How to Stretch Every Dollar in Senegal

Senegal is a fairly affordable place to spend time unless you are setting off on specialist trips.

Budget travelers will be able to get by on about $40 per day by staying in cheap guesthouses for around $15 per night, eating street food and taking shared taxis from town to town. Step things up a bit and you’ll find seaside hotels for around $70 per night. Check out La Mboroise and similar hotels for accommodations in that price range.

Stick to street food and coffee vendors if you are on a tight budget, as sit-down meals can make a big hole in your budget. Luckily, there are lots of great food stalls wherever you go in Senegal, especially on the beaches and in large towns.

If you want to plan a trip to one of the remote national parks you can hire a car and driver for around $100 per day, which isn’t too bad if you split the cost between three or four people or sign up to a group tour. These are more affordable, but you lose the freedom of deciding where exactly to go and when. Many different organizations offer tours to and through Senegal, including Peregrine Adventures.

Remember that in most places tipping is not expected, although pricier restaurants will expect a 10 percent tip.

ATMs are common in larger towns, but it’s a good idea to take cash with you, as it is easily exchanged.