Thing to do
Île de Ngor
Small island a few minutes by pirogue from Ngor beach, with small beaches, seafood restaurants and well-known surf breaks on Dakar's northern tip.
Réserve de Bandia
Wildlife reserve of about 3,500 hectares on the road from Dakar to Mbour, visited on guided drives to see rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
At a glance
- Type
- Wildlife reserve day trip
- Area
- Sindia, Thiès region, Dakar, Senegal
Good to know
- Guided game drives
- 4x4 hire on site
- Bar-restaurant by waterhole
Why we recommend it
The Réserve de Bandia is the most accessible place near Dakar to see large African animals, and a popular day trip for families. It covers about 3,500 hectares beside the main N1 road from Dakar to Mbour, between Sindia and Nguékokh, about 65 kilometres from the capital and around 15 kilometres from the beach resort of Saly.
This is a managed reserve rather than a wilderness, and it is home to most of the large herbivores of the African savannah. Species listed include white rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, several kinds of antelope, patas and green monkeys and warthogs, along with crocodiles, giant tortoises and ostriches. More than 120 bird species have been recorded. Large predators are not part of the visit.
Visits are guided only. You tour the tracks in a tourist car or a 4x4, which can be hired at the entrance, and a guide is mandatory in every vehicle; you can also bring your own vehicle and take a guide on board. Guides know where the animals tend to gather, which makes sightings more likely in a short visit. A bar-restaurant overlooks a waterhole, where animals often come to drink, making it a good place for lunch or a cold drink after the drive.
Au Sénégal lists the reserve as open daily from 08:00 to 19:00. Morning and late afternoon drives are cooler and the animals are more active. Allow at least two hours inside the reserve, plus travel time; the drive from Dakar can take longer than expected because of traffic leaving the city, so set off early. Bring a hat, sun cream, water and binoculars if you have them.
Most visitors come with a driver or on an organised excursion from Dakar or the Petite Côte, which avoids the need to arrange transport and vehicle hire separately; Dakar agencies such as Africa Connection Tours include Bandia among their excursions. It pairs well with a night on the coast at Saly or Somone, or with Lac Rose if you have a full day and a car. The reserve suits families with children of all ages and anyone who wants a taste of safari without travelling far from Dakar.
Réserve de Bandia FAQs
Where is the Réserve de Bandia?
On the N1 road between Sindia and Nguékokh, about 65 km from Dakar and 15 km from Saly.
What animals can you see?
White rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, monkeys, warthogs, crocodiles, ostriches and many birds.
Are there lions?
No, large predators are not part of the visit.
Can you drive yourself?
You can use your own vehicle, but a guide must ride with you; 4x4s can also be hired on site.
What are the opening hours?
Au Sénégal lists 08:00 to 19:00 daily.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes, a bar-restaurant overlooks a waterhole where animals come to drink.
How long should you allow?
At least two hours in the reserve plus the drive from Dakar.
Is it good for children?
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly excursions from Dakar.