🇸🇳 Flights to Dakar
Cheap Flights to Dakar from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). Dream Fare specialises in Senegal routes with the best prices for Dakar — West Africa’s most cosmopolitan and culturally vibrant capital city.
Airlines to Dakar
All Airlines Flying London to Dakar
Dakar has good air connections from the UK with direct and one-stop options. We compare every airline to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Dakar
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Senegal | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Air France | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Hand baggage included on standard fares |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece allowance on the route |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Flex fares may vary — confirm at booking |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
| Royal Air Maroc | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Dakar & Senegal
Dakar has a Sahelian climate with a long dry season and a short rainy season. Uniquely, Dakar shares the same time zone as the UK — no jet lag to worry about.
Peak Dry Season
Nov — February
The finest time to visit Dakar. Cool, dry and sunny (20°C to 28°C) with the Harmattan winds bringing fresh air from the north. Perfect beach weather, excellent for sightseeing and the most popular period for UK visitors.
Hot Dry Season
March — May
Temperatures rise significantly (28°C to 38°C) as the dry season continues. Still excellent for beach holidays and sightseeing. Competitive fares before the European summer. The Dakar Rally period (January) draws large crowds.
Rainy Season
June — September
Short rainy season with afternoon downpours (July to September are the wettest months). Temperatures moderate slightly. Lowest fares of the year. Senegal turns spectacularly green. Good for photography and budget travel.
Shoulder Season
October — November
The rains ease and Dakar returns to its dry, sunny best. Excellent value fares before the peak season. The landscape is green and beautiful. One of the most pleasant and least crowded times to visit Dakar.
About Dakar
Dakar — West Africa’s Cultural Capital
Dakar is one of Africa’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities — a peninsula city jutting into the Atlantic Ocean with extraordinary music, contemporary art, cuisine, beaches and the haunting UNESCO-listed Gor\u00e9e Island. Senegal’s remarkable political stability, French-African cultural sophistication and legendary hospitality (teranga) make Dakar one of the continent’s most rewarding and welcoming destinations.
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Mbalax & Music Scene
Dakar is the global capital of mbalax — the extraordinary West African rhythm pioneered by Youssou N’Dour, one of the world’s greatest musicians. The city’s live music scene is extraordinary — legendary venues like Thiossane (Youssou N’Dour’s own club in the Ouakam neighbourhood) host world-class performances. Dakar’s music, fashion and contemporary art scene has global influence.
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Gorée Island (UNESCO)
A small island just 3km from Dakar — the UNESCO-listed Gorée Island was one of the most important centres of the transatlantic slave trade from the 15th to the 19th century. The House of Slaves and its Door of No Return is one of Africa’s most important and deeply moving historical sites. A short ferry from Dakar port makes it an essential visit for every traveller.
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Atlantic Beaches & Surf
Dakar’s Atlantic coastline has excellent beaches. The Almadies peninsula — the westernmost point of mainland Africa — has beautiful beaches and excellent surf. N’Gor Island (accessible by a short pirogue ride) has pristine beaches and a legendary surf break. The upscale beach clubs of Yoff and the Almadies are popular with Dakar’s international community.
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Lac Rose (Pink Lake)
The extraordinary Lac Retba — Lac Rose — north of Dakar gets its remarkable bubblegum pink colour from Dunaliella salina algae in the hyper-saline water. Salt is harvested here by hand as it has been for centuries, collected by workers coated in shea butter to protect their skin. One of Senegal’s most photogenic and unusual natural wonders.
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Senegalese Cuisine
Senegalese food is widely regarded as the finest cuisine in West Africa. Thiéboudienne (fish and rice cooked in tomato sauce — the national dish and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), Yassa poulet (grilled chicken with caramelised onion sauce), Mafé (rich groundnut stew), Thiof (highly prized white grouper from Atlantic waters) and Café Touba (spiced coffee) are essential Dakar food experiences.
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Contemporary Art Scene
Dakar’s contemporary art scene is one of Africa’s finest. The Dak’Art Biennale — held every two years — is one of the continent’s most important contemporary art festivals drawing artists and collectors from around the world. The Village des Arts, the IFAN Musée d’Art Africain and the galleries of the Plateau neighbourhood make Dakar a genuinely exciting art destination.
Top Places to Visit in Dakar & Senegal
Gorée Island (UNESCO)
The most important historical site in Senegal — a small island 3km from Dakar that was one of the largest slave-trading centres on the African coast. The House of Slaves, the colonial-era architecture and the extraordinarily peaceful atmosphere of the car-free island make Gorée a profound and unmissable experience. Ferry from Dakar port takes 20 minutes.
