Ndakaaru
Nda-kaa-ru
Dakar
Usage
Capital city of Senegal
Grammar Note
Said to mean "tamarind tree" in Wolof
Gorée
Go-ree
Gorée Island
Usage
UNESCO World Heritage island known for its role in the Atlantic slave trade
Grammar Note
Famous for the "House of Slaves" — a powerful historical monument in Senegal
Tuubaa
Too-ba
Touba
Usage
Sacred city of the Mouride Brotherhood, site of annual mass pilgrimage
Grammar Note
From Arabic meaning "bliss" — a major center of Senegalese Islam
Saint-Louis
Sen-Lwi
Usage
Senegal's former capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture
Grammar Note
A river island city famous for its jazz festival and colonial heritage
Kaolack
Ka-o-lak
Usage
Commercial city in central Senegal, center of the peanut industry
Grammar Note
Gateway to the Saloum Delta, known for its large markets
Ziguinchor
Zi-gin-chor
Usage
Capital of the Casamance region, a beautiful city with French colonial heritage
Grammar Note
Located on the Casamance River, separated from Dakar by the Gambia — a distinct cultural region
Thiès
Tyes
Usage
One of Senegal's major cities, famous for its arts, ceramics, and tapestries
Grammar Note
Home to the National Arts Centre — a hub of Senegalese art and craft. Also a major railway junction
Saly Portudal
Sa-li Por-tu-dal
Usage
Senegal's premier beach resort town, popular with tourists for its sandy beaches
Grammar Note
80km south of Dakar. A resort area popular with European tourists, with many hotels and restaurants
Casamance
Ka-za-mans
Usage
Southern region of Senegal with tropical rainforests and rich biodiversity
Grammar Note
Separated from northern Senegal by Gambia. A unique cultural zone famous for ecotourism
Parc national du Niokolo-Koba
Park na-sio-nal du Nio-ko-lo Ko-ba
Niokolo-Koba National Park
Usage
UNESCO World Heritage national park home to elephants, lions, and chimpanzees
Grammar Note
One of West Africa's largest national parks, located in eastern Senegal — a prime wildlife viewing destination
Aéroport International Blaise Diagne
A-e-ro-por Blez Diañ
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Usage
Senegal's main gateway, known as AIBD. It is not in Dakar but at Diass, about 45 km east — roughly an hour to the city centre via the A1 toll motorway. Do not assume it is close to town
Aéroport Léopold Sédar Senghor
A-e-ro-por Le-o-pol Se-dar San-gor
Léopold Sédar Senghor Airport (former Dakar airport)
Usage
The old international airport in the Yoff district of Dakar. Scheduled flights moved to AIBD in 2017 and it no longer handles commercial airline service. Older guides saying "Dakar airport" may mean this one
Aéroport de Ziguinchor
A-e-ro-por de Zi-gin-chor
Ziguinchor Airport (ZIG)
Usage
Gateway to the Casamance region, about an hour by domestic flight from Dakar. The road route crosses the Gambia and takes far longer, so flying or the ferry is usually the practical choice
Aéroport de Cap Skirring
A-e-ro-por de Kap Ski-ring
Cap Skirring Airport (CSK)
Usage
Airport serving the Casamance beach resort of Cap Skirring. Service is limited and varies by season, so check schedules in advance
Gare de Dakar
Gar de Nda-kaa-ru
Dakar railway station
Usage
Restored colonial-era station near the port in Plateau. Terminus of the TER commuter rail line to Diamniadio
TER (Train Express Régional)
Te-e-er
TER (Dakar regional express train)
Usage
Modern commuter railway linking Dakar station with Diamniadio. The fastest way through Dakar's heavy suburban traffic. You need a travel card, bought at station counters
Diamniadio
Dyam-nya-dyo
Usage
New town being built about 30 km east of Dakar. Terminus of the TER, with government offices, a conference centre and university campuses. Also the junction on the motorway toward AIBD
Rufisque
Ru-fisk
Usage
Old port town in the eastern part of Dakar region and one of the colonial Four Communes. Served by the TER, about 25 km from Dakar
Pikine
Pi-kin
Usage
Vast suburban city at the base of the Dakar peninsula, with a population rivalling Dakar itself. The main long-distance bush-taxi terminal is here
