Sicap and Amitie neighborhoods guide, Dakar

The Sicap estates and Amitié are Dakar's central residential heartland, wedged between Point E, Mermoz, Grand Dakar and the HLM area. They are quiet, well connected and full of everyday life, which makes them a smart base for families, students, newcomers and members of the diaspora moving back. Here is how to eat, get pampered, find healthcare, learn to drive, rent and get around.

Baobab, Karack, Foire, Liberté: one name, several personalities

Sicap was built from the 1950s onwards as a planned housing scheme, so expect neat grid streets, low villas, small apartment blocks and a strong neighborly feel.

• Sicap Baobab: close to Avenue Bourguiba and Point E, one of the most sought after estates, with local shops, salons and restaurants.
• Sicap Karack: more residential and calm, a few minutes from Mermoz and the VDN expressway.
• Sicap Foire: busier, lined with shops and eateries, on the way towards Yoff and the old fairground zone.
• Sicap Liberté (Liberté 1 to Liberté 6): popular, family oriented areas with markets, workshops and lively evenings. Liberté 6 is now a major transport hub.
• Amitié 1, 2 and 3: small, peaceful pockets next to Sicap Baobab and Grand Dakar, ideal for central living without Plateau traffic noise.

To find more useful spots around these estates, browse our Dakar travel and tourism listings.

Food, beauty and health

Eating out is easy and affordable. Neighborhood canteens usually serve a lunchtime thieboudienne for around 1,500 to 3,500 FCFA, and Avenue Bourguiba has fish restaurants and international options, Asian food included. After dark, street grills, fataya and tuna sandwiches take over.

Hair and beauty are a real strength here. Typical ranges:

• Braids: 5,000 to 25,000 FCFA depending on length and style.
• Facial or body treatments: 10,000 to 35,000 FCFA in a beauty institute.
• Manicure and pedicure: 3,000 to 15,000 FCFA.

Before Tabaski or Korité, salons get fully booked, so reserve several days ahead.

Neighborhood health centres handle consultations, vaccinations and child checkups at modest fees, usually a few thousand FCFA. Pharmacies are everywhere and an on duty pharmacy stays open at night. In an emergency, dial 1515 (SAMU ambulance), 18 (fire brigade) or 17 (police).

Schools and driving lessons

Families value the many public and private schools, from nursery to high school, and the short ride to Cheikh Anta Diop University via Point E. Enroll early, ideally in June, since good places fill up before the October school start.

Several driving schools operate in the Sicap estates. A full theory and practical package typically costs 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA. Always ask how many driving hours are included and how long the wait is for the exam.

Renting and getting around

Rents are gentler than in Almadies, Ngor or Point E, but demand is high. Rough monthly ranges:

• Room or studio: 80,000 to 200,000 FCFA.
• Two bedroom apartment: 250,000 to 450,000 FCFA.
• Family villa: from 600,000 FCFA, often much more.

Landlords usually ask for a deposit plus two to three months upfront. If you can, visit during the rainy season, July to October, because a few low lying streets in Liberté and Grand Dakar flood after heavy downpours.

Dakar Dem Dikk buses, Tata minibuses and the colorful cars rapides cover the area for a few hundred FCFA. The BRT links the city centre to Guédiawaye through the central districts. A taxi to Plateau usually runs 1,500 to 2,500 FCFA, while AIBD airport costs considerably more: always agree on the fare before getting in. At rush hour, the VDN and Avenue Bourguiba crawl, so leave early.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Elle Emoi - Le naturel en héritage : Amitié 2, beauty and care.
• Centre De Santé Gaspard Kamara : Amitié 1, health centre.
• Restaurant Le Thiof : Sicap Baobab, restaurant.
• Saveurs d'Asie Bourguiba : Sicap Foire, Asian restaurant.
• Maawa Body Care : Sicap Baobab, beauty and body care.
• School Reference Of Conduite : Sicap Karack, driving school.

Want more? See all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner to map trips between Sicap and the rest of the city.
• FCFA currency converter to plan your budget.
• Practical guide with SOS numbers and transport tips.
• Read our Liberté 6 neighborhood guide and our overview of Dakar neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sicap and Amitié good areas for families?

Yes. They are calm residential neighborhoods with many schools, health centres and local shops, only minutes from Plateau and Mermoz.

How much is rent in the Sicap estates?

Expect roughly 80,000 to 200,000 FCFA a month for a studio and 250,000 to 450,000 FCFA for a two bedroom apartment, plus a deposit and two to three months upfront.

How do I get around from Sicap and Amitié?

Buses, Tata minibuses, cars rapides, the BRT and taxis all serve the area. Agree on taxi fares before departure and avoid the VDN at rush hour.