NIOKOLO KOBA PARK (SENEGAL)
Parc National du Niokolo Koba is situated in the south-east of Senegal, just behind the border with The Gambia.
It is the biggest wildlife reserve in West Africa and one of the last places where big game animals can be seen. The journey to the spectacular Niokolo Koba Park will certainly take about 9 hours from the Senegambia area (excluding the waiting time for the ferry Banjul- Barra!). This trip is more suitable for the experienced fit traveller and it’s recommendable to spend at least two nights at the park.
This trip is a more expensive trip due to the long distance.
As the roads in Senegal are in much better shape than the Gambian roads it’s advisable to travel through Senegal via Koalack to Tambacounda and on to The Niokolo Koba Park. Even though this is a detour you’ll safe more time than you would by travelling via The Gambia. In this region the climate is hot and steamy, the nice sea breeze which offers comfort from the heat in The Gambia doesn’t reach to here and temperatures can easily climb up to 45 degrees.
In the rainy season the roads can become blocked due to the rainfall but your guide will check this off course at forehand. Please note that you have to reach the park before 18.00 hours because the park closes after that time and Sementi Lodge, located in the middle of the park, can not be reached after opening hours. So arrive before 18.00 hours or opt to spend the night in Tambacounda.
Once arrived at the Niokolo Ba Park it is mandatory to hire also a guide from the park itself and possibly also a four-wheel-drive jeep if you don’t have one already with you. The Game safari will actually begin while you’re driving through the park on your way to Sementi Lodge.
Antelopes, gazelles, bushpigs (warthogs), baboons you name it: they are all over the place. Simenti is a pleasant but simple lodge located on the banks of the Gambia River.
A Generator is present for electricity at the lodge but is switched of after midnight so do take your flashlight with you. After your long and tiring journey catching your breath on the patio of the Sementi bar is a real treat. The food at the lodge is good and with a bit of luck your desert will be accompanied by the impressive “coughing” sound of the hippo’s. Turn in early for the night as the park’s safari start very early in the morning because this is the time the wild animals visit the waterholes for a drink. Be sure to inspect your shoes before you put them on as you’re really in the African wilderness were scorpions and spiders are numerous.
prepared to share your breakfast with the noisy monkeys or for a strolling lion on the grounds surrounding the lodge, it’s all just part of it. In the park are lions, jackals, hyenas, African Wild Dogs and elephants present but because this park is so enormous chances are you won’t see this shy animals. You’ll return tired but very satisfied from this beautiful classic safari.
