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Fathala Wildlife Reserve full-day tour
Activities
Banjul, The Gambia
4.1/5
Free Cancellation
Language:
English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 8 Hours
Do this because
Take your trip off-road aboard a 4x4 jeep
Feel the thrill of seeing wildlife up close
A perfect experience for kids - spark their imaginations
What to expect
The Fathala Wildlife Reserve is located 12 kilometres north of the Gambia-Senegal border in Senegal. You will be picked up early in the morning from your hotel and head to Banjul, the capital city where you'll board the ferry to Barra and experience the hustle and bustle with the local people. After approximately one hour cruising on the River Gambia, you reach Barra to continue driving through numerous villages before reaching Amdalaye/Karang, the Gambia-Senegal border for passport formalities.From there you enter Senegal to drive for approximately 30 minutes to reach the Fathala Park. At Fathala, a 4x4 ex-army truck will be waiting for you to start a 2-hour safari within the park. In the reserve, you can enjoy the natural environment of the bush and get the chance to spot animals as zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, monkey and many more. After that you can enjoy a nice pizza lunch of your choice and a drink before departing back to the border to catch the ferry to Banjul.
What's included
Entrance fees
Lunch
Guided tour
Transportation in air-conditioned coach
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What to remember
Pick-up available from selected hotels in Serrekunda. Please check the meeting point section for further details
It is recommended to bring water, wear sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes
You will need to present a valid passport
Provider
Gambia Tours
Booking Fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation Fee
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins
Where
Meeting point:
Pick-up available from selected hotels in Serrekunda. You'll meet the driver outside the reception area at the scheduled time. The first pick-up will be from Coco Ocean Hotel at 6.25 am followed by the next stops every 5/10 minutes: Holiday Beach Club 6.35 am, Senegambia Beach Hotel 6.35 am, Bamboo Garden Resort 6.45 am, African Princess Beach Hotel 6.50 am, Tamala Beach Resort 6.50 am, Sunset Beach Hotel 7.00 am, Bakotu Hotel 7.00 am, Kombo Beach Resort 7.00 am, Ngala Lodge 7.10 am, Ocean Bay Hotel & Spa 7.15 am, Sunbeach Hotel & Resort 7.15 am.
Reviews
great
4.1/5
Based on
53 reviews from verified customers
G
Gillian Hart
April 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
Alone
- 28 years old
Excellent
C
Callum
March 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 8 years old
Excellent
J
John
March 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
Alone
- 48 years old
Excellent
Great guide worked well with us and guided us through chaotic Gambian immigration Excellent game drive in game park Good comfortable shoes recommended as minimum walking distance was 6.1km (3.9 miles)
F
Franck
February 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 44 years old
Great
Het park was ok, ook al hadden we graag wat meer dieren gezien. De weg er geen was heel verrassend, iets wat wij niet kunnen voorstellen. Door de drukte op ferry en voor en na het inschepen ben te toch wel op je goede om geen familie kwijt te spelen.
K
Kevin
February 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 49 years old
Average
N
Nubian Queen
February 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 41 years old
Excellent
B
Bubbles
February 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 41 years old
Average
Trip is mis-sold, not a full day Safari - 2hrs in a ‘managed’ Wildlife Park with limited animals’. Travel through Gambia, ferry, border crossing, Senegal, an unforgettable experience hence recommend. Info pre-trip poor. No mention of need to have yellow fever books (hence extra costs at border). No advice to bring cloth/cover for wet and muddy ferry seats, long trousers to protect from branches, toilet paper, wet wipes etc. guide did not point out key landmarks or add value.
G
Gambia to senagal
January 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 42 years old
Excellent
What a brilliant experience. Its not just about the animaks but the whole day from pick up to drop off. The boat crossing was unbelievable. The only negatives are the booking confirmation said 7am pick up but was actually 6.30am, and tui never mentioned the yellow fever certificate requirements. Although you can pay in its absence tui should not be promoting that.
L
Luc S
January 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 53 years old
Average
Heel veel hectiek, zowel aan de ferry als aan eider zijden van de grensovergang, om dan een heel beperkt aantal dieren te spotten! Gelukkig hebben we alle soorten die er uitgezet zijn ook wel gezien.
J
Jason Smith
January 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
Alone
- 37 years old
Excellent
The tour guides made this a good day , especially the Gambia tour guide who picked us up , a very knowledgeable man , learnt a lot about the Gambia whilst travelling .
