Anta Diop
Tel.: 824 24 18
|
SOS Médecin
Rue Parent
Tel.: 821.32.13
|
Ambulance service: well equipped to handle any emergency (cardio-respiratory,
trauma)
Medical evacuation
Home visits: for all types of consultation, around the clock, at reasonable rates
Veterinarians
Dr. Ibrahim Bitar
Point E Route de Opuakam
Tel.: 825 33 44
|
Dr. Armand Senou
Immeuble Rose
Tel.: 824 38 68
|
Dr. Mamadou Touré
SOPELA
41, rue Carnot
Tel.: 821 62 74
|
Dr. Anna Diop
Vetservices
10, Cité TP SOM Hann
Tel.: 832 56 71
|
SCHOOLS
Educational institutions in Senegal meet the requirements of article 1 of decree
77-822 of July 13, 1977. Under this decree, periods of schooling completed in
Senegalese institutions are granted equivalence with schooling completed in
elementary schools, colleges and high schools in France. The purpose is to make
it easier for students to pursue their studies in France or to obtain a statement
of equivalence. Thus schools in Senegal are based on French public schools.
Institution Ste Jeanne d'Arc
147, av. Lamine Guèye
Tel.: 821 30 52
|
Cours Ste Marie de Hann (Marist Fathers)
Hann
Tel.: 832 08 29
|
Lycée français Jean Mermoz
Ouakam
Tel.: 991 11 69
|
École française Rabelais de Ziguinchor
Tel.: 820 29 59
|
École française de Thiès
Tel.: 951 33 84
|
École française Antoine de St Exupéry
de St Louis
Tel.: 961 18 80
|
The following schools are not covered by the decree:
International school of Dakar
Fenêtre Mermoz
B.P. 5126
Tel.: 825 08 71
(Opposite teaching campus)
|
International bilingual high school
Almadies (opposite Méridien Président)
Tel.: 820 49 29
|
Dakar Academy
Route des pères Maristes, Hann
Tel.: 832 06 82
|
École Actuelle Bilingue
Corniche Ouest - B.P. 21901 Dakar
Tel.: 825 48 25
|
Selected preschool institutions:
Les jours heureux
Av. Cheikh Anta Diop
Tel.: 825 09 92
|
Mamadou et Bineta
Sicap Karack
Tel.: 824 29 69
|
Les Dauphins
Ngor
Tel.: 820 09 92
|
Petite école bilingue
Point E
Tel: 864 05 51
|
CULTURE, RECREATION AND LEISURE
Libraries and cultural centres
Institut Fondamental d'Afrique noire(IFAN)
Université Cheikh A. Diop
Tel.: 825 00 90 / 98 90 / 19 90
|
Bibliothèque Universitaire
Université Cheikh A.Diop
Tel.: 825 98 90/ 19 90
|
Council for the Development of Economic and Social Research in Africa
(CODESRIA)
Av. Cheikh A.Diop x canal 4
Tel.: 824 09 20 / 03 74
|
International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Av. Cheikh A. Diop
Tel.: 864 00 00
|
Institut Sénégalo-Britannique
Rue du 18 juin
Tel.: 822 40 23
|
Centre Culturel Blaise Senghor
6, boul. Dial Diop
Tel.: 824 66 00
|
Centre Culturel Français (Dakar)
89, rue Joseph Gomis
Tel.: 821 18 21
|
American Cultural Centre
Av. Abdoulaye Fadiga
Tel.: 823 11 85
|
Bookstores and stationers
Aux Quatre vents
55, rue Félix Faure
Tel.: 22 13 46 / 821 80 83
Open Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
to 6:30 p.m.
Clairafrique
Rue Sandiniéry
Tel.: 22 21 69
Open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Media
Senegal has a press agency (APS), five daily newspapers and many weekly and monthly publications.
Dailies cost between 100 and 200 CFA francs, and weeklies, from 300 to 700 CFA francs. Since
1994, a number of private radio stations have sprung up in addition to the national radio and television
network.
