Touba, established in 1982, is the second-largest city in Senegal and the spiritual center of Serer and Wolof communities. Located on the coastal plain, this multicultural town combines modern urbanization with traditional Serer values. Touba's proximity to Dakar, the country's capital and biggest city, offers ample job opportunities in sectors such as finance, trade, and logistics. The regular celebrations, including the annual Grand Magal festival, facilitate social coherence and foster a sense of community.
Tips for expats in Touba
Visa requirements
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Senegal, which is easily obtained at the embassy or consulate before travel or on arrival at the airport. Visas for stays less than 90 days are priced at €65 ($80 USD) for US, European, and most Asian nationals, while one-year multiple entry visas cost €90 ($110 USD). Proof of yellow fever vaccination and recent negative COVID-19 results are mandatory for entry into Senegal.
Language resources
Learning the local Wolof language is an option for expats who wish to integrate themselves into the community, but learning French is recommended, as it's the official language used in business and government settings. Numerous language schools and private tutors offer Wolof and French courses for expats. The Alliance Française de Dakar and French Cultural Center in Dakar offer excellent French language courses useful for business, daily communication, and expat life.
Cost of living for expats in Touba
Housing
The cost of accommodation varies based on location, size, and amenities. A room in a shared house costs approximately €75 - €130 ($90 - $160 USD) per month, while a one-bedroom apartment costs €110 - €160 ($135 - $200 USD) per month. Two-bedroom apartments are priced between €150 - €230 ($185 - $295 USD) per month, and three-plus bedroom houses cost €320 - €520 ($395 - $660 USD) per month. Rent includes utility bills, while internet services are an additional expense, costing approximately €40 - €60 ($48 - $72 USD) per month.
Groceries
Food shopping is less expensive than in Dakar, thanks to the abundance of local produce. A week's worth of groceries, excluding luxury items, costs approximately €35 - €45 ($43 - $56 USD) per person. Daily meals at local diners and markets cost between €2 - €5 ($2.45 - $6 USD), while street eats, such as sandwiches (paninis) and fried snacks (fritay), cost between €1 - €2.50 ($1.25 - $3 USD). Cooking at home is cheaper, allowing expats to save money while enjoying tastier and healthier meals.
Transportation
The cost of transportation is reasonably priced in Touba. A standard daily combo bus ticket, comprising of multiple types of buses, costs just €1,30 ($1.60 USD), while a taxi fare averages approximately €5 - €8 ($6 - $10 USD) within the city center. A moto-taxi ride costs €1 - €3 ($1.25 - $3.75 USD) per kilometer. Monthly transportation passes are available, allowing unlimited transportation for one month via public buses, costing €30 ($37.50 USD). Bicycles, motorcycles, and cars are easily obtainable through rental agencies.
Climate in Touba
Touba enjoys hot and dry weather conditions year-round with an average temperature of 27 °C (80 °F). During the four-month dry season from November to February, temperatures reach 35 °C (95 °F), while the three-month wet season from July to September receives minimal rainfall. Thunderstorms occur from June to November, while the harmattan wind blows from December to February, bringing dust and sand.
Job market in Touba
The rapidly growing economy of Senegal offers various opportunities for skilled and unskilled expats in Touba. The booming logistics sector, servicing the busy West African ports, is a substantial contributor to the local economy. Construction and real estate are also prosperous sectors owing to the rapid urbanization. Expatriates can secure employment in companies such as Africa Label, Kakaba Trans, DSV, and Maersk, among others. The city has a high demand for soft-skill English language teachers for elementary to high school levels, requiring a bachelor's degree, TEFL certificate, and two years of teaching experience.
Healthcare in Touba
Touba is known for having reputable healthcare facilities, including the internationally accredited CMC (Centre du Medical de Chirurgie) hospital, SEIF Manzague Women and Children Hospital, and the Private Medical Clinic. All hospitals offer comprehensive medical services, private rooms, and round-the-clock emergency services. Private clinics and dispensaries, such as Clinique Stern, are also widely available, providing medical check-ups, consultations, and customized treatments. The Association des Almates de Touba, a community-based organization, manages the Alphanay Roberts vaccine center, which is free of charge for children under five.
