ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO… „ Road crashes are the greatest danger to travelers in Dakar, especially at night. „ Traffic seems chaotic to many U.S. drivers, especially in Dakar.

„ Driving defensively is strongly recommended.

„ Be alert for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, livestock

and animal-drawn carts in both urban and rural areas.

„ The government is gradually upgrading existing roads and constructing new roads. „ Road crashes are one of the leading causes of injury and „ An average of 9,600 road crashes involving injury to death in Senegal. persons occur annually, almost half of which take place in urban areas. „ There are 42.7 fatalities per 10,000 vehicles in Senegal, compared to 1.9 in the United States and 1.4 in the United Kingdom.

ROAD REALITIES DRIVER BEHAVIORS „ There are 15,000 km of roads in Senegal, of which 4, „ Drivers often drive aggressively, speed, tailgate, make 555 km are paved. About 28% of paved roads are in fair unexpected maneuvers, disregard road markings and to good condition. pass recklessly even in the face of oncoming traffic. „ Most roads are two-lane, narrow and lack shoulders. „ Many drivers do not obey road signs, traffic signals, or „ Paved roads linking major cities are generally in fair to other traffic rules. good condition for daytime travel. Night travel is risky „ Drivers commonly try to fit two or more lanes of traffic due to inadequate lighting, variable road conditions and into one lane. the many pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles sharing the roads. „ Drivers commonly drive on wider sidewalks. Be alert for motorcyclists and moped riders on narrow „ Secondary roads may be in poor condition, especially sidewalks. during the rainy season. Most lack adequate lighting and have few road markings. „ Drivers frequently use horns. Taxi drivers use horns to solicit passengers. „ Coastal region: The road network is fairly well developed. Main roads are generally in fair to good „ Many drivers lack adequate driver training. condition. Roads nearest the coast may flooded or „ Vehicles are often poorly maintained. damaged or during intense storms. „ Southern region: The road network is less developed. GENERAL ROAD CONDITIONS Roads are often in poor condition. Restrict travel to „ Compared to other West African countries, Senegal has major paved routes. an extensive network of main roads.

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„ Interior region: Roads are generally in poor condition. HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES: Four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are recommended for „ National routes linking Dakar to major cities in Senegal travel in remote areas, especially in the rainy season. In and neighboring countries carry 80% of the HGV the dry season, be alert for sand drifts on the roads. traffic in the country. „ Eastern region: In the Kédougou Department, most „ Overloaded heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are a major roads are footpaths or feeder roads. Many roads are factor in deterioration of road surfaces. Damage to road impassible during rainy season. All-weather feeder surfaces occurs most rapidly in sections over bridges roads in the region include: Dalato-Sayansoutou (26 and culverts. km), Bandafassi-Bagnomba (31 km), Kossanto-Bransan „ About 31% of heavy goods vehicles are overloaded. (24 km), and Dianké Makam-Goudiry (62 km). Average level of overloading is 25% above the vehicle’s Maintenance of feeder roads is inadequate. maximum capacity. „ Check with the US Embassy regarding current „ The eight routes most heavily used by HGVs: conditions at border crossings. o National Route 1, Dakar-Diam Niadia-Mbour- „ National roads have route numbers with an “N” prefix. Fatick-Kaolack-Kaffrine and Tambacounda-Kidira National roads include: sections o N1: Diourbel-Kaolack-Tambacounda-Kidira-Diboli o National Route 2, Diam Niadia-Theis-Tivaouoane- (Mali) Louga-Saint Louis-Dagana and Haere Lao-Matam o N2: Kaolack-Thiés-Saint Louis-Richard Toll-Ouro sections Sogui-Kidira o National Route 3, Thies-Bambey-Diourbel-Mbake o N3: Thiés-Diourbel-Touba-Linguére-Ouro Sogui and Touba-Dara sections o N4: Kaolack-Trans-Gambia Highway-Bignona- o National Route 4, Diourbel-Gossas, Kaolack-Keur Ziguinchor-(Guinea-Bissau) Ayip, through Gambia to Senoba and Bignona- o N5: Bignona-Diouloulou-(Gambia) Ziguinchor sections o N6: Tambacounda-Kolda-Zigunichor o National Route 6, Tambacounda-Velingara-Kolda o N7: Tambacounda-Dar Salam-Niokolo Koba- and Tanaf-Zinguinchor sections Kedougou-Segou-(Guinea) o R10/R70, Rufisque-Bayak-Mboro section „ Many national routes are part of the Trans-African o R60, Mbake-Mbar-Kaffrine section Highway network. About 80% of roads in the Trans- o R30/R31, Louga to Touba section African Highway network are in fair condition. COASTAL EROSION Completion of upgrading/construction work in the „ Erosion is a serious threat to coastal region. The network is expected in 2015. majority of the country’s population, tourist areas, o About 85% of the network’s rural feeder roads are in economic centers, industrial complexes and main roads poor condition. Improvements in some feeder roads are in this region. are in progress. „ Water levels in the Atlantic are rising, causing increased „ When driving on sand: coastal erosion. Senegal is losing about 1 meter of its o If not experienced with a 4WD vehicle, learn how coast annually. More seriously affected sections are the vehicle responds under different conditions losing up to 10 meters annually. before traveling across country. Land Rovers and „ Excessive harvesting of mangrove forests has made the Land Cruisers are less likely to turn over than lighter coast more vulnerable to storm damage. The risk of 4WD vehicles. road closures and flooding is higher than in past. In o Sand may drift onto paved roads. Slow down when southern Senegal, mangrove forests are almost approaching a sand drift. Stop if necessary, but be completely depleted in Toubacouta (Sine Saloum alert for traffic coming up behind. Reduce gear and region). drive through the drift slowly. o If approaching a rough section of road, reduce speed „ Much of Senegal consists of rolling plains. Southeastern and drop down one gear, but do not stop. Senegal has some foothills. o When driving in deep sand, reduce air pressure in tires to increase traction.

