Guide to Almadies, Dakar: the West Point

Almadies sits on the westernmost tip of Dakar, and of the African mainland. It is a seafront district packed with restaurants, hotels, gated residences and a large share of the city's embassies and international offices. If you are wondering where to stay, where to eat, where to swim and what rent really costs here, this guide covers the basics.

Getting your bearings

Almadies forms a triangle between the Ngor road, the western corniche and the point itself. Knowing the neighbours helps you navigate:

• Ngor to the north, with its fishing village and the boats out to Ngor Island.
• Yoff further north, near the old airport and the Yoff Layene quarter.
• Ouakam to the east, below the Monument of the African Renaissance and the Mamelles.
• Mermoz and Sacre-Coeur, quieter residential areas halfway to the centre.

Allow 30 to 50 minutes to reach the Plateau during the day, longer in rush hour. The international airport at Diass is roughly an hour away on the toll motorway, passing Diamniadio. A taxi from Almadies to the Plateau usually lands between 3,000 and 6,000 FCFA depending on time of day; always agree the fare before you get in.

Beaches and the coastline

The Almadies shoreline alternates volcanic rock and small coves. It is a well known surf area, with the best swell generally between October and April. A few things worth knowing:

• The beaches on the point are often run by venues: access is open, but you are expected to order something.
• Ngor beach and Ngor Island have calmer water and suit families; the pirogue crossing costs a few hundred to a few thousand FCFA return.
• Swimming off the rocks is a bad idea when the sea is rough. Currents are strong and rarely signposted.

The dry season, November to May, is the most pleasant: clear skies, trade winds, cool water. The rainy season, July to October, brings heat, humidity and short but heavy downpours.

Eating out and nightlife

This is what Almadies is known for. Grilled fish with your feet in the sand, Lebanese and Italian kitchens, Asian menus, Senegalese cooking and a nightlife scene concentrated on a handful of streets. Useful benchmarks: a simple dish often sits around 3,000 to 7,000 FCFA, while a full meal at a seafront restaurant runs roughly 10,000 to 25,000 FCFA per person including drinks. Book ahead at weekends, especially for tables with a sea view. Weekday lunch menus are noticeably cheaper than the evening card.

Embassies, offices and admin

Almadies and the surrounding blocks host many embassies, international organisations and company headquarters. The knock-on effects are visible: secure compounds, services aimed at expatriates, banks and well stocked supermarkets. For any consular errand, book online well in advance; slots fill up fast at year end and over the summer.

Three emergency numbers to memorise: police 17, fire service 18, and 1515 for medical emergencies.

Rents: what to expect

Almadies ranks among the most expensive parts of Dakar, on a par with Ngor and above Mermoz, Point E or Liberte 6. Indicative monthly ranges, excluding charges:

• Furnished studio or small one bedroom: from around 400,000 FCFA.
• Two bedroom flat in a residence: often 700,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA.
• Villa with garden or pool: upwards of 2,000,000 FCFA, considerably more near the water.

If that stretches your budget, look at Ouakam, Yoff, Sacre-Coeur and Point E, then Parcelles Assainies, Guediawaye, Pikine, Keur Massar or Rufisque further out. Two habits will save you trouble: insist on a written lease, and check how reliable water and electricity are in the building before signing. Deposits of two to three months of rent are standard.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Alkimia : Almadies
• Casa Teranga : Almadies
• Chez Fatou : Almadies
• Exotik Beach : Almadies
• Le Cabanon : Almadies
• Dakar night food : Almadies

More venues in the district and across the city are listed on SeneFinder: see all addresses.

Useful tools

• Route planner to map trips between Almadies, the Plateau and the airport.
• FCFA currency converter to size up your budget before you land.
• Practical guide for emergency numbers, transport and day to day information.
• Also worth reading: the best restaurants in Almadies and our guide to Point E.

Frequently asked questions

Is Almadies a good base for a first trip to Dakar?

Yes, if you want the sea, restaurants and a relatively calm setting. If you would rather be close to government offices and markets, the Plateau or Point E are more central.

Can you swim in Almadies?

You can, but the coast is rocky and currents can be strong. The sheltered beaches at Ngor and on Ngor Island are safer, particularly with children.

Do you need a car to live in Almadies?

Not strictly, but it makes life easier. Taxis, ride hailing and buses serve the area and walking within Almadies is pleasant, yet trips into the centre are long without your own vehicle.