Mein deutscher Führerschein – ist er in Senegal gültig oder brauche ich einen internationalen Führerschein?
Your German EU driving licence in credit card format is usually accepted in Senegal for tourist stays of up to 3 months. However, we strongly recommend that you also carry an International Driving Permit (according to the 1968 Vienna Convention), as this greatly facilitates communication at police checkpoints.
Wo sollte ich mein Mietauto am besten buchen? Direkt vor Ort oder von Deutschland aus?
You should definitely book your rental car in advance from Germany, preferably via the QEEQ platform. This way you benefit from transparent prices, German-speaking customer support, and a wider choice of vehicles. On-site, the selection is more limited and prices are often higher.
Welchen Fahrzeugtyp soll ich wählen? Reicht ein normaler PKW oder ist ein 4x4 (Allradantrieb) notwendig?
For driving on the main roads between Dakar and tourist destinations, a robust passenger car is sufficient. However, if you want to visit remote regions, national parks, or travel during the rainy season, a 4x4 is strongly recommended, as many secondary roads are unpaved.
Wie weit im Voraus sollte ich buchen, besonders für die Hochsaison?
Especially for the peak season (December to February), you should book at least 2–3 months in advance, particularly if you need a 4x4. Booking early via QEEQ secures better prices and availability.
Welche Dokumente benötige ich bei der Buchung und Abholung des Fahrzeugs?
You need: a valid passport, your German driving licence, the International Driving Permit (strongly recommended), a credit card (no debit card!), as well as the QEEQ booking voucher.
Ich reise mit Kindern. Wie sieht es mit Kindersitzen aus?
Child seats in Senegal usually do not meet EU standards and are rarely available. We recommend bringing your own child seat from Germany. Many airlines transport these free of charge as special baggage.
Kann ich mit dem Mietwagen von Senegal nach Gambia fahren?
Generally no. Cross-border travel is prohibited in most rental contracts. Some local providers allow it for high fees and a lot of paperwork. Clarify this before booking and, if in doubt, opt for separate rental cars in each country.
Brauche ich spezielle Impfungen oder eine besondere Reiseapotheke für eine Selbstfahrerreise?
A yellow fever vaccination is usually mandatory. Consult the German Foreign Office and a tropical medicine specialist. Pack an extended travel first-aid kit with disinfectant, bandages, painkillers, medication for diarrhoea, and strong insect repellent.
Wie sieht es mit Navigation aus? Funktioniert Google Maps oder brauche ich Offline-Karten?
Google Maps works well in cities and on main routes. In rural areas coverage can be patchy. Therefore, download offline maps (Google Maps/Maps.me) in advance. A paper road atlas as a backup is also advisable.
Meine Französischkenntnisse sind begrenzt. Ist das ein Problem?
French is the official language and is especially helpful at checkpoints and in case of breakdowns. Learn key phrases for road traffic and emergencies. A translation app helps, but outside Dakar many people do not speak English.
Was kostet ein Mietwagen in Senegal im Durchschnitt pro Tag?
A small car costs around €40–60 per day, a robust SUV or older 4x4 around €70–100, newer 4x4 models €120 and more. These prices are before insurance and extras.
Mit welchen versteckten Kosten oder Zusatzgebühren muss ich rechnen?
Watch out for airport pickup fees, additional driver fees, young driver surcharges, one way fees, and mileage limits. Unlimited mileage is preferable.
Wie hoch ist die Kaution (Sicherheitsleistung) und wie wird sie gehandhabt?
The deposit is usually between €800 and €2,500 and is blocked on your credit card. The release can take up to 14 days after return. Check your credit card limit in good time.
Wie ist die Kraftstoffsituation? Was kostet Benzin/Diesel und wie bezahle ich?
Petrol (Essence/Super) and diesel (Gazole) cost approx. €1.30–1.50 per litre. There are many petrol stations in cities, fewer in the interior. Preferably pay in cash (CFA franc), as card payment is not always possible.
Gibt es Mautstraßen (Péage) und wie funktionieren sie?
Yes, especially the motorway from Dakar to Thiès is subject to tolls. Take a ticket when entering and pay in cash at the toll booth at the end. The costs are moderate.