With the Mmds antenna (known as "antenne TV 5"), viewers can watch a number of TV stations,
including TV5, which broadcasts Radio-Canada. news programs. You can buy an Mmds antenna for
about 86,000 CFA francs.
Foreign press
You can buy foreign newspapers and magazines at the Aux Quatre vents and ClairAfrique
bookstores, in department stores and at most newsstands.
Museums
Musée d'art africain de Dakar (IFAN-CAD)
Place Soweto
Tel.: 821 40 15
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission charge. Permanent
exhibits of African instruments, masks, statuettes, and artists' and craftsman's tools.
See museums in Gorée.
Galleries
There are a number of galleries on Mohamed V, Moussé Diop and Félix
Faure streets and along Soumbédioune. Bronze and earthenware objects,
statuettes, sculpted masks, ancient pearls and jewellery, chests and other items
are on display.
Orisha
14, rue Mohamed V
Tel.: 822 56 09
|
Galerie nationale d'art contemporain
19, av. Sarraut
Tel.: 821 25 11
|
Galerie 39
39, av. Pompidou
Tel.: 821 18 21
|
Galerie des artistes réunis
Immeuble Ajar
Rond-point du Point E
|
Nietty Güy
Route des Almadies
Tel.: 820 35 47
|
Antenna
9, rue Félix Faure
Tel.: 822 17 51 / 822 30 10
|
Photos
Difco photo
Rue Malenfant
Tel.: 822 52 30 / 821 32 48
|
Photo ciné Sénégal
Place de l'indépendance
Tel.: 822 14 23
|
Movie theatres
Le Paris
Place de l'Indépendance.
First-run movies
|
Bell' arte
at CICES (Dakar fair)
Weekend shows only
|
Le Plaza Centre
Av. Georges Pompidou
|
Culturel Français (Dakar)
9, rue Joseph Gomis
Tel.: 821 18 21
|
Theatre
Théâtre national Daniel Sorano
45, Boul. de la République
Tel.: 822 17 15
Discotheques and night clubs
Le casino du Cap-Vert
Route de Ngor
Tel.: 820 09 74 / 820 04 80
|
Play Club
(Hôtel Al Afifa)
Tel.: 822 17 24
|
Métropolis
Av. de la République
Tel.: 821 04 72
|
Thiossane Night Club
Sicap rue 10
Tel.: 824 33 15 / 824 60 46
|
Casino Terrou-Bi
Route de la Corniche Ouest
Tel.: 822.06.99
|
Le Mandingo
(Hôtel Téranga)
Tel.: 823 10 44/820 80 13 |
Café-théâtre le Montmartre (jazz)
Av. Sarraut
Tel.: 822 49 70
|
New Tamango (jazz-variety show)
Rue 1 x route de Ouakam, Point E
|
Cultural events
Dak'art
Biennial exhibition of contemporary African art Information and programs
34, rue Dr. Thèze
Tel.: 821 04 71
|
Festival inter-scolaire de théâtre
Alliance franco-sénégalaise de théâtre
2, rue Amadou A.Ndoye
Tel.: 821 08 22
|
Printemps des cordes
Centre culturel français
Tel.: 821 18 21
|
Festival international de Jazz de St-Louis
Centre culturel français de St-Louis
Tel.: 961 15 78 - syndicat d'initiative/St-Louis Jazz Tel.: 961 24 55
|
Sports
Aviation
Aéro-club Iba Guèye, Dakar Yoff
Tel.: 820 04 12
Softball
For the last few years there has been an international softball league in Dakar, with players from
Canada, the U.S., Korea and Japan.
Bowling, pool and snooker, deep-sea diving, bridge
CDPF, Corniche Est
Tel.: 822 21 41
|
Cercle de l'union
Tel.: 821 41 19
|
Hunting
Safari hunting is virtually nonexistent in Senegal. However, there are opportunities
to hunt warthogs, ducks and guinea fowl, which are plentiful in several regions.
Contact the Direction des Eaux et Forêts [Water and forestry directorate]
for information.
Direction des Eaux et Forêts
Hann
Tel.: 832 76 14
|
Sénégal Chasse
Tel.: 821 78 90
|
Canoeing and kayaking
Tel.: 22 56 73
|
Cycling
Bicycle rental, repairs, sales and tours
Bompti sports
73, av. Petavin
Tel.: 822 55 67
Dancing
Centre sports et loisirs
Studio 6, impasse Building Maginot
Tel.: 821 82 32
|
Olympique Club
Corniche ouest
Tel: 822 05 05
|
Horse riding
Cercle de l'étrier
Hann
Tel.: 832 52 63
|
Cercle hippique sportif
km 16, route de Rufisque
Tel.: 834 01 33
|
Riding cap and boots are mandatory.
Golf
Hôtel Méridien
Pointe des Almadies
Tel: 820 15 15/820 21 22
This nine-hole course is mainly on sandy ground, but the greens are in good
condition because they are watered continuously. For the last two years, the
Canadians in Senegal have run their own golf tournament.
Golf-club (18 holes)
Route de Cambérène
Tel.: 822 40 09
|
Golf-club Saly (18 holes)
Saly Portudal
|
Judo, karaté
(dojo-national)
Rue Moussé Diop
Tel.: 822 36 89
|
Yukokaï club
Boul. Dial Diop
Tel.: 824 12 62
|
Olympique club
corniche ouest
Tel: 825 21 98
|
Traditional wrestling
Émile Badiane arenas Stade Iba Mar Diop
Fass Av. Blaise Diagne
Boating
Cercle de la voile
Hann
Tel.: 832 11 52
|
Centre Pehoa
Ngor
Tel.: 820 03 64
|
Swimming pools
Most hotels have one. The Olympic swimming pool located at Point E should open soon.
Scuba diving
Nautilus, plongée loisir
Place de Ngor
Tel: 637 14 22
Drafts
Tel.: 821 10 41
|
Rugby
Tel.: 821 58 58
|
Scrabble
Tel.: 826 10 47
|
Motor sports
Tel.: 951 10 46
|
Tarot
Clos normand
Opposite Saint Dominique church
Av. Cheikh.A.Diop
Tel.: 824 71 62
Tennis
Sporting club
Boul. Roosevelt
Tel.: 821 03 79
|
Olympique club
Corniche Ouest
Tel.: 825 21 98
|
Le club américain
Tél:825 29 08
|
Shooting (pistols)
ADT
Tel.: 821 04 27
|
Gendarmerie de Médina
Tel.: 823 57 42
|
CED, Hann
Tel.: 832 52 83
|
Fishing
Centre de pêche, Ngor
Tel.: 823 10 05
|
Cercle de pêche sportive (open year-round)
Tel.: 821 28 58
|
Fishing is best from May to November.
Jogging
Parcours sportif
Corniche Ouest, near University of Dakar: group jogging, weightlifting and gymnastics on the beach at
dusk.
Beaches
There are naturally many ocean beaches. Swimming is prohibited on some of them, however, because
of currents, fishing, sharks, pollution and other considerations. They are identified by signs with the
words "Baignade interdite" [swimming prohibited] and the skull and crossbones symbol.
Dakar's best beaches for swimming and relaxing are Yoff beach, on the airport road, and Grandes
Mamelles beach, at the foot of the lighthouse. These beaches are somewhat difficult to get to, so you
should ask Canadians who have been living in Senegal for detailed directions.
Popular beaches for surfing and sailboarding on the Almadies coast are as follows: Secret, Secret 2,
No Return, Vivier, Speed Point, Baie des carpes, and Ngor. They are not well known, so you should
go to the "Tribal Surf Shop," where you can buy all the surfing gear you need and get the required
information. There are two routes to the shop: (1) continue along the Chemin de terre du virage past
the "Le GAC" butcher's shop, and it is on your right; (2) take the airport road and watch for the red
sign on the left. There are some smaller beaches near the hotels: Plage du Lagon, Plage du Savana,
Plage de l'Anse Bernard (Corniche Est), and Gorée beach, at the dock.