Guédiawaye
Ge-dya-way
Usage
Coastal suburban city north of Pikine in the Dakar area. Northern terminus of the BRT bus rapid transit line
Thiaroye
Tya-rway
Usage
District in the Pikine suburbs with a TER station. Remembered as the site of the 1944 Thiaroye massacre of West African colonial soldiers by the French army
Yeumbeul
Yum-bul
Usage
Densely built residential area in the Dakar suburbs between Pikine and Keur Massar, on the TER corridor
Keur Massar
Ker Ma-sar
Usage
The newest department in the Dakar region, a fast-growing suburban area known for its rainy-season flooding problems
Colobane
Ko-lo-ban
Usage
Dakar district just east of Plateau, with a TER station and a large market known for second-hand clothes and general goods
Hann
An
Usage
District on the bay east of central Dakar, with a TER station and the city's zoological and botanical park
Bargny
Bar-ñi
Usage
Coastal fishing town beyond Rufisque, between Dakar and Diamniadio, with a TER station
Gare des Baux Maraîchers
Gar de Bo Ma-re-che
Baux Maraîchers coach station
Usage
Dakar's long-distance bus and shared-taxi (sept-places) terminal, located in Pikine. Nearly all vehicles to regional cities depart from here
Embarcadère de Gorée
An-bar-ka-der de Go-re
Gorée ferry terminal
Usage
Terminal for the Gorée ferry, in the port area of Dakar's Plateau district. The crossing takes about 20 minutes; foreigners buy a separate fare ticket at the counter. Always check the time of the last boat back
Port autonome de Dakar
Por o-to-nom de Nda-kaa-ru
Port of Dakar
Usage
One of West Africa's major commercial ports, next to the Plateau district. The Gorée ferry and the Casamance ship also sail from here
Bateau Dakar–Ziguinchor
Ba-to Nda-kaa-ru – Zi-gin-chor
Dakar–Ziguinchor ferry (Casamance route)
Usage
Overnight passenger ship (the Aline Sitoé Diatta and sister vessels) between Dakar and Ziguinchor in Casamance. The voyage takes roughly 15–16 hours and cabins should be booked ahead
Autoroute de l'Avenir (A1)
O-to-rut de la-ve-nir
Autoroute de l'Avenir (A1 motorway)
Usage
Toll motorway from Dakar to Diamniadio, extended toward AIBD airport and Mbour. This is the road used to reach the airport; tolls are paid in cash or by card
Autoroute Ila Touba
O-to-rut I-la Tuu-baa
Ila Touba motorway
Usage
Toll motorway from Thiès to the holy city of Touba. The name means "to Touba" ("Ila" is Arabic for "to"). Extremely congested around the annual Magal pilgrimage
Route Nationale 1 (RN1)
Rut na-syo-nal en
National Road 1 (RN1)
Usage
Main highway from Dakar through Kaolack and Tambacounda to the eastern border at Kidira. The overland route toward Mali follows this road
Pont de la Sénégambie
Pon de la Se-ne-gan-bi
Senegambia Bridge
Usage
Bridge over the Gambia River inside Gambian territory near Farafenni/Soma. Opened in 2019, it removed the long ferry wait on the overland route from Dakar to Casamance
Karang
Ka-rang
Usage
Senegalese border town on the frontier with the Gambia — the main crossing used on the overland route toward Casamance
Rosso
Ro-so
Usage
Border town facing Mauritania across the Senegal River. The main overland crossing point heading north
Plateau
Pla-to
Usage
Dakar's central business district at the tip of the peninsula, holding the ministries, banks, embassies, Place de l'Indépendance, the port and the Gorée ferry. Taxi drivers know it simply as "Plateau"
Médina
Me-di-na
Usage
Grid-planned popular quarter just west of Plateau, created when the colonial administration moved African residents out of the centre. Home to the Grand Mosque and busy markets
Yoff
Yof
Usage
District on Dakar's north shore that grew from a Lebou fishing village, next to the old airport. Known for its long beach, fishing pirogues and Layene brotherhood traditions
Ngor
Usage
Fishing village district at Dakar's northwestern tip, with narrow lanes, a beach and pirogues shuttling across to Ngor Island
Île de Ngor
Il de Ngor
Ngor Island
