Holiday trips: use the right Pikine bus station early

Every 1 December Senegal marks the 1944 killing of tirailleurs at the Thiaroye military camp, with an official ceremony at the camp and a wreath at the nearby soldiers' cemetery, whose graves are anonymous. If you are in Dakar around that date, treat it as a day of remembrance: dress sober, keep your voice low and ask…

During the Grand Magal pilgrimage to Touba, Dakar Dem Dikk runs special buses from several sites, including the Arène nationale in Pikine, over the few days before the event. Departures run from morning to mid-afternoon, and the sites fill with travellers, so arrive early. The date moves each year, so look for the Dem…

The Arène nationale in Pikine holds more than 20,000 people and stages the big laamb fights, where punches are allowed on top of the throws. Fights are announced by the promoters, so ask a Local Friend or your host which night is on before you plan around it. Locals also follow the big bouts on television and…

Pikine and Thiaroye both have TER stations, and the train is the quickest way back to central Dakar. Fares depend on your station and class, and guides online often show different tables and timetables. Check the operator's website for the current fare and train times, or ask at a station counter, and buy your ticket…