Secure the best Cheap Flights to Senegal and explore West Africa today

This is the most popular time for UK travelers. The weather is dry and cool, making it ideal for exploring Dakar or going on safari.

Temperatures begin to rise, but it remains dry. This is a great time for bird watching and finding lower airfares.

The rainy season starts, bringing lush green landscapes. It is hot and humid, but you can find the cheapest flights.

The rains subside and the weather becomes clearer. This shoulder season offers a balance of good weather and fair prices.

Navigating Senegal is an adventure in itself. In cities like Dakar, 'car rapides'—brightly painted minibuses—are the most common and cheapest way to travel, though they can be crowded. For longer distances, 'sept-places' (seven-seat station wagons) are the standard. They depart when full and connect all major towns. If you prefer more comfort, private taxis are widely available; always negotiate the fare before starting your journey as meters are rarely used. For a unique experience, the train between Dakar and Diamniadio is modern and efficient. When traveling to the Casamance region, the overnight ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor is a popular and scenic choice. Always carry small denominations of West African CFA francs for transport fares, as drivers rarely have change for large notes.

Senegal offers a diverse range of places to stay, from luxury Atlantic resorts to traditional eco-lodges. In Dakar, you will find international hotel chains mainly in the Plateau district and Almadies. For a more authentic feel, look for 'campements' in rural areas like the Sine-Saloum Delta. These are often family-run and provide a great insight into local life. Saint-Louis is famous for its charming boutique hotels housed in restored colonial buildings. If you are visiting the beach areas like Saly, all-inclusive resorts are common. For budget travelers, hostels are appearing in Dakar, but guesthouses remain the most reliable low-cost option. It is advisable to book ahead during the peak winter season (December to February) and during the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival in May, as the best spots fill up quickly.

Senegal is known as the 'Land of Teranga' (hospitality), and social interactions are highly valued. Always greet people with 'Salam Alaikum' and expect a lengthy exchange of pleasantries before getting down to business. It is polite to use your right hand for greeting, eating, and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean. As a predominantly Muslim country, modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites or rural villages. Ask for permission before taking photos of people. If invited to a home for a meal, you will likely eat from a communal bowl on the floor; wait for the host to start and stay within your section of the bowl. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill in restaurants or giving a small amount to porters is a kind gesture that is always appreciated.

Senegalese food is often cited as the best in West Africa. The national dish is Thieboudienne, a flavorful combination of fish, rice, and vegetables cooked in tomato sauce. Another must-try is Yassa, which is chicken or fish marinated in a spicy lemon and onion sauce. For a snack, try 'pastels'—small fried fish turnovers. Street food is ubiquitous, but ensure it is freshly cooked and hot. Drink bottled water only and avoid ice in drinks outside of major hotels. Local juices like Bissap (hibiscus) and Bouye (baobab fruit) are delicious and refreshing. Tea drinking, or 'Ataya', is a ritual involving three rounds of increasingly sweet mint tea; participating in this is a great way to bond with locals. While alcohol is available in many restaurants and hotels in tourist areas, it is less common in holy cities like Touba.