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Senegal Travel Budget 2026: How Much Does It Really Cost?

Senegal Travel Budget 2026: How Much Does It Really Cost?

A no-BS breakdown of real prices for flights, hotels, food, transport, and activities to help you plan your dream trip to Senegal on any budget.

✈️ Flights to Senegal

Round-trip flights from Paris to Dakar (AIBD) typically cost between €350 and €600 in economy class. Airlines like Air Senegal, Corsair, and Transavia often have the best fares. Book 2–3 months in advance for the best deals. From the US or Canada, expect $600–$1,000.

💡 Pro tip: Use Google Flights to track price drops. Best rates are usually in May–June and October–November.

🏨 Accommodation

TypePrice/NightExample
Hostel / Auberge10–20 €Dorms in Dakar, Saly
Budget Hotel20–45 €Guesthouses in Saly, Somone
Mid-range Hotel50–120 €3-star hotels, lodges
Luxury Resort150–350 €Radisson Dakar, Lamantin Beach

🍽️ Food & Drinks

Eating in Senegal is one of the best parts of the trip — and it's incredibly affordable. A plate of Thiéboudienne (the national dish) at a local gargate costs just €1.50–3. Restaurant meals range from €5–15. Western-style restaurants in Dakar's Almadies area can go up to €20–35.

  • Street food / gargate: €1.50–3 per meal
  • Mid-range restaurant: €5–15
  • Bottled water (1.5L): €0.50
  • Local beer (Flag, Gazelle): €1–2
  • Fresh juice (bissap, ditakh, bouye): €0.30–1

🚕 Getting Around

Local transport is very affordable. Taxis in Dakar cost €2–5 per ride (use the Yango app), while the modern TER train from AIBD airport to downtown Dakar costs just €1.50. For excursions outside the capital, hiring a private driver for the day costs €40–70.

Read our complete Dakar taxi guide →

🎯 Activities & Excursions

ActivityPrice
Gorée Island ferry~5 200 FCFA (~8 €)
Bandia Safari (guided)~25–45 €
Lac Rose visit~15–25 €
Sine-Saloum pirogue tour~20–40 €
Cooking class~20–35 €

Prices include guide and transport with Safari Senegal.

💰 Daily Budget Summary

Budget LevelPer Day (1 person)10-Day Trip
🎒 Backpacker25–40 €250–400 €
🧳 Mid-range60–100 €600–1 000 €
Comfort / Luxury150–300 €1 500–3 000 €

Excluding international flights. Prices are estimates for 2026.

💡 Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat local: Skip the tourist restaurants and eat at gargotes. You'll get better food for a fraction of the price.
  • Use the TER train: It's the cheapest and fastest way between the airport and Dakar (1,500 FCFA = ~€2.30).
  • Book excursions as a group: Activities like Bandia Safari or the Sine-Saloum pirogue tour get significantly cheaper per person when booked for 3–4 people.
  • Use the Yango app: It's like Uber but local, and eliminates the need to negotiate taxi prices.
  • Travel in shoulder season: May–June and October–November offer lower flight prices and fewer crowds.

FAQ

How much does a trip to Senegal cost per day?

On a mid-range budget, expect to spend €60–100 per person per day covering accommodation, meals, transport, and one activity.

Is Senegal expensive for tourists?

No, Senegal is very affordable compared to European or North American standards. Street food costs €1.50–3, local transport €2–5 per ride, and budget hotels start at €15/night.

What currency is used in Senegal?

The West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the Euro at 1 EUR = 655.957 XOF. Euros are easily exchanged at banks and bureaux de change.

Should I bring cash or use cards?

Bring some Euros or USD to exchange on arrival. ATMs exist in Dakar. Outside major cities, cash is king — cards are rarely accepted except at upscale hotels.

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