M
Marie-Louise
January 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 54 years old
Excellent
Het was allemaal even leuk een nooie ervaring!
M
Mark
January 2025
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 53 years old
Great
The safari drive was a little short and the guide thou very personable didn't tell us much other than the animals names - and she missed a few. The journey was fun especially the ferry but very hot on the way back. Border crossing was tiresome and clearly irritated our tour guide. Liunch was very nice. Overall a nice day out but not startling
K
Karen
December 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 52 years old
Excellent
Our Gambian tours Guide Keena ( may have mis spelt his name sorry ) was very good and passionate about his country and job telling us lots of info of his country and what the tour would entail. Including singing the national Gambian anthem ?? he had everything very well organised. Fascinating experience on the ferry . The Fathala guide was minimalist in her knowledge of the park. The driver there seemed reluctant to stop for us to see animals and birds towards end of tour ??.
H
Heather
December 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 14 years old
Great
The trip as a whole was an amazing experience for us as we had never been on a safari previously and we saw lots of animals close up. The duration of the trip is entirely dependant on having some luck with the ferry - as there is only one and it takes a while to unload / load everyone on. If certain people want to do the lion walk then there is a bit of a wait after lunch for others.
S
Sjoerd
November 2024
From Netherlands
Traveled as
With family
- 9 years old
Great
Leuke excursie maar veel reizen en gedoe om daar te komen. Het is geen safari maar een (groot) afgezet stuk bos waar de dieren zitten. Daarnaast was het voor ons niet duidelijk hoelaat we opgehaald zouden en stonden we eer helemaal niet op lijst (we hadden via de app gereserveerd).
M
Marco Galdeij
November 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 44 years old
Great
Prima your, lange dag dat wel. Veel indrukken opgedaan op de Ferry en de grensovergang naar Senegal. Het park is groot, wij zagen antilopen, zebra's, giraffen en een Neushoorn. Deze kun je ook in Beekse bergen zien, maar dit is toch anders qua ervaring. Niet goedkoop € 135,- p.p. zonder Lionwalk. Via een andere locale tourguide was het € 145,- incl. Lionwalk. Onthouden voor een andere keer.
K
Karel
November 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 8 years old
Great
Zeker de moeite waard om te doen. Maar bereid je voor op een lange reis heen en een lange reis terug (+/-3,5 uur enkel) om uiteindelijk maar +\- 1.5u in het park te zijn. Lion walk is niet inbegrepen, apart voor €50 ter plekke te boeken. Overigens betaal je 600 dalasi boete aan de border met Senegal als je geen yellow fever card hebt (dit wisten wij niet en stond ook niet vermeld op de voucher).
A
Adventurers
April 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 26 years old
Excellent
It was an incredible trip. Great to see animals and rural Senegal . The guide was incredible was were the minibus drivers. The ferry broke down half way across, we returned on a fishing boat. I would suggest the fishing boat is significantly safer and a better option from the start ? It was a great experience but not for the faint hearted.
N
Nik
March 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 41 years old
Average
A very long day, the ferry can be quite challenging but a fantastic eye opening experience. Our guide Kalle was amazing and made the trip easy and informative. The safari felt rushed and once you had seen one of a particular species it was time to move on and not stop again for that species. Park guide seemed uninterested and spent a lot of time talking to another guide. Park driver showed no consideration for clients taking photo’s as would normally park in front of a tree obscuring the view.
M
Martin
March 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 39 years old
Great
F
Frances
February 2024
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 44 years old
Great
It was a lot of travelling for a short time in the park but the travelling was part of the experience. It was a shame that we didn't have the option of doing the lion walk. We waited a very long time for pizza, despite pre ordering, and I'm sure that some people eould have preferred to skip pizza and sitting about, to do the lion walk instead. An expensive day but overall a good trip.
B
BEREND
February 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 41 years old
Excellent
Duidelijke afspraken, mooie reis door Gambia, met de ferry, bijzondere grensovergang en een prima wildpark met goed eten. Wel veel armoede (van kinderen) gezien aan de grens. Aanrader als je voor het eerst of slechts kort in Gambia bent en toch even meer wil zien.
P
Peter
February 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 32 years old
Great
Te duur in Euro volgens lokale waarde Je kan geen leeuwenwandeling maken, nochtans stond het als optie. Excuus was dat het voor het bezoek moet.
F
Ferdinand
February 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 50 years old
Great
Gids was erg gericht op de tijd. De 'safari' duurde geen 2 uur (zoals toegezegd), maar 1.20u.
