Dakar: Mamelles + Ouakam Highlights

Art in chocolate form, created and sold by the friendliest chocolatier, Dangota. Ask her how she came up with the name for the shop - it’s a sweet family story.

This is a pottery center + cafe, run by a stylish and earthy sister duo.

DO: Gorgeous art gallery that showcases the metalwork of owner, Loman P, as well as other artists from the region. EAT: There is a small cafe and leafy courtyard on the ground floor, and a new bar on the roof. There a special pop up dinners scheduled on a weekly basis, most notably the Ethiopian dinner night (15.000 CFA) SHOP: Renowned Saint-Louis clothing designer Rama Diaw has a retail space on the ground floor as well.

Adorable Japanese cafe with tasty brunch and baked goods. The space is small but they also offer delivery. The gluten free chocolate cake is divine. Go here to feed your boba craving!

The second you walk in the door you are transported right out of Dakar! Go here for Japanese food and a break from the hustle and bustle of Ouakam. There’s a cool shop attached to the restaurant where you can find unique gifts, ranging from Japanese home accessories and desk supplies to handpicked Touareg jewelry to curated clothing finds from Dakar’s secondhand markets.

Gorgeous home decor made from tasteful West African fabrics and natural materials.

Check out their Facebook page for information on when the Ciné Club is organizing their next screening in the courtyard.

NOTE: closed this year due to construction of a desalination plant. Access the beach via a sandy pathway that drops down from the Rond Point des Mamelles.

Great view over the ocean and toward the Almadies area. Not into visiting the restaurant and paying the entrance fee? No problem. You can walk or run up the hill at your own pace. There are excellent views on the way up and it’s a nice natural respite from the hustle and bustle of Dakar. Expect to see lots of locals exercising here, especially in the early evening.

The chillest hang out on Mamelles Beach. Perfect for an afternoon of sunning yourself and playing in the water.

One of Dakar’s most striking buildings. Take the steps down to the beach and watch the fishermen bring in their catch in colorful pirogues. If you’re an advanced surfer, there are waves here! You have to wait for the right conditions since there are numerous rocks close to shore. Nothing beats the view from the sea and the sensation when you catch one of the powerful waves.

The only establishment to sit down and have a drink or some food at Ouakam Plage. Cute and simple with an unbeatable view.

English language bookshop with a focus on Black writers. It’s tucked away down a sandy alleyway. Look for small signs next to Yum Yum pizza to find it!

The manager is extremely helpful and multilingual. Even if this property is full, he manages others and can help you find a safe, clean place to stay in a good location.

“Marché Jeudi” is the used clothing market that pops up each Thursday just past the Ouakam market near the Brioche Dorée. This one is smaller and calmer than some of the other used clothing markets across the city - a good intro for hunting for used clothes in Senegal! It can be hit or miss (to be expected, that’s part of the fun). The Ouakam market has all your typical market wares - food, housewares, cheap clothes and electronics. Sometimes you can find decent wax print fabric here! If you’re staying in Senegal for awhile and want to save money, you can get your veggies here. Bring your own bags if you want to be environmentally friendly. They will even cut your onions for you for a small fee - worth it!!! This is a clutch tip for trying your hand at making yassa.

Good for a quick rice lunch - nothing fancy, but good flavor. They have more than one location on the same road. Look for the one with a patio across from Mon Prix market. If you’re looking to try ditakh juice (the green one, my favorite!), you can often order it here.