The giraffes
Among trees and grass.
Josi Salgado — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tbo47 — CC BY 4.0 · Tbo47 — CC BY 4.0 · Tbo47 — CC BY 4.0 · Tbo47 — CC BY 4.0
Bandia Reserve is a private wildlife reserve near the Petite Côte, south-east of Dakar. It offers the easiest chance to see giraffes and zebras in Senegal, being within easy reach of the capital and the resorts of Saly. You tour it in an open vehicle among acacia and baobab trees, with a guide who knows where the animals are. Most of the animals here were brought in, as this is a fenced reserve and not an open wild park on the scale of Niokolo-Koba. That makes the experience different, closer to an organised viewing, but your chances of seeing animals are high. Most visitors come on organised trips, often combined with Lake Retba. Visitors mostly see giraffes among the trees and on the grass, zebras near water and huge baobabs with broad trunks. In a pool close to the rest area, crocodiles lie on the red earth, and you may come across hyenas in their own section. The red track through the trees is attractive in itself, above all in the morning. It is about 12 km from Saly in a straight line and about 49 km from Dakar. A guide is required per group and paid separately. Early morning is the best time, before the heat, when animals are most active. Stay in the vehicle when asked, do not get out near animals, and bring binoculars and a hat.
Among trees and grass.
Huge, broad trunks.
On the red earth.
Mbour road, near Saly, Thiès Region, Senegal
Most were brought into a fenced reserve, though they live there with relative freedom.
Entry is usually in reserve vehicles with a guide, so ask at the gate.