Senegal

[Misinformation]

The poster below has the impression that Dakar is boring. Dakar is not Rio. Senegal is a Muslim country.

For the first time visitor, you will find that it sucks. Taxis will cheat you. Everyone is Muslim so you can't ask around for advice. Ask a taxi and they will take you to Africa Star and you will be robbed. (not could be. I said will be). Loud, noisy, pickpocket every block, taxis cheating, nobody speak English. Dakar is hell.

But there are bars like Top 50 where you can enjoy $4 beers and you are the only customer and there are 8 BEAUTIFUL girls who want to get to know you better. Not "I fuck you 6 hours $20". She is making $2 a day to stand around looking sexy, your invitation is a better deal. Don't say "I'll give you xxxx for xxxx". Just say show me around town, lets have a dinner. When she leaves give her money. How much money? Everyone says 10,000CFA ($20).

We get married and castrate ourselves and think nothing when our wives have a closet with 99 pairs of shoes with an average cost of $50. What satisfaction did you get when you gave your wife a $75 pair of shoes? American girl spends $20 in Starbucks. I worked in Long Island and used to see the fat 50 year old women who shopped all day. Yes you fat fuck, these shoes make you look beautiful.

Sorry for ranting.

[Tomwannabe]

One of my best friend has an house in Senegal, in the Sine Saloum area. He told me that ten years ago Senegal was a paradise for Europeans but that now it is very difficult to find a girl for the night.

From his point of view, the main reason is the fact that Senegalese are more and more influenced by islam. They have always been muslims but in the past they were more opened than now. Fanatism is increasing even in Africa.

If a girl is going with Europeans, she will be harrassed and insulted by local boys. She can really have problems. Most of the girls are not taking the risk. They are under the pressure of the communauty.

This friend was in love with Senegal but this year he will sell his house and spent the winter in Thailnd.

End of the love story with Senegal.

Funny to read this but it ties in what an expat told me (since years in Africa - diamond exploration) that Senegal was nice many years ago. Now it's only expensive and boring. Guess, Senegal is ok to get started as a more "tame" country in Africa but as such not too exciting/entertaining. I read other reports about police checks. None of this happened to me in 2002. So, seems thing have become unpleasant judging by the recent reports.

[KuntaKinte]

Yes I would agree with Misinformation regarding the accurate post by Screwed Up.

I've been here in Dakar the past 3 months, will be leaving soon before Christmas. Basically what I've discovered whilst here:-

Texas Saloon
Basically this pub/disco attracts the majority of the foreign expats that visits Dakar. I would say its one of the better pubs/disco's around the Dakar city centre area. Here you'll find all sorts of visitors from the French military (usually during Fridays and Saturdays), the recent Spanish police (they work as observers on the joint effort Spain-Senegal patrol boats on the coast), some German and Finish people working on the boats that ports here as well as some other regular expats.

Girls wise, difficult to say. The girls you get here are the more decent ones found (unlike Africa Star). The girls usually move between bars. Girls found here you will see as well at La Scala and sometimes Alexandra.

The crew behind the bar are one of the best I would say. There is a total of about 8 girls working the bar. As to my knowledge, the girls working the bar are not allowed to go out with customers. This said I'm sure a "one off" outing would be possible although they finish work at 6AM and are not allowed to leave earlier.

For those who does not speak French or Wolof, ordering drinks is not a problem although striking up a decent conversation would be. There used to be a fairly well spoken bargirl but she's left since. The next best thing is another bargirl but her english is limited but understandable, and she should understand you as well. The rest are French speaking.

