Difference between revisions of "Senegal"

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m (Bot: Automated text replacement (-=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}= +=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}= \n==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==\n{{guide_books_country}}\n))
(→‎Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country)
 
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=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
−
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Senegal is a spectacular country that many Overlanders fall in love with. Many people feel the Cassamance area, South of [[Gambia]], feels like a different country as is well worth a visit for some quality beach time.<br/>
 +
'''NOTE:''' Vehicles older than 8 years '''can''' be driven through Senegal with a Passavant that you get at the border - the 8 year old rule '''only''' applies to vehicles being permanently imported into Senegal, which as a tourist does not apply to Overlanders. <br/>
 +
While the above is technically true, lots of overlanders in the last years have been heavily bribed at the northern border (rosso + diama) attempted to drive a vehicle older than 8 years into Senegal. Many have waited days and argued and argued without success, and wound up having to pay. At this stage, there is no clear way to avoid this.
 +
We came by Diama in October 2018. With a carnet the passage we didn’t had to pay for the car. Without it could have cost 250 Euro.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
−
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">July 2013</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">October 2019</span>'''
  
−
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
−
Senegal has a few strange rules. Cars older then 8 years (use to be 5) are not allowed to enter Senegal. If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]] you might get a special permission. It depends on the day and the custom officer. Last time I was there (2012) they allowed me 3 days. If I wanted to stay longer I had to go to Dakar main custom office to get it extended. <Br />
+
Very few nationalities require a visa to visit Senegal for a duration of 30 days. Just show up at the border and you will be stamped in, free.
−
If you don't have a [[Carnet de Passage]] bu still want to pass through you have to buy an expensive paper for a few hundred dollars, after which they will allow you to pass through in 48 or 72 hours. <br />
+
−
Besides this you need your original [[Vehicle registration]], in the same name as your passport.
+
  
−
==Process at border==  
+
==Required Paperwork==  
−
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
* Passport of registered owner.
−
{{visa_country}}
+
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
−
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
 +
 
 +
Rules about the age of a vehicle DO NOT apply to temporary permits for tourists.
 +
 
 +
Here is the relevant part from the page of the senegalese customs:
 +
[https://www.douanes.sn/fr/node/92]
 +
 
 +
1- véhicules de tourisme
 +
 
 +
le non-résident peut importer un véhicule automobile à titre temporaire sopus le couvert d'un carnet de passage en douane (A.T.A) en cours de validité.
 +
'''
 +
il peut également bénéficier pour son véhicule automobile d'un passavant de circulation circulation à son entrée sur le territoire sénégalais.''' Le passavant est alors établi par le Bureau ou le Poste des Douanes d'entrée, pour une durée n'excédant pas dix (10) jours. Ce passavant ne peut faire l'objet, au maximum, que de deux (02) prorogations de quinze (15) jours chacune, accordées par la Direction des opérations douanières. En tout état de cause, à l'expiration du délai de séjour temporaire, le véhicule doit avant toute cession, être déclaré en détail :
 +
 
 +
'''- pour la réexportation;'''
 +
 
 +
- pour la mise à la consommation, avec paiement des droits et taxes exigibles;
 +
- pour l'admission temporaire, au cas où le nouvel acquéreur bénéficierait de ce régime suspensif;
 +
- enfin et par mesure conservatoire, pour la mise en dépôt d'office.
 +
 
 +
==Process at border==
 +
 
 +
* Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
 +
* Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out a Passavant.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
See Extension of Stay immediately below for information about extending the 48 hours.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
−
Entering Senegal should be free. However, customs, police and immigration are increasingly demanding unofficial fees for stamp, permits and inspection. Not big amounts, perhaps <price cost="2000" currency="XAF" /> here and there. Its annoying and illegal, refusing to pay is possible of course but expect to be delayed.
+
 
 +
*Passavant cost: <price cost="2500" currency="XOF" /> and an official receipt will be stapled to the Passavant.
 +
 
