Dear DW, please don't scare the people too much. This would be a great trip and their destination, Dakar, is a great and friendly city.. . . .1. Dollars are accepted yes but not necessary. Normally everything is paid for in CFA. Tips/bribes are always welcome and get things done a little faster but F CFA 3,000 to 5,000 (€ 4.50 to € 7.50) is always enough and normally not required. Things work OK without bribes and especially at the aeroclub, Aeroclub de Dakar where all the staff, French and Senegalese could not be more helpful. (tel: 8200-412). .2. Good advise in any city in any part of the world. .3. Good advise for Africa but not a big worry at the moment here. .4. For a short stay not everything is required, one should seek proper medical advice - yellow fever is mandatory.. .5. Dakar has a great nightlife - GO OUT! There is so much to do and see and the safest city I have ever lived in. Great restaurants (big French influence of course but there are other genres) and the bars are lively and open to the early hours.. .6. Recommend the Meridien President close to the airport : Tel.: 820-1515 or of you want to stay downtown the Terranga: tel.: 823-1044. Both reasonable cost-wise but there are many cheaper smaller hotels.. .7. Go to Dakar, so much better than Conakry, Abidjan, Bamako or Douala!. .. .Right now sand is a problem due to the wind, normally steady between 15-20 kts but no shortage of gusts upto 25 kts and the viz. is normally below 10 kms best - I understood it is worse further north from St. Louis to Nouakchott.. .. .CBG - am envious of your trip. Wish you a safe and fantastic trip. Good luck..