Senegal Safari from Gambia: Private Tour with Pickup

Summary

Private day trip from Gambia to Fathala Wildlife Park in Senegal

You’ll cross from Gambia into Senegal by ferry and 4x4 for a private safari at Fathala Wildlife Park. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and rhinos up close — all in their natural habitat. Expect honest moments of awe and laughter you’ll remember long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the ferry rail, I watched the water between Banjul and Barra, half-awake from the early pickup at my hotel in Gambia. The air smelled like diesel and river mud — not unpleasant, just real. Our driver, Musa, kept checking if we had our passports ready for the border into Senegal (I’d nearly left mine behind — classic). There was this quiet excitement on the boat; everyone seemed to be eyeing the horizon for something new.

After bouncing along red-dust roads in a 4x4, we rolled into Fathala Wildlife Park. The guide — I think her name was Awa — had already scouted where the animals were that morning. She pointed out zebra tracks in the sand before I even saw anything moving. When a giraffe finally appeared through the acacia trees, it felt almost too calm to be real. The way its head moved above the branches — slow, careful — made me laugh a little at how clumsy I’d felt getting out of the jeep.

Awa answered every random question we threw at her (someone asked about antelope horns; she explained patiently, even drew a quick sketch in the dust). At one point, we stopped near a group of rhinos dozing under some shade. It was so quiet you could hear insects buzzing and someone’s phone vibrating — which broke the spell for a second but also made it feel like we were really there, not just watching some nature show. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife Park Visit via Ferry and 4WD

• You will be picked up at your hotel in Gambia
• Travel to ferry port in Banjul and cross the river
• Drive into Senegal to Fathala Wildlife Park by 4WD
• Observe zebra, giraffes, antelopes, and rhinos with a guide

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Fathala Wildlife Park tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Gambia is included.

Do I need my passport for this day trip to Senegal?

Yes, you need your passport to cross into Senegal.

What animals can I see at Fathala Wildlife Park?

You may see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and rhinos.

Is there a local guide during the safari?

Yes, a local guide leads the wildlife tour at Fathala Park.

How do we get from Gambia to Senegal?

You’ll take a ferry from Banjul and then travel by 4x4 vehicle.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this safari suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can service animals join this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup in Gambia, ferry crossing to Senegal, border assistance (don’t forget your passport), and guided wildlife viewing inside Fathala Wildlife Park before heading back home again.