Information to Participants

It is important to take note of the following information which will assist you in the planning and logistics of your travel to Dakar, Senegal.

Venue Information
The workshop will be held from 28 March to 31 March 2011 at Hotel des Almadies in Dakar, Senegal. Delegates have access to the conference venue every day of the conference from 08:00 to 19:00. The Conference room will be used for the opening and the closing ceremony. The conference venue for the workshop offers excellent security services 24 hours a day.  

Information Desk  

An information desk will be located in the venue at Hotel des Almadies, during conference hours. Delegates are encouraged to consult with the information desk if they need any assistance.  

Airport Arrival  

The hotel is provided with a schedule of delegate names and flight details. Transport will be available at the airport in Dakar to welcome all delegates. Ushers will be available on site at the airport to take all incoming delegates to various hotels. Clearly marked signage will be on display at the Dakar International Airport, with clearly identifiable ushers to assist.  

Visa Requirements  

Delegates are encouraged to ascertain well in advance whether or not they will need a visa to enter Senegal. Some countries do not require a visa to enter Senegal. Delegates need to ensure that they have secured visas for themselves before travelling, if they are required to travel with a visa.  

Arrangement is made for delegates to receive visas upon arrival at the airport in Dakar, (delegates who do not have Senegal embassies in their country must contact the ANSD office for alternative arrangements.) Passports must be valid for at least three months on entry.   Please Contact:    

Registration  

Registration for the workshop will open on Monday 28 March 2011, at Hotel des Almadies. Delegates will receive name tags upon registration.        

Internet Café  

An internet café will be available for use by delegates. An IT technician will be on standby to assist delegates with any IT related queries. The internet café will be situated in the exhibition hall.  

Food and Beverages  

Coffee and lunch will be served at designated areas of the workshop venue.  

 Accommodation  

The National Statistical Office in Dakar has made hotel bookings for delegates at Hotel des Almadies.  

Health Precaution  

Stomach troubles are the most common complaint with visitors to Senegal, and travelers are therefore advised to watch what they eat and drink - Do not drink untreated tap water!

Protection against mosquito bites is essential as malaria, dengue and chikungunya fevers occur. Malaria is prevalent throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travelers.

A yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry into Senegal if coming from an infected area -- all travelers should be vaccinated against yellow fever as a precaution.

Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid. Outbreaks of meningococcal infections occur and vaccination is recommended for travel during the dry season (November to May). Outbreaks of cholera also occur.

There is a risk of bilharzia, and visitors should avoid contact with stagnant, fresh water. Medical facilities are good in Dakar, but are limited in the rest of the country, and travelers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance.  

Safety and Security  

Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free. But Street crime and pick-pocketing, especially in Dakar, are common. Visitors are advised to conceal valuables from the public eye. Security will be available at the venue for the duration of the conference.  

Communication  

The international dialing code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00251 for Ethiopia). No city/area codes are required. Senegal’s telephone system is one of the most developed in Africa, and there are numerous telephone centers for making both local and international calls. Mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 cell phone coverage.  

Climate and Weather  

Dakar has a tropical climate, but the characteristic heat and humidity are moderated in the city by cool breezes. The rainy season, between June and November, brings heavy downpours along with strong south- easterly winds.    

Currency and Foreign Currency  

The official currency is the West African CFA franc which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is fixed to the Euro at a rate of 1 Euro = 655.957 CFA francs, or 100 CFA francs = 0.152449 Euro. Credit cards are only accepted by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted. Commission is charged.  

Voltage, Frequency and Plug/Outlets in Senegal  

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round, two-pin attachment plugs are in use.   Interesting Facts about Dakar (Senegal)  
 
• People: Official language -- French Population - 12 853 259 (July 2008 est.) Life expectancy - 57, 08 years  

 • Infrastructure: Internet users - 650 000 (2206) Cell phones - 4.123 million (2007) Roadways -- 3 972 km  

In Senegal, visitors are expected to dress formally. Greetings are very important in Senegal. and the visitor must ensure that every member at the meeting is greeted and acknowledged at least once. The shaking of hands is the standard greeting for men and women and it is a good idea to be punctual at meetings even if the host is not.    

 Transport  

Buses and minibuses operate on the main route linking Dakar to other principal cities and towns in Senegal. The most common form of transportation is the car rapide - colorfully painted vehicles that are often very crowded and sometimes unsafe.

Taxis are also available, but it is advisable to negotiate the fare before leaving.

Car rental agencies operate from Dakar, but rates are often very high - agencies represented at the airport include Hertz, National, Avis, and Senegal Auto.  

 Did you know?

Senegal’s economy has grown steadily over the past four decades, thanks to economic reform from 1994, which included a devaluation of Senegal’s currency as well as aid from international organizations.

The GDP growth rate has been growing steadily, recording 2.1% in 2006 and 5.1% in 2007 according to the International Monetary Fund.  

Senegal is famous for, among others: The Dakar Rally: An annual off-road race that originally saw competitors travel from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal. Music - Senegalese has been populated by award-winning musicians such as Youssou N’Dou and Orchestra Baobab.

Île de Gorée (The Gorée Island):The island covers 0.182 square kilometers and sits three kilometers off the main harbor of Dakar. Its well-known draw card is the House of Slaves (La maison des esclaves) where slaves were kept and transported to other African countries, Europe and the United States of America.It was a famous destination for people involved in the Atlantic slave trade  

Useful links:  
http://ecastats.uneca.org/acsweb/
http://www.uneca.org/statistics
http://www.afdb.org/en/knowledge/statistics/
http://www.ansd.sn Click here to download