Transport in Touba
Touba is connected to Dakar via the N1 and N2 national highways, facilitating movement between the two cities via private car, taxi, and bus services. The regular internal bus services operate from the Gare de Darsalam, a major transport hub. New shuttle services, including TAC Défenseur, Touba Express, and Alliance Touba Dakar, provide regular scheduled and express transportation services. Taxis and motorbike taxis, commonly known as 'moto-taxis,' are also easily accessible and affordable means of transportation. To avoid traffic chaos, it's advisable to travel during off-peak hours.
Safety in Touba
Touba is regarded as a generally safe city, but it's crucial to remain aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Petty thefts, including bag-snatching in crowded markets and pickpocketing, are prevalent. Expats are advised to avoid carrying expensive jewelry, and valuables should be kept out of sight. Car thefts are common in poorly lit areas at night. Moto-taxi travel after sunset should be avoided in areas with inadequate street lighting. Routine power cuts compound night travel issues, making pedestrian travel sluggish and challenging.
Neighborhoods in Touba
Dakar Gossas
Located southeast of Touba, Dakar Gossas is a peaceful neighborhood that offers a serene living experience. The area boasts green spaces and captivating historical landmarks such as Dawi Mouride and Dawi Hospital Mouride. With reliable public transport, this neighborhood is well-connected to the city center and Touba's key amenities.
Tamaris
Tamaris is a developing neighborhood situated southwest of Touba. Tamaris provides a wide range of amenities, from schools and public transportation to shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities. This neighborhood is rapidly growing and gaining popularity with expats who prefer modern facilities.
Collines et Mer
Collines et Mer is a highly sought-after neighborhood, located 10 kilometers east of Touba. Expats can enjoy the coastline's serene ambiance amidst lush greenery and readily available amenities, such as schools, shops, and legal services. This neighborhood allows for a quiet tranquil life far from the hustle and bustle of bustling Touba.
Saint Louis
Saint Louis is a UNESCO-listed historic city situated about 300 kilometers north of Touba. Although not technically in Touba, it's a culturally rich city close to the Touba Region. Numerous international schools, shopping facilities, and a rapidly growing job market have led to an increased number of expats residing in Saint Louis. The city is well-connected to Touba via N1 and N2 national highways, making transportation easy and convenient.
Attractions in Touba
Grand Magal Mosque
The Grand Magal Mosque, located in the center of Touba, is a major attraction that hosts massive annual festivals, such as the Grand Magal festival, where millions gather for prayers, music performances, and colorful parades. The flawlessly constructed grand mosque, closed only during Ramadan, is a magnificent architectural marvel rivaled by few in West Africa.
Market of Touba
The bustling central market in Touba is an excellent representation of Senegalese culture. Once the main meeting place in the city, this market vends traditional Waalo Wolof fabrics, wooden carvings, local souvenirs, and agricultural produce. Expats can sample the local delicacies, including fried snacks (fritay), vegetables, and fruits at affordable prices.
Soumbediougne Museum
The Soumbediougne Museum, located in the neighboring town of Kafountine, tells an in-depth story of the daily life, history, and culture of the Diola ethnic group, which was foraged and resettled to the Soumbediougne region by the Colonial powers during the late 1800s. The museum's exhibits, audio-visuals, and guided tours provide a captivating and enlightening journey of history and culture for expats.
House of Friendship
The House of Friendship, a religious center for Ko-Ritan spiritualism in Touba, is a centerpiece for peace-building, interfaith dialogue, and innovative courses that emphatically educate youth about religious acceptance, social welfare, and leadership values. The peaceful atmosphere within and around the House is inviting and shares a homely feel promoting cultural mingling.
International Schools in Touba
Ridgeway International School
Khomanita Dakar, opposite Banque Regionale De Développement, Alassane Ouatara Street.
Ridgeway International School is a registered Nigerian school in Touba, delivering high-quality education and pastoral care to expatriate students in Senegal. The school provides innovative and enriching educational opportunities, presenting academic programs for both primary and secondary segments.
Horizon International School
7, Boulevard de la Pemenie, Cap Skirring Banjul-Gap Road.
Horizon International School is a British-curriculum based international school situated in Cap Skirring, comfortable proximity to Touba. The school caters to the overall personal development of students, propagating academic excellence, multiculturalism, and healthy values via a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
AIS Touba
64 pr de la Mosquée de Touba (ou Stade Diamar PK12)
AIS Touba, formerly known as American International School, is a prominent international school providing rigorous American industry-standard curricula via a globally recognized teaching staff. Apart from a home-like serene learning environment and diverse nationality blend, AIS Touba's facilities include an extensive sports field, computer labs, library, and scientific labs.