La Scala
More grandeur disco. Here you'll get the higher class working girls. There is a group of Ivory Coast girls that frequent this bar. You'll spot them out (fairer and classier looking). For myself, I do not like this place as much as its big and overcrowded on weekends. Also during the Ramadan period, the corrupt police will set road blocks on the road parallel to the port. Basically you use this road on your way out of Scala, taxi drivers will use this most times. Anyway the police will stop you and ask for your papers. If you don't have them they'll "freighten" you by saying they'll need to haul you up to the station. This being intimidation so that you'll bribe them. And most times the taxi drivers are in on this as well. They'll take a cut from that or say to you that they've negotiated a discounted bribe therefore permits an extra bonus taxi fee from you. Always travel with your papers at night!! Never give in to them.

Alexandra
Over the road from Texas. Pretty tame compared to the rest like the others has mentioned. The bar manageress there is a cute button looking thingy though. Nice boobs. Older girls work this bar.

Skynet
Around the corner from Alexandra and Texas. Also can be a wild place if the time is right, usually weekends. Again an attraction to the French military personnel.

Le Viking
Good place if you like a pub setting with live bands on certain nights. Great Poulet Yassa (local chicken dish). They serve food as well which is a bonus. Some working girls usually dine here before setting off to "work" at other pubs.

Imperial Bar
Located on the Place de Indepence circle. A restaurant cum bar. Closes at 2AM. One of the few pubs that serve Flag on tap. There is a beauty that works there (ex-model). They have both warm and cool climate bars as well as a sitting area out front. Good for the cooler temperature months.

Le Patio
This is located around the Almedies area near the airport. Been there on the opening night and have not been back since.

The four pubs listed above are owned by the same people. There are shared between 3 French guys, with different shares in each.

Africa Star
Like Misinformation and Screwed Up described exactly. Low down dirty place if that's your taste.

Le Tropique
Used to be good but not of late. Size wise similar to Africa Star but not as dirty.

Le Nil
I usually stumble to this place after a night out. Girls there can be wild if the mood is right.

Black and White
Like Misinformation and Screwed Up described.

Iguane
Basically a disco patronised by the local Lebanese community in Dakar.

Iguana
A disco located on the ground floor or Cafe de Rome. Have not been here but I was told caters to up class Dakar-lites.

Tips:
Be careful when you walk (especially intoxicated) around the Avenue Ponty area. There are pick pockets around. They'll usually come up to you in groups of 2-3 people. One disctracts you by pretending to sell you something. The other will start to tug on your pants. Once you look down and try to get him to stop, the other supposedly seller will pick your pockets. If you are carrying a bad, make sure the zips are closed and that you carry them in sight. Backpacks to go in front not the back. Taxi fares around the centre should be at most 1000CFA. Make sure you have small 1000CFA notes handy, once you reach your destination just shove that into the drivers hand and walk away. Once you give the driver anything bigger than 1000CFA, be prepared to argue for your change. This of course will be a bloody task if you're non French speaking. Trust me.

Basically the disco's starts picking up after midnight. They'll open at 10PM but you'll be one of the few there.

Cost of normal working girls are usually between the 10k to 15k CFA range. Don't pay anything more than that. Be prepared when the girl asks you for extra money before she leaves. Just tell them no and get them on their way. Being in a majority Muslim country like Senegal, you'll have the upper hand in any arguements though be reasonable. Also be careful, they might fall in love with you and ask you to marry them!!

I've also heard that there are a couple of message parlours to be found in Dakar. I have not been to any myself.

You will most probably stumble upon Dakar men offering their services as guides. I won't waste my time with them. You'll be better off with info found on this Forum.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

[Misinformation]

I would like to comment on the post from user 'screwed up' below on this topic.

I am living in NYC now but I lived in Dakar from 2003-2005 and visited about 20 times since 1990. I know the city well. I posted some ads below.

I would like this printed in bright red ink.

The posting from 'screwed up' is the most accurate and up to date information that you will ever find on a site of this nature. I know the city very well and the accuracy is amazing.

You mention Top 50. Place sucked. It was interesting. You walk into a little empty bar with about 8 hotties, buy your $4 beer. Sit at the bar with 5 desperate women begging you to buy them a $10 glass of champagne (apple juice).

