No matter what you are doing in Senegal or how long you are staying, finding the right accommodation will be at the top of your to-do list. From Airbnb and co-shares to apartments, villas and hotels, there is a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Like many countries, prices tend to reflect the size, location and popularity of the accommodation with large villas in expat areas naturally costing more than a co-shared apartment in less popular destinations. However, when looking for a place to stay, you should also remember what creature comforts you want and the time of year: air-con, hot water and grid electricity are not provided in every home as standard.
Good to know:
You are more likely to find foreign families in the city centres than in the suburbs which, nowadays, tend to be occupied by the locals.
Cities and neighbourhoods in Senegal
Different neighbourhoods offer different experiences and amenities. For example, some areas are more religious than others and have their own customs and practices. Other areas will be close to beaches, bars and restaurants. As such, it is important to know the vibe (and rental price) of an area before you decide to settle there.
The greater Dakar area is the beating heart of Senegal, providing homes for 3.7 million people across 19 inner-city districts and outer suburbs. It is the country's economic, administrative, political and cultural hub. As a developed city, Dakar hosts all the facilities and amenities which you would expect of a ‘western' nation (although they are not always available) as well as access to the country's main international airport, Blaise Diagne, 27 miles away.
The other principal destinations include the region of Thiès, which borders Dakar. Thiès, the region, has two large cities, Thiès and Mbour, and is also home to the Petite Côte (‘small coast' - a 100km strip of golden coastline dotted with seaside towns and villages, the biggest and most developed of which is Saly. Meanwhile, other major cities include Saint-Louis in the north-west, Ziguinchor in the southern Casamance region, Kaolack in the centre of the country and Tambacounda in the east. Touba, which is the second-largest city in Senegal, is a semi-autonomous holy city and is almost entirely populated by adherents of the Mouride brotherhood.
Rent prices in Senegal
Obviously, rent prices may vary from one region to another and at the owner's or real estate agency's discretion. However, the capital Dakar and Saly on the Petite Côte are considerably more expensive than the rest of the country and prices have risen in recent years. That being said, renting a single bedroom in a co-shared apartment in Dakar tends to cost between 70,000 CFA and 200,000 CFA depending on the neighbourhood. One and two-bedroom apartments could cost from 200,000 CFA-300,000 CFA (they usually come unfinished).
Lease conditions in Senegal
When you have found an apartment matching your criteria, you will be requested to sign a lease document, highlighting the start-to-end date and agreed rent. This will also mention an accurate inventory (although most apartments come empty), as well as the date when you will be moving in and sometimes out (usually only need to give one month's notice). Co-sharing (subletting) is very common in the major cities and in these cases, you often don't need to sign anything. You agree to pay a fixed amount per month, including a share of bills, and move into a basically-furnished room.
Fees
Usually, you will pay the first month's rent and a deposit equal to the first month's rent to the owner. If you have used a real estate agent, they will charge you one month's rent as agency fees.
You will then be required to pay for bills, such as internet, water, electricity and TV (if you choose to have one).
Finding accommodation in Senegal
There are various ways to find accommodation in Senegal. Obviously, the fastest and most effective way is to register with a real estate agency. You can find many real estate agencies in Dakar with some specialising in certain districts. Estate agents are worth their value in Senegal as only high-quality housing can be found on the internet (through Airbnb or other sites). In contrast, agents will know the best places in each area and be able to take you around lots of suitable apartments in a district in one viewing session. They are also then on hand to call electricians, plumbers, etc. if something goes wrong in the house.
Local newspapers, Facebook groups and other related accommodation sites are also good places to look.
Useful links:
Sene Logement (in French)
Planete-Senegal
Likibu
Dakarium
Jumia
Mamaison
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
