Senegal

Senegal is one of West Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations, combining the Sahel, open savannas, wetlands, mangrove forests, tropical woodland and a long Atlantic coastline within a relatively compact country. Its position at the westernmost edge of continental Africa and along major Palearctic–Afrotropical migration routes makes it particularly important for birds, with resident African species joined by huge numbers of migratory waterbirds and shorebirds during the northern winter.

The Senegal River and its associated wetlands form one of the country’s most significant wildlife regions. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, in the Senegal River delta, supports spectacular concentrations of waterbirds including Great White Pelicans, Greater Flamingos, African Spoonbills, herons, cormorants, ducks and numerous Palearctic migrants. Farther south, the Saloum Delta protects an extensive mosaic of tidal channels, mudflats, islands, salt marshes and mangroves used by large numbers of waders, terns, gulls, herons and other coastal birds.

Southern Senegal becomes progressively greener, particularly in Casamance, where woodland, gallery forest, wetlands and mangroves support a distinctly richer Guinean influence. Niokolo-Koba National Park in southeastern Senegal protects the country’s largest remaining area of relatively intact savanna and woodland wilderness. Its fauna includes Western Giant Eland, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Western Hartebeest, Kob, several primates and a small and highly threatened population of West African Lions. African Leopards also persist, although both large cats are extremely difficult to observe.

Senegal is especially attractive for birdwatching because of the transition between Sahelian, Sudanian and more humid West African ecosystems. Northern areas support characteristic dry-country species such as Arabian Bustard, vultures, coursers and sandgrouse, while river systems and southern woodlands hold kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers, hornbills, turacos, raptors and many other tropical African birds. The country’s Atlantic coast and offshore waters add another dimension, with seabirds, coastal migrants and marine wildlife.