I know Dakar. In the center there are a lot of places but they are owned by the same people. One french guy owns Le Viking, Texas, La Scala and the place at the north end of Place d'Independence. If a girl starts trouble then she is banned. Then Black & white (hit or miss), Alexandra (great but not for xxx), skynet sucks, le siren is where you go at 4AM when there is noplace else.

That is centre-ville Dakar. Now if you are travelling to night spots in Ouakam, Medina, etc... and it is late (after 1AM) anything goes. No mafia power to keep the bad girls out. No foreigners to attract the girls. I have met real nice friends years ago who I still email. Pushing a young lady out your door while deflecting her arm which holds a coke bottle she is trying to hit you with.

My summary for Dakar. The tourist bars in centre-ville are not to be treated as PFP. Meet a girl you like (pretend you are Brad Pitt), take her to the bar, buy her a drink and just take her with you to wherever. In the end just say whaaaaaaat? I thought you love me. I don't have money. Here is $20. What is your number.

Africa star exception. It is a rough place. Personally when I visit Dakar I frequent the place. Kicking back with five gorgeous women crowded around you massaging your shoulders and feeding you peanuts in a nice memory.

Dakar is cool. My descriptions suck. The other guy is more accurate.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

[Screwed Up]

I spend two nights in Dakar the first week of September Wednesday and Thursday. We were supposed to stay untill Sunday but we changed our itinerary to leave earlier to Nairobi on Friday.

There are big road constructions anywhere and traffic is hell. More traffic jams than Manilla.

First impression of the city was that it reminded us of Douala, Cameroon. Lots of garbage along the streets, crappy buildings,...
Same counts for the clubs. Expensive drinks 3500 to 5000 francs per drink.
The biggest difference though was the girls, unlike Cameroon, weren't aggressive at all. In fact most of them looked uninterested and instead of them throwing themselves at you, you had to call them over.
Also a lot of girls said they were hostesses in the club and could not leave untill 4-5 am in the morning. I had that happen twice, once in La Scala and once in Skynet around the corner of Texas (not to be confused with Skyner close to Cape Vert casino and disco).

The only bar were the girls approached us more was Africa Star. That's where we picked up this tiny skinny apple butted Liberian cocksucker. We drowned her in a double facial. What a girl.
Most girls in Africa Star will approach you faster than the ones in the other clubs.

Prices for the girls seem same as in Douala, anywhere between 10-20 USD.

On our first night we checked all the places on this board: Texas, Alexandra (across Texas, older women), Skynet (corner of Texas, empty), La Scala, Black & White, Africa Star, Le Siren (empty, ugly chicks, we went around 4am). Top 50 was said to be closed. The better places seemed to be Texas, La Scala and Africa Star.
In all clubs girls dance while looking at themself in the mirror sometimes without paying any attention to potential clients.

My buddy picked up a SW the next night around 6am. Contrary to what some might believe some very attractive girls in the streets. After all the clubs close around 4-5am. The action was in Av. Albert Sarraut.
Hotel Croix du Sud is also located in this street, next to the Place d'Independence. They quoted us 55,600 for a single, 66,200 for a double and 90,000 for a suite. 4 hrs of wifi cost 5000.
We found most SW's on a street behind Av. Albert Sarraut. on the block where Hotel Marche is. The street in front of you on the left side after Av. Albert Sarraut when you walk away from the Novotel.
My buddy paid one 25 USD, I told him that was way too much. But he has high standards so I'm sure she was worth it.

Thursday we also went to Skyner and the disco downstairs the Cape Vert casino around 3-4am. Both were packed and had a very local vibe. Tons of local guys. Girls with an uninterested attitude. Both had an entrance fee which comes with a free drink.

We stayed in the novotel for 64,000 francs (100 euro) per night although we made reservations online for 93 euro.
Clean nice rooms with free wifi included. Big pool. Except for the price issue a good hotel.

