Home › Destinations › Bandia Reserve
Bandia Reserve, Sénégal - Things to Do in Bandia Reserve

Things to Do in Bandia Reserve

Bandia Reserve, Sénégal - Complete Travel Guide

Bandia Reserve is a private wildlife sanctuary located approximately 65 kilometers southeast of Dakar, near the coastal town of Saly in Senegal. Established in 1990, this 3,500-hectare reserve serves as a crucial conservation area and successful example of wildlife reintroduction in West Africa. The reserve is home to various species including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, ostriches, antelopes, and numerous bird species, many of which were reintroduced after local extinction. The reserve offers visitors an authentic African safari experience within easy reach of Senegal's capital and popular beach resorts. Unlike many larger game reserves, Bandia provides intimate wildlife encounters in a well-managed environment where animals roam freely across diverse landscapes of savanna, woodland, and seasonal wetlands. The reserve has become a model for conservation efforts in the region while providing sustainable eco-tourism opportunities that support local communities.

Top Things to Do in Bandia Reserve

Wildlife Safari Drive

Embark on a guided safari drive through the reserve's diverse habitats to spot giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, and various antelope species. The open-vehicle tours provide excellent photography opportunities and close encounters with wildlife in their natural setting. Professional guides share insights about conservation efforts and animal behavior throughout the journey.

Booking Tip: Safari tours cost around 15,000-20,000 CFA francs per person and last 2-3 hours. Book morning tours (8-10 AM) for the most active wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Choose operators that provide experienced local guides and well-maintained vehicles.

Bird Watching Experience

Explore the reserve's rich avian diversity with over 120 bird species recorded, including secretary birds, ground hornbills, and various raptors. The diverse habitats from wetlands to acacia woodlands provide excellent birding opportunities throughout the year. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best chances for spotting both resident and migratory species.

Booking Tip: Specialized birding tours cost 10,000-15,000 CFA francs and are best during dry season (November-April). Bring binoculars or rent them for 2,000 CFA francs. Look for guides certified by local ornithological societies.

Conservation Education Tour

Learn about the reserve's successful conservation and reintroduction programs through guided educational walks and visits to the breeding facilities. Discover how species like giraffes and rhinos were successfully reintroduced to Senegal after decades of absence. The tour includes information about ongoing research and community involvement in conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Educational tours cost 8,000-12,000 CFA francs and last 1.5-2 hours. Best combined with wildlife safari for comprehensive experience. Book with operators that support local conservation initiatives and employ local guides.

Photography Safari

Join specialized photography tours designed for capturing the reserve's wildlife and landscapes with optimal lighting and positioning. Professional photography guides help visitors get the best shots of giraffes, zebras, and birds while maintaining respectful distances. Tours focus on composition techniques and understanding animal behavior for better wildlife photography.

Booking Tip: Photography safaris cost 25,000-35,000 CFA francs for small groups and last 3-4 hours. Early morning and late afternoon tours offer the best lighting. Choose operators with photography-equipped vehicles and guides experienced in wildlife photography.

Sunset Game Drive

Experience the reserve during the golden hour when wildlife is most active and the savanna landscape is bathed in warm light. Evening drives offer different wildlife viewing opportunities as nocturnal animals begin to emerge and diurnal species prepare for rest. The tour concludes with sundowners overlooking the reserve's scenic vistas.

Booking Tip: Sunset drives cost 18,000-25,000 CFA francs including refreshments and last 2.5-3 hours. Book during dry season for clearest skies and most reliable weather. Choose operators that provide blankets and warm beverages for cooler evening temperatures.

Getting There

Bandia Reserve is easily accessible by road from Dakar, located about 65 kilometers southeast of the capital city. The journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours by car via the well-maintained A1 highway toward Mbour, with clear signage directing visitors to the reserve entrance. Most visitors arrive as part of organized day trips from Dakar or the Petite Côte beach resorts, though rental cars and private transfers are readily available. Public transport options include taking a sept-place (shared taxi) or bus to Sindia village, followed by a short taxi ride to the reserve entrance.

Getting Around

Transportation within Bandia Reserve is exclusively by guided safari vehicles provided by the reserve or authorized tour operators, as private vehicles are not permitted inside the park for safety and conservation reasons. The reserve provides open-sided 4WD vehicles with experienced driver-guides who navigate the network of dirt tracks and know the best wildlife viewing locations. Walking is only permitted in designated areas and always with a guide, as the reserve is home to potentially dangerous wildlife including rhinos and large antelope species. All movements within the reserve are carefully managed to minimize disturbance to wildlife while ensuring visitor safety.

Where to Stay

Saly Beach Resorts
Mbour Town Center
Sindia Village Lodges
Dakar City Hotels
Somone Lagoon Area
Nianing Coastal Accommodations

Food & Dining

Dining options near Bandia Reserve center around the nearby coastal towns of Saly and Mbour, which offer a mix of local Senegalese cuisine and international fare catering to tourists. Traditional dishes like thieboudienne (fish and rice), yassa chicken, and fresh seafood are widely available at local restaurants and beach-side establishments. The reserve itself has a small café serving light meals and refreshments, while many tour packages include picnic lunches within the park. For a more extensive dining experience, the resort town of Saly offers upscale restaurants, beachfront dining, and local markets where visitors can sample authentic Senegalese street food and fresh tropical fruits.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Senegal

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

LE CAFÉ DU RAIL

4.7 /5
(631 reviews) 2
cafe store

La Guinguette D'AMANI

4.5 /5
(244 reviews) 2

La Terrazza de Saly

4.6 /5
(195 reviews)
bar

Restaurant la Bohème

4.7 /5
(151 reviews)

Restaurant Le Baobab

4.6 /5
(144 reviews)

Farmers Coffee Shop Saint-Louis Sénégal

4.7 /5
(132 reviews)
cafe

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Bandia Reserve is during the dry season from November to April when wildlife is more easily spotted around water sources and roads are in excellent condition. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable for safari activities, ranging from 20-30°C, and there's minimal rainfall to disrupt outdoor activities. The wet season from May to October brings lush green landscapes and active birdlife, including migratory species, but wildlife can be harder to spot due to abundant vegetation and water sources. Morning visits year-round offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and have more intimate wildlife encounters, as weekends can be busy with domestic tourists from Dakar
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water as the savanna environment offers limited shade and can be quite warm even during cooler months
Combine your Bandia Reserve visit with nearby attractions like Saly's beaches or the pink Lake Retba for a full day experience, as many tour operators offer combination packages at better rates

Explore Activities in Bandia Reserve