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URBAN TRAVEL „ Modes of transport for traveling to work in urban areas: „ Main urban roads generally are fairly well maintained. o Walking, cycling or other non-motorized transport „ Roads are often poorly lit. modes: 44.8% o Taking a bus or minibus: 45.5% „ Secondary roads generally lack road markings and may be unpaved. o Driving personnel vehicle: 9.3% o Taking a train or tram: 0.4% „ Pedestrians are difficult to see. o Migration to urban areas is increasing. Most of these „ The traffic mix contains a much higher percentage of migrants live in informal settlements at fringes of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, livestock and larger cities. The settlements generally lack basic city animal-drawn carts than in most cities in developed services. Public transportation is inadequate. Roads countries. in the settlements are often just dirt paths. All- „ Growth of coastal communities is generally weather road connections with the city are lacking. unregulated. Construction on low-lying coastal areas increases risk of flooding during severe storms.

DAKAR: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Dakar is a travel hub for Senegal and neighboring countries Dakar is on the southern end of Cape Verde Peninsula. in West Africa. Temperatures are usually moderate except from June to Three routes in the Trans-African Highway network end or October. pass through the city: Cairo-Dakar Highway, Dakar- Sandaga, the city’s largest market, is at the intersection of Ndjamena Highway and Dakar-Lagos Highway. Lamine Guèye, Peytavin, Emile Badiane, and Ponty The city is on the narrow, long (30 km) Cape Verde Avenues. Streets and stalls are crowded. Be alert for petty Peninsula. Most commercial and financial establishments crime and scams. are at the end of the peninsula. During rush hour, most Public transport accounts for 70%, walking for 25% and traffic from residential areas uses the city’s two main private vehicles for 5% of traffic in the city. roads, the coastal road and the new expressway. The bus system is inadequate and crowded during rush hour. Drive cautiously to avoid road crashes. Taxis and buses are often in poor condition. Use caution when driving at night, due to poorly lit streets Dakar Demm Dikk (DDD) buses provide reliable service. and vehicles. The name means “Dakar coming and going.” During rush hour, major roads are heavily congested, o DDD’s fleet is inadequate to handle rush hour traffic. especially near the port and industrial areas. Traffic jams Buses are often overcrowded, and travel is slow in are common in city center and at major intersections. rush hour. Intersections on major roads are being improved. The o Schedules and routes change on Sunday and holidays. improvements are reducing congestion. Website: www.demdikk.com. Navigating the city’s streets is difficult. There are few road o Route maps are often incomplete. Ask a resident for signs. Traffic patterns change frequently. Many roads are help finding the right bus. under construction. AFTU buses, a newer minivan service provide a safer A 4-lane highway links the Presidential Palace and the alternative to “cars rapides.” AFTU are blue and white, and Meridian-President Hotel. are often overcrowded. There many routes in Garage Petersen suburb. Beggars and street hawkers weave in and out of slow- moving traffic to sell wares to motorists. “Cars rapides” and Ndiaga Ndiayes account for 65% of available public transportation within the city. Disruptions in Dakar’s transport system reduce the country’s GDP by about 5%. o “Cars rapides” are small, privately owned, 25- passenger buses; generally in poor condition. Many High traffic congestion and air pollution levels cause great drivers are poorly trained and drive recklessly. Most road safety concerns. “cars rapides” are 10-20 years old.

