Dakar is located in West Africa and is Senegal’s capital city. In Dakar, several hotels are available. However, most people prefer to stay in the Ngor district. You will find Ngor is a much safer place to stay.
Although there are plenty of hotels and markets in Dakar, staying there can be expensive. This is attributed to the heightened risk of a potential terrorist attack in Dakar, demanding increased security measures contributing to the elevated costs.
Let us say, you want to travel from Dakar to Bamako via Tambacounda. In that case, referring to Google Maps or any old map can confuse most travellers as the newly constructed road does not exist on the map.
However, you need not worry, as the road does exist. In addition to Google Maps, you must also have an app like Maps.me. The missing road on Google Maps can be found on this app.
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You can also choose the bus route, which can be more convenient for you. You can use the bus service offered by the Africa Star bus company, which travels between Bamako and Dakar. This is the only bus company that will take the Kenieba route.
You can easily locate the Africa Star station, which is available in Bamako and located quite close to Hotel Olympe. The busses offered by Africa Star bus company are air-conditioned and quite comfortable to travel.
You will face no problems during your trip, and we highly recommend you use this bus company’s services. In Dakar, this bus company is located near the main bus station. You can also find Malian buses close to the Grande marché. If you want to call them by phone to get any details, then you can call +221 77 673 23 44.
Dakar Senegal
Interestingly, you will come across a fake McDonald’s here, as authentic branches are not available in Senegal. Despite featuring a complete McDonald’s menu, the taste may be quite different from any typical McDonald’s flavour that you are familiar with.
However, you need not worry, as there are also quite a few other local restaurants available nearby, from where you can order rice and meat meals.
Lake Retba
Lake Retba is a pink lake that makes for beautiful photos and is a popular day trip destination from Dakar.  People selling lake tours can be found all across Gorée Island, particularly at the ferry station. Keep in mind that costs are negotiable.  If you would like greater security, you might inquire at your hotel about visiting Lake Retba.
How to apply in Dakar, Senegal, for a Mali visa
If you are interested in traveling from Senegal to Mali, then you need to apply for a visa. Consider visiting the Mali Embassy on Gorée Island at 9 am to facilitate this.
The application process requires two passport photos and a photocopy of the passport’s photo page. Your visa will be ready by 2 pm the same day, with a fee of 25,000 francs. This timely preparation ensures a smooth transition to your next destination in Mali.