Almadies and Ngor Island: Visiting Dakar's Western Tip

Les Almadies mark the westernmost point of mainland Africa, the furthest reach of Dakar's peninsula into the Atlantic. Just next door, Ngor Island is reached by pirogue from Ngor beach, in a short crossing whose fare is worth asking on the beach before boarding. Depending on the sea, the area suits swimming and surfing. For a quieter evening afterwards, Point E, more central, offers a different setting, including at Ge'eza.

The point of Les Almadies

Les Almadies mark the furthest point west on mainland Africa, where Dakar's peninsula pushes deepest into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a well known geographic landmark that gives the district its own identity: visitors come as much for the view over the water as for the seaside atmosphere that has grown up there over time. The coast is more open here than elsewhere on the peninsula, with light that shifts through the day.

Ngor Island, right next door

Ngor Island faces Ngor beach, separated only by a short stretch of water crossed by pirogue. The crossing is brief; the exact fare and duration are worth asking on site before boarding, as these can change from one day to the next. The island keeps a simpler character than the Almadies point itself, with a village feel that contrasts with the busier mainland, just a short pirogue ride away.

Swimming and surfing, sea permitting

The Almadies and Ngor area is known for drawing both swimmers and surfers, but conditions shift with the swell, the wind and the season. Wave height and water temperature vary from one day to the next: ask locally about the day's conditions before getting in the water, especially if you are new to it. Caution is worthwhile here, as on any stretch of coast open to the ocean.

A district worth checking on the spot

Addresses for hotels, restaurants, shops, guides and transport companies change quickly in this area and call for an up to date search at the time of your visit. What can be said safely is that the Almadies area has, over the years, developed a life turned toward the sea, with a mood quite different from the city centre or the residential districts closer to the Plateau.

Almadies and Ngor, beyond daily life

Our article on the best Dakar neighbourhoods for expats looks at the Almadies and Ngor through the lens of everyday living, for anyone considering settling there. This article takes the opposite angle, that of a one off visit, for someone spending a day or an evening on the western tip without necessarily living there. The two pieces complement rather than repeat one another.

Point E, for a quieter evening

By the end of the day, many visitors leave the Almadies point for a more central district, away from the bustle of the seafront. Point E, home to Ge'eza, offers a calmer setting, with a gallery lounge, a glass roofed room and a terrace under the trees. It is a good alternative for an unhurried dinner after a day spent in the sun and the water, far from the noise of beach bars.

Outdoor dining after the beach

For outdoor dining after a day at the Almadies or Ngor, Ge'eza's terrace, shaded by the trees of the villa, suits a dinner for two just as well as a larger table. Our article on outdoor dining in Dakar covers this space and how to ask for an outdoor table when booking.

Linking up with a walk on the Corniche

For anyone wanting to connect the Almadies point to the rest of Dakar's coastline, part of the route can be walked along the shore toward the centre. Our article on walking the Corniche Ouest covers this ocean side promenade, popular for walking and for watching the sunset, which links a good stretch of the peninsula.

Planning the day

A few simple pointers for enjoying the area without a hitch: set out early to avoid the strongest heat, ask locally about sea conditions before swimming or surfing, and arrange your way back in advance rather than looking for one once you are already on the beach. For the evening, book a table ahead if you have a particular spot in mind, by phone or online.

Travelling light for the day

A day spent between the Almadies point and Ngor Island tends to go more smoothly when you travel light: a change of clothes, a towel, water and some cash cover most needs. Leave valuables behind if you can, and keep your phone and documents in something that can handle sand, splashes and a short pirogue crossing without trouble.