Car Rapide Blocks Traffic in Ouakam Neighborhood of Dakar, Senegal

In Ouakam (wa-com), a very local neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal, the streets can get very active and interesting. Here, a car-rapide (the fancy painted minivan) is pulling a turnaround maneuver that everyone has to work around, pedestrians included.

This short video gives a true impression of everything that goes on in Ouakam on this main street. It’s a microcosm of the activity here, including the surprise appearance at the end.

A snippet of everyday life in Senegal for you to enjoy.

*On some of the links provided I might make a commission if you purchase something by clicking through my link. This creates no additional cost for you.

There was talk a few years ago of eliminating Car Rapides from Dakar’s streets, but that would be a real shame. First, they’re a primary form of transportation for thousands of people. Second, their paint jobs are distinctive and creative and we’d hate to see a piece of Senegalese creativity disappear into some form of corporate sameness that they’re probably proposing as a replacement.

Long live the Car Rapide!



Trina Phillips

I've been traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations for more than 20 years. Now I'm sharing my continuing adventures in Africa.

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