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Animals such as lions, elephants and leopards are no longer found in The Gambia. But how to be in Africa and not be on a safari? Safari i.e. driving in an open off-road vehicle through areas inhabited by wild animals. The Gambia has no such opportunities, but not far from the border in Senegal, a park of 6,000 hectares has been created, of which 2,000 are open to tourists. The name of the park is 'Fathala Wildlife Reserve', which means 'Fathala'-which in Mandinka language means „Do not touch”. The park is home to Roan antylopes, Warthogs, Western Derby Elands, Zebras, Giraffes, Patas Monkeys, reportedly African buffaloes and the biggest tourist attraction is one rhino. I still managed to find a Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, which was also a big surprise for the guide who going with us. At the watering hole you can also observe Palm-nut Vulture. In „Fathala” are no elephants, no predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs or leopards. This is perhaps inaccurate, as lions are, and tame enough that lion walks are organised as a tourist attraction in an independent enclosed area outside the park. The park is small enough that the safari lasts about 1.5 hours. The remainder of the day is all logistics related to the ferry crossing of the Gambia River and the border crossing between Senegal and Gambia. All of the animal images presented in this gallery were taken right in the park 'Fathala'.
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