Exploring Dakar: Airport Layover Activities

what to do in dakar airport

Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) is a bustling hub with plenty of amenities to keep travellers entertained during layovers or overnight stays. The airport offers regional and international flight services, with facilities including a cafeteria, cafes, shops, lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, and 24-hour food options. Beyond the airport, Dakar, Senegal's vibrant capital, offers a plethora of exciting experiences. From the captivating history of the small island of Gorée to the vibrant Fabric Market in the HLM quarter, Dakar is a city of contradictions, blending bustling city life with peaceful escapes. With over a million inhabitants, the city boasts a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and a fashion scene that showcases the bright colours and unique patterns of traditional wax prints.

Characteristics Values
Airport Code DSS
Airport Name Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport
Location Dakar, Senegal
Nearby Hotels Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio
Transport DemDikk bus, taxi, Train Express Regional (TER)
Facilities Airport Lounges, WiFi, Mobile Charging Points, Lockers, 24-hour Food Options, Shops, Duty-Free, Post Office, Luggage Wrapping, Luggage Scales, Baggage Dispute Services, Bar & Restaurants
Attractions Nearby Gorée Island, Fabric Market, Toubab Dialaw, Somone, Popenguine

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Eat at the cafeteria or one of the two cafes

If you're feeling peckish, you can grab a bite to eat at the Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport cafeteria or one of the two cafes. The cafeteria offers a range of food options to suit your needs, whether you're looking for a quick snack or a more substantial meal. The cafes sell pastries, sandwiches, and drinks, including beer, and one source recommends the espresso.

The airport's terminal offers both regional and international flight services, so you can enjoy the convenience of a variety of dining options no matter where your travels are taking you. The airport also provides other amenities such as mobile charging points, lockers, and shops to ensure you have everything you need during your time there.

The airport's lounges offer additional comforts and conveniences, and economy-class passengers can pay to enter and access WiFi. If you're looking for a place to rest, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest areas within the airport. However, if you're spending a long layover at the airport, you may want to consider purchasing a day pass to access the pool at the Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio, which is located halfway between the airport and the city centre.

Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a longer meal, the cafeteria and cafes at Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport are great options to refuel and recharge during your travels.

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Pay to access one of the airport lounges

If you're looking for a more comfortable space to relax or work in Dakar Airport, paying to access one of the airport lounges is a great option. Here's what you need to know:

Lounge Options

Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) has a few lounges that you can access, including the Infinite Lounge and the Odyssee Lounge. These lounges offer various amenities and services to make your time at the airport more enjoyable and productive.

Access Methods

You can gain access to the lounges in a few ways:

  • Pay at the door: Some lounges allow you to purchase a day pass directly at the lounge entrance.
  • Lounge pass: You can buy a lounge pass online or through specific programs, such as Priority Pass.
  • Lounge membership program: If you're a frequent traveller, consider signing up for a lounge membership program to access lounges at Dakar Airport and other airports worldwide.

Amenities and Services

The lounges at Dakar Airport offer a range of amenities and services, such as:

  • Comfortable seating
  • Massage chairs
  • Workstations
  • Complimentary iPad use
  • Printing, scanning, and fax facilities (may incur additional charges)
  • Separate smoking room
  • Food and drinks
  • WiFi access

Operating Hours

The lounges may have specific operating hours, so be sure to check the schedule for the lounge you plan to visit. For example, the Odyssee Lounge is open daily, but the hours vary depending on the day of the week.

Additional Information

  • Children under three years old are usually admitted free of charge.
  • Lounge access is typically available for international flights only, and there may be a maximum stay duration (e.g., three hours).

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Use the WiFi in the airport lounges

If you're looking to stay connected during your time at Dakar Airport, you can take advantage of the WiFi available in three airport lounges. Here's what you need to know about accessing these lounges and using their WiFi services:

Locate the Lounges

First, you need to locate the lounges that offer WiFi. The Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport has a few lounges, including the Infinite Lounge, the Odysee Lounge, Topkapı Lounge, Ultimate Lounge, and Hayoma General Aviation Lounge. These lounges are located airside, which is the secure area of the terminal that you can reach after passing through security.

