Dakar

As of June 2026, Dakar has 2,117 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Dakar generates XOF2.3M per year. High-performing properties earn XOF10.4M/year, while low-performing properties earn XOF664K/year. The massive variance between high and low performers suggests that revenue potential is heavily skewed toward a small segment of properties that likely capture the majority of demand despite stagnant overall supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Dakar. Average annual revenue is XOF2.3M with 18% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to XOF10.4M/year. The 18% occupancy rate implies a challenging environment where only top-tier units manage to decouple from the broader market's revenue decline, indicating that profitability is highly concentrated.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Dakar is 18%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of XOF44K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of XOF5K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Dakar, with annual revenue of XOF4.3M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Dakar market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Dakar area. I don't have reliable current data on Dakar, Senegal's short-term rental regulations or their enforcement reality. The regulatory framework for platforms like Airbnb in Dakar is unclear, and I cannot verify whether permits, licenses, or registration requirements exist, nor can I assess actual enforcement levels. I'd recommend contacting local authorities or legal experts in Dakar for accurate, up-to-date information on short-term rental compliance requirements. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Dakar Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 24%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous drop in RevPAR and supply suggests that demand has contracted faster than the market can shed inventory, resulting in increased pressure on yield per listing.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -59% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-March) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Dakar listings include: Kitchen (97%), Air Conditioning (96%), Tv (96%), Washing Machine (72%), Parking (47%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Gym, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 73% more (XOF9.5M/year vs XOF5.5M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Dakar over the last 12 months: May: XOF124K, June: XOF119K, July: XOF151K, August: XOF168K, September: XOF141K, October: XOF154K, November: XOF167K, December: XOF207K, January: XOF194K, February: XOF129K, March: XOF116K, April: XOF166K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Dakar is XOF44K, up 28% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average XOF34K/night, 2-bedroom properties average XOF44K/night, 3-bedroom properties average XOF75K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average XOF100K/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in June.

Guests in Dakar book an average of 17 days in advance, down 34% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 15 days, 2-bedroom: 17 days, 3-bedroom: 20 days, 4+ bedroom: 20 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Dakar Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 24%, occupancy fell 18%, average nightly rates increased 28%, and lead time decreased 34%. This combination of higher rates and lower occupancy signals a reactive pricing strategy that has failed to offset the sharp decline in bookings.

In Dakar, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Thursday.