Welche Versicherung ist standardmäßig im Mietpreis enthalten?
Third-party liability and a basic collision damage waiver (CDW) with a high deductible are usually included. In the event of damage, you are liable up to the amount of the deposit.
Sollte ich eine Zusatzversicherung (Super CDW) abschließen, um die Selbstbeteiligung zu reduzieren?
Yes, we strongly recommend taking out additional insurance to exclude or reduce the deductible. This protects you from high costs due to minor damage.
Deckt die Versicherung meiner deutschen Gold-Kreditkarte den Mietwagen in Senegal ab?
Do not rely on it. Many credit cards exclude Africa, 4x4 vehicles, or unpaved roads. Read the small print carefully or ask your bank specifically about Senegal and 4x4 vehicles.
Bietet QEEQ eine eigene Versicherung an und ist diese empfehlenswert?
Yes, QEEQ offers its own rental car insurance policy. It is recommended, as it is usually cheaper than local offers and provides reimbursement of the deductible in the event of damage.
Wie gehe ich mit den inoffiziellen "Gebühren" bei Polizeikontrollen um?
Remain polite, show all your documents, and do not hand over any cash. Ask for a receipt for any payment. In most cases you will be waved through after some patience.
Sollte ich das Auto direkt am Flughafen Blaise Diagne (DSS) oder in Dakar abholen?
We recommend picking up the car directly at DSS airport. This way you avoid the traffic chaos in Dakar and reach the motorway faster.
Wie läuft der Abholprozess genau ab? Worauf muss ich achten?
After presenting your documents at the counter, a staff member will accompany you to the car. Check the vehicle carefully and record all damage in the condition report and with photos.
Was muss ich bei der Fahrzeug-Inspektion vor der Übernahme genau überprüfen?
Check the bodywork (scratches, dents), tyres (including the spare wheel), interior (air conditioning, lights), vehicle documents, and safety equipment (warning triangle, safety vest). Take photos of everything.
Was passiert, wenn ich bei der Übernahme bereits vorhandene Schäden feststelle?
Have all existing damage recorded in the handover report and signed by the staff member. Take your own photos as evidence.
Welche Fahrzeugpapiere müssen sich immer im Auto befinden?
The Carte Grise (vehicle registration) and the Attestation d'Assurance (proof of insurance) must always be in the car. A copy of your passport and driving licence in the glove compartment is also useful.
Wie läuft die Rückgabe des Fahrzeugs ab?
Plan at least 30–45 minutes. A staff member will check the vehicle condition, fuel level, and mileage together with you. Stay present during the inspection.
Die Tankregelung ist "Voll/Voll". Was, wenn ich kurz vor dem Flughafen keine Tankstelle finde?
There are petrol stations near DSS airport. Look for one in good time. Otherwise, the rental company will charge missing fuel at higher prices plus a service fee.
Was sind die Konsequenzen, wenn ich das Auto zu spät zurückgebe?
After a goodwill period of 30–60 minutes, an additional full rental day is usually charged. Inform the rental station by phone if you are running late.
Der Vermieter behauptet bei der Rückgabe, ich hätte einen neuen Schaden verursacht, der aber schon da war. Was tue ich?
Show your photo evidence and the handover report. Refuse to pay for damage you did not cause. Involve QEEQ customer support to help clarify the situation.
Wann und wie erhalte ich meine Kaution zurück?
After a damage-free return, the deposit will be unblocked on your credit card. This can take up to 14 working days. Keep all return documents until the amount is released.
Wie unterscheidet sich die senegalesische Fahrkultur fundamental von der deutschen?
Traffic rules are applied more flexibly. There is a kind of “organised chaos”. Drive with foresight, defensively but assertively. Livestock and pedestrians are omnipresent.
Wie ist der Zustand der Straßen? Sind die Hauptstraßen mit deutschen Bundesstraßen vergleichbar?
The motorways (A1/A2) are excellent, national roads are often paved but riddled with potholes. Secondary roads are mostly sand or gravel tracks.
Gibt es Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzungen und wird "Rechts vor Links" beachtet?