Lounge Access Options

Once you've located the lounges, you'll need to consider your access options. If you're an economy-class traveller, you have the option to purchase a day pass, buy an annual membership, or pay at the door for lounge access. Lounge membership programs can also provide entry to certain lounges. It's recommended to visit the individual lounge page for specific details on access requirements and methods of payment.

Utilize the WiFi

After gaining access to one of the lounges, you can connect to the WiFi network. This will allow you to stay connected, catch up on work, or simply browse the internet during your time at the airport. The WiFi service can be especially useful if you have a layover or need to stay updated during your travels.

Additional Lounge Amenities

While accessing the WiFi, you can also take advantage of other amenities that the airport lounges offer. Lounges typically provide comfortable seating, power outlets for charging devices, and sometimes even food and beverage options. These amenities can enhance your overall airport experience, making your time at Dakar Airport more productive and enjoyable.

By following these steps and utilizing the airport lounge facilities, you can stay connected, relaxed, and informed during your time at Dakar Airport. The availability of WiFi in these lounges adds a layer of convenience and enables you to make the most of your time while travelling.

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Charge your phone at a mobile charging point

If you need to charge your phone at Dakar Airport, there are a few options available to you. The airport has mobile charging points, and WiFi is available in three airport lounges, which economy-class passengers can pay to enter. There are also two cafes selling pastries, sandwiches, and drinks, including beer, where you may be able to charge your phone.

If you have a long layover, you can consider leaving the airport and heading to the Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio, which is located halfway between the airport and the city centre. The hotel offers day passes, allowing you to use the pool and other facilities.

Additionally, if you want to explore the area, you can visit nearby attractions such as the beachside town of Saly or the small town of Toubab Dialaw, known for its immaculate and often deserted beach.

Dakar Airport, officially known as Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS), is located in Senegal and serves as a hub for regional and international flights. The airport offers various facilities, including cafes, shops, and lounges, ensuring travellers have access to essential amenities during their time at the airport.

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Sleep overnight—just bring your own mat

If you're planning to spend the night at Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the airport is open 24 hours, allowing passengers with early morning flights or delays to stay overnight. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest areas within the airport. The arrivals area is small and not very comfortable, with travellers and airport workers sleeping on the floor. The departures area is more pleasant, with carpeted floors, but access is usually restricted to boarding pass holders only a few hours before their flight.

To make your overnight stay more comfortable, consider bringing your own sleeping mat to use on the floor or combine a few long benches to the left of the terminal entrance. Earplugs and an eye mask are also highly recommended to block out the bright lights and noise from the airport. If you prefer more privacy and comfort, nearby hotels offer shuttle services, such as the Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio, which also offers a day pass to use the pool during long layovers.

Additionally, there are a few airport lounges that you can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. These lounges may provide better comfort and amenities for an overnight stay. It is also worth noting that there are no left-luggage services at the airport, so you will need to keep your belongings with you at all times.

For your safety, it is recommended to stay near other travellers and keep an eye on your bags. While the airport has taxi services available around the clock, be cautious of inflated rates and negotiate the fare beforehand. If you need to change money, stick to official exchange services and be aware of the current exchange rate to ensure you get a fair deal.

Lastly, if you decide to explore the nearby area during your layover, Thione Seck's club, Sahel Nightclub, is just down the street and offers great music starting around 1 a.m. Other nearby options include Pen'Art and just4u, although they are farther away. Remember to be cautious when travelling alone and consider arranging transportation or tours with reputable companies in advance to avoid potential scams or overpricing.

Frequently asked questions

The Train Express Regional (TER) is an affordable option to get to the city, although it doesn't go all the way to the airport. The DemDikk bus is also a good option, as it is air-conditioned and reliable. It will take you into Dakar near the Leopold Sedar-Senghor stadium. A taxi is the most expensive option, but it is the most convenient.

The airport has a cafeteria, two cafes, and a few shops. There are lounges that can be accessed by purchasing a pass or through a membership program. There is also WiFi available in three airport lounges, which economy-class passengers can pay to enter.

Dakar is a bustling metropolis with plenty of things to do. The Fabric Market in the HLM quarter is one of the best places to find fabric, with vibrant colours and patterns. The small island of Gorée, located just off the coast of Dakar, has a rich history and is now a quiet, car-free island. There is also a beach in the nearby town of Toubab Dialaw, which is a short drive from the airport.

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