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DAKAR (CONT.): CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Much of the city consists of unplanned, informal o Ndiaga Ndiayes (Alham) are privately owned, 35 to settlements with inadequate services and infrastructure. 42-seat Mercedes buses. Most are newer vehicles. Roads in the settlements are generally unpaved, in poor Fares are low. They are often overcrowded. The condition and lack connection with roads in other driver’s assistant shouts out their destination. settlements. Public transportation options are limited. Registered taxis also provide transport. The quality and Animal crossings are common. speed of service varies. Some drivers have limited knowledge of the city. Taxis are metered, but meters are Floods are infrequent, but cause extensive damage. often broken. Coastal erosion is a constant risk, and can damage roads, o Fares are higher than fares on other transport options. structures and port facilities. o Drivers tend to overcharge tourists. Bargain for a The train station is at Place de Bamako (Boulevard de la reasonable fare before boarding. Wait for another taxi Liberation x Rue Joris). Information: phone 33-849-4646. if fare is too high. PTB (“Petit Train Bleu”): a railway shuttle service, linking o Fares are higher at night. Dakar and some larger cities in Senegal. Most transport to other cities is provided by “sept places,” Dakar-Yoff /Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport,” older, seven-seat taxis. Drivers often overcharge tourists. 17 miles (11km) from the city. Phone: +221 869 2200. Ask residents what fare is reasonable. Gare Routieres de o Buses and taxis provide transport to the city. Pompiers is Dakar’s main station for “sept places.” o Rental cars are available. Clando (unregistered) taxis provide cheap transport along fixed routes. Not recommended, due to high road risk. Many drivers wait for fares on RTS Avenue, Lamine Guèye (near city center), Liberte VI (near the bus terminal) and in front of Stade L.S.S. in Patte d’Oie. Driver’s assistant shouts out the taxi’s destination. Motorcycle taxis and human and animal-drawn rickshaws also provide transport. They are not recommended, due to high road risk. Taxi boats serve routes between Dakar and many coastal destinations south of the city. SAINT-LOUIS: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION The city is near Senegal’s border with Mauritania and is 100 The Old City is on a long, narrow island situated near the km from the border crossing with Mauritania at Rosso. mouth of the Senegal River. Faidherbe Bridge links the The city and surrounding areas are part of the Sahel. Sand island to the mainland. storms may interrupt transport services in the dry season. Sections of the city: Rising water levels in the Atlantic Ocean and Senegal River o Ndar Tout and Guet Ndar, on Langue de Barbarie, a are threatening the island sections of the city. The UN has narrow sand spit that separates the Senegal River and declared Saint-Louis to be the African city most the Atlantic Ocean. threatened by rising water levels. o Sor, on the eastern mainland, is surrounded by tidal marshes. Sept-place taxis provide transport between Dakar and the city’s bus station, located 4.5 km south of the city. Regular taxis provide transport to the city. TAMBACOUNDA: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Traffic is congested. Tambacounda is the largest city in eastern Senegal. The city is a transportation hub. N1and N7 national roads There are 2 main streets: Blvd. Demba Diop, running east- and the Dakar-Bamako railway serve the city. west, and Av Léopold Senghor, running north-south.

