Your stay — Al Afifa Hotel
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The Property — Al Afifa Hotel
Al Afifa Hotel is a 3-star property that embodies the laid-back charm of Dakar, with a modern aesthetic that blends Senegalese flair with French colonial influences. The lobby's high ceilings and polished wood accents evoke a sense of calm, while the staff's warm welcome makes you feel like you're part of the community. This hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travellers who want to experience the authentic side of Dakar without breaking the bank. The hotel's proximity to the vibrant Medina district makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's bustling markets, restaurants, and street life.
Chronicles of Dakar
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, was founded in 1857 as a French colonial outpost, and its architecture reflects this complex history. The city's early buildings, such as the Grand Mosque and the Cathédrale du Djoloff, showcase a mix of African, French, and Islamic influences. Today, Dakar is a thriving metropolis with a rich cultural identity shaped by its Wolof and Serer heritage, with a thriving music scene and a vibrant arts scene that celebrates the country's history and traditions. The city's iconic Corniche, a scenic coastal promenade, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands.
Best Time to Visit
Full Dakar guide →Best months
The best time to visit Dakar is from mid-February to mid-May, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for exploring the city without the heat and humidity of the peak summer months.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak month for tourism in Dakar, driven by the annual Dak'Art Biennale, a major contemporary art festival that attracts artists and visitors from around the world. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time, with many hotels offering special packages and promotions to attract visitors. The city's lively atmosphere and cultural events make it a great time to experience the city's energy.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from September to November, offers the best value for money, with mild weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers. You can find discounts on hotel rates and flights, and enjoy the city's festivals and events without the peak-season prices.
Weather & packing
Dakar's climate is hot and dry from June to September, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) during the day. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and don't forget to bring sunscreen and a scarf to cover your skin from the intense sun.
Live City Briefing — Dakar
- The new Dakar Light Rail system, a 25km (15.5 miles) tram network, has recently opened, making it easier to get around the city without a car.
- The popular Marché Sandaga, a bustling marketplace in the heart of the city, has been renovated and reopened, offering a wider range of local goods and services.
- The annual Dakar Grand Prix, a major motorsport event, will take place in July, and the city is expected to be busy with visitors and festival-goers.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Al Afifa Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above floor 5) to minimize street noise from the busy Avenue du Président Lamine Guèye. Additionally, considering the hotel's 3-star rating and Dakar's urban context, rooms with a west or east orientation might receive less direct sunlight and heat compared to south-facing rooms.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (0-4) as they may be more prone to street noise from the nearby avenue.
Best views
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's room layout and orientation, it's difficult to provide exact view options. However, rooms on higher floors might offer views of the city, while those on lower floors may have views of the surrounding buildings or the hotel's interior.
Quietest floors
Floors 6 and above are likely to be quieter due to reduced street noise and proximity to the hotel's upper floors.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on Avenue du Président Lamine Guèye means that rooms may be exposed to some street noise, particularly from traffic and pedestrian activity.
Insider tips
When checking in, consider requesting a room with a floor plan that suits your preferences, as the hotel's layout may vary depending on the floor. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for limited parking options in the area. You may want to explore alternative parking options nearby or plan ahead to secure a spot.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Al Afifa Hotel
free 100 MB per device, paid 1 Gb for CFA 5,000
yes, serves all floors
complimentary PressReader access on in-room tablets, physical newspapers in lobby
15:00-00:00 check-in, 12:00-18:00 early bag-drop, CFA 10,000 late check-out fee (up to 18:00)
available 24/7, CFA 5,000 per day
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have adapted bathrooms
on-site valet parking CFA 10,000 per night, nearest public car park CFA 8,000 per day, electric vehicle charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CFA 2,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50% deposit at booking, 100% card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Grande Mosquée de Dakar (971 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Cathédrale du Souvenir africain (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Mosque: Mosquée du Port (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Mosque: Mosquée El Hadji Oumar Kane (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centre commercial Touba Sandaga — 660 m · ~8 min walk
Place de l’Indépendance — 996 m · ~12 min walk
Musée des Civilisations Noires — 400 m · ~5 min walk
Grand Théâtre National de Dakar — 631 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 624 m · ~8 min walk
Pharmacie Avicenne — 110 m · ~1 min walk
dakar express — 689 m · ~9 min walk
Gare de Dakar — 426 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →West African CFA Franc, XOF
Change money at local banks (Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l'Industrie de l'Afrique (BICIA) etc.) or currency exchange offices (e.g. SODEX, Western Union) for a slightly better rate than at the airport or tourist bureaux. Be wary of poor exchange rates at Dakar's Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport.
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in Dakar, especially in tourist areas. You can also use mobile payment systems like Orange Money and MTN Mobile Money for smaller transactions.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. Aim to tip 10-20 West African CFA Francs for a meal, 50-100 XOF for a taxi ride, and 50-100 XOF per night for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a street vendor or a local café for around 200-300 XOF (approximately €0.30-€0.45).
A baguette sandwich from a local bakery or street vendor costs around 500-700 XOF (approximately €0.75-€1.05).