 +
Customs, police and immigration are increasingly demanding unofficial fees for stamp, permits and inspection. Not big amounts, perhaps <price cost="2000" currency="XOF" /> here and there. Its annoying and illegal, refuse to pay anything more than the Passavant fee.
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
−
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
Starts at max.10 days, can be extended twice for 15 days(each), to a max. total of 40 days (according to the rules and regulations page from the senegalese customs https://www.douanes.sn/fr/node/92 )  <br/>
 +
If you really want more time, you can just leave the country, and come back and get a brand new Passavant.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
−
If you need to extend your car papers you will have to visit one of the main custom offices. Its a tedious process and you are at the mercy of the custom official. There is an office in st. Louis, (if you cross the bridge its on the left, but due to one way traffic you have to drive round), but the main office is in Dakar, at the main gate of the port. St Louis officials might refer you to Dakar, which will cost you a lot of time getting there and back. All in all its not a tourist friendly process.
+
To extend this 10 days, you can go to Douane in Saint Louis, but they are known to be very corrupt and will demand hundreds of Euros to do so. DO NOT GO THERE!
 +
( and because of this corruption at the northern borders you may not get 10 days, or not even a passavant at all without a hefty bribe)
 +
 
 +
Go instead to the head office of Douane in Dakar - it’s on the Place de Independance downtown, 14.668880, -17.431588 <br />
 +
Enter the door between “AXA” and Senegal Tours, go up the stairs to the 4th floor, and start asking for “Passavant” - even with basic French I had no problem getting it extended for 2 weeks completely free. When that two weeks expires you can get it extended for 2 more without problem, but not more than that.
 +
 
 +
The process is very simple and free in Dakar.
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
−
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
Unknown, likely possible if using a [[Carnet de Passage]] Probably easier to arrange in Gambia.
−
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
−
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Hand in your Passavant to Douane.
 +
* Get yourself stamped out at immigration.
 +
 
 +
All should be free, do not pay for this.
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
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{{guide_books_country}}
 
{{guide_books_country}}
  
−
==Insurance requirements==
+
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
−
Liability insurance is mandatory and can usually be bought at the border. If you travel through more west African countries get a 'carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost. Expect to pay <price cost="10000" currency="XAF" /> to <price cost="20000" currency="XAF" /> per vehicle per month, depending on engine size.
+
{{Travel insurance country}}
 +
 
 +
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 +
Liability insurance is mandatory and can be bought at the border, but it’s not the cheapest way. <br/>
 +
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.  
  
−
==Cost of insurance==
+
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
−
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
Expect to pay <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" /> to <price cost="20000" currency="XOF" /> per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)
  
−
==Where to purchase insurance==
+
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
−
If you are coming in from [[Mauretania]] (Diema border), just after the Senegalese border there is a small wooden shack/restaurant. The lady sells insurance and she has reasonable prices, even changes your money, just watch cause she gives bad exchange rates.
+
If you are coming in from [[Mauritania]] (Diama border), just after the Senegalese border on the left side there is a small wooden shack/restaurant. The lady sells insurance, she has not really reasonable prices,but no other chance at the border, (better get the insurance before at nouakchott for example,
 +
ask at the auberge where you stay, they will call a seller, or get it at city center at the office) she even changes your money, just watch cause she gives poor exchange rate.
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
Line 52: Line 98:
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
 
Right. <br/>
 
Right. <br/>
−
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork..
+
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
−
I have been checked a few times, so make sure you carry the usual stuff. You might need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. They even checked the expiry date on this, but I had heard this in advance so I removed the date since it was expired and told the police officer it was a new kind which would never expire. He believed me.
+
You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. They even checked the expiry date on this, but I had heard this in advance so I removed the date since it was expired and told the police officer it was a new kind which would never expire. He believed me.
  
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
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===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
−
There is, to my knowledge, only one toll road. That's the brand new motorway entering Dakar. When I was there last (2012) it was not all finished but looking good. Once finished it should save a lot of time entering and exiting Dakar. Forgot the price but won't be expensive.
+
There is one toll road on the way into Dakar - it has 3 or 4 tool booths, you pay around <price cost="500" currency="XOF" /> at each one. It saves a huge amount of time getting into and out of Dakar, so it’s worth it.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
−
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is common in Senegal, but not nearly as much as other West African countries. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.  
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
−
There used to be a lot of checkpoints in Senegal where tourist got hassled for money, the one just exciting st. Louis being one of the most notorious. However the President has called for a stop to this and now it's better. Lets hope it stays that way.
+
There are a few checkpoints where Police will check your paperwork, but they are not nearly as common as other West African countries.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
−
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
+
Unknonw.
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
−
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">July 2016</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
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! Price
 
