Safe to arrive at Dakar airport very late (around 2am)?
 

It sounds like many flights land this late, but I am wondering if it's safe to take a taxi from the airport into town at this hour. I have heard of scams. I am a solo female traveler probably staying in as budget a place as I can find. I just want to make sure it's safe to get into town so late.

thanks!

You could always sleep in the airport until day light.

Is Dakar your final destination? Or a stop on way to another country?

If the latter, they probably won't even allow passengers off the plane; simply refuel and be on their way in about 1/hr to final destination.

If the former, what arrangements have you made for Dakar? A hotel? working with an outfitter here? If so, arrange with them for meet/greet and get you to your hotel.

There is a service I have used around the world with wonderful results - www.viator.com. I am a single traveler also and feel uncomfortable getting a taxi but you can arrange and pay for this by credit card ahead of time. I am assuming they will have the service in Dakar. I recently visited Vietnam and had two people meet me with a sign with my name on it and a brand new SUV. The nice thing is you don't have to worry about tipping to have your luggage loaded and having the cash for payment of the fare.

There are many reports of taxi, porter, and money-changing hustlers at Dakar's Senghor Airport. Don't let anyone take your bag or change money, and turn down offers to ride with you to your hotel for 'security'. Just be nice and polite but firm. It is good advice to arrange for transport ahead of time, even though it might seem expensive.

Thanks for all the replies, I should have been more clear to begin with: Dakar is indeed my destination so I will need to get off the plane and preferably get to a hotel quickly. I'm still looking for a hotel (any low- to mid-budget suggestions) but doubt those in my price range will meet me. Similarly, though 2 people in a hired SUV sounds great, also sounds too rich for my blood :) I'm on a very tight budget.

thanks!

mp413

p.s. thanks scootr but after 18+ hours en route from the U.S. to Senegal there's no way I'm sleeping in the airport.

p.s. thanks Louise for the viator rec. but it doesn't seem from their site that they provide services in Senegal?