ROAD TRAVEL REPORT:

SENEGAL
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Road crashes are the greatest danger to travelers in

Dakar, especially at night.

Traffic seems chaotic to many U.S. drivers, especially in

Dakar.

Driving defensively is strongly recommended.

Be alert for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, livestock

and animal-drawn carts in both urban and rural areas.

The government is gradually upgrading existing roads

and constructing new roads.

Road crashes are one of the leading causes of injury and

death in Senegal.

An average of 9,600 road crashes involving injury to

persons occur annually, almost half of which take place
in urban areas.

There are 42.7 fatalities per 10,000 vehicles in Senegal,

compared to 1.9 in the United States and 1.4 in the
United Kingdom.

There are 15,000 km of roads in Senegal, of which 4,

555 km are paved. About 28% of paved roads are in fair
to good condition.

Most roads are two-lane, narrow and lack shoulders.

Paved roads linking major cities are generally in fair to

good condition for daytime travel. Night travel is risky
due to inadequate lighting, variable road conditions and
the many pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles
sharing the roads.

ROAD REALITIES
DRIVER BEHAVIORS

Drivers often drive aggressively, speed, tailgate, make

unexpected maneuvers, disregard road markings and
pass recklessly even in the face of oncoming traffic.

Many drivers do not obey road signs, traffic signals, or

other traffic rules.

Drivers commonly try to fit two or more lanes of traffic

into one lane.

Drivers commonly drive on wider sidewalks. Be alert

for motorcyclists and moped riders on narrow
sidewalks.

Drivers frequently use horns. Taxi drivers use horns to

solicit passengers.

Secondary roads may be in poor condition, especially

during the rainy season. Most lack adequate lighting
and have few road markings.

Coastal region: The road network is fairly well

developed. Main roads are generally in fair to good
condition. Roads nearest the coast may flooded or
damaged or during intense storms.

Southern region: The road network is less developed.

Roads are often in poor condition. Restrict travel to
major paved routes.

Many drivers lack adequate driver training.

Vehicles are often poorly maintained.

GENERAL ROAD CONDITIONS

Compared to other West African countries, Senegal has

an extensive network of main roads.
ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

ASIRT 2009

Interior region: Roads are generally in poor condition.

Four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are recommended for
travel in remote areas, especially in the rainy season. In
the dry season, be alert for sand drifts on the roads.

HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES:

National routes linking Dakar to major cities in Senegal

and neighboring countries carry 80% of the HGV
traffic in the country.

Eastern region: In the Kdougou Department, most

roads are footpaths or feeder roads. Many roads are
impassible during rainy season. All-weather feeder
roads in the region include: Dalato-Sayansoutou (26
km), Bandafassi-Bagnomba (31 km), Kossanto-Bransan
(24 km), and Diank Makam-Goudiry (62 km).
Maintenance of feeder roads is inadequate.

Overloaded heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are a major

factor in deterioration of road surfaces. Damage to road
surfaces occurs most rapidly in sections over bridges
and culverts.

About 31% of heavy goods vehicles are overloaded.

Average level of overloading is 25% above the vehicles
maximum capacity.

Check with the US Embassy regarding current

conditions at border crossings.

The eight routes most heavily used by HGVs:

National roads have route numbers with an N prefix.

National roads include:

N1: Diourbel-Kaolack-Tambacounda-Kidira-Diboli
(Mali)
o N2: Kaolack-This-Saint Louis-Richard Toll-Ouro
Sogui-Kidira
o N3: This-Diourbel-Touba-Lingure-Ouro Sogui
o N4: Kaolack-Trans-Gambia Highway-BignonaZiguinchor-(Guinea-Bissau)
o N5: Bignona-Diouloulou-(Gambia)
o N6: Tambacounda-Kolda-Zigunichor
o N7: Tambacounda-Dar Salam-Niokolo KobaKedougou-Segou-(Guinea)
Many national routes are part of the Trans-African
Highway network. About 80% of roads in the TransAfrican Highway network are in fair condition.
Completion of upgrading/construction work in the
network is expected in 2015.
o

o
o

o
o
o
o

COASTAL EROSION

About 85% of the networks rural feeder roads are in

poor condition. Improvements in some feeder roads
are in progress.
When driving on sand:

Erosion is a serious threat to coastal region. The

majority of the countrys population, tourist areas,
economic centers, industrial complexes and main roads
are in this region.

Water levels in the Atlantic are rising, causing increased

coastal erosion. Senegal is losing about 1 meter of its
coast annually. More seriously affected sections are
losing up to 10 meters annually.