! Price
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Unleaded
+
| Unleaded (called Essence)
−
| <price cost="1.55" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="695" currency="XOF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Diesel
+
| Diesel (called Gasoil)
−
| <price cost="1.32" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="600" currency="XOF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
−
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Service stations are very common, with big brands like Shell having stations in most large towns. Shortages are not common, gas is always available along with diesel.
−
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
−
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Gas and diesel appear to be good quality, buy from large stations that get a lot of traffic. <br />
−
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
Sulfur content of diesel is unknown.
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
−
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended due to hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and bad roads.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
−
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the big cities, especially Dakar.
−
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
−
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!
−
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
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=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
−
There are quite a few campsites in Senegal, some really nice. Around most touristy spots they are available, but not in Dakar as far as I know.<br />
+
There are quite a few campsites in Senegal, some really nice. Around most touristy spots they are available, but none in Dakar anymore.<br />
−
Expect to pay between <price cost="2000" currency="XAF" /> and <price cost="5000" currency="XAF" /> per person per night. <br />
+
Expect to pay between <price cost="2000" currency="XOF" /> and <price cost="5000" currency="XOF" /> per person per night. <br />
−
Wildcamping is possible in Senegal, specially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for 'cadeau' which means gift.
+
Wildcamping is possible in Senegal, specially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift.
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
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==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
−
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it.
−
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
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Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
−
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
−
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
−
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
+
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
 
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
−
 
−
==Travel Guide Books==
 
−
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
−
{{guide_books_country}}
 
−
 
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 20:06, 20 March 2023


Currency to display:

Visiting Senegal[edit]

Senegal is a spectacular country that many Overlanders fall in love with. Many people feel the Cassamance area, South of Gambia, feels like a different country as is well worth a visit for some quality beach time.
NOTE: Vehicles older than 8 years can be driven through Senegal with a Passavant that you get at the border - the 8 year old rule only applies to vehicles being permanently imported into Senegal, which as a tourist does not apply to Overlanders.
While the above is technically true, lots of overlanders in the last years have been heavily bribed at the northern border (rosso + diama) attempted to drive a vehicle older than 8 years into Senegal. Many have waited days and argued and argued without success, and wound up having to pay. At this stage, there is no clear way to avoid this. We came by Diama in October 2018. With a carnet the passage we didn’t had to pay for the car. Without it could have cost 250 Euro.

Entering Senegal with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: October 2019

Travel Visa for Senegal[edit]

Very few nationalities require a visa to visit Senegal for a duration of 30 days. Just show up at the border and you will be stamped in, free.

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Rules about the age of a vehicle DO NOT apply to temporary permits for tourists.

Here is the relevant part from the page of the senegalese customs: [1]

1- véhicules de tourisme

le non-résident peut importer un véhicule automobile à titre temporaire sopus le couvert d'un carnet de passage en douane (A.T.A) en cours de validité. il peut également bénéficier pour son véhicule automobile d'un passavant de circulation circulation à son entrée sur le territoire sénégalais. Le passavant est alors établi par le Bureau ou le Poste des Douanes d'entrée, pour une durée n'excédant pas dix (10) jours. Ce passavant ne peut faire l'objet, au maximum, que de deux (02) prorogations de quinze (15) jours chacune, accordées par la Direction des opérations douanières. En tout état de cause, à l'expiration du délai de séjour temporaire, le véhicule doit avant toute cession, être déclaré en détail :

- pour la réexportation;

- pour la mise à la consommation, avec paiement des droits et taxes exigibles; - pour l'admission temporaire, au cas où le nouvel acquéreur bénéficierait de ce régime suspensif; - enfin et par mesure conservatoire, pour la mise en dépôt d'office.

Process at border[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
  • Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out a Passavant.


See Extension of Stay immediately below for information about extending the 48 hours.

Cost of entry[edit]

  • Passavant cost: CFA2,500.00 XOF and an official receipt will be stapled to the Passavant.

Customs, police and immigration are increasingly demanding unofficial fees for stamp, permits and inspection. Not big amounts, perhaps CFA2,000.00 XOF here and there. Its annoying and illegal, refuse to pay anything more than the Passavant fee.

