Fathala Safari
The experience our travellers are still recounting months later.
The experience
Walking with lions. Not in a zoo. In the Senegalese savanna, accompanied by expert rangers who know every animal in the reserve by name. That's what TripAfro offers at the Fathala Wildlife Reserve.
The Fathala reserve spreads across 6,000 hectares in the Saloum delta. Lions, giraffes, black rhinos, antelopes, duikers. The vehicle safari runs the reserve's tracks in the morning. The lion walk is done on foot, just metres from the big cats.
It's the most requested excursion in the TripAfro catalogue. And the only one run once a month — twice this summer. The spots go first.
It's not an experience you can really prepare for. You know intellectually that you're going to see lions. But when they appear in the vegetation, twenty metres away, and you hear the guide whisper 'stay calm, walk slowly', something happens that words can't describe.
Travellers who've been to Fathala all have the same expression when they talk about it: they search for their words. And that's often how you know an experience was real.
The programme
- 7:00
Departure from Dakar
TripAfro air-conditioned bus. Prompt departure. Mineral water on board. Drive about 3h.
- ~10:00
Arrival at Fathala
Welcome at the reserve entrance. Safety briefing by the rangers. Overview of the animals present that day.
- 10:30
Vehicle safari
Tour of the reserve in an open vehicle with an expert guide. Watch giraffes, rhinos, antelopes, duikers. Photos. About 1h30.
- 12:00
Walk with the lions
The most intense part. On foot, accompanied by expert rangers. Close approach to the lions in their natural environment. Variable duration (30 to 60 min depending on the animals).
- 13:00
Buffet lunch
Full lunch at the Keur Saloum Hotel — buffet overlooking the delta's mangroves.
- 14:30
Keur Saloum pool
Access to the Keur Saloum hotel pool with mangrove views. Relaxation, photos, swimming.
- 16:00
Departure for Dakar
Return by air-conditioned bus. Arrival in Dakar in the evening.
What's included
- Round-trip air-conditioned bus transport from Dakar
- Fathala reserve entrance
- Vehicle safari with expert guide
- Walk with the lions (certified rangers)
- Buffet lunch at the Keur Saloum Hotel
- Keur Saloum pool access
- Mineral water both ways
Not included
- Extra drinks outside meals
- Personal expenses and purchases
- Individual travel insurance
- Ranger tips (strongly recommended)
Options
- Pourboires guides (recommandés)
Why this trip
The Fathala reserve has hosted lions since a reintroduction programme funded by the Vumbura foundation. The rangers who lead the walk have worked with the animals since birth — they know their behaviours, their habits, their individual characters. It's this unique relationship that makes the walk safely possible.
Fathala is not a zoo. The animals roam a natural area of 6,000 hectares. Sightings are never guaranteed — they depend on the animals' behaviour that day. That is precisely what makes it an authentic experience.
Practical info
Meeting point
Shared by WhatsApp 48h before — departure at 7am sharp
Recommended outfit
Covering clothes (no white or bright red) · Closed shoes · Hat · Sunscreen
Minimum age
6 for the lion walk · Young children in the vehicle only
Booking
Very limited spots · Book at least 2 weeks ahead
Payment
50% deposit at confirmation · Wave or Orange Money
Cancellation
Free up to 72h before
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fathala reserve?+
Fathala Wildlife Reserve is a private 6,000-hectare nature reserve in the Saloum delta, Senegal. It is home to lions, giraffes, black rhinos, antelopes and many bird species. It is the only reserve in Senegal allowing a guided walk with lions.
Is the lion walk safe?+
Yes. The walk is led by certified rangers who have known the animals since birth. A safety briefing is given at the entrance. The group always walks with at least two experienced rangers.
How much is the Fathala Safari excursion?+
65,000 FCFA per adult and 50,000 FCFA per child (6-12). Everything is included: transport, reserve entrance, safari, lion walk, buffet lunch and pool at the Keur Saloum Hotel.
When are the Fathala excursion dates for summer 2026?+
Only 2 dates: Saturday 25 July and Saturday 8 August 2026. One date per month. Spots are very limited — book at least 2 weeks ahead.
Can you do Fathala with children?+
Yes, from age 6 for the lion walk. Younger children can take part in the vehicle safari. The ranger supervision is family-friendly.
