Mamelles Lighthouse Dakar
Historic 1864 lighthouse offering breathtaking 360° views of Dakar, vibrant evening ambiance with live music, and dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset views & live music
Mamelles Lighthouse Dakar
Best Time
Sunset views & live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1864 lighthouse offering breathtaking 360° views of Dakar, vibrant evening ambiance with live music, and dining.
"A must visit when in Dakar! Get a reservation in advance. Excellent views & even better vibes!"
🎯 Reserve Your Spot
Book in advance, especially for evenings, to guarantee a table and enjoy the live music.
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Get there before 6:30 PM to enjoy the golden hour views before the evening fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Summit of the lighthouse
Breathtaking 360° views of Dakar and the Atlantic Ocean, especially stunning at sunset.
Historic Lighthouse
Lighthouse structure
Built in 1864, this historic landmark offers a glimpse into Senegal's past and maritime heritage.
Live Music & Ambiance
Restaurant and surrounding areas
Enjoy vibrant live music performances most evenings, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Time
Evening Entry Fee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Your Spot
Book in advance, especially for evenings, to guarantee a table and enjoy the live music.
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Get there before 6:30 PM to enjoy the golden hour views before the evening fee.
🚗 Shuttle Service
Park at the bottom and take the restaurant's shuttle bus up to the lighthouse.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Most evenings feature live music, adding to the vibrant and festive ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Your Spot
Book in advance, especially for evenings, to guarantee a table and enjoy the live music.
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Get there before 6:30 PM to enjoy the golden hour views before the evening fee.
🚗 Shuttle Service
Park at the bottom and take the restaurant's shuttle bus up to the lighthouse.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Most evenings feature live music, adding to the vibrant and festive ambiance.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The panoramic views offer incredible backdrops for photos, day or night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Mamelles Lighthouse for its spectacular panoramic views of Dakar and the Atlantic, especially during sunset. The lively atmosphere with live music and the historic charm of the 1864 lighthouse are major draws. While the food is generally good, some find prices high and service occasionally slow, but the overall experience is considered worthwhile for the unique ambiance and vistas.
"a must visit when in Dakar! get a reservation in advance. excellent views & even better vibes! the food was pretty good, but our service took extremely long (we were a group of 10, and our meal lasted about 3.5 hours). it is also able to privatized up top. live music as well. will be back!!"
Kendall West
"Super nice place with awesome view. After 18:30 you need to pay an entrance fee (5000 XOF) which then gets you a drink at the table."
Silvia
"Phare des Mamelles is a restaurant where we enjoyed a delightful meal. The prices are a bit high, but they are understandable given the prime location. The restaurant offers stunning views of the entire city, which adds a unique charm to the dining experience.
The staff were friendly and polite, though not always as attentive as one might hope. Sometimes it took a while to get their attention, but overall, they were pleasant and helpful.
Getting to the restaurant is an adventure in itself. You can either walk up or take a shuttle bus provided by the restaurant. Once at the top, the panoramic view of the city is breathtaking and worth the journey.
The food was well-prepared and delicious, with a variety of options to satisfy different tastes. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with the view, makes it a special place for a meal.
In conclusion, Phare des Mamelles offers good food and an unforgettable view, making it a worthwhile visit despite the slightly high prices and occasional lapses in service. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a meal with a spectacular view of the city, this restaurant is a great choice."
A.M.M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to the base of the lighthouse and take a shuttle bus provided by the restaurant, or walk up the hill. The lighthouse is located on one of the two volcanic hills known as Les Mamelles.
Yes, there is parking available at the base of the lighthouse where you can then take a shuttle up.
Yes, you can walk up to the lighthouse, which can be an adventure in itself and offers great views along the way.
For dinner, it's recommended to use the restaurant's shuttle service after parking at the designated area.
While the shuttle service helps, the terrain can be uneven. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about specific accessibility options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee during the day. However, after 6:30 PM, an entrance fee of approximately 5000 XOF is charged, which usually includes a drink.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for evening visits and weekends, to secure a table and enjoy the live music.
The lighthouse is accessible during the day, but the restaurant and live music typically start in the evening, with an entrance fee after 6:30 PM.
Yes, the top area of the lighthouse can be privatized for special events.
The evening entrance fee is for access to the lighthouse area and usually includes a drink at the restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon for sunset views and the golden hour, and at night for illuminated cityscapes are ideal for photography. 
Some drone footage exists, but it's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Expect stunning panoramic shots of Dakar, the Atlantic Ocean, and the lighthouse itself, especially during sunset and at night.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any specific venue rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views, and a tripod can be useful for low-light photography at night.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including seafood and risotto, with good reviews for taste and presentation.
Prices are considered a bit high, but are understandable given the prime location and the unique dining experience with stunning views.
Yes, the restaurant often features live music performances most evenings, creating a lively atmosphere.
Staff are generally friendly and polite, though service can sometimes be slow, especially for larger groups.
Yes, brunch is available, particularly on Sundays, offering a great way to enjoy the views and food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed family experience, visiting during the late afternoon to catch the sunset before the evening rush is ideal. The restaurant offers a variety of food options, and the open space around the lighthouse can be enjoyable for kids to explore under supervision.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can enjoy the scenery and take photos without needing to dine at the restaurant. If you plan to visit in the evening, consider the entrance fee (around 5000 XOF) which includes a drink.
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Arriving in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy the changing colors of the sky before settling in for dinner. Consider making a reservation in advance to secure a prime table with the best views.
Enjoying a drink with the city lights twinkling below after dark adds to the romantic allure. It's an ideal location for celebrating anniversaries or simply enjoying a memorable date night in Dakar. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History and Views
Visitors can explore the lighthouse itself, learning about its maritime significance and the volcanic origins of the landscape. The lighthouse stands at 16 meters tall and is one of the oldest working lighthouses in Africa.
Its presence is a constant reminder of Dakar's connection to maritime trade and its historical role as a coastal hub. The views from the top are consistently praised, offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama that captures the essence of Dakar's sprawling urban landscape meeting the ocean. Beyond its historical and scenic appeal, the Mamelles Lighthouse has evolved into a popular destination for dining and entertainment. The surrounding area hosts a restaurant that capitalizes on the spectacular views, making it a sought-after spot for both locals and tourists looking for a memorable experience.
The combination of history, stunning vistas, and a lively atmosphere makes the Mamelles Lighthouse a must-visit attraction in Dakar. Experiencing the Mamelles Lighthouse: From Day to Night
It's a great time to appreciate the scale of Dakar and the surrounding coastline, and to explore the lighthouse's immediate surroundings. Some visitors also enjoy visiting the nearby Museum of Black Civilization before heading to the lighthouse. As evening approaches, the atmosphere transforms. After 6:30 PM, an entrance fee is typically applied, which often includes a drink, and the lighthouse area becomes a hub for live music and dining.
+1 The restaurant at the lighthouse is known for its vibrant ambiance, especially on weekends, with many people enjoying brunch or dinner while listening to performances. The nighttime view from the Mamelles Lighthouse is equally captivating, with the city lights twinkling below and the ocean stretching out into the darkness.
+1 This makes it a popular spot for a romantic evening or a lively night out. While the food is generally considered good, some reviews mention that service can be slow, and prices are on the higher side, reflecting the prime location and the overall experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit