{"id":1310613,"date":"2026-10-22T14:08:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T14:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?page_id=1310613"},"modified":"2026-10-23T19:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T19:03:39","slug":"senegal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/senegal\/","title":{"rendered":"Senegal"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":1315023,"parent":1302039,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"hw-hub-country","meta":{"footnotes":"","hw_hub_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_hero_image":"","hw_hub_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_why_title":"","hw_hub_why_body":"","hw_hub_why_link_label":"","hw_hub_why_link_url":"","hw_hub_why_cards":"","hw_hub_stats":"","hw_hub_countries_title":"","hw_hub_countries_intro":"","hw_hub_featured":"","hw_hub_regions":"","hw_hub_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_type":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_id":"","hw_hub_hostels_currency":"","hw_hub_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_hostels":"","hw_hub_when_title":"","hw_hub_when_intro":"","hw_hub_seasons":"","hw_hub_costs_title":"","hw_hub_costs_body":"","hw_hub_cost_rows":"","hw_hub_cost_note":"","hw_hub_money_reads":"","hw_hub_rail_title":"","hw_hub_rail_body":"","hw_hub_rail_link_label":"","hw_hub_rail_link_url":"","hw_hub_rail_image":"","hw_hub_routes":"","hw_hub_events_title":"","hw_hub_events_intro":"","hw_hub_events_source":"","hw_hub_events_continent":"","hw_hub_events_count":"","hw_hub_events_cache":"","hw_hub_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_events":"","hw_hub_events_pills":"","hw_hub_reads_intro":"","hw_hub_article_rows":"","hw_hub_show_read_time":"","hw_hub_all_title":"","hw_hub_all_body":"","hw_hub_all_cta":"","hw_hub_trips_title":"","hw_hub_trips_note":"","hw_hub_trips":"","hw_hub_faq_title":"","hw_hub_faq_note":"","hw_hub_faqs":"","hw_hub_cta_title":"","hw_hub_cta_body":"","hw_hub_cta_buttons":"","hw_hub_newsletter_title":"","hw_hub_newsletter_body":"","hw_hub_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_hub_term":"","hw_hub_scope_rows":"","hw_hub_country_hero_eyebrow":"Senegal country guide","hw_hub_country_hero_h1":"Senegal Travel Guide","hw_hub_country_hero_intro":"Senegal is West Africa's easy-going favourite: Dakar's surf, art and mbalax nights, the slave-trade island of Gor\u00e9e, colonial Saint-Louis, mangrove creeks in the Sine-Saloum and the palm-fringed beaches of Casamance. Its famous teranga, or hospitality, makes it a great first trip to the region, and The Gambia is right in the middle.","hw_hub_country_hero_image":"1315023","hw_hub_country_hero_overlay":"medium","hw_hub_country_hero_cta":"Where to go | #cities\r\nWhat it costs | #budget","hw_hub_country_stats":"90 days | Visa-free for UK, EU and US visitors\r\n\u20ac30\u201345 | A backpacker day\r\nCFA 656 | To \u20ac1, fixed rate\r\nNov\u2013May | Dry season","hw_hub_country_intro_title":"What travelling Senegal is actually like","hw_hub_country_intro_body":"Senegal sits on the westernmost tip of mainland Africa, where the Sahel meets the Atlantic. It's one of the most stable countries in West Africa, with a strong sense of national pride and a culture of hospitality known as teranga.\r\n\r\nDakar, the capital, fills the Cap-Vert peninsula with markets, galleries, surf breaks, seafood and a music scene built on mbalax, the rhythm made famous by Youssou N'Dour. A short ferry ride away, Gor\u00e9e Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a moving memorial to the Atlantic slave trade.\r\n\r\nNorth of Dakar, Saint-Louis, the former colonial capital, is a faded, beautiful island town on the Senegal River, with a jazz festival and bird reserves nearby. South of Dakar, the Petite C\u00f4te has beach resorts, and the Sine-Saloum Delta is a maze of mangroves, islands and fishing villages explored by pirogue. In the far south, the Casamance has green forests, Diola villages and Senegal's best beaches at Cap Skirring.\r\n\r\nThe Gambia, a narrow country along the Gambia River, cuts almost all the way into Senegal. It's easy to combine the two, and this guide covers The Gambia below.\r\n\r\nSenegal is a predominantly Muslim country, so dress and behave modestly, especially away from tourist areas. French and Wolof are the main languages, and some French helps a lot.\r\n\r\nTwo weeks covers Dakar and Saint-Louis, with time for a trip to The Gambia or Casamance.","hw_hub_country_facts":"Capital | Dakar\r\nCurrency | West African CFA franc (XOF), fixed at 655.957 to \u20ac1\r\nCash | ATMs in towns; euros easy to change\r\nLanguages | French is official; Wolof widely spoken\r\nVisa | Visa-free up to 90 days for UK, EU and US\r\nPassport | Valid 6 months beyond arrival\r\nProof needed | Onward ticket and accommodation\r\nTime zone | GMT (UTC+0) all year\r\nPlugs and voltage | Type C, D, E and K, 230 V\r\nSIM and eSIM | Orange, Free and Expresso; passport needed\r\nReligion | Mostly Muslim; dress modestly\r\nLaws | Same-sex acts illegal and enforced\r\nBest time to go | November to May","hw_hub_country_cities_title":"Where to go in Senegal","hw_hub_country_cities_intro":"Most trips start in Dakar, then head north to Saint-Louis and south to The Gambia and Casamance. These are the stops that earn their place, with live hostel counts and dorm prices from Hostelworld.","hw_hub_country_cities_live":"1","hw_hub_country_cities":"Dakar | The capital, with Gor\u00e9e Island, surf, galleries, seafood and mbalax nights. |  | 1315021 |  | \nSaint-Louis | UNESCO-listed island town on the Senegal River, with a jazz festival and bird reserves. |  | 1315022 |  | \nCap Skirring | Casamance beach town with Senegal's best beaches and Diola villages nearby. |  | 1315020 |  | ","hw_hub_country_trips_title":"Pick your kind of Senegal trip","hw_hub_country_trips_intro":"Senegal is compact but slow to cross. Choose one or two of these and build your route around them.","hw_hub_country_trip_types":"History and memory | purple | camera | Visit Gor\u00e9e's House of Slaves, Dakar's museums and the colonial streets of Saint-Louis. | Gor\u00e9e Island;Museum of Black Civilisations;IFAN Museum;Saint-Louis walking tour | Gor\u00e9e;Dakar Plateau;\u00cele de N'Dar | Dakar;Saint-Louis | culture\nMangroves and birds | green | sun | Glide through the Sine-Saloum by pirogue and see pelicans and flamingos at Djoudj and the Langue de Barbarie. | Pirogue trips;Birdwatching;Shell island;Village visits | Sine-Saloum;Djoudj;Langue de Barbarie;Joal-Fadiouth | Saint-Louis | nature\nBeaches and surf | blue | beach | Surf in Dakar, swim at Ngor Island and relax on the long beaches of Cap Skirring. | Surfing;Ngor Island;Beach days;Kayaking | Ngor;Yoff;Cap Skirring;Saly | Dakar;Cap Skirring | beaches\nMusic and nightlife | orange | food | Dance to mbalax in Dakar and catch the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival. | Live mbalax;Jazz festival;Beach bars;Dibiteries | Dakar;Saint-Louis;Almadies | Dakar;Saint-Louis | nightlife\nInto The Gambia | teal | train | Cross into The Gambia for beaches, birdwatching and the river, then return to Senegal via Casamance. | Banjul;Kunta Kinteh Island;Makasutu;River trips;Birdwatching | Banjul;Kololi;Juffureh;Janjanbureh | Cap Skirring | road-trips\nFood trail | sunset | food | Eat thieboudienne, yassa and dibi, and learn the three rounds of attaya tea. | Thieboudienne;Yassa;Dibi;Attaya;Caf\u00e9 Touba | Soumb\u00e9dioune;Kermel market;Dibiteries | Dakar | food","hw_hub_country_do_title":"Gor\u00e9e, Saint-Louis and the delta","hw_hub_country_do_body":"Dakar has the most to do. Take the ferry to Gor\u00e9e Island, with its pastel colonial houses and the House of Slaves, a museum and memorial to the Atlantic slave trade. In the city, climb the African Renaissance Monument for views, visit the Museum of Black Civilisations and the IFAN Museum of African Arts, browse the Soumb\u00e9dioune fish market at sunset and take a pirogue to Ngor Island for a swim.\r\n\r\nLac Rose (Lake Retba), north-east of Dakar, is known for its pinkish water in the dry season and the salt collectors who work it.\r\n\r\nSaint-Louis, about 260 km north, is a UNESCO-listed island town reached by the iron Faidherbe Bridge. Wander the colonial streets, watch the fishing pirogues come in at Guet N'Dar, and visit the Langue de Barbarie National Park and the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, one of the most important wetlands for migrating birds in Africa.\r\n\r\nThe Sine-Saloum Delta, south of Dakar, is a UNESCO site of mangroves, islands and shell middens. Explore by pirogue from Toubacouta, Ndangane or Palmarin, and visit Joal-Fadiouth, a village built on an island of shells.\r\n\r\nIn the Casamance, Cap Skirring has long white beaches, and the area around Oussouye has Diola villages, sacred forests and the island of Carabane.\r\n\r\nIn the south-east, Niokolo-Koba National Park and the Bassari country near K\u00e9dougou are remote and closer to the Mali border, where the UK advises particular care.","hw_hub_country_do_points":"Gor\u00e9e Island | House of Slaves and colonial streets\r\nAfrican Renaissance Monument | Views over Dakar\r\nSaint-Louis | UNESCO island town\r\nDjoudj | Bird sanctuary, best November to April\r\nSine-Saloum | Mangroves by pirogue\r\nCap Skirring | Senegal's best beaches","hw_hub_country_do_tag":"things-to-do","hw_hub_country_do_more":"All things to do guides for Senegal","hw_hub_country_food_title":"Thieboudienne, yassa and attaya","hw_hub_country_food_body":"Senegal has some of the best food in West Africa. The national dish is thieboudienne, fish cooked with tomato and vegetables and served on a big platter of rice, with the crispy rice at the bottom the best part.\r\n\r\nYassa is chicken or fish marinated in lemon and onion, and maf\u00e9 is a rich peanut stew with meat. Dibi, grilled lamb or mutton with onions and mustard, is sold at dibiteries in the evening.\r\n\r\nStreet food includes fataya (fried pastries), accara (bean fritters) and grilled corn, and baguettes with fillings are everywhere, a French legacy.\r\n\r\nSeafood is excellent on the coast, especially grilled fish and prawns.\r\n\r\nBissap, a hibiscus drink, and bouye, from baobab fruit, are refreshing. Caf\u00e9 Touba, coffee spiced with Guinea pepper, is sold on street corners, and attaya, sweet green mint tea served in three rounds, is a social ritual.\r\n\r\nGazelle and Flag are the local beers. Alcohol is available but drunkenness is frowned upon. Drink bottled water.","hw_hub_country_food_points":"Thieboudienne | Fish and rice, the national dish\r\nYassa | Chicken or fish in lemon and onion\r\nMaf\u00e9 | Peanut stew\r\nDibi | Grilled lamb at dibiteries\r\nAttaya | Sweet mint tea in three rounds\r\nDrinks | Bissap, bouye and Gazelle beer","hw_hub_country_food_tag":"food","hw_hub_country_food_more":"All food guides for Senegal","hw_hub_country_nightlife_title":"Mbalax, live music and Dakar nights","hw_hub_country_nightlife_body":"Dakar has some of the best nightlife in West Africa. Mbalax, Senegal's high-energy music, plays in clubs and live venues, and big names still perform in the city. Nights start late, often after midnight, and run until dawn at weekends.\r\n\r\nAlmadies, Ngor and Ouakam have beach bars and lounges, and the Plateau and Point E have clubs and live music venues.\r\n\r\nSaint-Louis has a relaxed bar scene and comes alive during its jazz festival, usually in late May or early June.\r\n\r\nOn the Petite C\u00f4te, Saly has beach bars and clubs.\r\n\r\nSenegal is a Muslim country, so be discreet with alcohol in public, especially during Ramadan. Use taxis at night, and avoid walking on beaches or the Corniche after dark.","hw_hub_country_nightlife_points":"Dakar | Mbalax clubs, late nights\r\nAlmadies and Ngor | Beach bars and lounges\r\nSaint-Louis | Jazz festival, usually late May\r\nSaly | Beach bars and clubs\r\nAt night | Taxis; avoid beaches and the Corniche\r\nAlcohol | Be discreet, especially in Ramadan","hw_hub_country_nightlife_tag":"nightlife","hw_hub_country_nightlife_more":"All nightlife guides for Senegal","hw_hub_country_transport_title":"Sept-places, the TER and The Gambia","hw_hub_country_transport_body":"Sept-places, shared seven-seat estate cars, are the classic way to travel between towns. They leave from gares routi\u00e8res (bus stations) when full, and fares are fixed per seat. In Dakar, most leave from the Gare des Baux Mara\u00eechers in Pikine. Bigger buses and minibuses are cheaper but slower. Agree on the price before you board.\r\n\r\nDakar's TER commuter train runs from the city centre to Diamniadio, and the Sunu BRT rapid bus crosses the city. Blaise Diagne International Airport is about 50 km from Dakar, linked by shuttle buses and taxis.\r\n\r\nFor Casamance, the Dakar\u2013Ziguinchor ferry runs along the coast overnight, and Air Senegal flies to Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring.\r\n\r\nThe Gambia is easy to reach. From Dakar, roads run south through Kaolack to the border at Karang, then to Barra, where an old, often overcrowded ferry crosses the river to Banjul. The UK warns the ferry has safety problems and suggests the Senegambia Bridge near Farafenni, further east, as an alternative. The crossing from the Casamance at S\u00e9l\u00e9ty is the other main route.\r\n\r\nRoads are generally good, but many taxis and minibuses aren't roadworthy, and driving at night is risky.","hw_hub_country_transport_points":"Sept-place | Shared cars; fixed fare per seat\r\nDakar to Saint-Louis | About CFA 5,000 by sept-place\r\nAirport | About 50 km; shuttle or taxi\r\nTo Casamance | Overnight ferry or flight\r\nTo The Gambia | Via Karang and Barra, or S\u00e9l\u00e9ty\r\nBanjul ferry | Overcrowded; bridge at Farafenni is an alternative","hw_hub_country_transport_tag":"transport","hw_hub_country_transport_more":"All transport guides for Senegal","hw_hub_country_money_title":"What Senegal costs in 2026","hw_hub_country_money_body":"Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), fixed at 655.957 to the euro, so \u20ac1 is about CFA 656. Euros are easy to change.\r\n\r\nATMs are common in Dakar and the main towns, and cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for sept-places, markets and rural areas. Use ATMs and reputable exchange bureaux, as fake notes are a risk.\r\n\r\nHostelworld lists only a handful of hostels, in Dakar and Saly, with dorm beds from about US$12 to US$15. Budget auberges and guesthouses in Saint-Louis start from about CFA 6,000 a bed.\r\n\r\nFood is good value. A plate of thieboudienne or yassa at a local restaurant costs a few euros, and a restaurant meal in Dakar around \u20ac8 to \u20ac15.\r\n\r\nA sept-place from Dakar to Saint-Louis costs about CFA 5,000 a seat, and the Gor\u00e9e ferry about CFA 5,000 return for foreigners.\r\n\r\nOn a budget, allow around \u20ac30 to \u20ac45 a day.","hw_hub_country_money_points":"Currency | CFA franc; about CFA 656 to \u20ac1\r\nDorm bed | From about US$12 on Hostelworld\r\nAuberge bed | From about CFA 6,000\r\nLocal meal | A few euros\r\nRestaurant meal | About \u20ac8\u201315 in Dakar\r\nFake notes | Use ATMs and reputable bureaux","hw_hub_country_money_tag":"budget","hw_hub_country_money_more":"All budget guides for Senegal","hw_hub_country_safety_title":"Staying safe in Senegal","hw_hub_country_safety_body":"Senegal is generally safe, but the UK says robbery, burglary and assault have become more common in Dakar, sometimes with weapons, and pickpocketing and bag-snatching are rising. Be careful after dark, don't walk alone and keep valuables out of sight.\r\n\r\nAt the airport, bogus drivers may claim to know you. Pre-arrange transport and ask for ID.\r\n\r\nDemonstrations are frequent in Dakar and other cities and can turn violent and block roads, including the airport road. Foreigners have been prosecuted for joining unauthorised protests.\r\n\r\nThe UK advises taking particular care in remote areas near the borders with Mali and Mauritania, where armed groups operate in neighbouring countries. In the Casamance, it advises being alert for clashes, especially near the Gambian and Guinea-Bissau borders, though the risk is lower in the main tourist areas. Don't travel at night there, and stick to main roads.