Birdwatching

There are fantastic opportunities for birdwatching in Senegal.

Home to over 600 different species, bird life here is truly fascinating and guaranteed to stimulate both the expert and the amateur birdwatcher alike.  Many of the hotels we work with offer day trips for keen ornithologists with experienced guides.

There have been fairly thorough surveys of most of the coastal areas and reserves of Senegal. However, some other parts of the country remain relatively unknown in ornithological terms, and there are good opportunities for the independently minded birder to explore this interesting country.   The Sine Saloum Delta offers some excellent birding hot spots.

The Saloum Delta National Park

The Saloum Delta National Park is an area of mangroves, coastal lagoons and islands and an absolute haven for hundreds of species of birds.

The Sine Saloum River Delta is south of Dakar and the National Park can be accessed by road from Kaolack. The park has large areas of mangroves, secondary forest and grasslands. There are many raptor species in the area including Dark Chanting Goshawk, Grasshopper Buzzard, African Hawk Eagle and Grey Kestrel. Other species found in the area include Black-headed Heron, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Pearl-spotted Owlet, White-crowned Robin-Chat, and Pygmy Sunbird. It should be noted that there are Tsetse fly in some of the central areas of the park.

Réserves de Popenguine & de la Somone

Just to the north of Saly are two tiny reserves, which are home to some 150 different species of birds.  Following a sighting of a Blue Rock-thrush in 1986, the Réserve de Popenguine was declared a protected zone.  The Campement Keur Cupaam in Popenguine can arrange trips to see the various species with resident ornithological guides from the National Parks Authority.  The neighbouring Réserve de la Somone was created by the local community in 1999 and is independently maintained.  Combined birding tours can be arranged at Popenguine for both reserves.  La Somone is home to a magnificent lagoon where you can see Pelicans and Flamingos as well as other rarer species.

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

Situated to the north of Dakar, near St Louis, is the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Site. It is a wetland of 16,000 ha situated in the Senegal River Delta and comprises a large lake surrounded by streams, ponds and backwaters which form a sanctuary for large numbers of water birds including Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, African Spoonbill, Great Cormorant, Great White Pelican, Black Crowned Crane, both Lesser and Greater Flamingo, plus a wide range of ducks and waders, some in very high concentrations, including White-faced Whistling Duck, Garganey and Ruff. Arabian Bustard may also be seen at Djoudj on occasions. Over 300 species have been recorded in total. The area is accessible by road from St Louis and it is open all year round, although many parts of the park are inaccessible during the rainy season, when the area is also popular with mosquitoes. Bicycles are available for hire in the park.

Recommended Hotels for Birdwatching

Keur Saloum (Click Image to Close)

Keur Saloum (Click Image to Close)

Keur Saloum

 - From £699.00pp  - Saving £118.00

 

Toubakouta - Sine Saloum South

The Keur Saloum Hotel enjoys a commanding position perched above the rivers of the Sine Saloum Delta, which meander into the distance in each direction.

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Domaine Les Paletuviers (Click Image to Close)

Domaine Les Paletuviers (Click Image to Close)

Domaine Les Paletuviers

 - From £799.00pp  - Saving £114.00

 

Toubakouta - Sine Saloum South

The Domaine Les Paletuviers Hotel is located in a quiet and tranquil area next to a saltwater bolong and is an ideal place to relax and unwind or to use as a base to explore the surrounding region.

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Le Royal Lodge (Click Image to Close)

Le Royal Lodge (Click Image to Close)

Le Royal Lodge

 - From £1319.00pp  - Saving £26.00

 

Palmarin - Sine Saloum North

Nestled on the outskirts of the Saloum Delta National Park, the Royal Lodge is a truly beautiful hotel offering the highest standards in accommodation and benefits from a prime location directly on the beach.

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Les Collines de Niassam (Click Image to Close)

Les Collines de Niassam (Click Image to Close)

Les Collines de Niassam

 - From £1108.00pp

 

Palmarin - Sine Saloum North

This unique lodge is set in an idyllic location near Palmarin, allowing you to make the most of the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

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Souimanga Lodge (Click Image to Close)

Souimanga Lodge (Click Image to Close)

Souimanga Lodge

 - From £1317.00pp

 

Fimela - Sine Saloum North

Exclusive, charming wooden lodges standing amidst beautiful tropical gardens and enjoying a prime location near the water. Each lodge has its own private terrace, ideal for sunbathing or alfresco dining.

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