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TAMBACOUNDA (CONT.): CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION The N1 and N7 are heavily traveled routes. The N1 is part of Taxis are readily available. Fares are fixed for trips in the city. the Trans-Sahel Highway. The N7 provides access to the Buses, minibuses and sept-place taxis provide inter-city Senegal’s Casamance region. transport. When going to the border crossing with Mali, The headquarters for the nearby Parc National de Niokolo- use the bus station on the eastern side of town. For other Koba is in the city. Information on the park is available. destinations use the bus station on the southern side of the The office has a small fleet of 4WD rental vehicles. city. Long-distance buses (car mourides) leave from the car mourides station near the train station. Buy tickets in advance. THIÈS: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION A transportation hub, located on the N2, 60 km east of Senegal’s third largest city. Dakar. The N3 and rail lines to Dakar, Bamako and St- Paved roads link the city with Dakar and Rufisque. Louis also serve the city. The Dakar-Saint Louis and Dakar Niger rail lines serve the Traffic in the city is heavily congested. In suburban areas, city. planned growth has reduced the congestion typical in Dakar’s suburbs. Main streets are wide and tree-lined. THIAROYE: CONDITIONS USEFUL INFORMATION Traffic is often congested near Thiaroye-Gare market, Thiaroye is a municipality (suburb) of Dakar. It is located Senegal’s main wholesale distribution center. Petit train between Rufisque and Pikine municipalities. bleu’s (“little blue train”) Thiaroye Station is in the center Transport is provided by buses, rapid buses (work buses), of the market. The market includes over 4,500 wholesale official and unofficial taxis, minivans, small pickup trucks businesses and 3000 street vendors. Produce and and Petit train bleu (“little blue train”). Routes are clearly manufactured goods are brought to the market from other identified. Most routes run between Thiaroye-Gare market regions. Motorized vehicles, horse-drawn carts and and markets in Dakar. porters distribute goods to local markets.

RURAL TRAVEL „ Inadequate drainage facilities make roads vulnerable to „ Roads generally are poorly maintained. erosion damage. „ Restrict travel to main, hard-surfaced routes. „ Many agricultural roads are being upgraded to provide better access to all-weather roads. Traffic levels are low „ Rural roads range from sand tracks to well-maintained dirt and gravel routes. on these roads. Even new agricultural roads are unpaved. „ Common roadside activities include established shops, weekly markets, vendor stands, bush-taxi stops, mechanics’ shops, rest areas, police checkpoints and NIGHT TRAVEL motorists washing vehicles at bridges. Be alert for „ Poor lighting, variable road conditions and high pedestrians and vehicles entering or exiting the road at percentage of pedestrians, livestock, and non-motorized these points. vehicles in the road mix make night travel risky. „ Unpaved roads may not be navigable in the rainy „ Headlights are often dim or not used. season. „ Pedestrians are difficult to see at night. „ Avoid late night travel.

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PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL International Labor Day; May 21, Ascension;* June 1, „ Many pedestrians do not look before crossing the road Whit Monday / Pentecôte;* Aug. 15, Assumption Day;* There are very few pedestrian-only paths. Sidewalks Sept., Korité (the last day of Ramadan)*; All Saints Day, often are lacking. Oct. 30; Nov., Tabaski (festival of the non-sacrifice of „ Most roads lack sidewalks or shoulders wide enough Isaac)*; Dec. 25, Christmas. *The date of these holidays for pedestrians to walk safely. Be alert for approaching varies. vehicles. „ Of these, Independence Day, the last day of Ramadan „ Pedestrians often have to share sidewalks with cars. and Tabaski are the most important national holidays. Motorcycles, mopeds and a few horse-drawn carts „ Important regional holidays include: the Grand Magal commonly use narrower sidewalks. pilgrimage and celebration in Touba, held 48 days after Islamic New Year and the conclusion of the Paris-Dakar SEASONAL TRAVEL Motor Rally, which ends in Dakar during the second week of January. „ During the rainy season, strong southeast winds can come in from the Atlantic and produce heavy rains and tropical storms that can wash out roads and flood low POLICE ENFORCEMENT lying regions. 4WD vehicles often are needed. Keep „ Police check points at entrances and exits to villages informed of local weather conditions. help to enforce speed limits. „ The rainy season varies by region: „ Police may set up road blocks to check documents of o Western and northern regions: Aug. to Sept. drivers and passengers. Vehicles and luggage may be o Central and eastern regions: July to Sept. searched. o Southern region: June to October. „ Fines are paid on the spot. „ During the dry season, hot, dry, dust and sand-bearing „ When stopped for a traffic violation, officers often winds (harmattan winds) come in from the Sahara. The confiscate the driver’s license or ID card until fine is winds reduce visibility, impair breathing and damage paid. Comply with this request. Some officers solicit a running engines and can block the sun for many days. bribe in place of or in addition to the fine. Politely They are common in Dec. through March. decline such requests. „ Senegal is in a severe drought. Little rain has fallen, „ Police are under-staffed, under-funded and under- even in the rainy season, for the past few years. Fire risk equipped. is high. „ Two groups provide law enforcement services: „ Senegal’s interior desert regions get much hotter during o Senegal police: supply most police services in Dakar. the day, but much colder at night than coastal regions. Officers wear navy blue slacks and light blue shirts „ Road crashes often are more common on national with an emblem on the sleeve and a cap. holidays. o The Gendarmes: supply most police services outside „ National holidays include: Jan. 1, New Year's day; Jan. 8, of Dakar. Officers wear blue uniforms or green Tamkharit;* Mar. 10, Maouloud (birthday of fatigues and blue berets. Muhamad)*; April 4, Senegalese Independence Day; „ Many police officers do not speak English. Police and April 13, Easter Monday (Pâques);* May 1, Gendarmes provide limited assistance to those requesting help.