The most beautiful beaches are on the coast leading to St-Louis, but they are also the most dangerous
because of ocean currents and quicksands. It is therefore not a good idea to swim at these locations.
On the other hand, beaches at the hotels and resorts along this part of the coast are safe.
For your own safety, you should always visit these beaches with people whom you know. We strongly
advise you not to go to the beach at night because of the risk of assault.
EXPLORING SENEGAL
Places to visit in Dakar
Gorée
Gorée Island, three kilometres from Dakar, was discovered in 1444 by the Portuguese, who named it
Palma (Palm island) and turned it into a cemetery. Subsequently, it was the scene of confrontations
between English, Dutch and French merchants. In 1628, the Dutch occupied the island and called it
Goede Reede (good basin). They built forts on it: Nassau, facing the basin, in 1628, and Orange, on
Castel hill, in 1639. The French came in 1677 and called it Gorée, which was a corruption of the Dutch
name. The native people called the island Beer. Whereas the mainland coastline could be dangerous,
Gorée provided ships with a nice, sandy beach, a defensible harbour and a calm basin in which to drop
anchor. Portuguese navigators, such as Bartolomeu Diaz, Vasco de Gama and Fernando Po, and the
poet Camoes (author of the Lusiades) reportedly stayed there.
In 1982, UNESCO declared Gorée Island a World Heritage site, and in recent years it has become a
place of prayer and reflexion and a destination for pilgrims from all over the Black diaspora, and
particularly from the Caribbean and the U.S. A symbol of the Black man's slavery and humiliation, the
island followed in the footsteps of Ouidah in Benin and Cidade Velhe in Cape Verde and played a
major role in the slave trade. Gorée was a staging point for slave ships en route for the Americas. The
Maison des esclaves, which can be visited today, bears witness to the island's tragic past. It was built
in 1776 and was the last slave trading establishment on the island.
Among the mulattoes borne of the unions between French men and Gorée women were the renowned
"signares," mulatto women who counselled and inspired their European spouses and helped to build
Gorée, particularly through their considerable business acumen. Cathy Louette and Anne Pépin are
amongst the most famous. Cathy Louette was the "signare" of the governor Aussenac, and he built
her a large house which is now the dispensary on the Saint Charles Borromée church square. The
Chevalier de Boufflers built a beautiful home for his "signare," Anne Pépin. One of the contemporary
celebrities from the island is Blaise Diagne, the first African député in the French National Assembly;
the house where he was born still stands.
Places to visit:
Maison des Esclaves
(Open every day except Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday,
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
The Maison is located on the left as you arrive at the port. It was built in the late XVIII century.
Slaves were housed on the ground (first) floor, and the second floor was reserved for the slave-masters. Joseph N'diaye, the curator, does a brilliant job of telling the history of the place, bringing
alive the tragic circumstances and the horror of the slave trade.
Musée historique (Fort d'Estrées)
(Open 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Monday, tel.: 822 20 30)
the Fort d'Estrées (1850) is on your right as you disembark. The fort is not unusual militarily but it
does house a treasure--the Musée historique du Sénégal. It has 13 rooms, and 12 of them tell the
history of Senegal from prehistoric times through the ancient kingdoms, the rise of the various ethnic
groups, the slave trade and the colonial period to independence. On display is "Sieudon Man," a 1500-year-old skeleton petrified in sandstone, along with a V-shaped stone that is a megalithic monument.
The thirteenth room is a souvenir shop.
Musée de la femme Henriette Bathily[women's museum]
(Open Tuesday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m.)
Opposite the Maison des esclaves, this museum is dedicated to the memory of a woman fought for
women's rights and was also a person of great culture and learning. Farming tools, musical
instruments, pottery, basket work and photographs bring to life the role of Senegalese women down
through the ages.
Musée de la mer
(Place du Gouvernement, same hours as Musée historique, tel.: 821 50 66)
Built inside the old India Company house (XVIII century), the museum was completely restored in
1995. There are collections of fish (750 species), mollusks (700 species) and crustaceans.
Art Gallery (rue St Germain)
Chez Bigué Ndoye,
Sale of artwork and souvenirs
Gorée launch schedule (See Maritime transportation on page...)
Cour des Orfèvres (formerly Cour des Maures)
69-71, av. Blaise Diagne
Goldsmith and silversmith shops (particularly silver jewellery)
Soumbédioune arts and crafts village
At Soumbédioune. All trades are represented, and the craftsmen and artists demonstrate their skills
and talents. High-quality artwork.
Parc national des îles des Madeleines (Sarpan islands)
Contact Eaux et Forêts [Water and forestry directorate] for a visitor's permit. Take a launch
from Soumbédioune for about 5000 CFA francs. Bring walking shoes and appropriate clothing
for ocean conditions.
Phare des Mamelles [lighthouse]
Magnificent view of the ocean and the peninsula. You can visit on foot or by car.
Parc zoologique et forestier de Hann
Hann, near the offices of the Le Soleil newspaper.
Places to visit outside Dakar
Lac Retba (or Lac rose)
At village of Malika (25 km from Dakar). Microscopic algae oxidize iron in salt water and thus give
the water a pink colour. You can swim there, but because of the salt you spend most of your time
floating, and once you are out of the water, you will have to take a shower to avoid itching.
Refreshment stands and campsite.
Campsites
Îles du Saloum
Launch tours through flocks of birds.
|
Hakuna Matata
tel./fax.: 949 93 25
|
Pélican du Saloum
Tel: 949 93 20
|
Parc national du Djoudj
Located 70 km from St-Louis. Open from November to April and considered the third largest bird
sanctuary in the world. About 3 million birds representing 300 species live alongside crocodiles,
warthogs, pythons and monkeys.
Launch tours starting from Saint-Louis and the hostel. Prices: park admission 2000 CFA francs per
person, 5000 CFA francs for vehicle. Launch crossing 3000 CFA francs per person.
Hostellerie du Djoudj
Tel.: 963 87 05
Parc national du Niokolo Koba
Located 600 km from Dakar near the border with the Republic of Guinea. It is a major wildlife and
plant life reserve: you can see lions, hyenas, hippopotamuses, elephants and monkeys from dawn until
dusk during the dry season (from November to June). Admission: 2000 CFA francs per person per
day, plus a fixed price of 5000 CFA francs for the vehicle, whatever the number of passengers.
Park accommodations:
single room 13,500 CFA francs
double room 18,000 CFA francs
meal 4,200 CFA francs
breakfast 1,200 CFA francs
taxes 400 CFA francs
Safari (park vehicle) 4,500 CFA francs per person for half a day
Practical tips:
- Bring sufficient gasoline with you. There are no service stations between Tambacounda
and Kédougou..
- Bring an anti-malaria spray or cream, binoculars, and map of the park, even if you are
going to be accompanied by a guide.
You can be part of an organized tour of the park, get there by bush taxi ("taxi-brousse") from
Tambacounda, or fly there. For further information, contact the park administration at 981 10 97
Benedictine monasteries of Keur Moussa (monks) and Keur Guilaye (nuns)
About 50 km from Dakar. Ideal conditions--Gregorian chants, peaceful setting--for personal
reflexion and prayer. The nuns produce and sell jam, cheese, fruit, tapes and CDs, and musical
instruments including the kora.
Saly tourism complex
At Mbour, 80 km from Dakar. Huge complex. Several oceanfront hotels in a generally magnificent
setting.
Beaches and scenery of Casamance
Without a doubt, this part of Senegal offers the most enchanting scenery and the finest beaches in the
country. However, the region has seen political troubles in recent years, so you should exercise
considerable caution if you go there. Roadblocks, highwaymen and countless military checkpoints are
now facts of life.
Alongside hotels of varying quality in Ziguinchor (the regional capital) and Cap-Skirring (where there
is a Club Med hotel), there are a number of village campsites promoting integrated rural tourism. They
are managed by the local communities themselves.
