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Pikine

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City
—°4
Pikine (Senegal)
ℹ️

Practical info — Pikine

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Use the 'Petit Train de Banlieue' (commuter train) to avoid the heavy traffic to Dakar.
  • Visit the neighborhood in the late afternoon to experience the spirited street life safely.
  • Be extra careful with your valuables in the crowded market areas.
  • Look for local football matches on the sandy pitches, they are the heart of social life.
  • Pikine is very densely populated; be prepared for noise and constant activity.

🍽 Food

🍽
Dibiterie (Grilled Lamb)

Meat grilled over charcoal and served with onions and mustard at street stalls.

🍽
Pastels

Small fried pastries filled with fish, a popular snack from street vendors.

🍽
Yassa au Poulet

Chicken in a rich onion and lemon sauce, available in local eateries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Pikine Central Market

A bustling place for affordable clothing, fabrics, and everyday items.

🛍
Fabric Shops

Look for colorful wax-print fabrics, which are often cheaper here than in Dakar.

🧘
Parc de Hann (nearby)

A large forested park and zoo on the border of Pikine, providing a green oasis.

🧘
Inner residential streets

Away from the main thoroughfares, you can find quieter alleys with local charm.

Pikine is a major city in the Dakar Region of Senegal and is considered one of the most populous urban zones in the country. The city was founded in 1952 by the French colonial administration as a planned city to relocate residents from the overcrowded districts of Dakar. Geographically, Pikine is located east of Dakar's city center and functions today as a vast suburb that is closely integrated with the capital. The population has grown exponentially over the last few decades and is now estimated at over 1.1 million inhabitants. Economically, Pikine is characterized by informal trade, local markets, and textile crafts, but it also hosts important industrial facilities such as slaughterhouses and oil mills. The city faces significant challenges regarding infrastructure, drainage, and urban planning, as it is partially situated in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Despite these issues, Pikine is an animated cultural center, particularly known for its contributions to the Senegalese hip-hop scene and urban arts.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222121212225272728282724
Rain mm121561031172162146471614

Geography

Population
874,062 (2012)
Coordinates
14.76450, -17.39070

Facts

  • Pikine was founded in 1952 as a satellite city of Dakar.
  • The population has now surpassed the 1.1 million mark.
  • The city has an extremely high population density of over 20,000 people/km².
  • Pikine is administratively divided into three arrondissements.
  • The local 'Sandicat' market is one of the largest trading hubs in the region.
  • Much of the city is situated less than 5 meters above sea level.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pikine (4)

Hann beach🎡 recreation

Plage de Hann lines the edge of Pikine, functioning as a spirited coastal strip within Senegal's bustling urban landscape. Expect a lively, localized atmosphere where city life smoothly transitions onto the sand. It is a prime spot for observing daily coastal routines, taking a seaside walk, or enjoying the lively energy of the community. Visiting during the late afternoon reveals the lively hues of the setting sun over the horizon.

Réserve naturelle urbaine de la grande Niaye de Pikine et dépendance🌳 park

The urban nature reserve of Grande Niaye in Pikine protects wetlands and birdlife.

atelier de munisier🏛 museum

A woodworking workshop turned into a museum in Pikine.

Théatre de Verdure Fodé Doussou Ba Baldé🎭 culture

An open-air theatre named after Fodé Doussou Ba Baldé in Pikine.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of district is Pikine?
Pikine is a densely populated suburb of Dakar, known for its markets.
Are there tourist highlights?
Pikine is more authentic and less touristy; convenient for everyday life.
How do you get from Pikine to Dakar?
Regular shared taxis and bus connections are available.
Is it safe to walk there?
It is lively during the day; stay in well-frequented areas.
What is special about the markets?
You can find everything from local crafts to fresh food.
Pikine: where is it located?
Pikine is located in Senegal.
Pikine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hann beach, Réserve naturelle urbaine de la grande Niaye de Pikine et dépendance, atelier de munisier.
Pikine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Pikine: why is it worth visiting?
Pikine is a major city in the Dakar Region of Senegal and is considered one of the most populous urban zones in the country.
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