Fathala wildlife safari


Fathala Wildlife Safari from The Gambia | Lions, Giraffes & Rhinos | SenGambia Experience Tours



Go on safari at Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal. See lions, giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes in the wild. A must-do day trip from The Gambia for wildlife lovers. Cross the border into Senegal for an unforgettable close-encounter safari with lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more.

Just across the Senegalese border lies one of West Africa's finest wildlife reserves, Fathala, a stunning 6,000-hectare private reserve where giraffes roam freely, rhinos graze in the savanna, and the landscape feels like East Africa transported to the Atlantic coast. Your cross-border adventure begins at your hotel and takes you through the Gambian countryside before entering Senegal for a thrilling open-vehicle game drive. Fathala offers something truly rare in this part of the world: authentic African wildlife at close range, with optional lion encounter experiences for the brave at heart.

What You May Encounter:

The Lion Experience — Optional Add-On

Guests can choose to walk alongside lion cubs under the guidance of professional wildlife handlers (separate payment at Fathala). This is a safe, managed, and once-in-a-lifetime encounter. It's worth knowing this involves captive lions being walked on a lead multiple times a day, which, understandably, doesn't sit well with every traveller. At SenGambia Experience Tours, our Fathala itineraries focus on the game drive experience and genuine wildlife viewing in a naturalistic setting, and we're always happy to talk through the details so you can make the choice that's right for you. 

What's Included:

Good to Know:

The most-booked tour with SenGambia — guests consistently rate this as life-changing.