Excessive harvesting of mangrove forests has made the

coast more vulnerable to storm damage. The risk of
road closures and flooding is higher than in past. In
southern Senegal, mangrove forests are almost
completely depleted in Toubacouta (Sine Saloum
region).

Much of Senegal consists of rolling plains. Southeastern

Senegal has some foothills.

If not experienced with a 4WD vehicle, learn how

the vehicle responds under different conditions
before traveling across country. Land Rovers and
Land Cruisers are less likely to turn over than lighter
4WD vehicles.
o Sand may drift onto paved roads. Slow down when
approaching a sand drift. Stop if necessary, but be
alert for traffic coming up behind. Reduce gear and
drive through the drift slowly.
o If approaching a rough section of road, reduce speed
and drop down one gear, but do not stop.
o When driving in deep sand, reduce air pressure in
tires to increase traction.
o

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

National Route 1, Dakar-Diam Niadia-MbourFatick-Kaolack-Kaffrine and Tambacounda-Kidira

sections
National Route 2, Diam Niadia-Theis-TivaouoaneLouga-Saint Louis-Dagana and Haere Lao-Matam
sections
National Route 3, Thies-Bambey-Diourbel-Mbake
and Touba-Dara sections
National Route 4, Diourbel-Gossas, Kaolack-Keur
Ayip, through Gambia to Senoba and BignonaZiguinchor sections
National Route 6, Tambacounda-Velingara-Kolda
and Tanaf-Zinguinchor sections
R10/R70, Rufisque-Bayak-Mboro section
R60, Mbake-Mbar-Kaffrine section
R30/R31, Louga to Touba section

ASIRT 2009

URBAN TRAVEL

Main urban roads generally are fairly well maintained.

Roads are often poorly lit.

Secondary roads generally lack road markings and may

be unpaved.

Pedestrians are difficult to see.

The traffic mix contains a much higher percentage of

pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, livestock and
animal-drawn carts than in most cities in developed
countries.

Growth of coastal communities is generally

unregulated. Construction on low-lying coastal areas
increases risk of flooding during severe storms.

DAKAR:

o
o
o
o
o

CONDITIONS

Walking, cycling or other non-motorized transport

modes: 44.8%
Taking a bus or minibus: 45.5%
Driving personnel vehicle: 9.3%
Taking a train or tram: 0.4%
Migration to urban areas is increasing. Most of these
migrants live in informal settlements at fringes of
larger cities. The settlements generally lack basic city
services. Public transportation is inadequate. Roads
in the settlements are often just dirt paths. Allweather road connections with the city are lacking.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Dakar is a travel hub for Senegal and neighboring countries

in West Africa.

Dakar is on the southern end of Cape Verde Peninsula.

Temperatures are usually moderate except from June to
October.

Three routes in the Trans-African Highway network end or

pass through the city: Cairo-Dakar Highway, DakarNdjamena Highway and Dakar-Lagos Highway.

Sandaga, the citys largest market, is at the intersection of

Lamine Guye, Peytavin, Emile Badiane, and Ponty
Avenues. Streets and stalls are crowded. Be alert for petty
crime and scams.

The city is on the narrow, long (30 km) Cape Verde

Peninsula. Most commercial and financial establishments
are at the end of the peninsula. During rush hour, most
traffic from residential areas uses the citys two main
roads, the coastal road and the new expressway.

Public transport accounts for 70%, walking for 25% and

private vehicles for 5% of traffic in the city.
The bus system is inadequate and crowded during rush hour.

Drive cautiously to avoid road crashes.

Taxis and buses are often in poor condition.

Use caution when driving at night, due to poorly lit streets

and vehicles.

Dakar Demm Dikk (DDD) buses provide reliable service.

The name means Dakar coming and going.

During rush hour, major roads are heavily congested,

especially near the port and industrial areas. Traffic jams
are common in city center and at major intersections.

DDDs fleet is inadequate to handle rush hour traffic.

Buses are often overcrowded, and travel is slow in
rush hour.
o Schedules and routes change on Sunday and holidays.
Website: www.demdikk.com.
o Route maps are often incomplete. Ask a resident for
help finding the right bus.
AFTU buses, a newer minivan service provide a safer
alternative to cars rapides. AFTU are blue and white, and
are often overcrowded. There many routes in Garage
Petersen suburb.
o

Intersections on major roads are being improved. The

improvements are reducing congestion.
Navigating the citys streets is difficult. There are few road
signs. Traffic patterns change frequently. Many roads are
under construction.
A 4-lane highway links the Presidential Palace and the
Meridian-President Hotel.
Beggars and street hawkers weave in and out of slowmoving traffic to sell wares to motorists.

Cars rapides and Ndiaga Ndiayes account for 65% of

available public transportation within the city.