Permitted length of stay[edit]

Starts at max.10 days, can be extended twice for 15 days(each), to a max. total of 40 days (according to the rules and regulations page from the senegalese customs https://www.douanes.sn/fr/node/92 )
If you really want more time, you can just leave the country, and come back and get a brand new Passavant.

Extension of stay[edit]

To extend this 10 days, you can go to Douane in Saint Louis, but they are known to be very corrupt and will demand hundreds of Euros to do so. DO NOT GO THERE! ( and because of this corruption at the northern borders you may not get 10 days, or not even a passavant at all without a hefty bribe)

Go instead to the head office of Douane in Dakar - it’s on the Place de Independance downtown, 14.668880, -17.431588
Enter the door between “AXA” and Senegal Tours, go up the stairs to the 4th floor, and start asking for “Passavant” - even with basic French I had no problem getting it extended for 2 weeks completely free. When that two weeks expires you can get it extended for 2 more without problem, but not more than that.

The process is very simple and free in Dakar.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Unknown, likely possible if using a Carnet de Passage Probably easier to arrange in Gambia.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Hand in your Passavant to Douane.
  • Get yourself stamped out at immigration.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Senegal[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Senegal[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet The Gambia & Senegal (multi Country Trav...
Lonely Planet The Gambia & Senegal (multi Country Trav...
by Katharina Kane
From $63.57 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Senegal[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Liability insurance is mandatory and can be bought at the border, but it’s not the cheapest way.
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Expect to pay CFA10,000.00 XOF to CFA20,000.00 XOF per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

If you are coming in from Mauritania (Diama border), just after the Senegalese border on the left side there is a small wooden shack/restaurant. The lady sells insurance, she has not really reasonable prices,but no other chance at the border, (better get the insurance before at nouakchott for example, ask at the auberge where you stay, they will call a seller, or get it at city center at the office) she even changes your money, just watch cause she gives poor exchange rate.

Driving license[edit]

Any valid drivers license will do.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. They even checked the expiry date on this, but I had heard this in advance so I removed the date since it was expired and told the police officer it was a new kind which would never expire. He believed me.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Senegal has reasonable roads. Some stretches have potholes, specially if the roads have heavy truck traffic. But in general its not to bad.

Road signs[edit]

There are some signs, but don't expect many. Those that are there are readable.

Toll roads[edit]

There is one toll road on the way into Dakar - it has 3 or 4 tool booths, you pay around CFA500.00 XOF at each one. It saves a huge amount of time getting into and out of Dakar, so it’s worth it.

Bribery in Senegal[edit]

Bribery is common in Senegal, but not nearly as much as other West African countries. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are a few checkpoints where Police will check your paperwork, but they are not nearly as common as other West African countries.

Traveling with pets[edit]

Unknonw.

Gas price in Senegal and Diesel price in Senegal[edit]

Last updated: July 2016

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded (called Essence) CFA695.00 XOF per Liter
Diesel (called Gasoil) CFA600.00 XOF per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Service stations are very common, with big brands like Shell having stations in most large towns. Shortages are not common, gas is always available along with diesel.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Gas and diesel appear to be good quality, buy from large stations that get a lot of traffic.
Sulfur content of diesel is unknown.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended due to hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and bad roads.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the big cities, especially Dakar.

Special driving considerations[edit]

As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Senegal[edit]

There are quite a few campsites in Senegal, some really nice. Around most touristy spots they are available, but none in Dakar anymore.
Expect to pay between CFA2,000.00 XOF and CFA5,000.00 XOF per person per night.
Wildcamping is possible in Senegal, specially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Senegal

Senegal & The Gambia
Senegal & The Gambia
by Reise Know-How Verlag
From $14.95 on Amazon
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
by National Geographic Learning
From $14.95 on Amazon
Senegal 1:740,000 & Gambia 1:340,000 Travel Map (inter...
Senegal 1:740,000 & Gambia 1:340,000 Travel Map (inter...
by ITM Canada
From $8.21 on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
by Lonely Planet, Michael Janes, Jean-Bernard Carille...
From $3.96 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Senegal[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Senegal[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Senegal[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.

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