Report Travel Senegal

7/23/2019 Report Travel Senegal

1/13


2/13

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL 2 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.

Eastern region: In the Kdougou Department, mostroads 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.

Check with the US Embassy regarding current

conditions at border crossings.

National roads have route numbers with an N prefix.

National roads include:

o

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-Bignona-

Ziguinchor-(Guinea-Bissau)

o N5: Bignona-Diouloulou-(Gambia)

o N6: Tambacounda-Kolda-Zigunichor

o N7: Tambacounda-Dar Salam-Niokolo Koba-

Kedougou-Segou-(Guinea)

Many national routes are part of the Trans-AfricanHighway network. About 80% of roads in the Trans-

African Highway network are in fair condition.

Completion of upgrading/construction work in the

network is expected in 2015.

o About 85% of the networks rural feeder roads are in

poor condition. Improvements in some feeder roads

are in progress.

When driving on sand:

o If not experienced with a 4WD vehicle, learn how

the vehicle responds under different conditions

before traveling across country. Land Rovers andLand 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.

HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES:

National routes linking Dakar to major cities in Senegal

and neighboring countries carry 80% of the HGV

traffic in the country.

Overloaded heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are a majorfactor 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.

The eight routes most heavily used by HGVs:

o National Route 1, Dakar-Diam Niadia-Mbour-

Fatick-Kaolack-Kaffrine and Tambacounda-Kidira

sections

o

National Route 2, Diam Niadia-Theis-Tivaouoane-

Louga-Saint Louis-Dagana and Haere Lao-Matam

sections

o National Route 3, Thies-Bambey-Diourbel-Mbake

and Touba-Dara sections

o National Route 4, Diourbel-Gossas, Kaolack-Keur

Ayip, through Gambia to Senoba and Bignona-

Ziguinchor sections

o National Route 6, Tambacounda-Velingara-Kolda

and Tanaf-Zinguinchor sections

o R10/R70, Rufisque-Bayak-Mboro section

o

R60, Mbake-Mbar-Kaffrine sectiono R30/R31, Louga to Touba section

COASTAL EROSION

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.


3/13


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.

Modes of transport for traveling to work in urban areas

o Walking, cycling or other non-motorized transport

modes: 44.8%

o Taking a bus or minibus: 45.5%

o

Driving personnel vehicle: 9.3%o Taking a train or tram: 0.4%

o 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. All-

weather road connections with the city are lacking.

DAKAR: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION

Dakar is a travel hub for Senegal and neighboring countries

in West Africa.

Three routes in the Trans-African Highway network end or

pass through the city: Cairo-Dakar Highway, Dakar-

Ndjamena Highway and Dakar-Lagos Highway.

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.Drive cautiously to avoid road crashes.

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

and vehicles.

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.

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 slow-

moving traffic to sell wares to motorists.

Disruptions in Dakars transport system reduce the

countrys GDP by about 5%.

High traffic congestion and air pollution levels cause great

road safety concerns.

Dakar is on the southern end of Cape Verde Peninsula.

Temperatures are usually moderate except from June to

October.

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.

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.Taxis and buses are often in poor condition.

Dakar Demm Dikk (DDD) buses provide reliable service.

The name means Dakar coming and going.

o 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.

Cars rapides and Ndiaga Ndiayes account for 65% of

available public transportation within the city.

o Cars rapides are small, privately owned, 25-

passenger buses; generally in poor condition. Many

drivers are poorly trained and drive recklessly. Most

cars rapides are 10-20 years old.


4/13


DAKAR (CONT.): CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION

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.

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 Buses and taxis provide transport to the city.

o Rental cars are available.

o 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 Fares are higher than fares on other transport options.

o 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.

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 city and surrounding areas are part of the Sahel. Sand

storms may interrupt transport services in the dry season.

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.

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.

Sections of the city:

o 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.

TAMBACOUNDA: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION

Traffic is congested.

The city is a transportation hub. N1and N7 national roads

and the Dakar-Bamako railway serve the city.

Tambacounda is the largest city in eastern Senegal.

There are 2 main streets: Blvd. Demba Diop, running east-

west, and Av Lopold Senghor, running north-south.


5/13


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 theSenegals Casamance region.

The headquarters for the nearby Parc National de Niokolo-

Koba is in the city. Information on the park is available.

The office has a small fleet of 4WD rental vehicles.

Taxis are readily available. Fares are fixed for trips in the city.

