Youth Olympic Games in Saly: beach events guide

During the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, from 31 October to 13 November, the resort town of Saly hosts every beach and sea event at the Saly plage ouest venue: beach handball, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, coastal rowing, triathlon and sailing. Sitting about 80 km from Dakar, it is a great excuse to mix sport, ocean and a few relaxed days on the Petite-Côte. Here is how to get there, where to stay and what to do, plus events and entertainment spots in Saly.

Six sports on the sand and at sea

Saly plage ouest is the only Games venue for beach and water sports:

• beach handball and beach volleyball, great for families;
• beach wrestling, a sure crowd favourite in wrestling-mad Senegal;
• coastal rowing and sailing, best watched from the shore;
• triathlon, with an open water swim, cycling and running.

Athletes are aged 15 to 18. For the programme, session times and tickets, rely on the organizing committee's official website or app.

Getting there from Dakar

Allow 1 h 15 to 2 h on the toll motorway, depending on traffic. Leave early to beat the jams from Plateau, Point E or Mermoz, and allow extra time from Almadies, Ngor or Yoff.

• Car: most flexible; keep cash for the tolls.
• TER train to Diamniadio: handy from Dakar (Plateau), Colobane, Hann, Pikine or Rufisque stations, then a taxi to Saly. Keur Massar, Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye, Almadies and Ngor are not on the TER line.
• Taxi or ride-hailing (Yango, Heetch): paid in cash or through Wave and Orange Money, never by card.
• Intercity transport to Mbour: the budget option, usually between 2,500 and 5,000 FCFA, followed by a short taxi ride to Saly.

More in our guide to travelling from Dakar to Saly and Mbour.

Where to stay in and around Saly

Staying locally saves tiring round trips:

• Saly Portudal, the heart of the resort;
• Saly Niakhniakhal and Saly Coulang, quieter;
• Ngaparou and Somone, village and lagoon feel;
• Mbour, livelier and often cheaper.

As a rough guide, a simple room in a guesthouse or residence costs 15,000 to 40,000 FCFA a night, a rental flat or villa 40,000 to 120,000 FCFA, Book early.

Visa works in hotels and supermarkets, but carry cash in FCFA for taxis and markets. Exchange offices are scarce outside Dakar, so use ATMs.

Sun, heat and staying comfortable

In late October it is still hot and humid, often 30 to 33 °C, with fierce sun on the sand:

• hat, sunglasses and sunscreen;
• plenty of water and shade breaks;
• with children, favour morning or late afternoon sessions.

In an emergency, dial 1515 (SAMU ambulance), 18 (fire brigade) or 17 (police).

Making the most of Saly between events

Between sessions:

• swim at supervised beaches, currents can be strong;
• a workout or yoga class at a local club;
• the Somone lagoon or the fishing pirogues at Mbour;
• sunset at a beach bar.

For more inspiration, browse our list of things to do in Saly.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• sunufitness : Saly, gym.
• KOKOJA BEACH BAR : Saly Coulang, beach bar.
• LE KAEL - ZEN PLAYA : Ngaparou, sports and beach venue.
• La Palmeraie Sporting club : Saly, sports club.

To find more, see all addresses in this category or explore the Saly directory.

Useful tools

• SeneFinder Dakar 2026 page: venues and Games essentials.
• Route planner to prepare your trip to Saly.
• FCFA currency converter to plan your budget.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers, transport and useful info.

Frequently asked questions

Which Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games events take place in Saly?

The Saly plage ouest venue hosts beach handball, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, coastal rowing, triathlon and sailing.

How long does it take to get from Dakar to Saly?

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

Where can I find schedules and tickets for the beach events?

The programme, session times and ticketing are published on the official website and app of the Dakar 2026 organizing committee.