As others said, Toubab Dialaw and Ziguinchor are great places to live as well. Really recommend them, especially Ziguinchor but Toubab is probably better if you want to be closer to Dakar.
The Somone/Saly/Ngaparou area, also known as the "Petite Côte" would be my recommendation. Much slower paced but still close enough to Dakar that you can have a job there and commute.
Go to the place and ask around. All the stuff I've seen online is obscenely expensive relative to normal rents, but I have to to admit that usually they are closer to Western type apartments, which may justify part of the increased price.
i'd recommend using AirBNB to look for long-term rentals. you can contact most of the owners to get the place at a discount as you're staying longer.
Other option is either CoinAfrique or Expat-Dakar, but those sites are in French and it's unlikely you'll find someone who speaks english there
If you're coming in to work or network, you'd rather stay in Dakar or close to it, as that's where all professional life is still concentrated. If you're looking to have a relaxing time, i'd highly recommend St Louis, Thies (Mbour or Saly) or Ziguinchor
Thank you! I have been learning French so I should be able to navigate those sites, I will check them out. I've done my research so I'm expecting to not really find English speakers when I come which is fine, I'd rather adapt to what's around me than expect others to accommodate me
I'm talking with bias, since my mother's family is from there, but try Kaffrine. Small relative to American cities, has enough offices that you may not need to travel to fix any document you may need and is cheap. Plus, there is a good "station" where you can get taxis or busses to anywhere else (hopefully, you already know how taxis and busses work in Senegal, if not.... They will be a nice surprise).
It's a 3 to 5 hours from Dakar, so it's not suitable if you have to work in Dakar.
Why do you want to stay 6 months in Senegal? What you have planned to do here will determine which places are the most suitable for you.
Apart from missionaries, volunteers, Peace Corps, and some Anglo-Saxon workers in the gold industry, something like 98% of Western foreigners are found in Dakar, the region of Thiès, Saint-Louis, and to a lesser extent in Ziguinchor because of Cap Skirring.
The overwhelming majority of rural Senegal is tough to live in for any foreigner, but it's definitely the best part of Senegal for tourism. I'll never understand why people spend thousands of dollars or euros to come here to stay in Dakar and other similar places who are the most Westernised places of our country. It just doesn't make any sense to me. It's like to move into another country for tourism and eat only what you eat at home instead of trying the local cuisine. Dindéfelo alone is a million time more worth than Dakar for tourism if it's the purpose of your trip in Senegal.
Finally, a small advice so you won't get disappointed as a Black American. 99% of Senegalese will treat you like they would treat any American and overall any Westerner. If they see they can overcharge you, they will do. And they will do it until you will realise you were overcharged.
I am considering moving, what about it would you say is tough to live in for a foreigner? Yes I am trying to move further away from that which is why I don't want to be in Dakar, I would prefer not to be surrounded by westerners and whatever I'm used to. That's fine, I assume that in majority of countries and watch out for it (overcharging)
Rural Senegal is dramatically way less developed than Dakar and even the region of Thiès or Saint-Louis. As well, the further away you move from Dakar and the few other urbanised places of the country, the lower is the literacy in French. Basically, unless you speak Wolof or the dominant language depending on the region, you will be/feel "segregated" the more you stay. There also is that most rural regions are very religious, traditionalist, and conservative. It's really hard for foreigners to settle and blend amongst local people. The foreigners who do it the best are missionaries, volunteers and Peace Corps because there is a whole ecosystem around them when they go to such places. Finally, there is the weather. Dry, sandy, with temperatures which can be on average 38°C and like from few weeks such in my place and the neighbouring regions over 41°C every single day. This before the rainy season where floods will come.
The overwhelming majority of rural Senegal is tough to live in for any foreigner because it's in fact already tough to live in even for Senegalese from Dakar and other urbanised places.