The first thing a girl says when you ask her how much for the night is "where are you staying?". The more expensive your hotel, the more money she will ask. Off course if you are willing to sweet talk them, the price goes down.

Cabs anywhere downtown at night 1000 francs per trip.
Cab to casino cape vert at night from place d'independence 3000 francs.

ID's: most if not, all girls will carry their ID's on them and the hotel will ask them to leave it at the reception. Make sure your girl has an ID with her to avoid all hassle. Although it is possible to sign her in without, it will result in a long French discussion first. If she doesn't have an ID she will borrow one of her friends. Although she's not the girl in the picture ID, the hotel shouldn't make any trouble about that. They don't really care.
Note: this comment also applies to Douala, Cameroon.

Police: One night the police stopped us and asked for our pasports. I didn't have mine with me. My friend did. Just like in Douala I offered the cop that he could take me in and my friend would go and get my passport. He didn't like that. Said I would have to spend the night in jail. I said why, that's the punshment for not having my passport? How much is the fine? And the cab driver said I should give the cop some money. I said how much? The whole conversation went on like this for a couple of minutes basically everybody repeating himself. They wanted a bribe but nobody would say how much. I just played dumb saying "what" and "excuse me" a couple of times. In the end the cop said: look, watch out, don't make me stop you once more without having your passport with you. I said ok and that was that.
Now the cab driver wanted some extra money as he said he spoke to the cop in my favour. Yeah right, all he did was tell me to bribe the cop. These guys crack me up.

Conclusion: fun is to be had in Dakar, but there are better and cheaper places in West Africa. And no, you do not get what you pay for. I don't think the girls are as hot as so many reports state.

My personal African monger top:
Accra
Mombasa
Nairobi
Douala
Dakar
Jo'burg
Lagos
Cape Town

[Poupard2000]

One of my best friend has an house in Senegal, in the Sine Saloum area. He told me that ten years ago Senegal was a paradise for Europeans but that now it is very difficult to find a girl for the night.

From his point of view, the main reason is the fact that Senegalese are more and more influenced by islam. They have always been muslims but in the past they were more opened than now. Fanatism is increasing even in Africa.

If a girl is going with Europeans, she will be harrassed and insulted by local boys. She can really have problems. Most of the girls are not taking the risk. They are under the pressure of the communauty.

This friend was in love with Senegal but this year he will sell his house and spent the winter in Thailnd.

End of the love story with Senegal.

[Safariman]

I intend to go to ZIGUINCHOR next month, coming from the Gambia. Can anybody tell me where the action is? Street action or clubs or Hotels where the girls are nearby or inside?

Puk

Pietjepuk, in Ziguinchor weinig geluk! I came through on my way to Guinea Bissau, also overland from the Gambia in 2004. I stayed in a cheap hotel: no one! I walked the streets: all ready for a friendly chat in french, but nothing else. I stayed a night in the most expensive hotel: also nothing. You are better off going to Dakar or Guinea Bissau. Visa for Guinea Bissau at the embassy near the hospital at the sea (Bakau area?) for little. Guinea Bissau is paradise with very willing and beautiful girls and dirt cheap.

[Retired Army]

If you want a quite little place, try the bar in the lobby of the Lagon II. Several "ladies" hang out there early in the evening. The girls are well known to the bartenders and management doesn't mind if they accompany you to your room.

[Pietjepuk100]

I intend to go to ZIGUINCHOR next month, coming from the Gambia. Can anybody tell me where the action is? Street action or clubs or Hotels where the girls are nearby or inside?

Puk

[Oh Dear]

I am leaving for Dakar on 29 June and would also appreciate some of the better nightclub's names.

Thanks!

[Member #1955]

Hey friends,

A friend of me must travel to Dakar. He asked me where to go out. I promised to look for it. I found some older tips here.

Can someone give me actual tips where he can dance (discotheques), meet some girls and what price he has to pay?

