How Safe is it to Travel in Senegal?

Senegal is known for being one of the safest countries in West Africa. From relatively low levels of crime and disease to a population renowned for being generous hosts, Senegal tends to be a safe, hassle-free travel destination.
A stable democracy with a friendly and welcoming population, travelling to and through Senegal is safer than most other countries in the region. Visitors to the nation of ‘Teranga’ (which roughly translates as ‘hospitality’ in Wolof) will have a rewarding and safe travel experience, especially if heeding the following advice.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Malaria
In recent years, Senegal has made vast strides in the battle against malaria, with the rate of outpatient cases tumbling from over 30% in the early 2000s to less than 5% in 2015 (hopes are high for total elimination by 2030). Many of the main tourist areas, such as Dakar, Saint-Louis, la Petite Côte and Casamance’s Atlantic Coast can be visited without anti-malarials, but visitors should take precautions if heading in-land (especially the south-east) and during the rainy season (July-September).

Water
In short: buy bottled. Tap water is fine for cooking, washing vegetables, boiling a cup of tea or coffee and brushing one’s teeth, but when it comes to drinking, it’s best to stick to bottled water (although don’t panic if you accidently glug a glass of tap water). Readily available across Senegal, 1.5 litre bottles cost between 200-400 CFA ($0.35-70) in a supermarket or boutique (‘local convenience store’) or up to 1500 CFA ($2.65) in a restaurant. However, the plastic sachets offered through your bus or taxi window are the cheapest form of clean water available at 50 CFA (10 cents) each.
Cultural respect
Rule #1 in any traveller’s handbook. Although most Senegalese are understanding of western cultures, with many adopting western-style dress and tastes themselves, visitors should be mindful of local cultural practices and beliefs. This can range from being appropriately dressed while entering religious buildings to respecting animals roaming the streets (as they could well be someone’s livelihood). In particular, take extra caution during religious festivals. During Ramadan, for example, it’s not great manners to eat and drink on the street during daylight hours, while most are abstaining.

Street Crime
On the whole, Senegal has a very low rate of thievery and street crime. Leave your belongings unattended – such as a beach bag while swimming or a phone charging behind a bar – and it tends to be there when you get back. However, no country is immune to petty crime and Senegal is no exception.
In particular, pickpockets operate in the downtown Plateau area of Dakar, especially around the Place de L’Indépendence and Sandanga Market, while robberies have been known to take place along the Western Corniche at night. In general, if you stick to well-lit areas, avoid large gatherings (demonstrations etc) and keep valuables out of sight (preferably zipped up in either a pocket or bag), you should be fine.
Roads
Roads are the biggest danger to your health in Senegal. In cities and towns, pedestrians, taxis, motorbikes, horse-carts and trucks all jostle for superiority and will perform any manoeuvre that will give them an edge (don’t be surprised if your taxi decides to drive up a pavement to avoid a one-way system).
Inter-city travel is no less chaotic and should only be done during the day, due to poor roads and vehicles driving without lights. Taking a taxi or hiring a driver is the best option for most tourists trying to get around the country, but hiring a car can be fine if you are an experienced driver.

Extremism
In a country proud of its harmony and tolerance, there is little appetite for religious extremism and unlike some of its neighbours, there has never been a terrorist attack on Senegalese soil. Meanwhile, Casamance has experienced separatist violence in the past, but this has simmered since peace talks in 2013, and tends to affect the less touristy areas to the east of Ziguinchor and west of Kolda.
Scams
Tourists are to scams, like butter is to toast: they were made for each other. Some of the most popular in Senegal revolve around buying milk for someone with a ‘newborn baby’, helping out a small-business owner exchange small notes for big notes and being given ‘free’ bracelets. Also, if you’ve booked a driver to meet you at the airport, ensure they properly identify themselves before you load up.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.