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Port of Dakar

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Port
—°10
Port of Dakar (Senegal)

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The Autonomous Port of Dakar (PAD) is one of the most significant deep-water ports on the West African coast and a central pillar of the Senegalese economy. Its strategic location at the westernmost point of Africa makes it a good transshipment hub for international shipping traffic between Europe, the Americas, and the African continent. The port features modern terminal facilities for containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products, as well as specialized quays for fishing. A substantial portion of foreign trade for landlocked neighboring states like Mali is handled through the Port of Dakar, highlighting its regional importance. In recent years, extensive investments have been made in infrastructure and digitalization to increase efficiency and expand capacity. The port is directly connected to the national rail and road network, allowing for rapid onward transport of goods. As an economic engine, PAD creates thousands of jobs and fosters industrial development in the Dakar metropolitan area.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222121212225272728282724
Rain mm119363147919117049913

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Autonomous Port of Dakar is Senegal's most important seaport and a central transshipment hub for West Africa. It handles the majority of Senegal's foreign trade and serves as a key logistics center.
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Visiting
The port is an active operational area, but certain zones are accessible to the public. Harbour tours are offered where one can see the container terminals and the fishing port.
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Where to view it
The Corniche de Dakar provides an excellent view of the port and the bay. From the Les Mamelles lighthouse, one has a panoramic view of the entire port complex.
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Local products
The port exports peanuts, fish products and phosphates from Senegal. Imports include rice, machinery and fuel. The fishing port is known for fresh tuna and octopus.
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Active season
The port operates year-round, with peak hours in the morning and late afternoon when most ships are handled. The tuna fishing season is best from June to October.
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Nearby
Combine the port visit with a trip to Gorée Island, just a short ferry ride away. The Plateau district with its colonial buildings and markets is also worth seeing.

Geography

Coordinates
14.67500, -17.43000

Facts

  • The Port of Dakar is navigable for large vessels throughout the entire year.
  • Over 90% of Senegal's foreign trade is processed through this port.
  • The PAD serves as the primary import gateway for landlocked Mali.
  • The port facilities cover an area of several hundred hectares.
  • Modern container terminals are operated by global firms such as DP World.
  • Its strategic location saves shipping lines time on transcontinental routes.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Historic Dakar Railway StationHistoric Dakar Railway Station<1 km · WExplore →
Great Mosque of DakarGreat Mosque of Dakar2 km · SEExplore →
Sangomar Oil Field Supply BaseSangomar Oil Field Supply Base3 km · SWExplore →
Cap Manuel LighthouseCap Manuel Lighthouse3 km · WExplore →
Dakar Equestrian CenterDakar Equestrian Center3 km · SEExplore →
House of Slaves (Gorée)House of Slaves (Gorée)4 km · NExplore →
Cheikh Anta Diop University GateCheikh Anta Diop University Gate4 km · SExplore →
Dakar forest beltDakar forest belt4 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Port of Dakar (10)

Marché malien

Market in the Port of Dakar, known for goods from Mali and the region.

Galé madiagne

Place or shop in the Port of Dakar, possibly a cultural meeting point.

Galerie Nationale d'Art

National Art Gallery in Senegal, showcasing works by Senegalese artists.

Musée des Civilisations Noires🏛 museum

Museum in Dakar, Senegal, presenting the history and culture of African civilizations.

Selebe Yoon

Contemporary art gallery in Dakar, with rotating exhibitions.

Place de l'Independance🌳 park

Square in Senegal, a central location for events and gatherings.

Musée International sur la Biographie du Prophète (PSL)🏛 museum

Museum in the Port of Dakar, depicting the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

Grand Théâtre National de Dakar

National Theatre in Dakar, venue for theatre, dance, and music performances.

Théatre de verdure

Open-air theatre in Dakar, surrounded by greenery, for cultural performances.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of the Port of Dakar?
It is the economic gateway of West Africa for freight traffic.
Is the port accessible for tourists?
Direct access to port areas is restricted for security reasons.
Can one visit the port?
The port can be viewed well from the Corniche.
What is near the port?
The city center and numerous markets are within walking distance.
When is the best time for a visit?
Anytime, especially at sunset from the viewpoints.
Port of Dakar: where is it located?
Port of Dakar is located in Senegal.
Port of Dakar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Marché malien, Galé madiagne, Agence Trames.
Port of Dakar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Port of Dakar: why is it worth visiting?
The Autonomous Port of Dakar (PAD) is one of the most significant deep-water ports on the West African coast and a central pillar of the Senegalese economy.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Dakar — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
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 — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Pikine
The largest suburb of Dakar, which became one of the most densely populated zones due to rapid population growth.
Rufisque — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Rufisque
A historic port city near Dakar that played a key role in the peanut export during the colonial era.
Somone — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Somone
A peaceful resort town set by a beautiful lagoon, known for its bird sanctuary and relaxed beach-side bars.

History & landmarks

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Dakar City Hall
A notable colonial-era building in Dakar, serving as the seat of the municipal government.
National Grand Theatre — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
National Grand Theatre
The Grand Théâtre National Doudou Ndiaye Rose in Dakar is one of the largest cultural centers in West Africa.
Museum of Black Civilisations — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Museum of Black Civilisations
A major museum in Dakar dedicated to African art and cultural history worldwide.
Kermel Market — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Kermel Market
A historic market in downtown Dakar, housed in a striking round building from the colonial era.
Dakar Independence Square — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Dakar Independence Square
The central square in Dakar, surrounded by important government buildings and commercial centers.
Daniel Sorano National Theatre — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Daniel Sorano National Theatre
A historic theatre in Dakar, opened in 1965, serving as a center for Senegalese performing arts.
Sandaga Market — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Sandaga Market
The largest and busiest market in Dakar, known for its building in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style.
BCEAO Tower — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
BCEAO Tower
An iconic skyscraper in Dakar housing the headquarters of the Central Bank of West African States.

More places

Historic Dakar Railway Station — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Historic Dakar Railway Station
A magnificent colonial-style building that was the terminus of the historic Dakar-Niger Railway.
Dakar Oceanographic Museum — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Dakar Oceanographic Museum
A museum explaining the underwater world of Senegal to kids.
Magic Land Dakar — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Magic Land Dakar
A popular amusement park for kids in Dakar right by the Atlantic.
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IFAN Museum of African Arts
One of the oldest art museums in West Africa, preserving cultural and ethnographic history.
Dakar Botanical Garden — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Dakar Botanical Garden
A quiet park with many plants, ideal for families.
Dakar Zoo — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Dakar Zoo
An urban zoo with a focus on West African wildlife.
Great Mosque of Dakar — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Great Mosque of Dakar
One of the most important Islamic sanctuaries in Senegal with impressive Moroccan architecture.
Dakar Adventure Park — Port of Dakar (Senegal)
Dakar Adventure Park
A climbing park for kids with various difficulty levels.