A shortly trip inside a lions enclosure and through Senegal

If you are in The Gambia you should take a little detour to Senegal. We have made a roundtrip for 3 days with our lovely guide Mohammed who took us through the country. He picked us up early in the morning from our hotel “Leo´s Hotel” in The Gambia, because we wanted to catch the ferry in time. We didn´t go according to plan and we were waiting for the ferry for a long time. When we finally to went on the ferry it still took maybe 4-5 hours until we were through with the whole procedure like visa (stamp in the pass) for entry and departure and the other papershit until we got on.

Ferry crossing

In the Fathala Wildlife Reserve we booked one night with a short safari tour and a lions walk early in the morning. Our room (like a tent) had an air conditioning and was luxury equipped with a bathroom (shower outside) and a bathtub.

Fatal Wildlife Resort

Fatala Lodge

In the evening we started a little safari tour and it was amazing. Our driver saw the zebras behind the bushes. He gave a loud and which made the zebras to come out. It was allowed to get out and take selfies with the animals. Usually its forbidden to get out from the safari car. But here it´s different. Not only we got zebras in front of the camera even warthogs and a giraffe’s family.

Safari Tour

The next day was an absolutely spectacular trip. Early in the morning we were picked up by a driver who brought us to the lions enclosure. Before we could start we were getting safety instructions how we behave inside the enclosure. Backpacks, sunglasses, belt bags are not allowed because otherwise the lions will be confused about that. Finally, we got a big stick in the hand as a signal to respect for the lions. The lions were trained with that. After the instruction we could start to go inside. As the gate opened and our heart was racing. We could see the lions couple from far away and they are waiting for us.

Lions gate

Finally, as we stand directly face to face with the lions, we look at each other and thought: “what are we doing here. It´s amazing… awesome… crazy!!! Nobody will believe us. Everybody will think we are suicidal. Absolutely crazy…”

But the predators are very lazy and well fed. Once a week getting they are getting 2 donkeys. Of course in pieces because lions are hunter! There still remains a risk, because lion´s are predators!

Lions walk

Couple

The other days were not so spectacular, more relaxed! Our next stop was Keur Saloum. A small village next to the river. The whole Hotel consisted of little basic bungalows. In the evening we took a little boat trip, with a nice sunset and enjoyed the different kinds of birds.

Keur Saloum

Pretty sunset on the River

The last stop in Senegal was Dakar. The capital of Senegal and popular through the “Dakar Rallye”. We spent one night in the beautiful 5-star hotel Terrou Bi. The hotel where the upperclass people meet in the evening. As long it was light outside, we visited a few markets and the Cathedrale du Souvenir Africain de Dakar, and took a tour with our Guide through the city. After we were back in our hotel we enjoyed the rest of the evening with local livemusic, a little snack and delicious cocktails.

Infobox

Hotels

Fathala Wildlife Reserve & Lodge

Hotel Keur Soloum

Terrou Bi

Visa:

No Visa for Germans
You get only a stamp in your passport when you cross the border

Currency:

CFA – Franc
To change the money is a little bit difficult. They accept only cash
You could change money in exchange offices
To pay with credit cards is mostly possible in hotels.
ATM´s mostly available in bigger cities
The current course you can look up at Oanda

Health:

Malaria:
You should looking for a doctor and tell him, which country you visit in the next time.
Malariaprophylaxe is very expensive but the health insurance will pay for it.

Yellow fever:
Yellow fever is very important. Even this will be paid by the health insurance.
Please tell them the situation.
Vaccination card must be available for the entry

Hepatitis:
Check your vaccination card from the doctor. The health insurance will pay for that.

Language:

French

Wolof

Local time

You can read the local times here

High Season

The best time for Senegal here

Safety

You can find all entry requirements at the listed embassies

Embassies

For US Embassy: link
For UK Embassy: link
For AUS Embassy: link

Information about the tour guide

Name:

Mr. Mohammed Kaba

Contact:

muhammed.kaba@yahoo.com

Language:

English

Wolof

Cooperation:

Leo´s Hotel
Coco Ocean Resort
Baobab Holiday Resort

About Mohammed Kaba

Mohammed was a really nice guy and he was smiling all the time! He took care for us quite good. he is a very reliable and good driver. He picked us up always in time.
He told us a lot about the life in the Gambia and Senegal.
We had a very nice, funny and interesting time with him.

Thank you so much for everything!

Saskia & Bastian