Disruptions in Dakars transport system reduce the

countrys GDP by about 5%.

High traffic congestion and air pollution levels cause great

road safety concerns.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

Modes of transport for traveling to work in urban areas:

Cars rapides are small, privately owned, 25passenger buses; generally in poor condition. Many
drivers are poorly trained and drive recklessly. Most
cars rapides are 10-20 years old.
ASIRT 2009

DAKAR (CONT.):

CONDITIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION

Ndiaga Ndiayes (Alham) are privately owned, 35 to

42-seat Mercedes buses. Most are newer vehicles.
Fares are low. They are often overcrowded. The
drivers assistant shouts out their destination.
Registered taxis also provide transport. The quality and
speed of service varies. Some drivers have limited
knowledge of the city. Taxis are metered, but meters are
often broken.
o

Much of the city consists of unplanned, informal

settlements with inadequate services and infrastructure.
Roads in the settlements are generally unpaved, in poor
condition and lack connection with roads in other
settlements. Public transportation options are limited.
Animal crossings are common.
Floods are infrequent, but cause extensive damage.
Coastal erosion is a constant risk, and can damage roads,
structures and port facilities.

Fares are higher than fares on other transport options.

Drivers tend to overcharge tourists. Bargain for a
reasonable fare before boarding. Wait for another taxi
if fare is too high.
o Fares are higher at night.
Most transport to other cities is provided by sept places,
older, seven-seat taxis. Drivers often overcharge tourists.
Ask residents what fare is reasonable. Gare Routieres de
Pompiers is Dakars main station for sept places.
o
o

The train station is at Place de Bamako (Boulevard de la

Liberation x Rue Joris). Information: phone 33-849-4646.
PTB (Petit Train Bleu): a railway shuttle service, linking
Dakar and some larger cities in Senegal.
Dakar-Yoff /Lopold Sdar Senghor International Airport,
17 miles (11km) from the city. Phone: +221 869 2200.
o
o

Buses and taxis provide transport to the city.

Rental cars are available.

Clando (unregistered) taxis provide cheap transport along

fixed routes. Not recommended, due to high road risk.
Many drivers wait for fares on RTS Avenue, Lamine Guye
(near city center), Liberte VI (near the bus terminal) and in
front of Stade L.S.S. in Patte dOie. Drivers assistant shouts
out the taxis destination.
Motorcycle taxis and human and animal-drawn rickshaws
also provide transport. They are not recommended, due to
high road risk.
Taxi boats serve routes between Dakar and many coastal
destinations south of the city.

SAINT-LOUIS:

CONDITIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION

The city is near Senegals border with Mauritania and is 100

km from the border crossing with Mauritania at Rosso.

The Old City is on a long, narrow island situated near the

mouth of the Senegal River. Faidherbe Bridge links the
island to the mainland.

The city and surrounding areas are part of the Sahel. Sand
storms may interrupt transport services in the dry season.

Sections of the city:

Ndar Tout and Guet Ndar, on Langue de Barbarie, a
narrow sand spit that separates the Senegal River and
the Atlantic Ocean.
o Sor, on the eastern mainland, is surrounded by tidal
marshes.
Sept-place taxis provide transport between Dakar and the
citys bus station, located 4.5 km south of the city. Regular
taxis provide transport to the city.

Rising water levels in the Atlantic Ocean and Senegal River

are threatening the island sections of the city. The UN has
declared Saint-Louis to be the African city most
threatened by rising water levels.

TAMBACOUNDA:

CONDITIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION

Traffic is congested.

Tambacounda is the largest city in eastern Senegal.

The city is a transportation hub. N1and N7 national roads

and the Dakar-Bamako railway serve the city.

There are 2 main streets: Blvd. Demba Diop, running eastwest, and Av Lopold Senghor, running north-south.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

ASIRT 2009

TAMBACOUNDA (CONT.):

CONDITIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION

The N1 and N7 are heavily traveled routes. The N1 is part of

the Trans-Sahel Highway. The N7 provides access to the
Senegals Casamance region.

Taxis are readily available. Fares are fixed for trips in the city.
Buses, minibuses and sept-place taxis provide inter-city
transport. When going to the border crossing with Mali,
use the bus station on the eastern side of town. For other
destinations use the bus station on the southern side of the
city.

The headquarters for the nearby Parc National de NiokoloKoba is in the city. Information on the park is available.
The office has a small fleet of 4WD rental vehicles.

Long-distance buses (car mourides) leave from the car

mourides station near the train station. Buy tickets in
advance.
THIS:

CONDITIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION

A transportation hub, located on the N2, 60 km east of

Dakar. The N3 and rail lines to Dakar, Bamako and StLouis also serve the city.

