How to find a cheap car rental deal in Dakar
Searching for a cheap rental car in Dakar? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $103 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
$66 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Dakar.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $441 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Three weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Dakar car hire.
Get behind the wheel with Sixt, Avis or Europcar. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you book with Sixt or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Dakar car rental. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car rental options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $128 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $110, this provider is next in line.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $160 a day.
If you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked car type in Dakar.
Flying to Dakar? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car rental at Blaise Diagne International Airport. If you're flying to Dakar through this airport, simply collect your wheels after landing and roll out. The drive to the city center is about 30 miles and takes around 50 minutes.
Compare car rental types in Dakar
Small: These cheap rental cars in Dakar may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to maneuver in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this Dakar car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Dakar that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or a bunch of your favorite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Dakar car rental is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Dakar.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car rental in Senegal. Rules can vary, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
If you're going away with the kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Dakar car rental reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Senegal, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 30mph in urban areas and 70mph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Senegal is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
Best hotels in Dakar for drivers
Offering parking, Terrou-Bi takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 2 miles from central Dakar and also comes with ironing services and a cafe.
Hotel Darou Khoudoss gets the details right with parking and features such as a restaurant and shuttle services. It's roughly 6 miles from the city center.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the lineup of hotels in Dakar. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car rental deal in Dakar and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Gorée, Maison des Esclaves, House of Slaves and Palais du Gouverneur de Gorée are classics for any first-time visitor.