ROAD REGULATIONS „ Driving is on the right. into 11 languages, including English, and can only be „ An international driving permit (IDP) or a French used as a supplement to a valid driving license. Contact license is required. An IDP is a legal identification AAA at www.aaa.com. document that translate driving license information „ Seatbelts are required.

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„ Traffic coming on the right at intersections has right of „ When a crash results in injury to another person, the way, except at traffic circles. In traffic circles, traffic driver at fault can be imprisoned from 5 months to 2 already in the circle has right of way. years and may be fined. When a crash results in a o Prior to 2005, traffic entering a traffic circle had fatality, the driver at fault can be imprisoned up to 5 right of way. Many residents are unfamiliar with this years. change. Use caution at traffic circles. „ When involved in a road crash involving injuries, „ Using a hand-held cell phone while driving is illegal. fatalities or major damage: „ Documents required when driving a vehicle: valid o Do not move the vehicle unless it is a danger to other driver’s license, current insurance papers, vehicle traffic. registration card ("carte grise"), current “vignette” tax o Contact police. In Dakar, call the Central Police disc and valid identification (copy of passport with a Station. Phone: 823-2529 or 823-2333. clear picture of the holder). Drivers lacking these o Give police all information and documents documents can be arrested. requested. Do not challenge their authority. „ Third party insurance is required. In road crashes o Stay calm. Do nothing to aggravate the other driver, involving an injury, third party insurance covers all observers or anyone injured in the crash. damages if you are not at fault. o If a crowd gathers and you feel in jeopardy, go to a safe area such as a store or other public building.

ROAD WATCH ROAD INFORMATION

ROAD CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

TRANS-SAHEL HIGHWAY The main east-west route, linking Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. The route runs along the southern fringe of the Sahel. Most of it is 2-lane and paved but many sections are in poor condition. Most of the route is 2-lane. Over 80% of the route is paved. but many sections are in poor condition. Some sections are under construction or being upgraded. About 85% of rural feeder roads along the route are in poor condition. The road is also known as the Dakar-Ndjamena Highway or Trans- African Highway 5.

NATIONAL ROUTE 1 (N1) The N1 is the Senegal section of the Trans-Sahel Highway. The road links Dakar, Diam Niadia, Mbour, Fatick, Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda and Kidira. From Dakar to Tambacounda, the road is paved, but 315 km of this 462 km section are in poor condition. Traffic is often congested. HGV traffic is highest between Dakar and Rufiaque. The N1 continues on in Mali and is in good condition through Bamako and Kayes.

NATIONAL REGIONAL HIGHWAY 1 (RN1) Section from Khounghueul to Tambacounda is being upgraded. Includes improvements in drainage systems along the road.

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ROAD CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

DAKAR- DIAMNIADIO MOTORWAY The road links Dakar, Patte d’Oie, Cambérène, Pikine, Tiaroye, Keur Massar, Rufisque, Diamniadio and Thiès. When upgrading and construction of new sections are completed, congestion in Dakar should be reduced. The road will reduce travel time between Dakar’s city center and the new Ndiass International Airport. The road is also known as the Dakar-Thiès Motorway.

DAKAR-LAGOS HIGHWAY Two-lane road, over 83% of which has been upgraded. Sections where work is ongoing are in Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone. Some sections are unpaved. Links Nouakchott (Mauritania), Dakar (Senegal), Banjul (The Gambia), Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Freetown and Monrovia (Liberia), Toulépleu (Cóte d’Ivoire), Abidjan and /Accra (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), Cotonou (Benin) and Lagos (Nigeria). The road is also known as the Trans-West African Coastal Highway.

CAIRO-DAKAR HIGHWAY The route is paved except for a short section where it crosses the Morocco-Mauritania border. Most of the road is 2-lane. It is known as Trans-African Highway 1 and is the oldest route in this network of highways. The route links Cairo, Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, Rabat, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Dakar, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Conakry, Freetown and Monrovia.

NATIONAL REGIONAL ROAD 2 (RN2) Banditry is common on the Ndioum to Kidira section.