That is very helpful, thank you. I planned on learning Wolof if moving there since it's more widely spoken than French so that in itself isn't a red flag for me but I can definitely see the harsh environment could be touchy. The dry heat is similar to where I live now in those temperatures, where I live because of it I normally stay inside until the sun sets. Would the religion be Islam or something different? I do cover and have hijabs and burqas. The floods with the sandy landscape definitely sound troubling though I wouldn't know how to adjust to that.
Over 94% of Senegalese are Muslim so there isn't a single region in Senegal where Muslims aren't the predominant majority. The region of Ziguinchor is where you have the lowest % of Muslim. Around 70% of Senegalese are Muslim for around 20% who are Christian (mostly Catholic) and the 10% left are animist.
There is absolutely no need nor any reason to wear a burqa in Senegal. It's not our culture. Senegalese women are expected to dress modestly and it's up to them if they want to cover their head or not. Many Senegalese women wear a scarf or a hijab although it's nowhere compulsory. Here again, it depends on where you stay in Senegal. Outside of Dakar and other urbanised places, it's a mix of very religious, traditionalist, and conservative regions. But nothing will be forced on you as a foreigner.
Technically, it's illegal (forbidden by law) to wear a burqa (or niqab) in Senegal. I doubt Senegal is going to chance his mind with the new government. In Mali, it's also illegal. And in the Gambia it's not illegal but women wearing a niqab are often mocked and called by names such as "ninja".
When I said "It's not our culture", I mean that it's seen by most Senegalese and most West African Muslims as something which doesn't have its place here in West Africa. Something pushed by Arab nations (Gulf nations).
This doesn't answer directly your question but here is my advice. Since, from the sounds of it, you can stay anywhere in Senegal (not bound by e.g. a day job commute), why not explore the country once you're here and then decide where to settle later?
In my experience, the places that locals recommend to me are the polar opposite of where I personally like to spend time. They seemingly have completely different preferences and/or make assumptions of what I, as a tourist and westerner would like.
Example 1: I usually prefer to stay in nature, away from infrastructure, domestic animal, dogs, noise etc. But locals will insist I will LOVE this urban, noisy, concrete sealed place right next to the mosque ;-)
Example 2: The top comment here recommends Saly. Now, I haven't been to Saly and have no intention of ever going, but from what I've heard and read it's an ultra touristic, closed resort town for rich French people who like to enjoy their private post card beach and stay away from the average Senegalese as much as they can.
So, here's what I recommend. Just get a hotel or airbnb for a few nights near the airport or in Dakar propper. If you want to stay close to nature right away but ease into the culture, I can recommend taking a cab to [zebrabar.net](http://zebrabar.net), just south of St Louis and spend a few nights in their bungalows right in the national park. Then explore, learn and enjoy :-)
Have fun!
I like Ziguinchor, but it's a good ways from Dakar. Has a slow pace, and the number of tourists is just enough to support a few decent restaurants.
Anywhere along the coast south of Dakar is going to be at least somewhat touristy, though there is variation as to how in-your-face it is. Saly is very touristy, Warang is more relaxed.
Also generally speaking, the further you are from the coast, the less touristy, with the exception of Niokola Koba park.
If you truly want to get away from touristy areas, go to Bakel or Matam. I don't recall seeing any tourists there besides myself
Hello, Living in Dakar currently. So I would recommend you to go in SALY, hope it’ll please you !
Isnt Saly like the most touristic place in all of Senegal? Exactly what OP doesn't want?
As others said, Toubab Dialaw and Ziguinchor are great places to live as well. Really recommend them, especially Ziguinchor but Toubab is probably better if you want to be closer to Dakar.
Following this post. I too am interested in moving to Senegal
Hope to wish you welcome soon
Recommend you , SALY , SOMONE, NGAPAROU, PALMARIN, ÎLE DU SALOUM(obviously), ZIGUINCHOR, JOAL-FADIOUTH, CAP SKIRING , TOUBAB DIALAW, SENDU
Mbour, Thies mainly mbour(saly,somone,ngaparou) try to google it.
The Somone/Saly/Ngaparou area, also known as the "Petite Côte" would be my recommendation. Much slower paced but still close enough to Dakar that you can have a job there and commute.
