Your stay — Savana
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The Property — Savana
The Savana hotel in Dakar is a stylish, laid-back retreat that exudes a relaxed West African vibe. Its modern design blends seamlessly with the city's French colonial past, with a neutral colour palette and minimalist decor that lets the surrounding architecture shine. The hotel's unique selling point lies in its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on eco-friendly practices and locally sourced materials. This makes it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travellers and those looking for an authentic Dakar experience. As you step into the lobby, you're greeted by the sounds of traditional Wolof music and the friendly faces of the staff, immediately making you feel welcome.
Chronicles of Dakar
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, has a rich history dating back to the 15th century when it was a small fishing village. The city's architecture is a testament to its colonial past, with French influences evident in the grand boulevards and buildings. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Dakar underwent significant transformations, becoming a major port city and a centre for the slave trade. Today, the city is a vibrant cultural melting pot, with a strong emphasis on music, art, and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore the historic medina, visit the iconic Grand Mosque, and experience the city's Afro-Caribbean rhythms at one of the many music venues.
Best Time to Visit
Full Dakar guide →Best months
The best time to visit Dakar is from December to February, when the weather is pleasant and dry, with average highs of 24°C (75°F). The crowds are manageable, and you can enjoy the city's festivities and cultural events without the peak season prices.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak tourist month in Dakar, with the city hosting the annual Dakar International Film Festival. Expect higher prices, busier streets, and a lively atmosphere. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world, making it a great time to experience the city's vibrant culture.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from March to May and September to November, offers a great balance of good weather and lower prices. You can enjoy the city's attractions without the crowds and take advantage of discounts on accommodations and tours.
Weather & packing
Dakar's climate is influenced by its coastal location, with a subtropical dry climate and a dry season from November to June. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing and sun protection, as the sun can be intense during the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Dakar
- The new Dakar Light Rail system has been extended to the city's northern suburbs, making it easier to get around the city.
- The National Museum of Senegal has reopened after a major renovation, offering a deeper look into the country's history and culture.
- The city's famous Marché aux Puces (flea market) is now open on Sundays, offering a unique shopping experience for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Savana, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 3rd floor or above, as this hotel has 4 floors and is located on a busy street in the city center. This will help minimize street noise from the busy roads. Additionally, rooms on the south side of the hotel (facing the Atlantic Ocean) may have a slight breeze and better natural light.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor, as they may be more prone to street noise from the main road. Rooms near the service entrance or lift may also be noisier due to increased foot traffic.
Best views
Ocean views are not guaranteed, but rooms on the south side of the hotel (facing the Atlantic Ocean) may have a glimpse of the sea, depending on the room's position and floor.
Quietest floors
2nd and 3rd floors are likely the quietest, as they are away from the main road and lift noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Dakar is a bustling city with traffic and street noise. The hotel's location on a main road means that some noise is unavoidable, especially on lower floors.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may get busy with tourists and locals alike. Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a small outdoor space and a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
- 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 — Savana
free, 1 Gbps speed, no login constraints, available throughout the property
serves all floors, including the historic wing, which has a separate staircase for guests who prefer a quieter experience
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader, physical papers available in the lobby
check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 12:00, XOF 20,000 (approx. $33 USD) after 12:00
available for guests departing early or arriving late, free of charge
step-free access to the main lobby and all rooms, wheelchair accessible entries, adapted rooms available upon request
on-site parking available, XOF 5,000 (approx. $8.25 USD) per night, nearest public car park is the one located near the airport entrance, XOF 3,000 (approx. $5 USD) per night, EV charging available upon request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: XOF 1,000 per night, per person (approx. $1.65 USD)
Deposit & card hold: XOF 50,000 (approx. $80 USD) as advance deposit and a credit card hold for incidentals at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Cathédrale du Souvenir africain (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centre commercial Touba Sandaga — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
Pullman Beach Club — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Musée Théodore-Monod d'Art africain — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Petit théatre de Verdure — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Pharmacie Mandela — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Terminus Dakar Dem Dikk Leclerc — 2.6 km · ~33 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →West African CFA Franc, XOF
Change money at local banks or currency exchange offices, avoiding airport bureaux for better rates; some ATMs dispense XOF, but be prepared for varying fees and limits
Major credit cards and some debit cards accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and some shops; contactless payments and mobile wallets not widely accepted
Round up the bill or leave 100-200 XOF for restaurant and bar staff, 50-100 XOF for taxi drivers, and 50-100 XOF per bag for hotel porters
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Grab a café au lait at a street cart or market stall for around 300-400 XOF
Try a local restaurant or food stall serving thieboudienne or other Senegalese dishes for around 1,500-2,000 XOF
Eat at a mid-range restaurant for around 3,000-5,000 XOF for a main course
Explore the markets and street food stalls in Plateau, Grand Yoff, or Hann Bel Air for affordable and delicious options
Shop at local markets or small supermarkets like Spar or Mega Market for affordable groceries
Visit the markets or local shops in the Plateau or Grand Yoff for affordable, second-hand, or traditional clothing
Buy a carnet de 10 tickets (around 1,000 XOF) for the Dakar bus system or take a shared taxi (called a 'taxi collectif') for around 200-300 XOF
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as rates may be unfavorableUse local ATMs or banks to withdraw cash, as they often have better rates than currency exchange officesEat at local restaurants or street food stalls, rather than mid-range or high-end establishments
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 Savana
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Mandela — 1.3 km · ~17 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 Savana?
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 3rd floor or above, as this hotel has 4 floors and is located on a busy street in the city center. This will help minimize street noise from the busy roads. Additionally, rooms on the south side of the hotel (facing the Atlantic Ocean) may have a slight breeze and better natural light.
Which rooms should I avoid at Savana?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor, as they may be more prone to street noise from the main road. Rooms near the service entrance or lift may also be noisier due to increased foot traffic.
Is Savana noisy?
Dakar is a bustling city with traffic and street noise. The hotel's location on a main road means that some noise is unavoidable, especially on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Savana?
Ocean views are not guaranteed, but rooms on the south side of the hotel (facing the Atlantic Ocean) may have a glimpse of the sea, depending on the room's position and floor.
What are insider tips for staying at Savana?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may get busy with tourists and locals alike. Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a small outdoor space and a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
What time is check-in at Savana?
Check-in at Savana is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Savana have Wi-Fi?
free, 1 Gbps speed, no login constraints, available throughout the property
Is there a city or tourist tax at Savana?
XOF 1,000 per night, per person (approx. $1.65 USD)
Where can I eat cheaply near Savana?
Try a local restaurant or food stall serving thieboudienne or other Senegalese dishes for around 1,500-2,000 XOF
What is the cheapest way to get around from Savana?
Buy a carnet de 10 tickets (around 1,000 XOF) for the Dakar bus system or take a shared taxi (called a 'taxi collectif') for around 200-300 XOF
When is the best time to visit Dakar?
The best time to visit Dakar is from December to February, when the weather is pleasant and dry, with average highs of 24°C (75°F). The crowds are manageable, and you can enjoy the city's festivities and cultural events without the peak season prices.
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.