Fann Neighborhood Guide, Dakar

Fann is Dakar's district of learning and diplomacy: home to Cheikh Anta Diop University, Fann hospital, many embassies and quiet villa-lined streets. Wedged between Point E, the Médina and the western Corniche, it is central, calm and convenient whether you are studying, seeking medical care or moving in with your family. Here is what you need to know about Fann, Fann Résidence and Fann Hock.

Three faces of one neighborhood

• Fann in the broad sense covers the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) campus, the busy Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop, student halls and the big healthcare institutions. It is the student heart of the capital.
• Fann Résidence is the upscale part: large villas, gardens, shady streets, several embassies and diplomatic residences, cultural centres and medical practices.
• Fann Hock, squeezed between the Corniche and the Médina, is more working class and lively, with direct access to the sea.

A short walk away you will find Point E, Amitié and the area around the Tour de l'Œuf complex, handy for groceries and going out. The Plateau is about ten minutes by car outside rush hour, while Mermoz, Ouakam and the Almadies are easy to reach along the Corniche.

Healthcare: a major medical hub

Few parts of Dakar offer as much medical care in one place. CHNU de Fann, a public teaching hospital, runs specialised departments that draw patients from across the region, including Pikine, Guédiawaye and Rufisque. Centre Hospitalier Abass Ndao, also in the area, rounds out the public offer.

Practical tips:

• Arrive early for public hospital consultations: queues are long and tickets run out fast.
• A general consultation in the public sector usually costs 2,000 to 5,000 FCFA, compared with 15,000 to 30,000 FCFA in a private clinic.
• For rehabilitation, Fann Résidence has several physiotherapy practices. Expect roughly 10,000 to 20,000 FCFA per session depending on the treatment.
• In an emergency, call 1515 (SAMU ambulance), 18 (fire brigade) or 17 (police).

Studying, reading and learning languages

With UCAD on the doorstep, the neighborhood follows the academic calendar. Bookshops are plentiful, stocking school textbooks, university titles, African literature and stationery. The back-to-school rush in September and October is the busiest time, so shop early.

Fann Résidence also hosts foreign cultural centres offering language classes, exhibitions, film screenings and workshops. A group language course typically costs 25,000 to 75,000 FCFA for a term of several weeks. If you are coming from abroad to study, our guide to universities and student life in Dakar covers housing, enrolment and budgeting.

Families: swimming, the Corniche and everyday life

Families like Fann for its calm streets and greenery. Babies and toddlers can try water familiarisation from just a few months old, a popular activity with parents from Sacré-Cœur, Mermoz and Liberté 6. Sessions usually cost around 5,000 to 15,000 FCFA depending on the package.

The western Corniche is right next door: sunset walks, outdoor fitness areas and group workouts that draw crowds at weekends. Skip swimming when the sea is rough, especially during the rainy season from July to October. The dry season, November to May, is the best time to enjoy the seafront.

Housing and getting around

Rents vary widely. A student room near UCAD goes for 40,000 to 90,000 FCFA a month, a two-bedroom flat in Fann Résidence for 350,000 to 700,000 FCFA, and villas often exceed one million. Dakar Dem Dikk buses and the colourful cars rapides run along Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop. A taxi to the Plateau is usually 1,500 to 2,500 FCFA, and 3,000 to 5,000 FCFA to Yoff or Ngor. For more ideas, browse travel and tourism addresses in Dakar.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Centre Hospitalier Abass Ndao de Dakar : Fann, hospital.
• Centre Culturel Turc Yunus Emre à Dakar : Fann Résidence, cultural centre.
• Librairie Didactika 1 : Fann, bookshop.
• Plateau Médical Pr Gabriel Senghor - Kinésithérapie Fann Résidence : Fann Résidence, physiotherapy practice.
• Aquababy Dakar : Fann Résidence, children's water activity.

To keep exploring, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner to reach Fann from any part of the city.
• Practical guide: SOS numbers, transport and useful information.
• FCFA currency converter to plan your budget.
• Also worth reading: our Point E neighborhood guide, Fann's next-door neighbour.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fann a safe place to live?

Fann Résidence is one of the quietest parts of Dakar, thanks to the embassies and its residential character. Just stay alert at night on the Corniche.

How do I get to Fann hospital from the suburbs?

From Pikine, Guédiawaye or Keur Massar, several Dakar Dem Dikk bus lines reach Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop. Leave early to beat motorway traffic and arrive before consultations open.

When is the best time to visit Fann?

The dry season, November to May, is ideal for the Corniche and walks.