The Bandia safari and lion encounter combines, in a half day, a vehicle tour of the Bandia Reserve and a visit to the lions. Departures are from the Petite Côte (Saly, Pointe Sarène, Somone), with transport and guide included, from 2 people.

Safari, then lions

The Bandia safari is by vehicle through the savanna and baobabs, where giraffes, rhinos, zebras and antelope roam in semi-freedom. The lion encounter is added to this circuit: it is a second site, with its own entry fee, which extends the morning or the afternoon. Transport, the guide and the safari are included. Drinks are at your own expense.

What is paid on site

Park entry fees are paid on site, on top of the price, as are the guide, per vehicle, and the vehicle hire. The lion encounter has its own entry fee, adult and child, plus a car hire to get around it. So bring enough to pay these fees at the ticket office; they differ between adults and children aged 3 to 12.

Three departure points

Three options: departure from Pointe Sarène, departure from Saly, or departure from the Somone in a small group of 4 to 6 people. The price is unchanged whichever the departure point. Cancellation is free up to 72 hours before; after that, the amount paid is not refunded.

Bandia is about fifteen kilometres from Saly and some 65 km from Dakar; its Bandia Park page tells the story of the reserve, open to the public since 1990. If you live on the Petite Côte, it is an easy nature outing to fit into a weekend; if you are visiting the coast, a half day that combines with a beach stay.

Things to do around Bandia

You can continue on the Somone lagoon by pirogue, to the Popenguine reserve for its red cliffs, or to Joal-Fadiouth. For other outings of the kind, the safaris category and the leisure animal parks widen the choice.