The best animal parks and aquariums Senegal

In this protection center, they are ten passionate guides to introduce you to the Sulcata turtle, a species in danger of extinction, and explain all the steps before it is rehabilitated to the wild, in the Ferlo reserve. Today, the village has nearly 300 turtles with six different species, including the Sulcata and the Kinixys Belliana, native to sub-Saharan Africa. A nice ecological project that really deserves a look.

15 km from the resort of Saly, and 70 km from Dakar, the Bandia wildlife reserve, with its 3,500 ha of protected savannah, 2,000 ha of which can be visited, offers safaris to tourists. However, this experience is more suited to East and Southern Africa than to West Africa, where large predators have all but disappeared from the wilderness. But it has the merit of existing in Senegal, thanks to the commendable and successful reintroduction of wild animals into the heart of a protected area. In a private vehicle or on board a 4x4 that can be hired on site, with a highly professional guide who will explain the life of the animals, you come to observe in semi-liberty a dozen species of mammals including Derby elands, white rhinoceroses, ostriches, warthogs, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and other mammals, as well as over 120 species of birds. Throughout your visit, your guide will bend over backwards to make your visit a memorable one. The best time to visit is in the morning or at the end of the day, when temperatures are not too high. The restaurant is renowned throughout the region for its excellent cuisine, and has its own butcher's shop. Many Dakar locals come here with their families to enjoy refined dishes, wood-fired grills and delicious pizzas... The pleasant view overlooks a pond where crocodiles bask. Clever monkeys roam around, not hesitating to steal food from the plates. Beware!

At the mouth of the Kalissaye marigot, this nature reserve is made up of several islets scattered in the heart of the Casamance river delta. One can observe many species of birds such as Caspian terns, white pelicans and Audouin's gulls. It is also a breeding ground for several species of turtles such as the loggerhead or green turtle. With a bit of luck, you will also be able to see dolphins and manatees.

From spring on, the show is much further towards the mouth. The Bird Island becomes a large spawning ground from April onwards. Terns, royal caspians, grey headed gulls, mocking gulls parade and lay their eggs. In late May and early June, the chicks start to burst their shells. Landing on the island at this time is like entering a Hitchcock atmosphere. Hundreds of birds fly all around you, sometimes less than a metre away, and squeak relentlessly. Ornithologists have counted more than 70,000 of them!

For thrill seekers! Jacques imported lions from South Africa who now breed in a 5 hectare fenced area. You will leave with a guide-driver, in a secure car, to meet these impressive carnivores who lead a peaceful life here. Some of them even lie down on the roof of the vehicle for a shivering moment! Sometimes it is possible to meet the lion cubs. In addition to these activities, you can also enjoy a safari to observe monkeys, giraffes, antelopes and zebras.