Lac Rose (Pink Lake)
40km north of Dakar — the remarkable pink-coloured salt lake is one of Senegal’s most photogenic attractions. The salt harvesting — carried out by hand by workers in the pink water — is fascinating to watch. The lake is best visited early morning when the pink colour is most vivid. Combine with a visit to the nearby fishing village of Kayar.
Saly — Petite Côte
Senegal’s premier beach resort destination 80km south of Dakar. Saly has excellent hotels, restaurants and beaches on the Petite Côte (Small Coast). The waters are calmer and warmer than Dakar’s Atlantic-facing beaches. Popular for family beach holidays and the most developed resort area in Senegal.
Saint-Louis (UNESCO)
Senegal’s former colonial capital — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary French colonial architecture on an island in the Senegal River. Saint-Louis is 265km from Dakar — reachable by road in 3 hours. The crumbling colonial grandeur, jazz festival, pelican colony and proximity to the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary make it unmissable.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (UNESCO)
One of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world — a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Saint-Louis hosting over 1.5 million birds including the world’s third-largest pelican colony (over 10,000 birds), flamingos, spoonbills and hundreds of migrant species. One of West Africa’s finest natural experiences.
Casamance Region
Senegal’s deep south — the Casamance region is one of West Africa’s most beautiful and culturally distinctive areas. Lush tropical forests, tidal creeks, rice paddies, the sacred forest at Oussouye and the beautiful beach at Cap Skirring make Casamance a stunning contrast to Dakar. Accessible by flight from Dakar’s Yoff Airport.
Travel Tips
Dakar Travel Guide
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Visa for Senegal
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter Senegal for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport. Senegal is one of the most welcoming countries in West Africa for UK visitors with no visa requirement and very straightforward entry procedures.
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Currency & Money
Senegal uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF). The exchange rate is fixed against the Euro — approximately 655 XOF to 1 EUR. Cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Dakar. ATMs are widely available. Inform your bank before travelling. EUR and USD can be exchanged easily at banks and bureaux de change.
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Getting Around Dakar
Yango (the African equivalent of Uber) operates in Dakar and is safe, reliable and affordable. Traditional yellow taxis are also available — agree the fare before getting in. The Petit Train Bleu (blue commuter train) connects some areas of Dakar. For trips outside Dakar, car hire or organised tours are recommended.
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SIM Cards & Data
Orange Senegal and Free Senegal are the leading networks with the best 4G coverage in Dakar. SIM cards are available at Blaise Diagne Airport on arrival. 4G coverage is excellent across Dakar and the main tourist areas. Data bundles are very affordable. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafes in Dakar.
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Weather & No Jet Lag
Dakar shares the same time zone as the UK (GMT) — a major advantage for UK travellers with no jet lag to contend with. The dry season (November to May) is excellent with temperatures of 20°C to 32°C and low humidity. The short rainy season (July to September) brings afternoon downpours but clear mornings.
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Teranga — Senegalese Hospitality
Teranga is the Wolof word for hospitality and it defines Senegalese culture. Senegal is widely considered one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries in Africa. The tradition of sharing food, welcoming strangers and putting guests at ease is deeply embedded in Senegalese society. UK visitors consistently rate Dakar as one of Africa’s most pleasant and safe destinations.
Flights to Dakar FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Dakar?
Air Senegal operates direct flights from London to Dakar in approximately 6 hours. Via Paris (Air France) the journey takes around 7 hours 30 minutes. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul takes approximately 10 hours. Dakar is in the same time zone as the UK (GMT) so there is no jet lag.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Senegal?
No. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Senegal for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival. This makes Senegal one of the easiest West African destinations for UK travellers — no visa application, no fees and no waiting time.
Is Dakar safe for tourists?
Yes. Dakar is one of the safest capital cities in West Africa. Senegal has remarkable political stability — it has never experienced a military coup — and the crime rate against tourists is low. Standard city precautions apply but Dakar is genuinely welcoming and safe for UK visitors. Senegalese people are famous for their warmth and hospitality (teranga).
What is Dakar most famous for?
Dakar is famous for its extraordinary music scene (mbalax and Youssou N’Dour), the UNESCO-listed Gorée Island (transatlantic slave trade memorial), the Pink Lake (Lac Rose), exceptional Senegalese cuisine (widely considered the best in West Africa), the Dak’Art contemporary art biennale and as the westernmost capital city in mainland Africa.
What language is spoken in Senegal?
French is the official language and widely spoken in Dakar. Wolof is the most widely spoken local language and understood across Senegal. English is spoken in many hotels, restaurants and tourist areas in Dakar. Dream Fare can advise on useful phrases and cultural tips for your visit.
How much do return flights from London to Dakar cost?
Return flights from London to Dakar start from approximately £449 with Dream Fare. Air France via Paris and Air Senegal direct are the most popular options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest exclusive fares and Senegal travel packages.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.