Buses, minibuses and sept-place taxis provide inter-citytransport. 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.

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 St-

Louis also 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.

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.

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 andmanufactured 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.

Unpaved roads may not be navigable in the rainy

season.

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 areunpaved.

NIGHT TRAVEL

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.


6/13


PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL

Many pedestrians do not look before crossing the road

There are very few pedestrian-only paths. Sidewalks

often are lacking.

Most roads lack sidewalks or shoulders wide enoughfor 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.

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.

The rainy season varies by region:

o Western and northern regions: Aug. to Sept.

o Central and eastern regions: July to Sept.

o 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.

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,

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

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

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 holidaysvaries.

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.

POLICE ENFORCEMENT

Police check points at entrances and exits to villages

help to enforce speed limits.

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 under-

equipped.

Two groups provide law enforcement services:

o 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 thoserequesting help.

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

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.


7/13


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.

o Prior to 2005, traffic entering a traffic circle had

right of way. Many residents are unfamiliar with thischange. Use caution at traffic circles.

Using a hand-held cell phone while driving is illegal.

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.

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:

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

traffic.

o Contact police. In Dakar, call the Central Police

Station. Phone: 823-2529 or 823-2333.

o Give police all information and documents

requested. Do not challenge their authority.

o

Stay calm. Do nothing to aggravate the other driver,

observers or anyone injured in the crash.

o

If a crowd gathers and you feel in jeopardy, go to asafe area such as a store or other public building.

ROAD WATCHROAD 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 Trans-

African 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) Section from Khounghueul to Tambacounda is being upgraded. Includes

improvements in drainage systems along the road.


8/13



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 Dakarshould 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 TRANS-GAMBIA 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.


9/13



LABE-SERIBA-MEDINA GOUNASS-TAMBACOUNDA 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:

o 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 villagelimits, 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.

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 RECOMMENDATIONSTRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

BUSES

Public transport options include larger buses, cars

rapides(rapid buses /work buses), official and unofficialtaxis, 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.

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 busesFares 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.


10/13


o 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 residentwhat the fare should be.

TAXIS

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.

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

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

customary.

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.

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 placesare shared taxis and are the most common

means of inter-city travel. Many Sept placesare old

station wagons, often in poor condition. Some are old

hatchbacks with two rows of back seats.

o Drivers often drive recklessly.

o

Fares are low and are fixed for the most populardestinations. For other destinations, agree on fare

before boarding.

o Drivers wait for passengers at sept placejunctions

and help travelers find the right sept placeto 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 Sept placescan be reserved for a person or groups

exclusive use, but it is expensive.

TRAIN TRAVEL

Petit train bleu (little blue train), Dakar regions mostefficient 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.

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.

Dakar-Bamako rail line: the infrastructure is in poor

condition. Crashes are frequent.

RENTAL VEHICLES

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 qualityof 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/riders and passengers of bicycles, mopeds,

scooters and motorcycles are required to wear helmets.

CRIME & SECURITY

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.


11/13ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL 11 ASIRT 2009

Carry copies of passports and other identification

documents, rather than the originals. Carry credit cards

only when necessary.

Fraud is prevalent, and tourists are frequently thetargets 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 ImmigrationServices: 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.

Areas of instability

o 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 TheGambia 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.

Demonstrations and student protests occur frequentlyin 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.

Casamance Region:

o 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).

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:o 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. 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.


12/13


EMERGENCY INFORMATIONTOURIST ASSISTANCE

Roadside assistance availability is poor.

Few residents speak English or French. Finding

assistance may be difficult.

Emergency numbers:

o Police hotline numbers: 800-00-20-20 and 800-00-

17-00.

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. 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: [email protected] 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.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Natural hazards: Seasonal floods in lowland areas, fires

and periodic droughts.

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.

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 thanAmerican 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.

EMBASSY INFORMATION

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) 33-829-

2100, ext. 2313, after-hours emergencies: (221) 33-829-

2209, emergencies involving American citizens only:

(221) 76-383-9566, email: [email protected];

website is http://dakar.usembassy.gov.


13/13

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Association for Safe International Road

Travel (ASIRT)

11769 Gainsborough Road, Potomac MD 20854, USATelephone: (301) 983-5252

Fax: (301) 983-3663

Website: www.asirt.org

E-mail: [email protected].

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.

Report Travel Senegal

Documents

Transcript of Report Travel Senegal