Officially: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas. In practice, traffic flow rules. “Priority to the right” is often ignored – be especially careful at junctions.
Was sind die größten und ungewöhnlichsten Gefahren auf den Straßen?
Goats, sheep, zebus, playing children, overloaded bush taxis, unlit vehicles, and deep potholes are among the greatest hazards.
Sollte ich nachts fahren?
Clearly no: do not drive after dark. The risks from animals, unlit vehicles, and robberies increase significantly.
Wie verhalte ich mich bei einer Polizeikontrolle (Contrôle de Police / Gendarmerie)?
Pull over slowly, lower the window, greet politely, and present your documents on request. Stay calm and courteous. Do not get out of the car unless explicitly asked to do so.
Wie parke ich sicher, besonders in Städten wie Dakar oder Saint-Louis?
Use guarded car parks (Parking Gardé). Give the parking attendant a small tip. Do not leave any valuables visible in the car.
Gibt es spezielle Tipps für das Fahren im Zentrum von Dakar?
Avoid the city centre if possible. Drive confidently but defensively. Use the horn as a means of communication. Ideally, park at your hotel and explore the centre on foot or by taxi.
Was bedeuten Hupen und Lichthupe in Senegal?
The horn is a means of communication: a short honk means “Attention, I’m here” or “I’m overtaking!”. Flashing headlights from oncoming traffic usually signals “Danger ahead” or “I’m coming through first”.
Was muss ich an einer Tankstelle beachten?
There are usually attendants at petrol stations. You stay in the car and say “Le plein, s’il vous plaît” if you want a full tank. A small tip (200–500 CFA) is customary, especially if they clean the windscreen.
Was tue ich bei einer Autopanne mitten auf der Strecke?
Secure the vehicle (hazard lights, warning triangle), call the rental company’s emergency number, and stay with the car. Accept help from locals, but have repairs carried out only by the rental company’s authorised workshop.
Wie verhalte ich mich bei einem Unfall?
Stay calm, take photos of the accident scene, inform the police and the rental company. Do not admit fault. If there are injured persons, give first aid immediately and call the emergency services.
Welche Notrufnummern sollte ich gespeichert haben?
Police: 17, Gendarmerie: 800 00 20 20, fire brigade/ambulance: 18, the rental company’s emergency number, and the emergency number of the German Embassy in Dakar.
Wie kann ich Autodiebstahl oder Einbrüche am besten verhindern?
Always park in guarded car parks, activate the alarm system, and do not leave any items visible in the car. Always take valuables and documents with you.
Ich werde in einer abgelegenen Gegend von jemandem angehalten, der nicht wie ein Polizist aussieht. Was nun?
Drive slowly, lock the doors, and stop only if the situation appears safe. Often it is just a small “village toll” – small gifts can help. If you feel threatened, keep driving.
Was sind die häufigsten Betrugsmaschen (Scams), die auf Autofahrer abzielen?
A common scam is the “staged accident”: someone deliberately causes minor damage and demands money. Stay in the car, call the police, and do not pay anything on the spot.
Muss ich wie in Deutschland eine Warnweste, ein Warndreieck und einen Verbandskasten im Auto haben?
A safety vest and a warning triangle are required by law and should be provided by the rental company. A first-aid kit is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Die Polizei wirft mir einen Verstoß vor, den ich nicht begangen habe, und will ein Bußgeld ohne Quittung. Wie reagiere ich diplomatisch?
Politely ask for the legal basis and an official receipt (“un reçu officiel”). Stay friendly and insist on proper paperwork – in most cases the officer will drop the matter.
Ich habe die Fahrzeugpapiere oder meinen Führerschein verloren. Was ist der Notfallplan?
Report the loss immediately to the police or Gendarmerie and obtain a loss report. Contact the rental company and the German Embassy. Do not continue driving without documents.
Nach all diesen Warnungen – lohnt sich das Abenteuer Selbstfahren in Senegal überhaupt?
Absolutely! With good preparation, defensive driving, and patience, self-driving in Senegal becomes a unique experience. The freedom to discover the country independently is priceless.