Senegals third largest city.

Paved roads link the city with Dakar and Rufisque.
The Dakar-Saint Louis and Dakar Niger rail lines serve the
city.

Traffic in the city is heavily congested. In suburban areas,

planned growth has reduced the congestion typical in
Dakars suburbs.
Main streets are wide and tree-lined.
THIAROYE:

CONDITIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION

Traffic is often congested near Thiaroye-Gare market,

Senegals main wholesale distribution center. Petit train
bleus (little blue train) Thiaroye Station is in the center
of the market. The market includes over 4,500 wholesale
businesses and 3000 street vendors. Produce and
manufactured goods are brought to the market from other
regions. Motorized vehicles, horse-drawn carts and
porters distribute goods to local markets.

Thiaroye is a municipality (suburb) of Dakar. It is located

between Rufisque and Pikine municipalities.
Transport is provided by buses, rapid buses (work buses),
official and unofficial taxis, minivans, small pickup trucks
and Petit train bleu (little blue train). Routes are clearly
identified. Most routes run between Thiaroye-Gare market
and markets in Dakar.

RURAL TRAVEL

Roads generally are poorly maintained.

Restrict travel to main, hard-surfaced routes.

Rural roads range from sand tracks to well-maintained

dirt and gravel routes.

Common roadside activities include established shops,

weekly markets, vendor stands, bush-taxi stops,
mechanics shops, rest areas, police checkpoints and
motorists washing vehicles at bridges. Be alert for
pedestrians and vehicles entering or exiting the road at
these points.

Inadequate drainage facilities make roads vulnerable to

erosion damage.

Many agricultural roads are being upgraded to provide

better access to all-weather roads. Traffic levels are low
on these roads. Even new agricultural roads are
unpaved.

NIGHT TRAVEL

Unpaved roads may not be navigable in the rainy

season.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

Poor lighting, variable road conditions and high

percentage of pedestrians, livestock, and non-motorized
vehicles in the road mix make night travel risky.

Headlights are often dim or not used.

Pedestrians are difficult to see at night.

Avoid late night travel.

ASIRT 2009

PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL

International Labor Day; May 21, Ascension;* June 1,

Whit Monday / Pentecte;* Aug. 15, Assumption Day;*

Many pedestrians do not look before crossing the road

There are very few pedestrian-only paths. Sidewalks
often are lacking.

Sept., Korit (the last day of Ramadan)*; All Saints Day,

Oct. 30; Nov., Tabaski (festival of the non-sacrifice of
Isaac)*; Dec. 25, Christmas. *The date of these holidays
varies.

Most roads lack sidewalks or shoulders wide enough

for pedestrians to walk safely. Be alert for approaching
vehicles.
Pedestrians often have to share sidewalks with cars.
Motorcycles, mopeds and a few horse-drawn carts
commonly use narrower sidewalks.

Of these, Independence Day, the last day of Ramadan

and Tabaski are the most important national holidays.

Important regional holidays include: the Grand Magal

pilgrimage and celebration in Touba, held 48 days after
Islamic New Year and the conclusion of the Paris-Dakar
Motor Rally, which ends in Dakar during the second
week of January.

SEASONAL TRAVEL

During the rainy season, strong southeast winds can

come in from the Atlantic and produce heavy rains and
tropical storms that can wash out roads and flood low
lying regions. 4WD vehicles often are needed. Keep
informed of local weather conditions.

POLICE ENFORCEMENT

Police check points at entrances and exits to villages

help to enforce speed limits.

The rainy season varies by region:

Police may set up road blocks to check documents of

drivers and passengers. Vehicles and luggage may be
searched.

Fines are paid on the spot.

When stopped for a traffic violation, officers often

confiscate the drivers license or ID card until fine is
paid. Comply with this request. Some officers solicit a
bribe in place of or in addition to the fine. Politely
decline such requests.

Police are under-staffed, under-funded and underequipped.

Two groups provide law enforcement services:

Western and northern regions: Aug. to Sept.

Central and eastern regions: July to Sept.
Southern region: June to October.
During the dry season, hot, dry, dust and sand-bearing
winds (harmattan winds) come in from the Sahara. The
winds reduce visibility, impair breathing and damage
running engines and can block the sun for many days.
They are common in Dec. through March.

o
o
o

Senegal is in a severe drought. Little rain has fallen,

even in the rainy season, for the past few years. Fire risk
is high.

Senegals interior desert regions get much hotter during

the day, but much colder at night than coastal regions.

Road crashes often are more common on national

holidays.

