1. Heetch availability in Senegal
Heetch (French ride-hailing app) launched in Dakar in November 2020 and has been operating continuously since. As of 2026, it remains one of the two main ride-hailing apps in Senegal alongside Yango.
Cities covered: only Dakar and its immediate metropolitan area (Plateau, Médina, Point E, Fann, Mermoz, Ouakam, Almadies, Ngor, Yoff, Pikine, Rufisque). The AIBD airport is also covered for pickups and drop-offs.
Not covered: Saly, Mbour, Saint-Louis, Casamance, Toubab Dialaw, Lompoul, Bandia. If you travel outside Dakar, use a private driver or negotiate with a yellow-black taxi.
2. Heetch prices in Dakar
Indicative ranges (vary with traffic, weather, surge):
| Route | Heetch | Street taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Plateau ↔ Almadies | 2 000 – 3 500 XOF | 2 500 – 3 500 XOF |
| Plateau ↔ Ngor / Yoff | 2 500 – 4 000 XOF | 3 000 – 4 000 XOF |
| AIBD ↔ Dakar centre | 10 000 – 15 000 XOF | 15 000 – 25 000 XOF |
| Point E ↔ Mamelles | 1 200 – 2 000 XOF | 1 000 – 1 500 XOF |
Heetch shows the price before you book — no negotiation. Surge (×1.2 to ×2) applies on Friday/Saturday evenings, rainy days, and major events.
3. How to install and pay
- Download from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone) — search "Heetch".
- Create an account with your phone number (Senegalese SIM not required — international numbers work).
- Add a payment method: cash, or a Visa/Mastercard card. Wave and Orange Money are not yet supported.
- Set destination, see the price, confirm the ride.
Official Heetch Senegal page: heetch.com/blog/heetch-au-senegal.
4. Heetch vs Yango: which one?
| Heetch | Yango | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers in Dakar | Smaller fleet | Largest fleet |
| Wait time | 5–12 min | 2–7 min |
| Prices | Similar | Similar |
| Outside Dakar | No | No |
| Payment | Cash / Card | Cash / Card |
Recommendation: install both. Open the one with the shortest ETA and best price for your specific ride.
5. What if no driver is available
It happens in Dakar — Friday/Saturday evenings, rainy days, peak hours, or in less-served districts. Three options:
- Switch to Yango — it usually has more cars available.
- Hail a yellow-black street taxi and negotiate the price first (see our taxi guide).
- For airport pickup, late arrivals, families, or trips outside Dakar, a private driver with a fixed price is more reliable.
FAQ
Is Heetch cheaper than a taxi in Dakar?
In town: prices are very similar (Heetch slightly higher on short rides because of base fare, slightly lower on long rides). For the airport: Heetch is usually 30–50% cheaper than a yellow-black taxi.
Can I book a Heetch in advance?
No. Heetch only handles on-demand rides. For pre-booked trips (airport at 4 AM, scheduled excursions), use a private driver.
Does Heetch take credit cards?
Yes — Visa and Mastercard. Cash is also accepted (pay the driver at the end of the ride). Wave and Orange Money are not yet supported in Heetch Senegal.
Is Heetch safer than a street taxi?
Generally yes: the driver is identified, the route is tracked, and you can share trip status with a contact. Drivers are vetted by Heetch.
Need a reliable driver outside Dakar?
Heetch and Yango don’t operate outside Dakar. Safari Sénégal provides a fixed-price English-speaking private driver for AIBD pickup, Saly transfers, Saint-Louis or Casamance trips.
See private driver pricing