- Is it dangerous to walk with lions? — No. The lions have been accustomed to human presence since birth. The walk is supervised by experienced rangers with a full safety briefing.
- Where can we depart from? — We pick you up at your hotel in Dakar or Saly. Early morning departure (around 6-7 AM).
- Can children participate? — The lion walk is for adults and children over 12. The 4x4 safari is open to all ages.
- What's the best time to visit? — Year-round. The dry season (November to May) offers better visibility.
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Fathala Wildlife Reserve Safari — Walk with Lions in the Sine-Saloum
May sell out
About this activity
- GuideExpert local guide
- mealsLunch included
- Duration 12 hoursFull day (~12h)
- transportHotel pickup
- group_sizeSmall group or private
Pickup included in Dakar and Saly
Pickup included in Dakar and Saly from your accommodation (eligible zones). The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
What to expect
We pick you up early from your hotel (Dakar or Saly). About 3 hours' drive — the journey is part of the experience, crossing Serer villages, mangroves, and landscapes that change at every turn. Arrival at Fathala Reserve. A ranger gives you a safety briefing — it's serious but not stressful, they do this every day. Then you walk with the lions. They stroll right beside you, calm and majestic. You get up close, you take incredible photos. It's the kind of moment where your heart pounds. After the walk, open-top 4x4 safari through the reserve: Niger giraffes, Derby elands, green monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, and if you're lucky, hyenas. The vegetation here is dense, tropical — nothing like Bandia's dry savanna. Lunch in the park or on the way back. Option: visit the lion cubs if available (extra charge on site). Back by evening.
- Walk with lions — a one-of-a-kind experience in Senegal
- 4x4 safari through a classified tropical forest reserve
- Niger giraffes, Derby elands, monkeys and antelopes
- Drive through the Sine-Saloum, one of the country's most beautiful regions
- Option to visit lion cubs (extra charge on site)
- Private transport from Dakar or Saly, guide included
Highlights
- Walk with lions — a one-of-a-kind experience in Senegal
- 4x4 safari through a classified tropical forest reserve
- Niger giraffes, Derby elands, monkeys and antelopes
- Drive through the Sine-Saloum, one of the country's most beautiful regions
- Option to visit lion cubs (extra charge on site)
- Private transport from Dakar or Saly, guide included
- Private transport from your hotel (Dakar or Saly)
- Local French/English-speaking guide
- Fathala Reserve entrance fee
- Lion walk (supervised by rangers)
- 4x4 safari in the reserve
- Lunch
- Lion cub visit (extra charge on site)
- Drinks
- Tips
What’s included
- Private transport from your hotel (Dakar or Saly)
- Local French/English-speaking guide
- Fathala Reserve entrance fee
- Lion walk (supervised by rangers)
- 4x4 safari in the reserve
- Lunch
- Lion cub visit (extra charge on site)
- Drinks
- Tips
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking.