The venue for AORTIC 2023 is the CICAD (Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf / Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre). See About the Venue HERE

The CICAD is located in the urban centre of Diamniadio, approximately 35km from the Dakar city centre.

Address: Pôle urbain de Diamniadio – B.P. 4026, Rufisque, Sénégal

The CICAD is located in the urban centre of Diamniadio, approximately 35km from the Dakar city centre.

Traffic is a significant issue and will need to be taken into account when planning any journey. See Getting around HERE

The Dakar regional express train, or TER, is an electric fast rail system designed to link the Dakar city centre with the Blaise Diagne International Airport. Currently it only has 13 stops, ending at the Diamniadio station, approximately 4km from the CICAD conference centre. The train travels at speeds up to 150km per hour making the Dakar city centre-to-Diamniadio journey a 20-minutes express trip. It is hoped further progress will be made during the year.

Train schedules and more information will be made available closer to the time of the conference.

Taxis and public transport are available at the Diamniado station, and more information will be made available closer to the time of the conference.

The official conference hotels have been chosen for their quality and there is a choice to suit every budget.

They have also been selected in order to provide for convenient movement to and from the congress centre. Visit the accommodation page HERE for all the details about the hotels and how to reserve your room, as well as their proximity to the Place de L’independence, which will be the hub for the conference transport service to the CICAD conference centre.

It is highly recommended that you choose one of the official conference hotels, or at a hotel within a few minutes’ walk to the Place de l’Indépendance de Dakar as even areas such as the Almadies Arrondissement can be a 45-minute drive to the Place de l’Indépendance de Dakar.

Dakar is approximately 60km from the Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). You can make the journey from the airport to the Dakar city centre by using a pre-booked shuttle, a taxi, or the bus.

Pre-booking an airport shuttle is the safest and most comfortable means of transport. Shuttle bookings will be available via the conference website closer to the conference dates. There will also be a conference airport shuttle desk at the airport.

Taking a taxi is also a reliable means of transport. The trip takes approximately 60 minutes by taxi, and the fare is approximately CFA 30,000 (USD 50). Try and avoid the touts and look for the yellow taxis in a rank outside of Arrivals; be sure to agree the price before you depart.

Several bus lines run from the airport to the Dakar city centre. The express shuttle bus runs all day and night and costs CFA 6,000. The local 404 bus runs during the day and costs CFA 1,000. Note that travel time on the local 404 is approximately 90+ minutes.

Recent reports of civil unrest:

A quote from the Department of Tourism, Senegal:

“Senegal experienced a totally unprecedented situation a few weeks ago (May 2023) linked to political events. The international press relayed it because Senegal is a country whose reputation for stability and peace is so strong that the situation has taken the world by surprise.

But these movements lasted only 3 days in isolated corners of Dakar, Ziguinchor and some other cities of the country. This is a context that prevails in all countries of the world (especially in Western countries) in the face of an increasingly demanding youth.”

We cannot predict what the situation will be in November, but we trust the tradition of peace and hospitality that characterizes the country. For information, Senegal is expecting more than 2,000 participants for the Invest in Senegal Forum in July.

We are all very proud to host such an event in Senegal, given the enhancement of the medical plateau and especially the efforts of the State in the fight against cancer through the programs of LISCA (Anti-Cancer League) and the opening of a modern Anti-Cancer centre.

Crime and Safety:

Senegal has a reputation as a very friendly country. The concept of “teranga,” which translates to hospitality, is very important in the local culture. Senegal is mostly safe to visit, although you may have to take some precautions while you are there and do research before moving around the country.

Like any world city, Dakar suffers from low level street crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching; You should be vigilant and take sensible precautions: e.g. avoid walking alone in the evening and after dark, be alert if using a mobile phone in public and hold it on the side facing away from the road and avoid carrying valuables and bags in public.

It is safe and easier to change money at the airport and you will need local currency for taxis or the bus. The rates and fees are equitable to what you will find anywhere in Dakar. There are a number of exchange bureaus in the downtown area. Changing money at your hotel will attract higher fees than an exchange.

It is quick and easy to buy a local SIM card at the airport, and if you intend to do this, this would be the recommendation, although there are numerous outlets downtown offering this opportunity.

Please see Visa Information HERE

In Senegal the the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Senegal, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).

If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you may need a voltage converter in Senegal.

The power plug sockets are of type:

C – the Euro Plug (also works with plug E & F)

D – mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries

E – the French plug (also works with plug C & F)

K – the Danish plug (also works with plug C, E & F)