\r\n\r\nSame-sex sexual acts are illegal and the law is enforced. In March 2026, prison sentences were raised to 5 to 10 years, and \"promotion\" of homosexuality was criminalised. Drug penalties are severe.\r\n\r\nDress and behave modestly, especially during Ramadan and at religious sites.","hw_hub_country_safety_points":"Dakar crime | Robberies and bag-snatching rising\r\nAirport scams | Pre-arrange transport\r\nProtests | Avoid; foreigners prosecuted\r\nBorders | Care near Mali and Mauritania\r\nCasamance | Lower risk in tourist areas; no night travel\r\nLaws | Same-sex acts illegal, 5\u201310 years","hw_hub_country_safety_tag":"safety","hw_hub_country_safety_more":"All safety guides for Senegal","hw_hub_country_entry_title":"Visas, The Gambia and paperwork","hw_hub_country_entry_body":"UK, EU and US passport holders can visit Senegal without a visa for up to 90 days. You must show proof of return or onward travel and arranged accommodation, or you may be refused entry.\r\n\r\nYour passport must be valid for at least six months after you arrive.\r\n\r\nYou need a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, including transiting through one. It's worth having one anyway, as neighbouring countries may require it.\r\n\r\nFor The Gambia, UK visitors don't need a visa and get a 28-day stamp on arrival, which can be extended twice from the Immigration Office in Banjul. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay. Make sure you get both your Senegal exit stamp and Gambia entry stamp at the border; the UK warns that tours offered by beach touts often skip immigration procedures, which can lead to detention.\r\n\r\nCheck the latest rules for your nationality before travelling.","hw_hub_country_entry_points":"Visa | Visa-free up to 90 days for UK, EU and US\r\nProof | Onward ticket and accommodation\r\nPassport | 6 months' validity\r\nYellow fever | If arriving from a risk country\r\nThe Gambia | UK: 28 days visa-free, extendable\r\nBorder stamps | Get exit and entry stamps","hw_hub_country_entry_tag":"travel-tips","hw_hub_country_entry_more":"All travel tips guides for Senegal","hw_hub_country_season_title":"When to go to Senegal","hw_hub_country_season_intro":"November to May is the dry season and the best time to visit, with sunny days and cool sea breezes in Dakar. December to February is the coolest. The rainy season runs from about July to October, hottest and most humid, with heavy rain in the Casamance.","hw_hub_country_season_note":"Temperatures are average daily highs in Dakar (weather2travel climate data). Inland and in the Casamance it is much hotter, often above 35\u00b0C before the rains. Crowd levels are our own rough estimate.","hw_hub_country_season_rows":"January | 26 | 4 | Cool and dry; Djoudj birds\r\nFebruary | 27 | 4 | Dry and breezy\r\nMarch | 27 | 4 | Dry; good surf\r\nApril | 27 | 4 | Dry; Independence Day\r\nMay | 28 | 3 | Saint-Louis Jazz (usually)\r\nJune | 30 | 2 | Hotter; rains approaching\r\nJuly | 30 | 2 | Rains begin\r\nAugust | 30 | 2 | Wettest; Magal of Touba (date varies)\r\nSeptember | 31 | 2 | Hot and humid\r\nOctober | 31 | 2 | Rains ending\r\nNovember | 30 | 3 | Dry season returns\r\nDecember | 28 | 4 | Cool; Fanals in Saint-Louis","hw_hub_country_budget_title":"How much a day in Senegal costs","hw_hub_country_budget_intro":"Pick a travel style and the number of nights to see a rough total. Figures are per person per day in euros, based on hostels or auberges, local food, sept-places and a mix of sights.","hw_hub_country_budget_note":"Rough figures for 2026, converted from CFA francs (fixed at 655.957 to \u20ac1). Pirogue trips and guided tours add to these.","hw_hub_country_budget_rows":"Shoestring | 11 | 6 | 5 | 5\r\nMiddle of the road | 25 | 15 | 10 | 12\r\nComfortable | 70 | 30 | 25 | 25","hw_hub_country_budget_currency":"\u20ac","hw_hub_country_events_title":"Festivals and events in Senegal","hw_hub_country_events_intro":"Religious festivals, music events and national days shape the Senegalese calendar.","hw_hub_country_events_source":"api","hw_hub_country_events_country":"senegal","hw_hub_country_events_count":"8","hw_hub_country_events_cache":"24","hw_hub_country_events_cta_label":"All