Usage
Small island just offshore from Ngor village, a five-minute pirogue ride. Quiet beaches, small guesthouses and restaurants, and a well-known surf break
Les Almadies
Le-z-Al-ma-di
Usage
Upmarket residential and nightlife district at Dakar's western end, with hotels, restaurants, embassies and clubs
Pointe des Almadies
Pwent de-z-Al-ma-di
Usage
The westernmost point of the African mainland, marked by a monument, with seafood restaurants along the shore
Ouakam
Wa-kam
Usage
District in western Dakar containing the twin Mamelles hills, the African Renaissance Monument and the seaside Mosque of the Divinity
Fann
Fan
Usage
Coastal residential district west of Plateau, home to Cheikh Anta Diop University and its teaching hospital, plus many diplomatic residences
Point E
Pwent E
Usage
Residential Dakar district next to Fann, with plenty of restaurants, cafés and small hotels — a common area to stay
Mermoz
Mer-moz
Usage
Middle-class residential district in central Dakar, running together with the adjoining Sacré-Cœur area of housing and shops
Corniche Ouest
Kor-nish West
Usage
Seafront boulevard along Dakar's western shore. Busy in the evening with walkers and runners, and a main route across the city
Phare des Mamelles
Far de Ma-mel
Mamelles Lighthouse
Usage
Nineteenth-century lighthouse on one of the Mamelles hills in Ouakam. A viewpoint over the city and the Atlantic, popular at sunset
Monument de la Renaissance Africaine
Mo-nu-man de la Re-ne-sans A-fri-ken
African Renaissance Monument
Usage
Roughly 50-metre bronze statue on the second Mamelles hill in Ouakam. Stairs and a lift inside lead to a viewing platform in the head
Place de l'Indépendance
Plas de l'En-de-pan-dans
Usage
Central square of the Plateau district, ringed by banks, airline offices and hotels. A useful landmark for navigating, and within walking distance of the Gorée ferry
Marché Kermel
Mar-she Ker-mel
Kermel Market
Usage
Round colonial-era covered market in Plateau selling fresh produce and flowers, with craft stalls around the outside. Liveliest in the morning
Soumbédioune
Sum-be-dyun
Usage
Fishing beach and fish market on the shore west of Médina, famous for the pirogues landing in the late afternoon. An artisans' village selling crafts stands next to it
Musée des Civilisations Noires
Mu-ze de Si-vi-li-za-syon Nwar
Museum of Black Civilisations
Usage
Large museum in Plateau covering the history and art of Africa and its diaspora — one of the most substantial collections to see in Dakar
Musée Théodore Monod d'Art africain
Mu-ze Te-o-dor Mo-no
Théodore Monod African Art Museum (IFAN)
Usage
Long-established museum in Plateau known for its West African masks, sculpture and textiles, run by the IFAN research institute
Grande Mosquée de Dakar
Grand Mos-ke de Nda-kaa-ru
Grand Mosque of Dakar
Usage
Mosque with a tall minaret in the Médina district, inaugurated in 1964. Most visitors view it outside prayer times; dress modestly
Mosquée de la Divinité
Mos-ke de la Di-vi-ni-te
Mosque of the Divinity
Usage
Mosque set on a cove in Ouakam, known for its dramatic setting between cliffs and the ocean, best seen from the corniche road above
Cathédrale du Souvenir Africain
Ka-te-dral du Su-ve-nir A-fri-ken
Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories (Souvenir Africain)
Usage
Dakar's Catholic cathedral in Plateau, completed in 1936 as a memorial to African soldiers of the First World War
Université Cheikh Anta Diop
U-ni-ver-si-te Sheh An-ta Dyop
Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD)
Usage
Senegal's largest university, in the Fann district and known as UCAD. A leading West African institution, surrounded by a student quarter
Parc forestier et zoologique de Hann
Park fo-res-tye e zo-o-lo-jik de An
Hann Park (forest and zoological park)
Usage
Large green park in Dakar's Hann district with a zoo attached, used by residents for walking and jogging
Îles de la Madeleine
Il de la Mad-len
Îles de la Madeleine National Park
Usage