2
2ICfback
February 2024
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
Average
Pros: Saw all the animals we hoped to see. Cons Not advised by TUI Yellow fever card required, had to pay fine Gambia tour guide - perfunctory at best Local guide / driver - didn't know how to "creep" up on animals (scattered them, created dust clouds) or position for photography. Also only accommodated only with phone cameras as opposed to SLRs Safari open lorry - far too big, seated 5 across so poor viewing for some Not a jeep!! Commercial, once seen one of each animal - end of tour!
N
Nick
January 2024
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
Alone
- 33 years old
Great
I enjoyed the day experience amongst the locals on the ferry and out and about albeit it is top heavy in terms of travel vs experience itself. Having done safari's it is more of an experience and it didn't include the lions which i think should have been
S
Senegal899
January 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
Alone
- 25 years old
Excellent
P
Patsy
January 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 36 years old
Excellent
The walk with Lions was the highlight of the excursion. I only knew about this optional extra as a guest staying at the same hotel mentioned it to me before the day. However when I did some research I found that there was a fee of £40 cash for the lion walking which I willingly paid. The issue was that a few couples on the excursion only had visa so was unable to take part in the lion walk. TUI please mention details like these on the itinerary.
D
Deborahdonk
January 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 42 years old
Great
Our guide was very informative and gave lots of information during the trip. It’s a long day as it takes time to get over the river on the ferry and many stops at the border control
A
Anonymous
December 2023
From Spain
Great
The drivers & Pappa the tour guide were amazing. From the info provided to the help on border crossing.
Long journey, but worth it if you want to see those beautiful animals.
We were lucky to see Rhino, Giraffe, Wild boards, buffalo, zebra, Antelope.
Sad that crocodiles are kept in a pool. LionsSame
J
JP
December 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 41 years old
Excellent
A long day but well timed and well organised. Guides Kalle (general) and Rama ( Fathala) were excellent. Kalle in particular ‘made the system work for us’. Everything ran very well for us and we saw all the animals
D
Danielle
December 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
Alone
- 24 years old
Average
It was a long day to only spend 2 hours in the safari park. And due to the nature of the ferries we spent 2 hours waiting for the ferry home
J
J&LW
November 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 37 years old
Great
The day trip was an experience in itself, e.g. the ferry and border crossings. Check the time of year as after the wet season there is a lot of vegetation and the animals are very hard to see.
J
Jenko
March 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With friends
- 38 years old
Great
The safari was quite a great experience. We had a knowledgeable tour guide and a friendly crew. There were couple of delays; waiting for a replacement coach following a break down and spending an extra hour or so at the Senegalese border. I guess it all added a bit more spice to an already wonderful experience. The ferry crossing to Barra was really a great way to get up and close to the daily hustle in the Gambia. Staff at Fathala Wildlife Reserve were great and welcoming.
D
Dr Sankaranarayanan
March 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
Excellent
Excellent guide and experience
P
Phil
February 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 49 years old
Excellent
An interesting day tour from Bakau in the Gambia to Fathala game reserve in the neighbouring country of Senegal. An excellent guide kept us safe and did all the leg-work at the borders in both directions. A great sight-seeing trip, including a return ferry crossing of the river Gambia, a drive through the country side, ca return crossing of an international border and a successful photographic safari in a game reserve. An excellent and knowledgeable guide in the game reserve.
R
Rob c
February 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 35 years old
Great
The whole experience was an eye opener from start to finish. First of all, it’s a long day. Early pick up and travel to catch the ferry, which is a fantastic experience to see the daly commuters. The a beautiful trip across the river. Once at the other side a chance to go through the market at Barra. Then onto Fathala via the border control, again an experience in itself. The wildlife park is good and food nice All guides and staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely worth doin.
E
Eric België ????
January 2023
From Belgium
Traveled as
Alone
- 47 years old
Excellent
Heel leuke dagtrip met safari in Senegal
R
Randolph
January 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
Alone
- 9 years old
Excellent
K
Keith
January 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 45 years old
Great
It is a long day away for a fairly short safari. Having said that it is interesting to see something of the real country, warts and all. If this trip could be packaged with a short stop somewhere else as an add on experience with, say, coffee (not sure this is possible because of ferry times) , this would help add to the day. The guide staff with us were great and looked after us well with a good attention to detail.