NATIONAL ROUTE 3 (N3) Heavily traveled route. Traffic includes many HGVs, especially in the Thies-Bambey-Diourbel-Mbake and Touba-Dara sections. HGV traffic is highest between Mbake and Touba in Diourbel region. Links Thiés, Diourbel, Mbacké, Touba, Déali, Linguére, Denndoudi and Ouro Sogui.

NATIONAL ROUTE 4 (N4), THE TRANS- HGV traffic is highest between Ziguinchor and Bignona in Ziguinchor GAMBIA HIGHWAY region. Links Kaolack-Trans-Gambia Highway-Bignona-Ziguinchor

NATIONAL ROUTE 5 (N5) Very potholed in many areas including the Diouloulou to Ziguinchor and Diouloulou toBaila stretches. Links Bignona (Senegal) and Diouloulou- (Gambia)

NATIONAL ROUTE 7 (N7) A heavily traveled route, linking Tambacounda, Dar-Salam, Niokolo Koba, Kedougou, Segou and continues on in Guinea. N7 is the main route used when traveling from Dakar to the Casamance region.

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ROAD CONDITIONS & USEFUL INFORMATION

LABE-SERIBA-MEDINA GOUNASS- Paved, 4-lane road, linking Labe and Médina Gounass in Guinea with TAMBACOUNDA ROAD Tamabacounda in Senegal. Some sections are under construction. Detours are possible. Completion expected in 2010. Road users include personnel vehicles, trucks, taxis, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, animal-drawn carts, livestock and wild animals. Small stores, vendor stands, weekly markets, bush-taxi stops, mechanics’ shops, rest areas, and police checkpoints are commonly seen along the road. Road safety provisions: o Shoulders are at least 1.5 meters. Wider shoulders in sections with low visibility increase pedestrian safety. o In rural sections, shoulders were widened where possible to create emergency pull-off areas and parking lanes. o Lanes are at least 3.5 meters wide. They are wider on sharp curves. o Warning signals and speed bumps, installed at city and village limits, reduce speeding. o Reflective, 3D road markings improve night visibility in rural areas. o Wooden fences prevent livestock and wild animals from crossing the road in high risk areas. Selected rural feeder roads are also being upgraded. Unimproved feeder roads may not be navigable in the rainy season. Speed limits adopted for the road are 80 km/h in plains, 60 km/h in winding sections of road and 40 km/h in hilly areas. Installation of adequate drainage facilities and construction of many new bridges has reduced flood risk near the road. Rest areas and stops for public transport vehicles are provided.

ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS „ Minibuses do not follow fixed routes or have fixed BUSES schedules. Drivers often drive recklessly and stop „ Public transport options include larger buses, cars randomly, often without signaling. rapides (rapid buses /work buses), official and unofficial „ Ndiaga Ndiayes (Alham): 35-passenger Mercedes buses. taxis, “Sept places” (French for “seven places”), minivans, Fares are low. The driver’s assistant shouts out small pickup trucks and horse-drawn carts. destination. „ There are few large buses. Most buses are old, poorly „ Car rapides (fast buses): 25-passenger Renault vans maintained and lack basic safety equipment, such as minivans, generally painted blue on the bottom and seat belts. yellow on the top and often have personalized graphics „ Minibuses (cars rapides—25-seat Renault vans—and paint on the sides. An apprentice hangs out the back Ndiaga Ndiaye) provide most public transport. They are door, watching for potential customers. He bangs on the privately owned, poorly maintained and generally roof to alert the driver to stop. The driver may stop overcrowded. Average age is 20 years. abruptly in the middle of the road to pick up passengers.