Small national park of uninhabited islands off Dakar, a seabird breeding site reached by pirogue from Soumbédioune. Trips are cancelled when the sea is rough
Maison des Esclaves
Me-zon de-z-Es-klav
House of Slaves (Gorée)
Usage
Memorial museum in an eighteenth-century house on Gorée, known for its "Door of No Return", commemorating the Atlantic slave trade. A few minutes' walk from the island jetty
Cambérène
Kan-be-ren
Usage
District on Dakar's northern shore and one of the centres of the Layene brotherhood, drawing followers from across Senegal for its annual gathering
Ndar
Ndar (Wolof name for Saint-Louis)
Usage
The Wolof name for Saint-Louis. Signs and tickets say Saint-Louis in French, but people commonly call it Ndar when speaking Wolof
Grande Mosquée de Touba
Grand Mos-ke de Tuu-baa
Great Mosque of Touba
Usage
The huge mosque at the centre of the Mouride brotherhood, containing the mausoleum of its founder Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. Alcohol and tobacco are prohibited throughout Touba; at the mosque visitors cover their limbs, women cover their hair, and shoes are removed. The annual Magal pilgrimage draws millions
Mbacké
Mbak-ke
Usage
Town about 8 km from Touba, bearing the name of the founding family of the Mouride brotherhood. Often used for lodging and transport connections when visiting Touba
Diourbel
Dyur-bel
Usage
Regional capital of the Baol area, in the same region as Touba. Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba spent his later years here and a mosque commemorates him
Tivaouane
Ti-va-wan
Usage
Town in the Thiès region and the Senegalese centre of the Tijaniyya brotherhood. The Gamou (Mawlid) celebration draws pilgrims from across the country. Dress modestly when visiting
Médina Baye
Me-di-na Bay
Medina Baye (Kaolack)
Usage
Quarter of Kaolack that is the seat of the Niasse branch of the Tijaniyya, with a large mosque. It draws pilgrims from Nigeria and across West Africa
Louga
Lu-ga
Usage
Regional capital in northwestern Senegal, on the main road between Dakar and Saint-Louis. A livestock centre and gateway to the Djolof area
Fatick
Fa-tik
Usage
Regional capital of the Sine area at the northern entrance to the Saloum Delta, and a centre of Serer culture
Kaffrine
Ka-frin
Usage
Regional capital in central Senegal, in the inland peanut belt and a stopping point on the RN1 highway heading east
Tambacounda
Tam-ba-kun-da
Usage
Largest town in eastern Senegal and a regional capital. Base for Niokolo-Koba National Park and the route toward Mali. A long drive from Dakar on the RN1
Kédougou
Ke-du-gu
Usage
Regional capital in Senegal's far southeast, set among hills. Base for the Bassari villages and the Dindéfélo waterfall, close to the Guinean and Malian borders
Kolda
Kol-da
Usage
Regional capital of inland Casamance (Haute Casamance), centre of the Fouladou area and close to the Gambian border
Sédhiou
Se-dyu
Usage
Regional capital on the middle Casamance River between Ziguinchor and Kolda, historically a river trading post
Matam
Ma-tam
Usage
Regional capital in the northeast on the Senegal River, in the Fouta Toro area where Pulaar is the main local language
Podor
Po-dor
Usage
Senegal's northernmost town, on the Senegal River, with a colonial trading post and old riverfront buildings
Richard-Toll
Ri-shar Tol
Usage
Sugar-cane town on the Senegal River. The name combines a French surname with the Wolof word "toll" (field/garden). A waypoint for Djoudj National Park
Pont Faidherbe
Pon Fe-derb
Faidherbe Bridge (Saint-Louis)
Usage
Late nineteenth-century iron bridge linking Saint-Louis island to the mainland. The city's emblem, and the way into the old town
Langue de Barbarie
Lang de Bar-ba-ri
Usage
Long, narrow sand spit fronting Saint-Louis. Its southern end is a national park protecting sea turtles and seabirds, and fishing quarters lie along it
Parc national des oiseaux du Djoudj
Park na-syo-nal de-z-wa-zo du Juj
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Usage
