- The bronze trio: A man, a woman and a child rise from the volcanic hill, the man’s arm thrust forward and the woman’s scarf streaming behind. The size only sinks in as you walk the approach and tilt your head back.
- The summit viewing platform: Reached by lift and stairs, it gives a wide view across Dakar to the sea. Wind is constant here, so a jacket helps even on hot days.
- The long entry staircase: Around 200 steps climb the hillside to the base. It is a workout, but the view widens with each landing and street sounds fade behind you.
- The woman’s hair deck: A small lookout inside the flowing hair of the female figure. It offers the best angle for photos of the man and child with the coast behind them.
- The museum of African civilizations: Beneath the monument, a modest exhibition space covers
- The bronze trio: A man, a woman and a child rise from the volcanic hill, the man’s arm thrust forward and the woman’s scarf streaming behind. The size only sinks in as you walk the approach and tilt your head back.
- The summit viewing platform: Reached by lift and stairs, it gives a wide view across Dakar to the sea. Wind is constant here, so a jacket helps even on hot days.
- The long entry staircase: Around 200 steps climb the hillside to the base. It is a workout, but the view widens with each landing and street sounds fade behind you.
- The woman’s hair deck: A small lookout inside the flowing hair of the female figure. It offers the best angle for photos of the man and child with the coast behind them.
- The museum of African civilizations: Beneath the monument, a modest exhibition space covers African history and culture. It is quieter than the summit and gives a short cool break from the sun.
- The Collines des Mamelles setting: The twin hills are volcanic and among the highest points in the Dakar area. Walk the surrounding paths for views of the Ouakam neighborhood and the old lighthouse on the neighboring hill.
- The Phare des Mamelles: This lighthouse crowns the second hill nearby, built in the early twentieth century. It is a short trip from the monument and adds a more traditional landmark to your photos.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.