events in Senegal","hw_hub_country_events_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/events\/africa\/senegal\/","hw_hub_country_events":"Independence Day | 4 April | Nationwide | Public holiday marking independence in 1960. |  | \nSaint-Louis Jazz Festival | Usually late May or early June | Saint-Louis | One of Africa's best-known jazz festivals. |  | \nTabaski (Eid al-Adha) | Dates vary each year | Nationwide | The biggest Muslim festival in Senegal; transport is very busy. |  | \nGrand Magal of Touba | Dates vary each year | Touba | Pilgrimage of the Mouride brotherhood, drawing millions of pilgrims. |  | \nLes Fanals | Between Christmas and New Year | Saint-Louis | Lantern parade unique to Saint-Louis. |  | ","hw_hub_country_hostels_title":"Top-rated hostels in Senegal","hw_hub_country_hostels_intro":"Senegal has only a few hostels on Hostelworld, in Dakar and Saly. Most budget travellers also use auberges and guesthouses. Here are the best-rated right now, with live prices.","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_label":"All hostels in Senegal","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/africa\/senegal\/","hw_hub_country_hostels_source":"api","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_type":"country","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_id":"196","hw_hub_country_hostels_currency":"EUR","hw_hub_country_hostels_count":"12","hw_hub_country_hostels_cache":"12","hw_hub_country_hostels":"","hw_hub_country_team_title":"","hw_hub_country_team_intro":"","hw_hub_country_team":"","hw_hub_country_faq_title":"Senegal travel FAQs","hw_hub_country_faq_note":"Visa, price and safety details were checked in October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with official sources before you travel.","hw_hub_country_faqs":"Do I need a visa for Senegal? | UK, EU and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. You need proof of onward travel and accommodation, and your passport must be valid for six months.\r\nIs Senegal safe for backpackers? | Generally yes. Crime is rising in Dakar, so don't walk alone at night and keep valuables hidden. Avoid protests, take care near the Mali and Mauritania borders, and don't travel at night in the Casamance.\r\nHow do I get from Senegal to The Gambia? | From Dakar, travel south via Kaolack to the Karang border, then take the ferry from Barra to Banjul, or cross the Senegambia Bridge at Farafenni. From the Casamance, cross at S\u00e9l\u00e9ty. Get your exit and entry stamps.\r\nDo I need a visa for The Gambia? | UK visitors don't need a visa and get a 28-day stamp on arrival, which can be extended twice in Banjul.\r\nWhat currency does Senegal use? | The West African CFA franc, fixed at 655.957 to the euro. Euros are easy to change, and ATMs are common in towns.\r\nHow do I get around Senegal? | By sept-place, shared seven-seat cars that leave when full, or by bus. In Dakar, use taxis, the TER and the BRT. Flights and an overnight ferry serve the Casamance.\r\nWhen is the best time to visit Senegal? | November to May, the dry season. Birdwatching at Djoudj is best from November to April.\r\nIs Senegal safe for LGBT+ travellers? | No. Same-sex acts are illegal and the law is enforced, with sentences raised to 5 to 10 years in March 2026. Discretion is essential.\r\nHow long do I need in Senegal? | Two weeks covers Dakar and Saint-Louis, with time for The Gambia or the Casamance.","hw_hub_country_cta_title":"Say yes to hostels, meet the world","hw_hub_country_cta_body":"Compare Senegal hostels: live prices, real reviews and free cancellation on most bookings. Then meet the people already there in the app.","hw_hub_country_cta_buttons":"Find a hostel in Senegal | https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/africa\/senegal\/\r\nGet the app | https:\/\/hostelworld.onelink.me\/IdiK\/f5a50nhd","hw_hub_country_newsletter_title":"Get the good stuff monthly","hw_hub_country_newsletter_body":"New city guides, deals and route ideas. 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