National holidays include: Jan. 1, New Year's day; Jan. 8,

Tamkharit;* Mar. 10, Maouloud (birthday of
Muhamad)*; April 4, Senegalese Independence Day;
April 13, Easter Monday (Pques);* May 1,

Senegal police: supply most police services in Dakar.

Officers wear navy blue slacks and light blue shirts
with an emblem on the sleeve and a cap.
o The Gendarmes: supply most police services outside
of Dakar. Officers wear blue uniforms or green
fatigues and blue berets.
Many police officers do not speak English. Police and
Gendarmes provide limited assistance to those
requesting help.
o

ROAD REGULATIONS

Driving is on the right.

An international driving permit (IDP) or a French

license is required. An IDP is a legal identification
document that translate driving license information
ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

into 11 languages, including English, and can only be

used as a supplement to a valid driving license. Contact
AAA at www.aaa.com.

Seatbelts are required.

ASIRT 2009

Traffic coming on the right at intersections has right of

way, except at traffic circles. In traffic circles, traffic
already in the circle has right of way.
Prior to 2005, traffic entering a traffic circle had
right of way. Many residents are unfamiliar with this
change. Use caution at traffic circles.
Using a hand-held cell phone while driving is illegal.

When a crash results in injury to another person, the

driver at fault can be imprisoned from 5 months to 2
years and may be fined. When a crash results in a
fatality, the driver at fault can be imprisoned up to 5
years.

When involved in a road crash involving injuries,

fatalities or major damage:

Documents required when driving a vehicle: valid

drivers license, current insurance papers, vehicle
registration card ("carte grise"), current vignette tax
disc and valid identification (copy of passport with a
clear picture of the holder). Drivers lacking these
documents can be arrested.

Third party insurance is required. In road crashes

involving an injury, third party insurance covers all
damages if you are not at fault.

o
o

Do not move the vehicle unless it is a danger to other

traffic.
Contact police. In Dakar, call the Central Police
Station. Phone: 823-2529 or 823-2333.
Give police all information and documents
requested. Do not challenge their authority.
Stay calm. Do nothing to aggravate the other driver,
observers or anyone injured in the crash.
If a crowd gathers and you feel in jeopardy, go to a
safe area such as a store or other public building.

ROAD WATCH
ROAD INFORMATION
ROAD

CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

TRANS-SAHEL HIGHWAY

The main east-west route, linking Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger,
Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. The route runs along the southern fringe
of the Sahel. Most of it is 2-lane and paved but many sections are in
poor condition.
Most of the route is 2-lane. Over 80% of the route is paved. but many
sections are in poor condition. Some sections are under construction or
being upgraded.
About 85% of rural feeder roads along the route are in poor condition.
The road is also known as the Dakar-Ndjamena Highway or TransAfrican Highway 5.

NATIONAL ROUTE 1 (N1)

The N1 is the Senegal section of the Trans-Sahel Highway. The road links
Dakar, Diam Niadia, Mbour, Fatick, Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda
and Kidira. From Dakar to Tambacounda, the road is paved, but 315 km
of this 462 km section are in poor condition.
Traffic is often congested. HGV traffic is highest between Dakar and
Rufiaque.
The N1 continues on in Mali and is in good condition through Bamako
and Kayes.

NATIONAL REGIONAL HIGHWAY 1 (RN1)

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

Section from Khounghueul to Tambacounda is being upgraded. Includes

improvements in drainage systems along the road.

ASIRT 2009

ROAD

CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

DAKAR- DIAMNIADIO MOTORWAY

The road links Dakar, Patte dOie, Cambrne, Pikine, Tiaroye, Keur
Massar, Rufisque, Diamniadio and This. When upgrading and
construction of new sections are completed, congestion in Dakar
should be reduced.
The road will reduce travel time between Dakars city center and the new
Ndiass International Airport.
The road is also known as the Dakar-This Motorway.

DAKAR-LAGOS HIGHWAY

Two-lane road, over 83% of which has been upgraded. Sections where
work is ongoing are in Liberia, Cte dIvoire and Sierra Leone.
Some sections are unpaved.
Links Nouakchott (Mauritania), Dakar (Senegal), Banjul (The Gambia),
Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Freetown and Monrovia (Liberia), Toulpleu
(Cte dIvoire), Abidjan and /Accra (Ghana), Lom (Togo), Cotonou
(Benin) and Lagos (Nigeria). The road is also known as the Trans-West
African Coastal Highway.

CAIRO-DAKAR HIGHWAY

The route is paved except for a short section where it crosses the
Morocco-Mauritania border. Most of the road is 2-lane. It is known as
Trans-African Highway 1 and is the oldest route in this network of
highways.
The route links Cairo, Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, Rabat, Nouadhibou,
Nouakchott, Dakar, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Conakry, Freetown and
Monrovia.