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o Car rapides can be hailed. Shout destination to the o Sept places can be reserved for a person or group’s apprentice. If the apprentice shouts the destination exclusive use, but it is expensive. back to you, signal for the bus to stop. To get off, bang on the side of the bus or signal the apprentice. TRAIN TRAVEL o Fares are fixed for some destinations. Ask a resident „ Petit train bleu (“little blue train”), Dakar region’s most what the fare should be. efficient transport option, is often overcrowded. The trains typically carry 240 passengers seated and 1,500 TAXIS standing. They used for commuting to work and „ Many drivers drive recklessly. Taxis often are old, poorly transporting goods to local vendors. maintained and lack basic safety equipment, including „ Trains run from north to south, connecting Saint Louis seat belts. to Dakar. Service is slow. „ Taxis are readily available in larger cities. Fares are „ Trains run west to east, connecting Dakar to Bamako, relatively low. A surcharge is added from midnight to Mali. Long delays are common. Occasional derailments 5:00 am. occur. Theft is a problem. Bring own food and water. „ Meters may be lacking or broken. If the taxi has a meter, „ Dakar-Bamako rail line: the infrastructure is in poor ask the driver to use it. Pay what is indicated on the condition. Crashes are frequent. meter. Tips are not expected, but rounding up the fare is customary. RENTAL VEHICLES „ Clando taxis (unregistered taxis) provide cheap „ Rental vehicles are not widely available, partly due to transport along fixed routes. Using them is not poor road conditions. recommended. „ Rental cars are available in Dakar and at the „ Registered taxis have an orange stripe and are a safer International Airport and may be available in MBour option. and Saly Portudal. „ Taxi fares are higher than fares on other transport „ Most rental vehicles are not self-drive. Must also hire a options. Agree on fare before boarding. Take another driver. taxi when fare is too high. Drivers are most likely to charge excessive fares at night. „ The quality of rental services and the safety and quality of rental vehicles varies. „ Do not board a taxi that already has passengers. If the driver stops for another passenger, tell him you will not „ To rent a car, drivers must be aged 25 years and have pay if he picks up other passengers. He may be setting held a national driving license for at least one year to you up for robbery. rent a vehicle. A passport or other document is required when the license lacks a photo. „ Sept places are shared taxis and are the most common means of inter-city travel. Many Sept places are old station wagons, often in poor condition. Some are old BICYCLES & MOTORCYCLES hatchbacks with two rows of back seats. „ Drivers/riders and passengers of bicycles, mopeds, o Drivers often drive recklessly. scooters and motorcycles are required to wear helmets. o Fares are low and are fixed for the most popular destinations. For other destinations, agree on fare CRIME & SECURITY before boarding. „ Street crime is common, especially in larger cities. o Drivers wait for passengers at sept place junctions Resisting criminals is not recommended. and help travelers find the right sept place to reach a „ Violent crime is not common, but does occur. destination. There is no set schedule. They leave when full. „ Crime generally increases before major religious o Tourists are commonly overcharged and must holidays. bargain for a fair price. „ Avoid walking in isolated areas or beaches or on unlit streets at night, even in groups.

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„ Carry copies of passports and other identification „ Casamance Region: documents, rather than the originals. Carry credit cards o Avoid non-essential road travel west of Kolda, due to only when necessary. clashes between government forces and rebel forces „ Fraud is prevalent, and tourists are frequently the in the region. Banditry is reported frequently. targets of scams that may result in physical harm as well Vehicles are often attacked, even during the day on as financial loss. Unsolicited offers from unknown well-traveled roads. individuals, promising quick financial gain, are the o If travel is essential, check the security situation on most common scams. Offers take many forms, but all the U.S. Embassy’s website. Taking a direct flight to request personal bank account information. When Cap Skirring resort area or the city of Ziguinchor is received, the criminal transfers all available funds out of fairly safe. the account. o Over 1,000 people have been killed by landmine „ Personal scams and other ploys where individuals claim explosions. Only use well-traveled routes in this to need funds to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. are region. common. Information on the legal immigration process „ Petty crime is a serious problem in Dakar’s city center is available from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration and in these shopping areas: Avenue George Pompidou, Services:’ website: www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. Lamine Guéye, place de l'Indépendance, and marché Sandaga. Muggings of foreigners have occurred in the „ If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is a scam. restaurant district (La Petite Corniche). Research any unsolicited business offer in Senegal or any other country. Scams have become increasingly „ Avoid demonstrations, monitor local news, and avoid popular. large crowds. „ Areas of instability „ Riots and demonstrations occur, especially in Dakar. Police sometimes break up the crowds with tear gas. o Avoid travel to the Casamance area in southern Demonstrations in Dakar are most frequent near the Senegal, due to incidents involving Casamance University, Marchés Sandaga and Tilène, Centenaire, separatists. Contact the US Embassy for the latest and the Grande Mosquée. travel and security information. o Avoid the roads from Ziguinchor to Banjul in The „ To minimize risk of being a crime victim: Gambia and from Bignona to Sedoba. Travelers have o Seldom carry a credit card. Carry only enough cash been attacked on these routes. for activities planned for the day. o Landmines still are a problem on the border with o Carry ID and a copy of each person’s passport. Guinea-Bissau and in Basse-Casamance. Police can arrest anyone lacking proper ID. o Travel to Ziguinchor or Cap-Skirring by air only. o Avoid talking on a cell phone in a market, especially While in Cap-Skirring, restrict travel to the hotel if storing it with credit cards or cash. district. o Pay for small purchases with small bills. „ Banditry is common on main highways at night and is o Avoid walking alone at night. most frequent in central and eastern Senegal, including „ Scams are common, especially in Dakar. Perpetrators areas near Tambacounda and Matam. are often aggressive. Just say “no” forcefully and don’t „ Demonstrations and student protests occur frequently back down. in Dakar and other cities and may become violent. „ Accept nothing from people on the street, not even a „ Lac Rose (Pink Rose) is a popular tourist destination. “gift,” as street criminals often try to get money in Few roads access the Lac Rose area. Traveling alone is return for the “gift.” not recommended, especially to isolated beaches. „ Aggressive scam artists offer to line up a taxi for you. Firmly decline the offer. They may be getting victims for robbers.

