Dakar Highlights
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Port
Dakar, Senegal
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
City Tour,Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Senegal's capital city and one of West Africa's largest cities, Dakar has made a name for itself as a thoroughly modern city with remnants of its colonial outpost history. Today, you will discover the best of both worlds as you embark on a panoramic drive to view the city's highlights.
You'll see the Presidential Palace, built in fetching 1906 colonial style and guarded by the famous Spahi in their red-and-blue uniforms. Take a photo at the Kermel Market; then, continue past the Town Hall, the railway station, and the modern business district.
Step inside for a brief visit to the cathedral and watch for the Great Mosque, as well as the University of Dakar.
You'll stop at the Sand Painting Gallery to see how this popular Senegalese art is created and continue to the Soumbedioune Handicraft Village. Here is a great opportunity to purchase a souvenir in wood, jewelry, carving, leather or fabric.
In the suburbs outside Dakar, you will see the stark contrast of upscale homes and poor residential areas, and pass the Medina (Old Town) as you travel via the coastal road.
A highlight of the day will be a stop to view the stunning African Renaissance Monument -- a 160-foot-tall statue -- and the lighthouse of Mamelles.
Take photos at the Deity Mosque before returning to the ship.
Notes:
Transportation is basic compared to the transportation you will find elsewhere. Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm here, and you are trading breadth of experience for authentic interaction. Please bring your spirit of adventure and bear with any language difficulties your guide may encounter and with any operational surprises that may crop up.