Located in the Thiès region, just 15 kilometers from Saly and about 65 km from Dakar, Bandia Park stands out as Senegal’s most visited and most accessible wildlife reserve. Since its opening to the public in 1990, Bandia has offered an impeccable safari experience, ideal for families, nature lovers, and travelers dreaming of seeing African wildlife in semi-freedom without going all the way to Niokolo-Koba.

Covering 3,500 hectares of enclosed wooded savanna, Bandia was born from an innovative vision: restoring the Bandia classified forest — degraded by logging and agriculture — and reintroducing large African mammals that had disappeared for centuries due to hunting and poaching. Today, the site is home to giraffes, white rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, monkeys, rare mammals, crocodiles, hyenas, and more than 120 bird species, all set among giant baobabs and century-old kapok trees. Recognized as a conservation model, the park attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year who come to experience a true African safari, just 1.5 hours from the capital or a short trip from the beaches.

An exemplary conservation project

Bandia Park owes its existence to the reforestation project launched in the 1980s (PARFOB), followed by the ambition to create Senegal’s first private reserve, combining sustainable tourism, protection of endangered wildlife, and ecological enhancement of the Senegalese savanna. The reserve has progressively reintroduced giraffes, oryx, zebras, Derby elands, buffaloes, ostriches, crocodiles… Many of these species had not been seen in the region for decades.

With its semi-free-roaming animals, Bandia is today an ecological and economic success recognized in West Africa. Visitors also enjoy unique flora (baobab, acacia, tamarind, lianas) and cultural heritage sites including Serer burial mounds and the famous griot tomb inside a thousand-year-old baobab.

Animals to observe

During 4×4 or open-truck safaris (around 2 to 3 hours), you can get close to:

• Herbivores: giraffes, zebras, oryx, antelopes, Derby elands, buffaloes, warthogs, impalas, wildebeest, and kob.
• Predators: spotted hyenas (in a specific enclosure), jackals, mongooses.
• Primates: patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons.
• Reptiles: Nile crocodiles, giant tortoises, monitor lizards, snakes.
• Birds: over 120 species; ostriches (free-roaming), hornbills, fish eagles, herons, vultures, flamingos, rare raptors, and countless songbirds. The stars of the park remain the white rhinos — meeting them on foot with a guide is one of the highlights of the safari.

Scenery and atmosphere

Bandia’s landscape evokes a dreamlike Africa: savanna dotted with thousand-year-old baobabs, gnarled tamarind trees, giant kapok trees, acacia clusters, and wide clearings.

Visitors will find a hollow baobab, listed as a historical monument, which long served as a burial site for griots — their bones are still visible during guided tours.

Serer burial mounds, ancient millet-grinding stones, and restored Peul huts punctuate the route, blending wild nature with regional cultural heritage.

The atmosphere is typically African: the distant call of hyenas, the rustling of leaves in the wind, monkeys calling from the tamarind trees, and the warm golden evening light over the tall grasses create an instant sense of escape.

Services and infrastructure

Bandia features a renowned panoramic restaurant — built on stilts above a waterhole, allowing guests to observe crocodiles, monkeys, and birds while dining.

The souvenir shop offers local crafts, books, and nature-themed items. Safaris are organized with experienced guides (French, Wolof, English). Parking, restrooms, a picnic area, and a warm welcome complete well-designed facilities suitable for families and small groups.

What to do at Bandia Park?

• Guided safari in a 4×4 or open truck (2 to 3 hours).
• Birdwatching and photography workshops with naturalists.
• Introduction to the ecology of the Senegalese savanna.
• Visit the griot baobab-tomb; free or guided tours of cultural remains and burial mounds.
• Lunch with wildlife views at the park’s restaurant.
• Educational sessions on conservation and reintroduced species; school awareness programs.

Bandia anecdotes

• Some children nickname Bandia’s giraffes “the queens of the park” because, since their introduction, no predator has managed to overshadow them in safari photos.
• The hollow baobab used as a tomb sometimes attracts griots from the region during secret ceremonies, where they “communicate” with their ancestors through important musical rites.

Bandia practical info

• Location: 15 km from Saly, 65 km from Dakar (on the main national road), near Sindia.
• Access: Private car, taxi, excursions from hotels/resorts. Parking available.
• Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; recommended arrival in the morning or late afternoon.
• Safari duration: About 2–3 hours for a full tour; full-day option with lunch available.
• Rates: 15,000 FCFA (€23) for foreign adults, 10,000 FCFA (€15) for children; on-site 4×4 rental available (guide required).
• Services: Panoramic restaurant, souvenir shop, guides, restrooms, educational rooms; accessible to children and people with reduced mobility.
• Best season: Year-round. Dry season (Nov–May): ideal light and easy animal viewing. Green season: lush landscapes and many animal births.