Safari in Senegal from The Gambia: White Rhinos & Coconut Island

White rhinos and giant antelopes roam the same reserve where only one plant survives on an island.

A full-day safari tour departing from The Gambia that crosses into Senegal's Fathala Wildlife Reserve for a 2-hour guided drive spotting white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and three antelope species, then continues by traditional boat to Coconut Island. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included. Hotel pickup and return are part of the package, and children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari and Coconut Island visit

• Hotel pick-up at 6:30 AM
• Ferry to Barra
• Jeep ride to Fathala Wildlife Reserve
• 2-hour guided herbivore safari
• Enjoy pizza lunch and snacks
• Boat ride to Coconut Island
• Explore Coconut Island
• Return to hotel by dinner time

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup at 6:30 AM, followed by a 30-minute ferry crossing to Barra and a jeep ride across the Senegal border into the reserve. Once there, a 2-hour guided safari puts you in position to spot white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and three different antelope species, including the largest in the world. The guide drives while you watch from the open vehicle, cameras ready for the animals that move through the grassland.

Meals anchor the day: breakfast before the safari, a pizza lunch (gluten-free available) midway through, and snacks to sustain you between stops. After the reserve closes to visitors, a traditional boat with local rowers takes you to Coconut Island, a saltwater island where only one plant species can grow. The operator includes a trivia challenge: guess which plant it is before you arrive. You're back at your hotel in time for dinner.

The tour runs 12 hours total and suits all fitness levels. An English-speaking guide leads the safari portion. The operator is locally owned with no middlemen, which is reflected in the all-inclusive pricing: no hidden costs for meals or transport once you book.

What’s included

• Breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup and return transport.
• 30-minute ferry crossing to Barra.
• jeep safari transport across the Senegal border.
• 2-hour guided safari in Fathala Wildlife Reserve with an English-speaking guide.
• traditional boat transport to Coconut Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 69 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Infant (5 to 6 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Telémaco Travel

Is this one for you?The 12-hour commitment means an early start and a full day away from your hotel, but it leaves the evening free once you return. Book this if you want both the reserve wildlife and the island stop without splitting them across two separate days.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (5 to 6 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I actually see on the safari?

The 2-hour guided drive targets white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and three antelope species including the largest in the world. Sightings depend on where the animals are that day, but the reserve is set up to maximize encounters with these herbivores.

How long is the ferry ride from The Gambia to the reserve?

The ferry to Barra takes 30 minutes, then a jeep carries you across the Senegal border to Fathala Wildlife Reserve. The ferry is the main transport crossing. The jeep ride follows after.

What's included in the meals?

Breakfast, lunch and snacks are all included in the price. Lunch is pizza, and gluten-free options are available. Bottled water is also provided throughout the day.

What is the one plant that grows on Coconut Island?

The operator includes this as a trivia challenge. You're invited to guess which plant it is before the boat arrives. Only one species thrives in the saltwater environment there.