UNESCO World Heritage wetland in the Senegal River delta about 60 km northeast of Saint-Louis. A major wintering ground for pelicans, flamingos and migratory birds, best from November to April, visited by boat
Parc national du Delta du Saloum
Park na-syo-nal du Del-ta du Sa-lum
Saloum Delta National Park
Usage
UNESCO World Heritage area of mangrove channels and islands, dotted with shell-mound sites and fishing villages, explored mainly by boat. Called Saalum in Wolof
Toubacouta
Tu-ba-ku-ta
Usage
Village in the southern Saloum Delta and the main base for mangrove boat trips and birdwatching, with a cluster of lodges. Close to the Gambian border
Ndangane
Ndan-gan
Usage
Village on the northern side of the Saloum Delta, with the jetty where pirogues leave for Mar Lodj island
Mbour
Mbur
Usage
Largest town on the Petite Côte, with a major fishing harbour and fish market, and the gateway to the Saly resorts next door. About 80 km from Dakar
Joal-Fadiouth
Jwal Fa-dyut
Usage
Town at the southern end of the Petite Côte. A wooden footbridge crosses to Fadiouth, an island built up of seashells, known for its shared Christian and Muslim cemetery. Birthplace of President Senghor
Popenguine
Po-pen-gin
Usage
Quiet seaside village on the Petite Côte. A Catholic Marian pilgrimage site visited at Pentecost, backed by cliffs that form a nature reserve
La Somone
La So-mon
Usage
Estuary lagoon between Saly and Popenguine, protected as a nature reserve. Short pirogue trips take visitors out to see the waterbirds
Réserve de Bandia
Re-zerv de Ban-dya
Bandia Reserve
Usage
Private wildlife reserve near Saly, between Dakar and Mbour. Giraffes, rhinos and antelope are viewed from a vehicle, and it works as a day trip
Lac Rose (Lac Retba)
Lak Roz
Lac Rose (Lake Retba)
Usage
Salt lake about 35 km northeast of Dakar. Its very saline water can look pink depending on season and light — it is not pink all the time. Known for salt harvesting by hand
Cap Skirring
Kap Ski-ring
Usage
Beach resort at the southwestern tip of Casamance, with long sandy beaches and palm groves. Its airport allows direct arrival from Dakar
Oussouye
U-suy
Usage
Town between Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring. The Jola traditional king still reigns here, and the area is known for its sacred forests and living traditions
Kafountine
Ka-fun-tin
Usage
Beach village north of the Casamance River, known for its large fishing port, fish-smoking yards and drumming and music scene. Close to the Gambian border
Île de Carabane
Il de Ka-ra-ban
Carabane Island
Usage
Island at the mouth of the Casamance River, with a church and cemetery left from its time as a nineteenth-century French outpost. Reached by pirogue from the Elinkine jetty
Banjul
Ban-jul
Usage
Capital of the Gambia, a small city on an island at the mouth of the Gambia River, holding the government offices and the port. Wolof is widely understood in the Gambia too
Serekunda
Se-re-kun-da
Usage
The Gambia's largest urban area, more populous than Banjul itself, with a big market and the main transport hub
Banjul International Airport
Ban-jul In-ter-na-sho-nal Er-port
Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Usage
The Gambia's international airport, at Yundum about 25 km from Banjul city. Around 30 minutes by road to the coastal resort strip
Barra
Ba-ra
Usage
Town across the Gambia River from Banjul. The ferry links the two banks, and the road from here runs to the Senegalese border at Karang
Kunta Kinteh Island
Kun-ta Kin-te Ay-land
Usage
Small island in the Gambia River, formerly James Island. A UNESCO World Heritage site with the ruins of a fort used in the slave trade, usually visited together with Juffureh village on the bank
More Wolof phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
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- Signs
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- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
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