What you see on safari
The visit is made by vehicle only, with a guide, along a network of tracks winding between acacias, jujube trees and baobabs. With no large predators roaming free, the herbivores stay out in the open.
| What you are looking for | What you will find in Bandia |
|---|
| The stars | Giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, buffaloes |
| The antelopes | Derby elands, oryx, roan antelopes, impalas, kudus, dama gazelles |
| The small and the cunning | Warthogs, patas and green monkeys, jackals, mongooses |
| The reptiles | A crocodile pond, monitor lizards, giant tortoises |
| The birds | Ostriches, hornbills, birds of prey: at least a hundred species in all |
| The odd one out | Spotted hyenas, kept in a separate enclosure |
The giraffes are the moment children remember: they browse the tops of the acacias at vehicle height and can be watched at length. The rhinos take a little more patience; your guide knows where to look for them. The stop at the waterhole is the other highlight: animals coming down to drink, crocodiles on the bank, monkeys up to mischief. You can take a break there and have lunch overlooking the pond.
Baobabs, griots and burial mounds: the other visit
Bandia is not just about animals. The reserve is dotted with sometimes colossal baobabs, and one of them carries a story that brings a hush to the vehicle. Among the Serer, the griots, keepers of the spoken word and of memory, were not buried in the ground like everyone else: their bodies were placed inside the hollow trunk of a baobab. The practice was banned in the early 1960s, under the presidency of Léopold Sédar Senghor, and these tomb-baobabs have become rare. Bandia’s is one of the few still shown to visitors; some people still come here to pray or make a wish. Approach it with the respect due to a grave.
The route also passes close to Serer burial mounds, earth tumuli covering ancient graves, and a reconstruction of a traditional homestead. Ask your guide to stop there: it is what gives the landscape its meaning.
When to go
| Period | What changes |
|---|
| November to February | Cool mornings, clear skies, thinning vegetation: the most pleasant time of year |
| March to June | Rising heat, short grass and animals gathered near the water: easy spotting, but set off early |
| The rainy season (hivernage), July to October | Green savannah and beautiful light, taller vegetation that can hide some animals; tracks sometimes muddy after a storm |
| Time of day | Morning, at opening time, or late afternoon; avoid the middle of the day |
Getting there and getting organised
The reserve lies inland, along the N1 between Sindia and Nguékhokh. From Dakar, the toll motorway takes you towards the Petite Côte in 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic; from Saly, the Somone or Ngaparou, allow about half an hour. The easiest option is an outing that includes transport, or a vehicle with driver or an intercity transfer.
As Bandia is a private reserve, there is no public entrance fee set by the state: entry, the safari vehicle and the guide are part of the service. Each QFS listing sets out what it includes and, where relevant, anything still to be paid on site.
Practical tips
Hat, sun cream and plenty of water: in an open vehicle, the sun catches you unawares. Binoculars transform the visit, especially for the birds and the rhinos. Stay in the vehicle unless the guide invites you to get out, and do not feed the animals, monkeys included. Keep a few small notes for tipping the guide or buying a cold drink.
Nearby: the Petite Côte within easy reach
Bandia pairs naturally with the coast. The most successful combination: safari in the morning, then the Somone lagoon by pirogue or kayak in the afternoon, when the birds return to the mangroves. You can also head back down to Saly for the beach and water sports. To the north, Popenguine and its nature reserve offer a different kind of nature, with cliffs and sea. For a wilder safari, the Fathala Reserve, towards the Gambian border, is the next step. For full details on the site itself, read our in-depth Bandia Reserve page.
Book an activity in Bandia with QFS
On QFS, Bandia offers vehicle safaris, on their own or combined with the Somone or the coast, in the wildlife reserves & parks section; for a lighter family outing, see also the animal parks. Each activity is run by a local provider. You pay 20% to secure your booking (the booking fee), and the balance is paid on site, on the day. If a listing includes an entrance fee, it is shown on the listing and is payable on site, not included in the price. If you live in Senegal, you get the resident rate: up to 30% off depending on the activity. Staying elsewhere on the coast? Explore the Petite Côte and Thiès Region.
Frequently asked questions
Which animals can you see in Bandia?
Giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, Derby elands and several other antelopes, warthogs, monkeys, ostriches and crocodiles. The hyenas are kept in a separate enclosure; there are no lions or elephants.
Can you visit Bandia on a day trip from Dakar?
Yes. Allow about 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes by road depending on traffic. Set off early to arrive at opening time, then enjoy the afternoon in the Somone or Saly before heading back.
How long does the visit take?
A morning is enough for the safari and the griots’ baobab. Allow the whole day if you add lunch and a trip on the Somone lagoon.
Is there an official entrance fee to pay?
No: Bandia is a private reserve, so entry is part of the service rather than a public fee. Each QFS listing states what it includes and anything that might still be paid on site.
Is it suitable for young children?
Very much so: short drives, animals seen up close from the vehicle, a half-day visit. Remember a hat and water, and set off early to avoid the heat.
What is the griots’ baobab?
A very old baobab whose hollow trunk was used as a burial place for Serer griots, a practice banned in the early 1960s. It is one of the few tomb-baobabs still shown to visitors.