A
Astrid
January 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
Average
Ten 1e krijg je op je voucher geen bevestiging van het ophaalpunten met tijdstip. €135 voor een busreis, overtocht met ferry, busreis, uur wachten bij de grensovergang Gambia/Senegal, busreis, uur safari, lunch met ongare pizza, weer retour. Daarnaast mist er info bij de boeking dat je moet beschikken over je paspoort (logisch) gele boekje met bewijs inenting gele koorts en inenting tegen Corona. Krijg je pas in de bus te horen. Gids was vriendelijk, maar deed niet veel. Jammer! Nooit meer!
B
Bernd H.
December 2022
From Germany
Traveled as
As a couple
- 41 years old
Excellent
Man darf nicht zuviel erwarten von dieser Safari, insbesondere wenn man Großwildsafaris bereits kennt! Dennoch interessante Pirschfahrt, wir hatten Glück und einige Tiere gesehen. Nach der Regenzeit war die Umgebung relativ grün! Die Fahrt auf jeden Fall eine Abwechslung vom Strandleben im Hotel! Die Überfahrt mit der Fähre ist ebenfalls ein Erlebnis das man gesehen haben muss!
R
Rob013
December 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 39 years old
Great
Although the trip was a brilliant experience, could have been more variety of animals. Also had to be very carful between Gambia and Senegal customs where all the street children would steal from you if given the opportunity, though we were warned. Don't let that put you off as the whole trip is totally worth it just to see how the true Gambians and Senegalese actually live. It will open your eyes and make you appreciate how lucky most of us are.
E
Essie
November 2022
From United Kingdom
Average
The wildlife park great. Animals happy, healthy and natural and the guide knew her stuff. But I would recommend going after the tall grasses are cut, check before you book as it was hard to see the animals. The Senegal border crossing was long and complicated. You need Covid certs. Also your yellow fever card or you can buy one at the border (!) Ferry took 2 hours wait and then 90 mins to cross, as only 1 ferry was working. Quicker on way back though. A taste of real Gambian life!
G
Great day out
April 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 39 years old
Excellent
Great tour, long day
W
Wendy
April 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 41 years old
Average
We booked this through the Web site. It states you need a copy of your passport. You in fact need to take your original passport. Then we are told you need a yellow fever certificate. If not you had to.pay 600 each to get one. People were asked on the coach to raise their hand if they had one. They did not at any point get asked to prove this. Those without were then told to hand over their passport with 600 inside. These passports would be photographed on the ferry so yellow fever verticals would be ready once we reached the boarder with Senegal. At no.point did we see this happen as we sat opposite the guide on the ferry. We then all had to get out to be screened so we're given back our passports. We queued for ages at the Gambia controll and then the Senegal control. So much time spent queuing at these bordering the heat with no shade. What happened to our money and yellow fever certicates?????? This really seemed a complete farce and a way of getting money from us. It should be clearly stated when booking. At no.point were those who said they had a certificate asked to prove it. Total con. Very unhappy with this extra charge considering the cost of the trip. This really is something that should be advised and looked into a we and others felt we were just the victims of a complete con.
N
Nick c
March 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 41 years old
Average
Over hyped even though still enjoyed just not enough to see or have the chance to see
A
Ann
March 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 44 years old
Average
Great game drive. Ludicrously over-priced. Twice as expensive as the local competition. The guide managed the group- in particular the timing- very poorly. I think Tui’s reputation is compromised by its partnership with Gambia Tours. The local competitors provide much better value for money, and better guides.
L
Louis
March 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 13 years old
Great
Guides were great and the game drive was a good length. Main downside was the poor functioning of the TUI app which didn’t allow us to select our hotel and made getting picked up in the morning a real hassle.
J
Jayne
March 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 34 years old
Great
The resort offered the same trip but inclusion of the lion walk at the same cost
N
Northern girl
March 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 33 years old
Excellent
The whole experience was wonderful, even the fresh pizza was scrumptious after the safari. The border control was rather daunting but would do it again in a heartbeat
A
Ajay
February 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 42 years old
Great
Everything provided by Gambian tours was good and safe, they were well organised and attentive. One of our lunches was forgotten and the driver at the safari park did not really give the passengers enough time to watch and take photos of the animals/birds. The co-ordination there was poor. TUI are asking a lot of money for this tour in comparisons with local prices. We really enjoyed our day and experience but it was not great value for money.
L
Lily
February 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 43 years old
Great
Journey to and back was very long. National park and number of animals were a lot smaller than anticipated. It was quite expensive.
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