A plate of thieboudienne (Senegalese national dish) at a local restaurant costs around 1,500-2,500 XOF (approximately €2.25-€3.75).
The Plateau and Grande Traverse areas have an abundance of street food stalls and markets where you can find affordable and delicious meals.
Local supermarkets like Auchan, Carrefour, and Castel are common in Dakar and offer a wide range of products.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Grand Marché or on the streets of the Plateau area.
A day pass for the Dakar bus system costs 300 XOF (approximately €0.45). To get to the city from the airport, take the taxi for around 10,000-15,000 XOF (approximately €15-22.50) or use the airport shuttle for around 5,000-10,000 XOF (approximately €7.50-15).
Bargain at local markets and try to negotiate prices.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries instead.Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save money.
Emergency Contacts
DakarTourist Police: 33 889 46 58. For non-urgent medical help, call the US Embassy: 33 879 40 00. Keep a local SIM or use hotel front desk for dialling.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Dakar, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Al Afifa Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 624 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Avicenne — 110 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) → Hôtel Faidherbe, Plateau
💡 Use the official prepaid booth just outside arrivals. Ignore touts. Pay in local CFA, not euros. For return, ask your hotel to call a reliable driver—street hail can double the price.
Hôtel Faidherbe, Plateau → Anywhere in Dakar (e.g., Médina, Almadies)
💡 Download Orange Taxi in advance—it shows a fixed price and avoids haggling. Works best on Plateau. At rush hour, be prepared for surge pricing. Not for airport trips because drivers often refuse long hauls.
Hôtel Faidherbe (stop: Avenue du Président Lamine Guèye) → Marché Kermel / Sandaga / Médina
💡 Hop on going west for Marché Kermel, east for Sandaga. Wave it down clearly. Stops are unmarked—tell the driver 'hôtel' as you near your drop. Women: sit in the front section; men usually fill the back.
Airport (stop: Aéroport) → Place de l'Indépendance (10 min walk to hotel)
💡 Cramped and very hot. Only do this with a small backpack. Have exact change—the conductor won't break notes. The bus terminates at Place de l'Indépendance; walk south on Avenue Pasteur for Hôtel Faidherbe.
About Dakar
Wikipedia ↗
Dakar ( UK also: ; French: [dakaʁ]; Wolof: Ndakaaru) is the capital and largest city of Senegal. The department of Dakar has a population of 1,278,469, and the population of the Dakar metropolitan area was at 4.0 million in 2023. Dakar is situated on the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point of ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Al Afifa Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (above floor 5) to minimize street noise from the busy Avenue du Président Lamine Guèye. Additionally, considering the hotel's 3-star rating and Dakar's urban context, rooms with a west or east orientation might receive less direct sunlight and heat compared to south-facing rooms.
Which rooms should I avoid at Al Afifa Hotel?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (0-4) as they may be more prone to street noise from the nearby avenue.
Is Al Afifa Hotel noisy?
The hotel's location on Avenue du Président Lamine Guèye means that rooms may be exposed to some street noise, particularly from traffic and pedestrian activity.
Which rooms have the best views at Al Afifa Hotel?
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's room layout and orientation, it's difficult to provide exact view options. However, rooms on higher floors might offer views of the city, while those on lower floors may have views of the surrounding buildings or the hotel's interior.
What are insider tips for staying at Al Afifa Hotel?
When checking in, consider requesting a room with a floor plan that suits your preferences, as the hotel's layout may vary depending on the floor. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for limited parking options in the area. You may want to explore alternative parking options nearby or plan ahead to secure a spot.
What time is check-in at Al Afifa Hotel?
Check-in at Al Afifa Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Al Afifa Hotel have Wi-Fi?
free 100 MB per device, paid 1 Gb for CFA 5,000
Is there a city or tourist tax at Al Afifa Hotel?
CFA 2,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Al Afifa Hotel?
A baguette sandwich from a local bakery or street vendor costs around 500-700 XOF (approximately €0.75-€1.05).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Al Afifa Hotel?
A day pass for the Dakar bus system costs 300 XOF (approximately €0.45). To get to the city from the airport, take the taxi for around 10,000-15,000 XOF (approximately €15-22.50) or use the airport shuttle for around 5,000-10,000 XOF (approximately €7.50-15).
When is the best time to visit Dakar?
The best time to visit Dakar is from mid-February to mid-May, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for exploring the city without the heat and humidity of the peak summer months.
Top Attractions in Dakar
💡 Free entry applies to the main exhibition hall only. Check if temporary shows have separate pricing. Allow 45 minutes to an hour.
💡 Arrive by 10am to see the most activity. Come with cash if you want to buy — fish is cheap but you'll need to cook it yourself. Avoid touching anything unless buying.
💡 The boat costs about 500 CFA round trip. Bring water and snacks — the island has few facilities. Best on weekdays when locals are at work.
💡 Go late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch sunset views over the city and Atlantic. The escalator up the hill costs extra but saves a steep walk.
💡 Entry is 500 CFA. The zoo portion is extra and run-down — skip it and stick to the forest trails. Bring insect repellent.