NATIONAL REGIONAL ROAD 2 (RN2)

Banditry is common on the Ndioum to Kidira section.

NATIONAL ROUTE 3 (N3)

Heavily traveled route. Traffic includes many HGVs, especially in the

Thies-Bambey-Diourbel-Mbake and Touba-Dara sections.
HGV traffic is highest between Mbake and Touba in Diourbel region.
Links This, Diourbel, Mback, Touba, Dali, Lingure, Denndoudi and
Ouro Sogui.

NATIONAL ROUTE 4 (N4), THE TRANSGAMBIA HIGHWAY

HGV traffic is highest between Ziguinchor and Bignona in Ziguinchor

region.
Links Kaolack-Trans-Gambia Highway-Bignona-Ziguinchor

NATIONAL ROUTE 5 (N5)

Very potholed in many areas including the Diouloulou to Ziguinchor and

Diouloulou toBaila stretches. Links Bignona (Senegal) and Diouloulou(Gambia)

NATIONAL ROUTE 7 (N7)

A heavily traveled route, linking Tambacounda, Dar-Salam, Niokolo

Koba, Kedougou, Segou and continues on in Guinea. N7 is the main
route used when traveling from Dakar to the Casamance region.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

ASIRT 2009

ROAD

CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

LABE-SERIBA-MEDINA GOUNASSTAMBACOUNDA ROAD

Paved, 4-lane road, linking Labe and Mdina Gounass in Guinea with
Tamabacounda in Senegal. Some sections are under construction.
Detours are possible. Completion expected in 2010.
Road users include personnel vehicles, trucks, taxis, pedestrians, cyclists,
motorcyclists, animal-drawn carts, livestock and wild animals.
Small stores, vendor stands, weekly markets, bush-taxi stops, mechanics
shops, rest areas, and police checkpoints are commonly seen along the
road.
Road safety provisions:
Shoulders are at least 1.5 meters. Wider shoulders in sections with
low visibility increase pedestrian safety.
o In rural sections, shoulders were widened where possible to create
emergency pull-off areas and parking lanes.
o Lanes are at least 3.5 meters wide. They are wider on sharp curves.
o Warning signals and speed bumps, installed at city and village
limits, reduce speeding.
o Reflective, 3D road markings improve night visibility in rural
areas.
o Wooden fences prevent livestock and wild animals from crossing
the road in high risk areas.
Selected rural feeder roads are also being upgraded. Unimproved feeder
roads may not be navigable in the rainy season.
o

Speed limits adopted for the road are 80 km/h in plains, 60 km/h in
winding sections of road and 40 km/h in hilly areas.
Installation of adequate drainage facilities and construction of many new
bridges has reduced flood risk near the road.
Rest areas and stops for public transport vehicles are provided.

ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Minibuses do not follow fixed routes or have fixed

schedules. Drivers often drive recklessly and stop
randomly, often without signaling.

Ndiaga Ndiayes (Alham): 35-passenger Mercedes buses.

Fares are low. The drivers assistant shouts out
destination.

Car rapides (fast buses): 25-passenger Renault vans

minivans, generally painted blue on the bottom and
yellow on the top and often have personalized graphics
paint on the sides. An apprentice hangs out the back
door, watching for potential customers. He bangs on the
roof to alert the driver to stop. The driver may stop
abruptly in the middle of the road to pick up
passengers.

BUSES

Public transport options include larger buses, cars

rapides (rapid buses /work buses), official and unofficial
taxis, Sept places (French for seven places), minivans,
small pickup trucks and horse-drawn carts.

There are few large buses. Most buses are old, poorly
maintained and lack basic safety equipment, such as
seat belts.

Minibuses (cars rapides25-seat Renault vansand

Ndiaga Ndiaye) provide most public transport. They are
privately owned, poorly maintained and generally
overcrowded. Average age is 20 years.
ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

ASIRT 2009

Car rapides can be hailed. Shout destination to the

apprentice. If the apprentice shouts the destination
back to you, signal for the bus to stop. To get off,
bang on the side of the bus or signal the apprentice.
o Fares are fixed for some destinations. Ask a resident
what the fare should be.
o

TRAIN TRAVEL

Petit train bleu (little blue train), Dakar regions most

efficient transport option, is often overcrowded. The
trains typically carry 240 passengers seated and 1,500
standing. They used for commuting to work and
transporting goods to local vendors.

Trains run from north to south, connecting Saint Louis

to Dakar. Service is slow.

TAXIS

Sept places can be reserved for a person or groups

exclusive use, but it is expensive.

Many drivers drive recklessly. Taxis often are old, poorly

maintained and lack basic safety equipment, including
seat belts.