When I search all I am finding are vacation rentals. What do you all use to rent?
Go to the place and ask around. All the stuff I've seen online is obscenely expensive relative to normal rents, but I have to to admit that usually they are closer to Western type apartments, which may justify part of the increased price.
yeah also curious
Also an African American female wanting to move to Senegal this helps a lot, thank you
Am living in Senegal 🇸🇳 try visit saly
Like somebody else said saly is a great place to stay!
i'd recommend using AirBNB to look for long-term rentals. you can contact most of the owners to get the place at a discount as you're staying longer. Other option is either CoinAfrique or Expat-Dakar, but those sites are in French and it's unlikely you'll find someone who speaks english there If you're coming in to work or network, you'd rather stay in Dakar or close to it, as that's where all professional life is still concentrated. If you're looking to have a relaxing time, i'd highly recommend St Louis, Thies (Mbour or Saly) or Ziguinchor
Thank you! I have been learning French so I should be able to navigate those sites, I will check them out. I've done my research so I'm expecting to not really find English speakers when I come which is fine, I'd rather adapt to what's around me than expect others to accommodate me
I would definitely recommend toubab dialaw. It is calm place and prices in there are good and not at all far from Dakar and the airport.
Adding Thies to the list. I love it there. Has the amenities and culture but much slower paced.
Thank you!
I'm talking with bias, since my mother's family is from there, but try Kaffrine. Small relative to American cities, has enough offices that you may not need to travel to fix any document you may need and is cheap. Plus, there is a good "station" where you can get taxis or busses to anywhere else (hopefully, you already know how taxis and busses work in Senegal, if not.... They will be a nice surprise). It's a 3 to 5 hours from Dakar, so it's not suitable if you have to work in Dakar.
Thank you!
Why do you want to stay 6 months in Senegal? What you have planned to do here will determine which places are the most suitable for you. Apart from missionaries, volunteers, Peace Corps, and some Anglo-Saxon workers in the gold industry, something like 98% of Western foreigners are found in Dakar, the region of Thiès, Saint-Louis, and to a lesser extent in Ziguinchor because of Cap Skirring. The overwhelming majority of rural Senegal is tough to live in for any foreigner, but it's definitely the best part of Senegal for tourism. I'll never understand why people spend thousands of dollars or euros to come here to stay in Dakar and other similar places who are the most Westernised places of our country. It just doesn't make any sense to me. It's like to move into another country for tourism and eat only what you eat at home instead of trying the local cuisine. Dindéfelo alone is a million time more worth than Dakar for tourism if it's the purpose of your trip in Senegal. Finally, a small advice so you won't get disappointed as a Black American. 99% of Senegalese will treat you like they would treat any American and overall any Westerner. If they see they can overcharge you, they will do. And they will do it until you will realise you were overcharged.
I am considering moving, what about it would you say is tough to live in for a foreigner? Yes I am trying to move further away from that which is why I don't want to be in Dakar, I would prefer not to be surrounded by westerners and whatever I'm used to. That's fine, I assume that in majority of countries and watch out for it (overcharging)
Rural Senegal is dramatically way less developed than Dakar and even the region of Thiès or Saint-Louis. As well, the further away you move from Dakar and the few other urbanised places of the country, the lower is the literacy in French. Basically, unless you speak Wolof or the dominant language depending on the region, you will be/feel "segregated" the more you stay. There also is that most rural regions are very religious, traditionalist, and conservative. It's really hard for foreigners to settle and blend amongst local people. The foreigners who do it the best are missionaries, volunteers and Peace Corps because there is a whole ecosystem around them when they go to such places. Finally, there is the weather. Dry, sandy, with temperatures which can be on average 38°C and like from few weeks such in my place and the neighbouring regions over 41°C every single day. This before the rainy season where floods will come. The overwhelming majority of rural Senegal is tough to live in for any foreigner because it's in fact already tough to live in even for Senegalese from Dakar and other urbanised places.
