Car Hire Senegal

Car hire in Senegal is readily available from Dakar and Blaise Diagne International Airport where you'll find internationally recognised car hire companies Avis and Sixt present. Familiar rental desks and high standards are provided by both rental agents offering access to self-drive car hire in Senegal.
 

Driving in Senegal:

1. Driving Side: In Senegal, people drive on the right-hand side of the road.

2. Road Conditions: While main roads in urban areas and the highways that connect major cities are generally in decent condition, many secondary roads, especially in rural areas, can be in poor shape. These may become particularly challenging during the rainy season.

3. Safety:

   • Accidents: Traffic accidents are relatively common, in part due to a combination of factors including occasional aggressive driving habits, overloaded vehicles, and poorly maintained roads.
   • Checkpoints: It's not uncommon to encounter police or military checkpoints, especially in rural areas. Always carry your identification and driving documents when traveling.
   • Night Driving: It's advisable to avoid driving at night outside major cities, as roads are not well-lit, and pedestrians, animals, or vehicles without proper lighting can pose hazards.
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4. Regulations:

   • Seat belts are mandatory.
   • It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a hands-free system.
   • There's a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.
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5. Licenses: Visitors can drive with a valid international driver's license. However, if you plan to stay for an extended period, you might need to acquire a local driving license.

6. Parking: In major cities like Dakar, parking can be a challenge, especially during business hours. It's advisable to use guarded parking lots when available.

Airports: Senegal has several airports, with the following being the most notable:

1. Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD): Located in Diass, it is the main international gateway to Senegal. It has replaced the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar as the primary international airport.

2. Cap Skirring Airport: Primarily serving the Casamance region in the south of the country, this airport is especially busy during the tourist season.

3. Ziguinchor Airport: Located in the southern city of Ziguinchor in the Casamance region, it handles both domestic and limited international flights.

4. Saint-Louis Airport: Serving the northern city of Saint-Louis, this airport is mainly for domestic flights.

5. Tambacounda Airport: This airport serves the eastern part of the country and mainly handles domestic flights.

When considering a visit or drive in Senegal, it's always advisable to check current travel advisories and consult locals or established tour operators for updated information on road conditions and safety.

Do you need 4x4 rental in Senegal?

You don't need a 4x4 rental in Senegal, however it's a very good idea if you heading out of Dakar. Many of the rural roads in Senegal are unpaved and whilst a regular rental car might suffice, you'll feel safer in a 4x4 rental. The Mitsubishi Pajero is widely available and offers an excellent rental proposition.