Taxis are readily available in larger cities. Fares are

relatively low. A surcharge is added from midnight to
5:00 am.

Trains run west to east, connecting Dakar to Bamako,

Mali. Long delays are common. Occasional derailments
occur. Theft is a problem. Bring own food and water.

Meters may be lacking or broken. If the taxi has a meter,

ask the driver to use it. Pay what is indicated on the
meter. Tips are not expected, but rounding up the fare is
customary.

Dakar-Bamako rail line: the infrastructure is in poor

condition. Crashes are frequent.

Clando taxis (unregistered taxis) provide cheap

transport along fixed routes. Using them is not
recommended.

Registered taxis have an orange stripe and are a safer

option.

Taxi fares are higher than fares on other transport

options. Agree on fare before boarding. Take another
taxi when fare is too high. Drivers are most likely to
charge excessive fares at night.

RENTAL VEHICLES

Do not board a taxi that already has passengers. If the

driver stops for another passenger, tell him you will not
pay if he picks up other passengers. He may be setting
you up for robbery.
Sept places are shared taxis and are the most common
means of inter-city travel. Many Sept places are old
station wagons, often in poor condition. Some are old
hatchbacks with two rows of back seats.

Rental vehicles are not widely available, partly due to

poor road conditions.

Rental cars are available in Dakar and at the

International Airport and may be available in MBour
and Saly Portudal.

Most rental vehicles are not self-drive. Must also hire a

driver.

The quality of rental services and the safety and quality

of rental vehicles varies.

To rent a car, drivers must be aged 25 years and have

held a national driving license for at least one year to
rent a vehicle. A passport or other document is required
when the license lacks a photo.

BICYCLES & MOTORCYCLES

Drivers often drive recklessly.

Fares are low and are fixed for the most popular
destinations. For other destinations, agree on fare
before boarding.
o Drivers wait for passengers at sept place junctions
and help travelers find the right sept place to reach a
destination. There is no set schedule. They leave
when full.
o Tourists are commonly overcharged and must
bargain for a fair price.
o
o

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

Drivers/riders and passengers of bicycles, mopeds,

scooters and motorcycles are required to wear helmets.

CRIME & SECURITY

10

Street crime is common, especially in larger cities.

Resisting criminals is not recommended.

Violent crime is not common, but does occur.

Crime generally increases before major religious

holidays.

Avoid walking in isolated areas or beaches or on unlit

streets at night, even in groups.

ASIRT 2009

Fraud is prevalent, and tourists are frequently the

targets of scams that may result in physical harm as well
as financial loss. Unsolicited offers from unknown
individuals, promising quick financial gain, are the
most common scams. Offers take many forms, but all
request personal bank account information. When
received, the criminal transfers all available funds out of
the account.

Personal scams and other ploys where individuals claim

to need funds to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. are
common. Information on the legal immigration process
is available from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services: website: www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is a scam.

Research any unsolicited business offer in Senegal or
any other country. Scams have become increasingly
popular.

Carry copies of passports and other identification

documents, rather than the originals. Carry credit cards
only when necessary.

Avoid non-essential road travel west of Kolda, due to

clashes between government forces and rebel forces
in the region. Banditry is reported frequently.
Vehicles are often attacked, even during the day on
well-traveled roads.
o If travel is essential, check the security situation on
the U.S. Embassys website. Taking a direct flight to
Cap Skirring resort area or the city of Ziguinchor is
fairly safe.
o Over 1,000 people have been killed by landmine
explosions. Only use well-traveled routes in this
region.
Petty crime is a serious problem in Dakars city center
and in these shopping areas: Avenue George Pompidou,
Lamine Guye, place de l'Indpendance, and march
Sandaga. Muggings of foreigners have occurred in the
restaurant district (La Petite Corniche).
o

Areas of instability

Avoid travel to the Casamance area in southern

Senegal, due to incidents involving Casamance
separatists. Contact the US Embassy for the latest
travel and security information.
o Avoid the roads from Ziguinchor to Banjul in The
Gambia and from Bignona to Sedoba. Travelers have
been attacked on these routes.
o Landmines still are a problem on the border with
Guinea-Bissau and in Basse-Casamance.
o Travel to Ziguinchor or Cap-Skirring by air only.
While in Cap-Skirring, restrict travel to the hotel
district.
Banditry is common on main highways at night and is
most frequent in central and eastern Senegal, including
areas near Tambacounda and Matam.

Avoid demonstrations, monitor local news, and avoid

large crowds.

Riots and demonstrations occur, especially in Dakar.

Police sometimes break up the crowds with tear gas.
Demonstrations in Dakar are most frequent near the
University, Marchs Sandaga and Tilne, Centenaire,
and the Grande Mosque.

