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Views & landmarks

Les Mamelles Lighthouse

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Les Mamelles Lighthouse

Overview

Completed in 1864, Les Mamelles Lighthouse sits on the volcanic hills of the Cap-Vert peninsula near the westernmost point of mainland Africa. It continues to guide maritime traffic along the coast. Travellers visit to see the historic 19th-century tower and view Dakar and the Atlantic Ocean from an elevated vantage point.

Getting There

Located in the Ouakam district, the site is reached by taxi from central Dakar in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis drop passengers at the base, followed by a short walk up the hill path.

Time to Spend

Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk up, explore the grounds, and view the coast.

When to Visit

Late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and good visibility. The dry season from November to May brings clearer skies. Sunset hours tend to be crowded, while mornings are generally quiet.

Nearby Attractions

The site can be combined with several nearby points of interest:

  • Deux Mamelles (0km): The twin volcanic hills where the beacon is located.
  • African Renaissance Monument (0.7km): A landmark statue on the adjacent hill.
  • Mosquée de la Divinité (1.5km): A shoreline mosque situated in Ouakam.
  • Cap-Vert (3.1km): The westernmost point of mainland Africa.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Les Mamelles Lighthouse

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Les Mamelles Lighthouse Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Dakar 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Dakar grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Dakar 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Dakar grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Deux Mamelles

Nature

Deux Mamelles

Twin hills rising on the Cap-Vert Peninsula in the Ouakam district on the outskirts of Dakar. A great place to escape the city and enjoy sweeping views.

0.0 km away
African Renaissance Monument

Heritage & monuments

African Renaissance Monument

A monument standing atop the Collines des Mamelles in Dakar, rising about 50 meters to make it the largest statue in Africa. Its overwhelming scale, towering over the city, is worth seeing in person.

0.7 km away
Mosquée de la Divinité

Temples & religious sites

Mosquée de la Divinité

A mosque completed in 1997 in Dakar's Ouakam district, near Corniche Ouest with views over the Atlantic. Its two minarets stand out, making it a great spot to take in the sea view.

1.5 km away
Cap-Vert

Nature

Cap-Vert

A headland in Dakar, Senegal, marking the westernmost point of the African mainland. It was named "Cape Verde" (green cape) by Portuguese explorers, and offers sweeping views out over the Atlantic.

3.1 km away
Pointe des Almadies

Nature

Pointe des Almadies

This is the westernmost point of the African continent, and of the combined Eurasian-African landmass. At the tip of Dakar's Cap-Vert Peninsula, it faces the Atlantic Ocean, offering a real sense of standing at the continent's edge.

3.6 km away
Ngor

Nature

Ngor

A small island off the coast of Dakar, Senegal, ringed by beaches. In summer, swimming across from the Dakar mainland to the island is known as a popular activity.

3.8 km away