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION TOURIST ASSISTANCE „ Several hospitals and clinics in Dakar can treat major or „ Roadside assistance availability is poor. minor illnesses or injuries. „ Few residents speak English or French. Finding „ The US Embassy can provide a list of doctors and other assistance may be difficult. health care professionals who may be able to see you. They cannot recommend a particular health care „ Emergency numbers: professional or guarantee health services. o Police hotline numbers: 800-00-20-20 and 800-00- 17-00. „ Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. o Police 24-hour number: 33-821-2431. o Tourist police: (+221)33 860-3810. „ Medications can be obtained from pharmacies in Dakar „ Police can request personal ID anytime, even without and in other tourism areas and are generally less cause. Have a copy of passport at all times. Passports expensive than in the U.S. give proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. „ French medications are available more readily than „ If arrested, ask permission to contact your embassy. American drugs. Drugs are often listed by the French Embassies are not always notified promptly when their trade name. citizens are arrested. „ Bring adequate supplies of over the counter „ Service stations are generally available along many medications and required prescription drugs and a roads. copy of doctor’s prescriptions, including drug’s generic name. „ Maps are scare. Residents give directions by noting landmarks along the route. „ U.S. medical insurance is not always valid in other countries. Check with insurer. „ Tourist facilities are available widely but vary in quality. „ Comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for „ Senegal Tourist Office, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3118, New York, NY 10118. Phone: (212) 695-9630; fax: (212) emergency medical evacuation, is recommended. 695-9658; email: [email protected] and website: Serious medical problems requiring medical evacuation www.senegal-tourism.com. to the US can cost several thousand dollars. „ Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical expenses „ Larger establishments in tourist areas accept credit cards. A fee is added for their use. rendered outside the U.S. Medigap policies, plans C through J, cover 80 percent of what Medicare would „ Banking facilities are available in Dakar, but sparse cover in the U.S. for the first 60 days of each trip; a $250 elsewhere. deductible applies. Maximum lifetime limit of $50,000. „ Senegal is 95% Muslim. Exercise moderation in dress Medicare Advantage may offer coverage for care and behavior, especially in rural areas. abroad. Phone: 800-633-4227; website: www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11037.pdf. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS „ Natural hazards: Seasonal floods in lowland areas, fires and periodic droughts. EMBASSY INFORMATION „ The Embassy of Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, MEDICAL CARE Washington, D.C., 20008. Phone: (202) 234-0540. „ Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside of „ US Embassy, Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar. Mailing Dakar. address: B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. Phone: (221) 33-829- „ Public hospitals do not meet US standards, but there 2100, ext. 2313, after-hours emergencies: (221) 33-829- are several private clinics that are equivalent to small 2209, emergencies involving American citizens only: hospitals in Europe. (221) 76-383-9566, email: [email protected]; website is http://dakar.usembassy.gov.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION „ Contact the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT)

11769 Gainsborough Road, Potomac MD 20854, USA Telephone: (301) 983-5252 Fax: (301) 983-3663 Website: www.asirt.org E-mail: [email protected].

ASIRT is a non-profit humanitarian organization established in memory of Aron Sobel, age 25, who was killed along with 22 other passengers in a Pamukkale Bus Company road crash on the roads of Turkey. © ASIRT 2009 updated

Disclaimer: ASIRT provides this information as a service to the traveling public. This report is intended to represent general road conditions, driving environment, quality of public transportation, medical care and emergency response. It may not be totally accurate in a specific location or circumstance.

ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: SENEGAL 13 © ASIRT 2009