Contact the Service régional du tourisme inZiguinchor, tel.: 991 12 68
Tip: Bring lots of water and a first aid kit with you when travelling outside Dakar.
Books on Senegal
If you want to find out more about Senegal's tourism potential and social and cultural practices, the
following books will be of interest to you:
- Dakar, le Guide - Ed. S.A.H.E.L. - 1996
- Le Guide du routard - Ed. Hachette
- Sénégal, Babacar Doro Bâ
- Les publications du Scorpion, 1998
- Senegal, Renaudeau - 1997
- En parcourant le Sénégal (les éditions Gacou -2000)
Websites on Senegal
Primature
http://www.gouv.sn
Ministère du Tourisme
http:///www.gouv.sn/tour
http://www.senagalaisement.com
RELIGION
Churches
Archbishopric
Tel.: 823 69 18
|
|
Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires
Boul. de la République
Tel.: 821 43 64
Masses: 7:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (weekdays)
9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (Sundays)
|
Martyrs de l'Ouganda
Dieuppeul
Tel.: 825 04 10
Masses: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (weekdays)
7:15 a.m.-10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (Sundays)
|
St-Joseph de Médina
Route de Ouakam
Tel.: 822 46 26
Masses: 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (weekdays)
6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (Sundays)
|
Fraternité Saint Dominique
Route de Ouakam
Tel.: 824 26 08
Masses: 7:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (weekdays)
10:00 a.m. (Sundays)
|
Protestant church
Rue Wagnane Diouf
Tel.: 821 55 64
|
|
Mosques
Grande mosquée
Allées pape Guèye Fall
Tel.: 821 53 61
THE CANADIAN COMMUNITY IN SENEGAL
The Canadian community in Senegal comprises the staff of the Embassy, CIDA and the BACC,
volunteer aid workers, and persons (with their families) on assignment with international organizations
and private companies.
There are also many Canadian nationals in religious missions (Catholic congregations, Baptist Church,
Jehovah's Witnesses) and in private Catholic schools.
A few years ago a club was set up for Canadians from all walks of life who are interested in working
together to organize social, sports and cultural activities. The club's most visible event is the annual
golf tournament, which attracts an ever-increasing number of serious and recreational golfers.
Private companies
Canarail (railways)
Contact: André Laporte
Tel.: 951 10 13
|
Tecsult
148 Immeuble Demgélé rue 37x30, Médina
Contact: Farimata Diop
Tel; 822 45 16
|
Lavalin-Inastec
(engineering/environmental studies)
Contact: Etienne Perraton
Tel.: 824 14 36
|
Ba eau bab international
(Water treatment and supply)
Contact: Alioune Ndiaye
Tel.: 824 20 20
|
Chagnon international ltd
Consortium Canado-Sénégalais
(waste collection and disposal)
Contact: Babacar Ndiaye
(Keur Khadim)/Mathurin Ndiaye
Tel.: 834 02 25
|
Le Groupe du scorpion
(publishing/communication)
Rue 1 x F -
Groupe Degemi Point E
Contact: Abdoulaye R. Wane
Tel.: 825 90 26
|
Sorem
(electromechanical repairs)
Contact: Abdoul Aziz Guèye/Michel Dubé
Tel.: 951 20 00
|
Socere lambert Somec
(construction, engineering)
Contact: Richard Normand
Tel.: 832 43 61
|
Groupe Métropolitain en Aménagement
et Transports (GMAT) and Vimax Inc
(parking) B.P. 6270
8, rue Ramez Bourgi Dakar
