Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: Your Guide to Planning Your Trip to Senegal
- Myriame Sylla
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
From October 31 to November 13, 2026, Senegal will host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). It will be a historic event: for the first time ever, an Olympic sporting event will be held on the African continent.
Over two weeks, 2,700 young athletes from around the world will come together in Senegal to compete across 25 sports. Events will take place in three main locations: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Planning to travel to Senegal for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games or to support a young athlete? Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your stay — and make the most of your trip to discover Senegal.
📍 Where Will the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Take Place?
The competitions will take place across eight venues in three main areas.
Dakar
Senegal’s capital will host several competitions, including events at the Iba Mar Diop Stadium, along the Corniche Ouest, and at the Tour de l’Œuf complex.
Staying in Dakar also gives you easy access to the capital’s main attractions, including Gorée Island, the African Renaissance Monument, Les Mamelles, local markets and Ngor Island.
Diamniadio
Located around 30 kilometres from Dakar, Diamniadio will host several competition venues as well as the Youth Olympic Village.
Key facilities include the Dakar Arena, Abdoulaye Wade Stadium and the Exhibition Centre.
Saly
Head to the Petite Côte for the beach sports. Competitions in Saly will take place on Saly Ouest Beach.
Saly is also a great place to combine the Youth Olympic Games with a few days of holiday. Beaches, the Somone Lagoon, Bandia Reserve and a wide range of activities are all within easy reach.
🏠 Where to Stay During the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games?
The best place to stay will mainly depend on the competitions you plan to attend.
Dakar is ideal for visitors who want to combine sporting events, sightseeing and city life.
Diamniadio may be more convenient if most of the events you plan to attend are taking place there.
Saly and the Petite Côte offer a more relaxed seaside setting, making them particularly appealing for families.
Before booking your accommodation, make sure to check where the events you are interested in will take place: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly are three separate areas, and travel times between them can be significant.
🚕 How to Get Around During Dakar 2026?
In Dakar, taxis and ride-hailing apps make it easy to get around the city. The TER regional train also connects Dakar with Diamniadio.
For families planning several journeys or travelling regularly between Dakar, Diamniadio and the Petite Côte, booking a vehicle with a driver can be a more comfortable option.
Our tip: don’t judge travel times by distance alone. Traffic in Dakar can significantly affect journey times, so always allow extra time before a competition.
🇸🇳 Make the Most of the Youth Olympic Games to Explore Dakar
Have a few hours between competitions? You don’t need a full day to explore the capital.
With 2 or 3 hours, you can explore the Corniche, Les Mamelles and the African Renaissance Monument.
With half a day, you can explore Gorée island, discover Dakar in a different way or take part in a cultural experience.
With a full day, you can venture further and plan a trip to the Pink Lake or The Petite Côte.
🏝️ What If You Extended Your Stay?
Coming to Senegal for the Youth Olympic Games is also a unique opportunity to explore the country.
Several destinations are easily accessible from Dakar:
The Pink Lake for its landscapes combining the lake, sand dunes and ocean.
Bandia Reserve and Somone for a day of safari, nature and lagoon scenery.
Sine Saloum to discover mangroves, villages and unspoilt landscapes.
Saint-Louis for its heritage, architecture and unique atmosphere.
If your schedule allows, consider staying a few extra days after the Games: Senegal is well worth exploring beyond the competition venues.
🍴 A Few Tips Before You Arrive
The local currency is the CFA franc (XOF), and €1 is equivalent to approximately 656 CFA francs.
Bank cards are widely accepted in hotels and many restaurants in Dakar, but always carry some cash for taxis, markets and small shops.
For getting around, consider downloading Yango and Google Maps before you arrive.
Finally, temperatures are generally warm at this time of year, so pack lightweight clothing and sun protection.
💛 Seneasy Is Here for You During Dakar 2026
Seneasy is a local travel agency specializing in helping visitors discover Senegal.
Whether you’re coming to support an athlete, attend the competitions or simply enjoy the excitement of Dakar 2026, our team can help you plan your stay:
excursions and experiences;
tours of Dakar and Gorée Island;
day trips;
transfers and private drivers;
local recommendations and advice;
exploring Senegal before or after the Games.
Our goal is simple: to help you make the most of the Youth Olympic Games while discovering Senegal easily and at your own pace.
Planning Your Trip for Dakar 2026? Contact the Seneasy team to tell us about your plans and what you’d like to experience.
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