Thanks a lot

[Small Buterfly]

I did not travel for mongering, but hopped to have more opportunitinies.

I spent 3 days in SAINT LOUIS DU SENEGAL, historic big city near Mauritania. Nights, almost only men on streets, so I went in 3 discotecs in old center.

A french had told me there were ladies in Laser under the casino and L'iguana but I only saw 2 elderly in l'iguana and another not very good looking approached me in front of Laser, promissing me "massage".

So I did nothing.

Moreover, I was sad seeing that the few western women there had found company with Senegalese. For locals, there are more opportunities as many french expat have married black women, but its another story.

I spent my last 3 days in SALY, which is the biggest holliday resort in all westafrica (about 100km from dakar). Lot of all included tourist camps have their own discos, but i stayed on my own in the old village to see senegalese. Some years ago it was a famous place for prostitution; lot of men approached me, but none proposed me lady as I had heard, may be I should have asked, but I feared their reaction (we are in a 90% muslim country).

I also saw ladies offering 1 hour MASSAGE for 16 Euros in small hairdressers shops. I said them it was too expensive just for a massage, hopping they would correct me by saying they could offer more inside, but they did not, so I prefered not to waste money.

Around 6pm a tall good looking lady with a baby smiled at me and said "tu viens" as I passed her house in old village, she agreed at ounce for 20$ later, but she had left when i came back (only streetwalker i have seen so far).

The last day I complained to a senegalese barwaiter, he said there are lot of women ready to go, and sent me one for 25 $ 2 hours. She was a semi pro, going often in discotecs. Unlike asian girl she had very broad pussy and big boobs (I prefer opposite), had a bit of smell even after shower, but she was gentle.

To give you an idea (no hard picture)

[Tomwannabe]

Hi folks,

Maybe not most upto date since I was in Senegal, the first time I ever entered Africa, for a week end of 2002. I picked Senegal, at that time living in Paris, because it was hassle free (visa on arrival for EU nationals), politically stable and without the need for all sorts of vaccination and with cheap flights (Euro 220.- return). There is not much to see but I didn't care. Just wanted the experience of being in Africa and test my newly aquired French language skills plus I love black women. I went during Ramadan, so it was quiet and people were a bit reserved. Went to St. Louis (fairly boring and run down actually) in a bush taxi, shared with 3 locals (don't know whether it was due to the Ramadan but nobody spoke, not to each other and not to me even though the trip took 4 hours) and stuck most of the time to Dakar. Easy to live there, with supermarkets (almost as if you'd be buying your groceries in Paris but unfortunately as expensive!) Dakar is easy: all the night clubs are in the city center, walking distance. I went out every night and despite Ramadan there were always a few girls there and, good news, not much male competition in terms of outher tourists (if any, mostly french, obviously) As I am not so much the sort of hardcore-every-night-another-gal type of guy I took it easy. Finding company is easy. Just walk in and simply be there. They do the rest and approach you with "J'ai swafth" (phonetically spelt, not literally and meaning "I am thursty" aka "buy me a drink". Smile and relax and radiate a positive attitude and you're in :-) So, I befriended myself with two, hopped from bar to bar/night club to night club and enjoyed the company/attention. Met the two next day and just hung out with them all day chatting, of course dining & vining them. Was fine with me. I was more looking to see the local live not described in touri guides and asked them to just take me with them to their place. They gladly did and I spent all afternoon lounging around their flat in multi-story building (sort of council flat type - UK readers will understand it) they shared with 3...5 other women. But such flats are virtually empty except a fan and a filthy matress, their cloth (some very sexy outfits) in suit cases or just piled up on the floor. Anyway, while one of my ladies did her thing the other took me to a small room. There we sat and relaxed and talked a bit (of which half I didn't understand due to my lacking french). Eventually her hand slipped into my pants to see "what I was made of", we got half undressed and if sanity wouldn't have stopped me I would have been in for a bare back romp - she didn't mind nor did she ask for money. But I did, as I didn't want to take the risk of bringing some "viral presents" back home. Except the "Africa Star", if you are out get "down & dirty" you don't know whether the gal is a full time pro or not. You have to find out. As written in many other posts before - be nice and you'll be treated accordingly. A good summary is Misinformation's post "Dakar update to keep things current". It's spot on. The most attractive ladies were in a bar, a bit off center, called "Casino". I still remember, it was the night before departure (yes, Murphies / sod's law was with me, damn), this stunning sexy darling I bumped into on my way out. Never mind, i'll be back to Dakar one day, then not during Ramadan, to see what it will be like then. But you need a taxi to get there. Piece of general travel advice: Annyoing are the many street vendors who pester you with selling pens, watches, sunglasses and other useless stuff. If they see a new face, they will be persistent. Best way to get rid of them is to keep walking (even if you don't know where you wanna go) and to just say "no". Don't stop, don't start to talk. Once you think they let go and trail behind their last attempt to get your attention is to pull "you're a racist" trick to somehow make you stop and start to argue. Ignore it and keep walking. Never ever get involved! If your face isn't new anymore, after a few days of strolling around, they will leave you alone (mostly). Walking around at night to get from one bar to the next is safe. The only dogdy encounter I had while I crossed the "Place la Independence" were two guys just closed in on me and one even grabbed my trouser mumbling "nice cloths". Fuck, I thought, what is he on about. I shouted at them to [CodeWord140] off and pushed the one guy away and they let go. Other than that no further hassle. Money can be drawn from ATM machines with credit cards. Paying with plastic in a bar was not possible when I was there. Only cash. Since Dakar is expensive that means having to lug around quite some cash. It helps a lot to speak french in general and to not being forced to live on a tight budget if you wanna have fun in Dakar. In a few weeks, it was a snap decision, i.e. I picked an "easy" country i'll head to Gambia. Let's see what this will be like.