Contact: Malick Sow
Tel.: 823 89 44
|
Nord-Sud Production
34, rue Docteur Thèze x Sandiniéry
Contact: Gilbert Drouin
Tel.: 823 65 14
|
Public institutions
International Development research
(IDRC) (research)
Av. Cheikh Anta Diop
Contact: Gilles Forget
Tel.: 864 00 00
|
Centre Société Radio Canada
B.P. 16939
Dakar - Fann
Contact: Jean-François Bélanger
|
NGOs
Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)(women's
rights, agriculture)
Boul. de l'Est, Point E
Contact: Sylvain Matte / Babacar Guèye
Tel.: 825 64 14
|
Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) (DID)
(technology transfer)
Contact: Cupidon Sy
Tel.: 835 57 43
|
Développement International Desjardins
(Savings and credit union)
Contact: Sylvie Gauvin
Tel.: 835 92 00 / 01
|
Fondation Paul Gérin Lajoie (PGL)
Regional office Ouest Africa
Contact: Pape Momar Sow
Tel: 865 13 52
|
SOCODEVI
Contact: Serge Beaudry
Tel: 996 19 31
|
International organizations
Conference of Ministers of Education of French-speaking countries
CONFEMEN)
Contact: M. Bougouma Ngom
Tel.: 821 80 07
|
Conference of Ministers of Youth
and Sport in French-speaking Countries (CONFEJES)
Contact: Aimé Ouellet
Tel.: 823 83 49
|
Francophone Business Forum
Contact: Mamadou Diop
Tel.: 823 09 49/834 02 25
|
|
Universities
International Cooperation Centre
For Health and Development (CCISD) (AIDS)
Contact: Dr. Rose Nguessan Lattier
Tel.: 822 48 64
USEFUL NUMBERS
National organizations
Weather
Tel.: 820 08 51
|
Bureau sénégalais des droits d'auteurs (BSDA)
[Senegal copyright office]
Tel.: 822 54 27
|
État civil [Vital statistics]
Tel.: 821 51 21
|
Building administratif [government building]
Tel.: 823 10 88
|
Conseil économique et social
[Economic and Social council]
Tel.: 822 40 88 / 822 31 74
|
Gouvernance de Dakar [Dakar administration]
Tel.: 821 77 35
|
Médiature
Tel.: 822 39 96 /95
|
Préfecture de Dakar [Dakar prefecture]
Tel.: 821 67 22
|
Assemblée nationale
Av. Nelson Mandela
Tel.: 823 67 75 / 823 10 99
|
Chambre de commerce
Place de l'Indépendance
|
Mairie de Dakar [Dakar city hall]
Tel.: 822 53 49
|
Police secours [emergency police service]
Tel.: 17
|
Croix rouge sénégalaise
[Senegalese Red Cross]
Rue Franklin Roosevelt
Tel.: 823 39 92/822 53 69
|
Sapeurs pompiers [Fire department]
Tel.: 18
|
Information
Tel.: 12
|
Commissariat du plateau (central)
[Central police station]
Tel.: 822 29 76
|
Commissariat de Reubeuss
Tel.: 822 08 18
|
Commissariat de Bel-air
Tel.: 832 54 19
|
Commissariat du Point E
Tel.: 824 76 73
|
Commissariat de Dieuppeul
Tel.: 824 26 27
|
|
DISTANCE FROM DAKAR TO...
Bakel |
687 km |
9 h |
Banjul (Gambia) |
305 km |
4 h |
Bissau (Guinea) |
654 km |
8 h 30 min |
Diourbel |
146 km |
2 h |
Fatick |
155 km |
2 h |
Joal |
114 km |
1 h 45 min |
Kaolack |
192 km |
2 h |
Kayar |
58 km |
1 h |
Kédougou |
702 km |
9 h |
Kolda |
670 km |
8 h 40 min |
Louga |
203 km |
2 h 55 min |
Mbour |
83 km |
1 h |
Nianing |
93 km |
1 h 20 min |
Niokolo Koba |
604 km |
7 h 55 min |
Poponguine |
71 km |
1 h |
Richard-Toll |
374 km |
5 h |
Rufisque |
28 km |
30 min |
St-Louis |
264 km |
3 h |
Tambacounda |
467 km |
6 h |
Thiès |
70 km |
1 h |
Touba |
187 km |
2 h 35 min |
Ziguinchor |
454 km |
v |
N.B.: Times may vary with type of vehicle,
state of roads, and traffic density.
|