As I entered the Réserve de Bandia, just an hour’s drive from our Hotel, I felt an immediate sense of awe. The reserve stretched out before me, a sprawling mix of baobab trees, acacias, and open savannahs teeming with life. This was my first real glimpse of Senegal’s wild side, and it didn’t disappoint.
Our guide led us into the heart of the reserve, pointing out animals as they appeared, almost magically, from the landscape. We sat all the time in our special safari car to reduce contact tonthis little human touched nature.
The giraffes were the first to catch my eye. Towering above the bushes, they moved with a slow, almost hypnotic elegance, pausing every so often to nibble on the treetops. One stopped and turned its head toward us, staring with a kind of gentle curiosity.
Not far away, a group of vervet monkeys dashed through the trees, their nimble movements making it hard to keep track of them. They seemed to be playing some kind of high-stakes game, their chatter echoing through the air. Beneath them, warthogs scurried across the ground, tails pointed skyward like flags.
Then came the ostrich. Its sheer size caught me off guard as it strutted across the plain with an air of defiance. It paused for a moment, fixing us with a penetrating gaze before continuing on its way. Nearby, a herd of zebras grazed quietly, their striped coats blending into the dappled shadows of the trees.
What struck me most was how natural it all felt. Unlike a zoo, there were no cages or barriers here at the Safari. We saw just the animals and their natural habitat, preserved and protected. The reserve felt alive, buzzing with the kind of energy that only comes from a true connection to nature.
By the end of the visit, I realized this was more than just a safari. It was a lesson in conservation and respect for the wild, a reminder of how important it is to protect places like Bandia. As we drove away, I found myself already planning a return.
The Réserve de Bandia, located approximately 65 kilometers south of Dakar and 15 kilometers from Saly-Portudal, is a notable wildlife reserve in Senegal. Spanning about 3,500 hectares, it serves as a sanctuary for various African mammals, including giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, and antelopes. The reserve has successfully reintroduced species that had disappeared from the region due to factors like poaching and demographic pressures.
Finally I found a nice video on YouTube for you to enjoy the scenery. Thanks to „Lubos Benko“ who made this video.
All pictures are made by me with an iPhone or by 
pic by 
@Detlev loves HIVE