To minimize risk of being a crime victim:

Seldom carry a credit card. Carry only enough cash

for activities planned for the day.
o Carry ID and a copy of each persons passport.
Police can arrest anyone lacking proper ID.
o Avoid talking on a cell phone in a market, especially
if storing it with credit cards or cash.
o Pay for small purchases with small bills.
o Avoid walking alone at night.
Scams are common, especially in Dakar. Perpetrators
are often aggressive. Just say no forcefully and dont
back down.
o

Demonstrations and student protests occur frequently

in Dakar and other cities and may become violent.
Lac Rose (Pink Rose) is a popular tourist destination.
Few roads access the Lac Rose area. Traveling alone is
not recommended, especially to isolated beaches.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

Casamance Region:

11

Accept nothing from people on the street, not even a

gift, as street criminals often try to get money in
return for the gift.

Aggressive scam artists offer to line up a taxi for you.

Firmly decline the offer. They may be getting victims
for robbers.

ASIRT 2009

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
TOURIST ASSISTANCE

Roadside assistance availability is poor.

Few residents speak English or French. Finding

assistance may be difficult.

Emergency numbers:

Police hotline numbers: 800-00-20-20 and 800-0017-00.

o Police 24-hour number: 33-821-2431.
o Tourist police: (+221)33 860-3810.
Police can request personal ID anytime, even without
cause. Have a copy of passport at all times. Passports
give proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.
o

If arrested, ask permission to contact your embassy.

Embassies are not always notified promptly when their
citizens are arrested.

Service stations are generally available along many

roads.

Maps are scare. Residents give directions by noting

landmarks along the route.

Tourist facilities are available widely but vary in quality.

Senegal Tourist Office, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3118,

New York, NY 10118. Phone: (212) 695-9630; fax: (212)
695-9658; email: sentouroffice@aol.com and website:
www.senegal-tourism.com.

Larger establishments in tourist areas accept credit

cards. A fee is added for their use.

Banking facilities are available in Dakar, but sparse

elsewhere.

Senegal is 95% Muslim. Exercise moderation in dress

and behavior, especially in rural areas.

Several hospitals and clinics in Dakar can treat major or

minor illnesses or injuries.

The US Embassy can provide a list of doctors and other

health care professionals who may be able to see you.
They cannot recommend a particular health care
professional or guarantee health services.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash

payment for health services.

Medications can be obtained from pharmacies in Dakar

and in other tourism areas and are generally less
expensive than in the U.S.

French medications are available more readily than

American drugs. Drugs are often listed by the French
trade name.

Bring adequate supplies of over the counter

medications and required prescription drugs and a
copy of doctors prescriptions, including drugs generic
name.

U.S. medical insurance is not always valid in other

countries. Check with insurer.

Comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for

emergency medical evacuation, is recommended.
Serious medical problems requiring medical evacuation
to the US can cost several thousand dollars.

Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical expenses

rendered outside the U.S. Medigap policies, plans C
through J, cover 80 percent of what Medicare would
cover in the U.S. for the first 60 days of each trip; a $250
deductible applies. Maximum lifetime limit of $50,000.
Medicare Advantage may offer coverage for care
abroad. Phone: 800-633-4227; website:
www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11037.pdf.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Natural hazards: Seasonal floods in lowland areas, fires

and periodic droughts.

EMBASSY INFORMATION

MEDICAL CARE

Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside of

Dakar.

Public hospitals do not meet US standards, but there

are several private clinics that are equivalent to small
hospitals in Europe.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

12

The Embassy of Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW,

Washington, D.C., 20008. Phone: (202) 234-0540.

US Embassy, Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar. Mailing

address: B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. Phone: (221) 33-8292100, ext. 2313, after-hours emergencies: (221) 33-8292209, emergencies involving American citizens only:
(221) 76-383-9566, email: consulardakar@state.gov;
website is http://dakar.usembassy.gov.
ASIRT 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Association for Safe International Road

Travel (ASIRT)
11769 Gainsborough Road, Potomac MD 20854, USA
Telephone:
(301) 983-5252
Fax:
(301) 983-3663
www.asirt.org
Website:
E-mail:
asirt@asirt.org.

ASIRT is a non-profit humanitarian organization established in memory of Aron Sobel, age 25, who was killed
along with 22 other passengers in a Pamukkale Bus Company road crash on the roads of Turkey. ASIRT 2009 updated

Disclaimer: ASIRT provides this information as a service to the traveling public.

This report is intended to represent general road conditions, driving environment, quality of public transportation,
medical care and emergency response. It may not be totally accurate in a specific location or circumstance.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

13

ASIRT 2009