Abdoulaye Wade Stadium and Diamniadio equestrian centre: your Dakar 2026 guide

During the Youth Olympic Games, from 31 October to 13 November 2026, Diamniadio hosts two venues: Abdoulaye Wade Stadium for archery and the Diamniadio equestrian centre for equestrian events. This guide covers getting there from Dakar, AIBD airport or Saly, finding a pharmacy or a car locally, and pairing your visit with the other venues in town. For more places to go around the venues, browse our events and entertainment listings in Diamniadio.

Two venues, two moods

Abdoulaye Wade Stadium is Diamniadio's big stadium, but during the Games it hosts archery rather than football. Expect a quiet crowd: applause comes between ends, never while athletes are aiming. The Diamniadio equestrian centre hosts equestrian events, with riders aged 15 to 18 from around the world.

A few tips for both venues:

• Hat, water and sunscreen: the rainy season is over by late October, but the midday sun is strong and temperatures often pass 30 °C.
• Stay calm around horses: no flash, no sudden shouting.
• Schedules and tickets: only the organising committee publishes them. Always check the official Dakar 2026 website or app before heading out.

Getting there from Dakar, AIBD or Saly

From Dakar, the TER regional express train is your best bet. It leaves from Dakar station in the Plateau and stops at Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny, among others, before Diamniadio. Staying in Almadies, Ngor, Ouakam or Mermoz? Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to a station first. Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye and Keur Massar are not on the line, so head to Pikine or Thiaroye. From Diamniadio station, a short taxi ride gets you to either venue.

From AIBD airport, the TER also runs to Diamniadio. A taxi usually costs 10,000 to 20,000 FCFA, depending on the time and your bargaining.

From Saly, Dakar is about 80 km away by toll motorway, and Diamniadio sits on the way. Leave early. A Saly to Diamniadio taxi often runs 20,000 to 35,000 FCFA; agree on the fare before you get in.

Taxi, ride-hailing or rental car

• Taxis: always settle the price first and carry small FCFA notes.
• Yango and Heetch: useful from Dakar, but paid in cash or via Wave and Orange Money, not by card. Both need a Senegalese SIM card and ID, so most short-stay visitors simply pay cash.
• Car rental: the easiest option for families moving between Diamniadio, Dakar and Saly. Expect roughly 25,000 to 50,000 FCFA a day for a small car, more with a driver. Keep cash for motorway tolls.

Visa cards work in hotels and supermarkets, but cash is still king for taxis and small shops. Currency exchange offices are mostly at the airport and in central Dakar, so in Diamniadio rely on ATMs.

Pharmacy and local services

Insect bites, too much sun or a headache after a long day in the stands: locate a pharmacy before you need one, and pack your regular medication with its prescription. In an emergency, dial 17 for police, 18 for the fire brigade and 1515 for SAMU medical help.

Pairing with Dakar Arena and the Exhibition Centre

Diamniadio has four Games venues. Dakar Arena hosts badminton and the futsal finals, while the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre hosts artistic gymnastics, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and wushu. A good day out: archery in the morning at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, a quick lunch, then an afternoon session at the Exhibition Centre or Dakar Arena. Staying in Diamniadio saves daily round trips.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Pharmacie Khaly Djibril Diagne : Diamniadio, pharmacy.
• ElamoTours : Diamniadio, transport.
• Diamniadio Automobile : Diamniadio, transport and cars.
• Melia's Hôtel : Diamniadio, hotel.

You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Diamniadio directory.

Useful tools

• SeneFinder Dakar 2026 page: venues, sports and tips for the Games.
• Route planner: plan trips between Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
• FCFA currency converter: budget before you travel.
• Practical guide: SOS numbers, transport and essentials.
• Further reading: our complete Diamniadio guide and our pick of hotels in Diamniadio.

Frequently asked questions

Which Youth Olympic events take place at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium?

During the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Abdoulaye Wade Stadium hosts archery. Equestrian events are held at the Diamniadio equestrian centre, also in Diamniadio.

How do I get to Abdoulaye Wade Stadium from Dakar without a car?

Take the TER from Dakar station in the Plateau or any other station on the line, get off at Diamniadio and finish by taxi. From Almadies, Ngor or Parcelles Assainies, first get to a TER station.

Where can I buy tickets for archery and equestrian events?

Tickets and session schedules are published only by the organising committee. Check the official Dakar 2026 website or app before your visit.