dutyfree

I have a trip to Capetown SA but will have a 24 hour layover in Dakar each way on the way down there. I have gotten my books from the library but am confused as to what you would want to do if you only had 24 hours there?

I am also taking my 26 year old son with me-any suggestions?

dutyfree

Also any suggestions on what taxi service to use to and from the airport that I could prepay ahead?

Are there alot of ATM's at the airport?Expensive?

Anyone gotten violently sick from eating there?

dutyfree

Anyone?

openroads2

I was in Dakar earlier this year and I actually became violently ill after eating some Moroccan chicken. Make sure to bring a lot of peanut butter and my personal travel favorite, Stouffer's Spinanch Souffle.

Bwino

Hi dutyfree, I haven't been to Dakar but have spent some time in Cape Town - it is wonderful, one of my favourite cities. Have you been before?

I will be in Cape Town 7 - 14th February for work.

scootr29

I was in Dakar for about an hour on the the way to JNB...can't give you any deails sorry.

kellyee21

I can help you a little. First off, I did not get sick at all, I really enjoyed the food, although I am a vegetarian. It has been 7 years but I did enjoy Chez Georges (also called VSD restaurant) for good West African food.

I would make sure to visit Ile de Gorée, very peaceful once you get there. On that note, you will have all sorts of people bothering you at the port saying that a guide is required, it's not. Just buy your ticket from the official ticket booth.

Dakar itself gets a pretty bad rap, but I didn't have any problems (single woman traveling alone). You do need to be more cautious than you would say in Europe for example, even in the day. Lots of people will try and give you a 'gift' or want to be your guide. I ended up talking to one guy a bit and he ended up taking me around, and made a bit of commision on the couple of things I bought. At least it kept the others away but doing it again, I just wouldn't engage anyone in conversation here.

While in Dakar I visited a couple of the markets and also the IFAN museum (somewhat interesting).

As for the taxi, I just used a taxi at the airport, not a service. the prices are fixed and posted in the airport; but unless things have changed you have to argue to get that price. I don't remember about ATMS as I changed some money before hand.

If you are interested, my trip report and photos are here :

http://kellyee21.free.fr/africa/senegal/

Have a great time !

dutyfree

Kelly-thanks for your interesting report on Senegal.I am copying to take with me for your suggestions.

Bwino-I have never been to Capetown and am really looking forward to going as I will have 3 days down there. Any suggestions on what you liked or favorite tour companies,places to eat,etc.?

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

Bwino

Hi Dutyfree, Cape Town is very cosmopolitan and has a huge variety of things to do - 3 days is not long but at least it will give you a taste.

Must do's for me for a first time visit would be:

Robben Island - takes a few hours - http://www.robben-island.org.za/

Table Mountain - http://www.tablemountain.net/

V & A Waterfront - http://www.waterfront.co.za/Pages/Welcome.aspx - Touristy and may be on the expensive side but very nice, lots of restaurants, shopping and entertainement.

There are also "cultural" and other tours you can do and you will find plenty of info in your guide book or on the internet.

Just so you know Cape Town is 2 words.

dutyfree

Thanks Bwino-sorry about Cape Town spelling as I am used to using the three city code CPT.I appreciate the suggestions. I do want to ask about the Robben Island tour-it will take about a half of a day when you factor in the ferry each way along with the tour.Well worth it?

dutyfree

I also forgot to ask-there are travel advisories for the Pink Lake and traveling around Senegal for US citizens.One of my friends who was beat up and attacked at a market there while on a layover with male guides,etc. told me this morning I was absolutely "nuts" if I left the hotel with my son. Anyone's thoughts?I had wanted to do their slave island tour also.

kellyee21

Hi Dutyfree,

I am very sorry about what happened to your friend. I think only you can decide what you are comfortable with. As you read, I went as a single woman and didn't have any problems, but that is not saying you won't either. I just read the state dept page on Senegal, that is pretty much the same as when I went 7 years ago, as far as I know, it hasn't really gotten any better or worse.

I do feel the risk is much higher than other cities, I was never really at ease in Dakar but elsewhere in the country it was fine. Maybe you would feel better if the hotel arranged a guide for you ? Just an idea. You may also want to take a look at the lonelyplanet forum, there is probably a lot more current info there from people who have been recently or are there now.

Good luck with whatever you decide (I know it's even harder when you have your son to consider as well).

ekscrunchy

If you plan to visit Robben Island,you should probably book in advance of your arrival in CapeTown. I did not do this and, as a result, was unable to take the tour as they were fully booked the week I was there.

dutyfree

Kelly-Ironically,my son lives and works in India so he is VERY street savvy,etc.He does really really well with various cultures,street life,etc. its me that is not so adventurous in places like this!

I will check out Lonely Planet(forgot about that website)so appreciate the reminder.

My girlfriend who beat up was with a tour guide from the hotel and two others when she got beat up as she was leaving a market at 230pm.I also just heard that last week at a the van we ride to and from airport had a bunch of guys come out of nowhere and take a sludgehammer to the lock on the attached closed/locked trailer for the crew luggage.They got away with several pieces.I quess that is why I am so paranoid?

Ekscrunchy-you really are the world traveler as I always enjoy all of your western Europe tips.Any other SA tips-thanks!

Bwino

Hi Dutyfree, that is terrible about your friend. Unfortunately bad things like this can and do happen everywhere in the world. You do need to make you own choice on your and your sons level of comfort about Dakar - I haven't been and can't comment - but it seems a shame to visit a city and never leave the hotel. If you decide to go have a look around please report back and tell us about it.

Robben Island is an absolute must if you are at all interested in the history of South Africa. If you are not then it's not your thing and that is ok. I would not miss it. I have also heard others say that you need to book ahead, we just turned up and booked on a boat leaving in 30 minutes. Good idea though to book so you don't miss out.

ekscrunchy

Dutyfree: I am glad you enjoy the reports!

Here is the one I wrote on SA/Botswana, etc; please feel free to ask questions--I love talking about travel!

I am sorry to hear all the negative reports on Dakar; I've passed through the airport a couple of times and had an idea about visiting Senegal someday..


http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35088021