African Renaissance Monument

This place is so worth a visit. There was a lovely vibe all around last Sunday, with lots of people enjoying themselves. The steps are fun, great for photos and the view. People at the top were relaxed and many were buying boxes of popcorn. We decided to go into the statue itself and we're glad that we did. You just stand around listening out for when they will organise the queue for the next tour. When you eventually get to the top, you're actually in the hat of the man in the statue, and have great views all around of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

This monument symbolizes the family leaving the past and negative for a forward future. The statue is one of the worlds tallest. The walk to the base is almost 200 steps and when I arrived to the base I found a discreet road up to the top that does not mar the monument. Toilets at the base are not working. The steps are set in flights of 10'steos or so with a bench to rest, catch one's breath, and enjoy the view Free of charge. Two eateries at the bottom street level offer lunch service

Not sure why the Google listing gives you options for tickets. Maybe it is for tours, but you can literally walk up the stairs and look around. You do not need a ticket to walk up the stairs, take pictures, so forth and so on.

An impressive and symbolic masterpiece that takes your breath away! The African Renaissance Monument is not just an extraordinary 49-meter-high sculpture, but also a powerful symbol of pride, identity, and rebirth for the entire African continent. Perched on a hill, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Dakar, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Africa’s history and future. The guided tour provides fascinating insights into its construction and cultural significance. A truly inspiring place that is absolutely worth visiting!”

The African Renaissance Monument in Dakar is a must-see. Its scale is impressive, and it's a powerful symbol. Getting there was easy and cheap (under $4) using the 'Yango' app, it’s like Uber. The area felt safe, though standard travel awareness is always recommended in Africa. The day we went there was a government official funeral service, therefore, we could not go inside. Apparently there is a cost to go inside the monument museum when you reach the top of the stairs. A great experience!

The site seems to be neglected now. The surroundings are not maintained, waste everywhere. Flags of different countries in bad conditions and the statue needs some renovations. Reached there at 2.30pm on Saturday 28 December 2024, only to be told by a staff that you can not enter the museum since they are taking a break and to come at 4.30 pm!!!. When told him its after 2 hours, he said that you may come a bit ealier and to roam around till then. Return at 3.45pm and another staff told me that soon they will open but don't know the exact time. Finally they put a notice on the door stating that they will open at 4.05pm. Will really appreciate if they put a notice of the opening hours/breaks so that people, especially tourists, will have a better idea and planned their trip accordingly. The best is to climb the stairs, take photos and admire Dakar while progressing. Else you can also go to the top by vehicle whereby there is a parking or your taxi can drop you up there. Seatings are available at the top as well as a shop where you can buy water, juices, burgers, pop corn, etc.

Definitely advise to go to the hat. Fun experience! We waited about 10 minutes to enter. It takes about 30 minutes to go through the museum before you go up into the hat. I recommend bringing change.

After climbing to the top, it offers very good views of the surrounding area.