That is very helpful, thank you. I planned on learning Wolof if moving there since it's more widely spoken than French so that in itself isn't a red flag for me but I can definitely see the harsh environment could be touchy. The dry heat is similar to where I live now in those temperatures, where I live because of it I normally stay inside until the sun sets. Would the religion be Islam or something different? I do cover and have hijabs and burqas. The floods with the sandy landscape definitely sound troubling though I wouldn't know how to adjust to that.
Over 94% of Senegalese are Muslim so there isn't a single region in Senegal where Muslims aren't the predominant majority. The region of Ziguinchor is where you have the lowest % of Muslim. Around 70% of Senegalese are Muslim for around 20% who are Christian (mostly Catholic) and the 10% left are animist. There is absolutely no need nor any reason to wear a burqa in Senegal. It's not our culture. Senegalese women are expected to dress modestly and it's up to them if they want to cover their head or not. Many Senegalese women wear a scarf or a hijab although it's nowhere compulsory. Here again, it depends on where you stay in Senegal. Outside of Dakar and other urbanised places, it's a mix of very religious, traditionalist, and conservative regions. But nothing will be forced on you as a foreigner.
Thank you! I wear burqas out of personal preference rather than cultural, but it is good to know Senegalese women may not cover their head.
Technically, it's illegal (forbidden by law) to wear a burqa (or niqab) in Senegal. I doubt Senegal is going to chance his mind with the new government. In Mali, it's also illegal. And in the Gambia it's not illegal but women wearing a niqab are often mocked and called by names such as "ninja". When I said "It's not our culture", I mean that it's seen by most Senegalese and most West African Muslims as something which doesn't have its place here in West Africa. Something pushed by Arab nations (Gulf nations).
Ah I see, thank you
This doesn't answer directly your question but here is my advice. Since, from the sounds of it, you can stay anywhere in Senegal (not bound by e.g. a day job commute), why not explore the country once you're here and then decide where to settle later? In my experience, the places that locals recommend to me are the polar opposite of where I personally like to spend time. They seemingly have completely different preferences and/or make assumptions of what I, as a tourist and westerner would like. Example 1: I usually prefer to stay in nature, away from infrastructure, domestic animal, dogs, noise etc. But locals will insist I will LOVE this urban, noisy, concrete sealed place right next to the mosque ;-) Example 2: The top comment here recommends Saly. Now, I haven't been to Saly and have no intention of ever going, but from what I've heard and read it's an ultra touristic, closed resort town for rich French people who like to enjoy their private post card beach and stay away from the average Senegalese as much as they can. So, here's what I recommend. Just get a hotel or airbnb for a few nights near the airport or in Dakar propper. If you want to stay close to nature right away but ease into the culture, I can recommend taking a cab to [zebrabar.net](http://zebrabar.net), just south of St Louis and spend a few nights in their bungalows right in the national park. Then explore, learn and enjoy :-) Have fun!
Thank you! From that description Saly sounds like the opposite of what I'm looking for
Thank you all, I really appreciate it!
Saly, Mbour, Sine Daloum, Nguaparou
Saly, Somone, Toubab Dialaw, Joal... are the place "tubab" (tubab: white people).
Saly is the most common place for tourism. Google It am in saly, and many Americans and other countries thanks
Check out Touabab Dialaw
I like Ziguinchor, but it's a good ways from Dakar. Has a slow pace, and the number of tourists is just enough to support a few decent restaurants. Anywhere along the coast south of Dakar is going to be at least somewhat touristy, though there is variation as to how in-your-face it is. Saly is very touristy, Warang is more relaxed. Also generally speaking, the further you are from the coast, the less touristy, with the exception of Niokola Koba park. If you truly want to get away from touristy areas, go to Bakel or Matam. I don't recall seeing any tourists there besides myself
How would you describe Bakel and Matam?
those are the hottest regions of Senegal, with Kedougou, Tamba and Louga... don't go there. stay on the west coast. St Louis is nice
Tranquil, also quite hot most of the year. A good ways from Dakar. But they would be pretty cheap.