[Misinformation]

This discotech is 5000CFA ($10USD) to get in and 5000CFA for a cheap beer.

[Misinformation]

The last post really captures the sort of memories and experiences one can have in Dakar. It really is a magical place. If you spend time here your memories will be filled with magic. It is one of the most special places I have ever been.

Cafe ponty has been closed for about 5 years. It was a wonderful place but now it an abandoned lot and a memory. Casino du Cap Vert, the discotech is downstairs and if money is no object then this is bar none the most fascinating thing you will find in West Africa escpecially on Sunday nights. I am friends with many girls there and they say guys in this club will buy $100 bottles of vodka for them just like we would buy a girl a beer. Girls here will go with you for $40 instead of the $20 anywhere else in Dakar but you will spend $100 on just a few drinks and taxi.

Thiossan, Kiliminjaro, La Sahel I did not mention in my last post. These are clubs where famous Senegalese musicians have concerts, usually on weekends, usually starting around 2AM. These are absolutely not places to go to rent a girl. Absolutely not. These places usually the local girls are with their friends or family. Give phone number and meet the next day if you have game, sure... but there is little to no hobby in these places.

Clean Day: Le Viking, bar on north side of place de la independence.
Dirty day: Hang around any lonely planet hotel with rooms under $40
Clean night: Same as clean day but ... Texas, La Scala, Black and White, Skynet, Alexandrea, Top 50
Dirty Night: Africa star, Black and White Le Siren

Trust me. Clean=prostitutes act like normal girls. Dirt means girls at bar will stick their tongue in your ear (while maybe her friend will put her hand in your pocket)

I hate the whole scene. I know the city like the back of my hand and most people don't so what I do is go to the hotel pool at Sofitel and pick up girls on vacation who are not enjoying the city and show them a good time (he he he he). French girls are better at sucking cock. PM me I will answer any questions about cities in West Africa. Bye.