Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: practical guide

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Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: the three hubs of Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, where to stay, riding the TER, paying by Visa or in FCFA cash, staying safe and following the official schedule.

Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: practical guide

The Youth Olympic Games run from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing athletes aged 15 to 18 to Senegal along with their families, fans and media. The key thing to know before you land: Dakar 2026 is spread across three hubs, Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. Here is what you need to stay, move and pay, plus our events and entertainment listings in Dakar for free evenings.

Three hubs, three atmospheres

Dakar hosts the urban sports. The Complexe Tour de l'Œuf is home to 3x3 basketball, Baseball5, breaking, swimming and skateboarding. The Complexe Iba Mar Diop in Médina hosts athletics, boxing, futsal and rugby sevens. Road cycling takes place along the Corniche Ouest, right by the ocean.

Diamniadio, the new city east of Dakar, gathers the modern indoor venues: Dakar Arena (badminton and the futsal finals), the Centre des Expositions de Diamniadio (artistic gymnastics, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, wushu), the equestrian centre, and Stade Abdoulaye Wade for archery.

Saly, on the Petite-Côte, hosts the beach events at Saly plage ouest: beach handball, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, coastal rowing, triathlon and sailing.

Where to stay

  • Almadies, Ngor, Ouakam: seaside hotels and serviced apartments, handy for the Corniche Ouest but far from the train line.
  • Plateau, Point E, Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur: central, close to Médina and to the Dakar TER station.
  • Diamniadio: ideal if you mostly follow judo, fencing or badminton, though hotel choice is smaller.
  • Saly: beach resorts and holiday rentals, a good fit for families here for sailing or beach volleyball.

Diaspora families often stay with relatives in Liberté 6, Parcelles Assainies, Keur Massar or Rufisque, which saves money but means longer journeys. A simple room in a guesthouse or residence typically costs around 15,000 to 40,000 FCFA a night, with upscale hotels well above that. Book early, as demand will spike during the Games.

Getting around: TER, motorway and taxis

The TER regional express train is the smartest way to travel between Dakar and Diamniadio. Stations include Dakar (Plateau), Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque, Bargny and Diamniadio, and the line continues to AIBD airport. Keep in mind that Keur Massar, Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye, Almadies and Ngor are not on the line, so plan a taxi ride to the nearest station.

Saly is about 80 km from Dakar, roughly 1 h 15 to 2 h on the toll motorway depending on traffic. Leave early.

Street taxis have no meters, so agree on the fare before getting in. Ride-hailing apps Yango and Heetch show the price upfront, which helps if you do not know local rates.

Paying: Visa card and cash in FCFA

  • Visa is the most widely accepted foreign card: hotels, supermarkets, malls and many restaurants in Dakar and in the Saly resorts.
  • Cash in FCFA is still essential for markets, taxis and small shops.
  • Yango and Heetch are paid in cash or through Wave or Orange Money, not by card. Those mobile wallets need a Senegalese SIM card and ID, so most short-stay visitors simply use cash and card.
  • ATMs are the easiest way to get cash. Exchange offices are mostly at the airport and in central Dakar and hard to find in Saly or Diamniadio, so withdraw before you head out.

Health, safety and the official schedule

Late October and early November are still hot and humid. Drink bottled water, cover up during outdoor events and pack mosquito repellent. Keep valuables out of sight in crowds. In an emergency, dial 17 for police, 18 for the fire brigade and 1515 for SAMU medical emergencies.

Schedules, sessions and tickets can change, so always check the organizing committee's official website or app before each trip.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

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

Useful tools

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games events held?

Across three hubs: Dakar for urban sports, Diamniadio for indoor venues and Saly for beach events.

How do I get from Dakar to Diamniadio during the Games?

Take the TER from Dakar station in Plateau, which runs via Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny to Diamniadio. It is the easiest way to skip road traffic.

Should I bring cash or a card?

Both. Visa works in hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants, but taxis, markets and small shops expect cash in FCFA, which you can withdraw from ATMs.