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African Renaissance Monument
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Historical site
The African Renaissance Monument is a massive bronze statue located on one of the Collines des Mamelles outside Dakar, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Standing at 49 meters in height, it is taller than the Statue of Liberty and represents the liberation of Africa from centuries of oppression and the transition into a new era of prosperity. The monument was designed by the Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby Atepa and formally inaugurated on April 4, 2010, marking the 50th anniversary of Senegal's independence. It depicts a family consisting of a man, a woman, and a child emerging from a volcano, symbolizing the strength and future potential of the African continent. Despite its artistic significance, the project faced considerable local criticism regarding its high construction cost of approximately 27 million dollars and the North Korean involvement in its fabrication. Nevertheless, it has become a prominent landmark and a major tourist attraction, providing panoramic views of the capital city and its coastline.
- Location: Senegal
- Top sights: Phare des Mamelles · Monument de la Renaissance Africaine · Plage Ouakam
- Nearby: Pikine (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 11 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 14 | 79 | 191 | 170 | 49 | 9 | 13 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The African Renaissance Monument is a large bronze statue on a hill; the base and viewing platform are publicly accessible. The interior of the statue is sometimes open - check on site.
Typical hours
The monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with access to the base usually ending at 5:30 pm. Hours may vary on holidays and during special events.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted from the surrounding areas; the statue has great photo opportunities at sunset. Drones are not allowed without a permit.
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes for visiting the base and viewing platform. If you can also visit the interior of the statue, allow one hour.
Combine with
Combine the monument with the Les Mamelles lighthouse and Ouakam beach. Dakar Arena in Diamniadio is also nearby.
Getting there
The monument is in the Ouakam district on Mamelles hill, about 10 minutes by taxi from central Dakar. You can also take bus lines 7 or 9.
Insider tip
Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Beware of pushy souvenir vendors at the base of the statue.
Geography
Facts
- Standing at 49 meters, it is the tallest statue on the African continent.
- It was inaugurated on April 4, 2010, for the 50th Independence Day.
- The construction cost is estimated to be around 27 million US dollars.
- The bronze sculpture was fabricated by a North Korean company.
- The interior of the pedestal houses a museum and a conference hall.
- The monument sits atop a 100-meter-high hill of volcanic origin.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town African Renaissance Monument (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the monument?
The monument is 52 meters tall, making it one of the tallest in Africa.
Can you visit the inside of the monument?
Yes, an elevator takes visitors to the upper platform.
How is the view from above?
There is an excellent panoramic view over all of Dakar.
Do you need a ticket?
Yes, there is an admission fee to enter the inside.
Are photos allowed?
Photos are allowed, both inside and on the observation deck.
African Renaissance Monument: where is it located?
African Renaissance Monument is located in Senegal.
African Renaissance Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Phare des Mamelles, Monument de la Renaissance Africaine, Plage Ouakam.
African Renaissance Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
African Renaissance Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The African Renaissance Monument is a massive bronze statue located on one of the Collines des Mamelles outside Dakar, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore with Plizio
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Nearby cities
Dakar
The vibrant capital of Senegal is located on the Cap-Vert peninsula and serves as the political and economic center of the country.
Pikine
The largest suburb of Dakar, which became one of the most densely populated zones due to rapid population growth.
Rufisque
A historic port city near Dakar that played a key role in the peanut export during the colonial era.
Somone
A peaceful resort town set by a beautiful lagoon, known for its bird sanctuary and relaxed beach-side bars.
History & landmarks
Mosque of the Divinity
An impressive mosque in Ouakam on the coast of Dakar, known for its unique architecture and oceanfront location.
Maison Ousmane Sow
The former home and studio of the famous Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow, which is now a museum.
Cheikh Anta Diop University Gate
The symbolic entrance gate to Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in West Africa.
Massalikoul Jinaan Mosque
A massive mosque in Dakar, built by the Mouride brotherhood, considered one of the largest in West Africa.
Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium
A large multi-purpose stadium in Dakar, frequently used for football matches of the Senegalese national team.
Place of the Nation
A large public square in Dakar, known for its central obelisk and as a venue for national parades.
Iba Mar Diop Stadium
An important athletics and football stadium in the heart of Dakar, regularly used for local tournaments.
Sandaga Market
The largest and busiest market in Dakar, known for its building in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.
More places
Mamelles Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse on one of the twin hills at the westernmost point of Africa.
Dakar children's beach
A guarded beach section that is particularly safe for kids.
Pointe des Almadies
The westernmost point of the African mainland on the Atlantic.
Dakar Equestrian Center
A place where kids can learn to ride horses and care for animals.
Animal Rehabilitation Center
A center that cares for sick or injured animals before they are released back into the wild.
Madeleine Islands
A small national park made of volcanic rocks off the coast of Dakar.
Dakar Children's Museum
An interactive museum that promotes playful learning about culture and nature.
Dakar Adventure Park
A climbing park for kids with various difficulty levels.