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Bandia Reserve – Senegal’s Safari Experience

Gosia — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 11:10:03 +0000

Bandia Reserve lies just 65 km from Senegal’s capital, Dakar. Established in 1990, Bandia was the country’s very first private nature reserve. The area is fenced, but within its 3,500 hectares, animals roam as if the fence didn’t exist. Add to that a scenic backdrop of giant baobab trees, palms and scrub, and you’ve got yourself the perfect setting for your next wildlife photoshoot. What about the Big Five? Well… the lions and elephants have the day off. Bandia doesn’t offer the full African “Big Five” experience, but it makes up for it with sheer diversity. Here, you can spot giraffes, white rhinos, impala gazelles, buffalo, hyenas and crocodiles. The reserve is also home to ostriches and over 150 species of birds – a birdwatcher’s paradise, if there ever was one. Monkeys are a common sight too, often striking poses like they’re auditioning for National Geographic magazine cover. As for zebras – they’re around, but you’ll need luck and eagle eyes. They’re the introverts of the animal kingdom here. Best time to visit? November to May – the dry season brings the best conditions: no mud, no mosquitoes and far better chances of spotting the wildlife. Plus, the landscape becomes even more dramatic – with dry riverbeds and ancient baobabs doing their best “Out of Africa” impression. What does the safari look like? Entrance isn’t exactly cheap by Senegalese standards – 12,000 CFA francs, which is around €19 (current prices here).You can explore the reserve on your own using a private vehicle, a taxi, or a rented car. During the rainy season, 4x4s are a must. The reserve is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00, but the best time to visit is early in the morning, when it’s cooler and the animals haven’t yet clocked out for a siesta. The safari lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and after your adventure you can refuel at the on-site restaurant – ideally while watching crocodiles lounge lazily by their pool like scaly retirees. Bandia Reserve is the perfect choice if you want a taste of the African wild without hacking your way through the jungle with a machete. Wild animals, striking landscapes and plenty of “wow” photo options – and it’s all just an hour’s drive from Dakar.

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Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park

Gosia — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:31:50 +0000

Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire Park are located next to the Ngorongoro and Serengeti Conservation Area. Both parks may not be as impressive as Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but they are worth visiting due to their unique, diverse landscape. The name of Lake Manyara comes from the word Manyero, which means: “a place where animals drink water”. It’s the smallest park in Tanzania, which is why it’s often skipped by tourists. The second reason may be the dense vegetation, which may make it difficult to observe animals. In the central point of the park there’s the salty, pink Lake Manyara. It ‘s quite shallow, its depth is only three meters. However, during the rainy season it occupies a significant part of the park. Lake Manyara is famous for its large number of flamingos, which visit it, in especially large numbers, during the dry season. It’s estimated that the area of Lake Manyara is inhabited by over 400 species of birds, including: pelicans, herons, eagles, cuckoos and storks. The lake’s salty waters affect the park’s landscape. The area around the lake looks a bit apocalyptic, completely different from the nearby Serengeti or Ngorongoro Parks. Zebras, wildebeests and giraffes look quite unusual surrounded by dry, bent tree branches. On the other hand, the park is covered with a dense acacia forest, which is a shelter for a large population of monkeys. Acacia leaves are a delicacy for elephants and the Masai giraffe, which is the largest in the world. However, the biggest attraction of the park are the lions lying on the trees branches (which unfortunately I wasn’t able to spot). Their behaviour is not fully explained. Some researchers claim that it gives them better observation point, while others believe that it protects them from insects. In addition to lions, in the park you can see: cheetahs, wildebeests, impalas, gazelles and buffalos. Tarangire Park is the second park worth visiting in the area. It was established in 1970 and is one of the oldest parks in Tanzania. The name of the park comes from the Tarangire River, which is located in its central point. The Tarangire River is the only source of drinking water during the dry season from June to November. Then you can see herds of elephants numbering up to 300 individuals. The park is also called the Kingdom of Elephants because it has the largest population of these animals in Tanzania. During the dry season, you can also see numerous buffaloes, antelopes, wildebeests, ipalas and gazelles in the park. Quite an unusual sight are the so-called sausage trees (kigelia), with characteristic sausage-shaped fruit. With a bit of luck, you can see lions lying on them. Baobabs are also an important element of the park. They’re called trees of life and can live up to 600 years. Their roots can store up to 1000 liters of water, so they can survive a long dry season. They’re a source of food for animals, and elephants sharpen their tusks on their bark. Both Lake Manyara and Tarangire Park may not be as spectacular as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but that is part of their charm. Spotting game is more of a challenge here, but that makes it more rewarding. An additional advantage is a different, diverse landscape that allows you to observe animals in other ecosystems.

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Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park

Gosia — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:57:45 +0000

Lake Naivasha is located along the eastern part of the East African Rift, a tectonic depression system that has shaped the landscape of this region in interesting ways. It’s the highest freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,884 meters above sea level, and is fed by the Malewa and Gilgil rivers. The high elevation of Lake Naivasha and its freshwater environment create a unique ecosystem that attracts over 400 species of birds. Visitors can spot numerous cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and eagles. In addition to the birds, the area is home to numerous hippos, while the lakeshore provides an ideal habitat for zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and monkeys. Moreover, the park is home to various predators. One of the most surprising sights for me was the rare view of a lioness climbing a tree. Apparently, in areas with higher vegetation, lions often rest in tree canopies to gain a better vantage point for spotting prey. Another incredible sight was a leopard lounging on a tree trunk, perfectly blending into its surroundings. At first glance, it was almost invisible. Furthermore, I was finally able to see there the endangered rhinos. Nearby, the impressive Hell’s Gate National Park offers stunning cliffs, gorges carved by water, and geothermal activity. The park offers various attractions, from wildlife observation, hiking and climbing to cycling. It is the only park in Kenya that allows such activities. A must-visit spot is the lower gorge, where visitors can see interesting rock formations. Hell’s Gate was formed as a result of volcanic activity. In the early 20th century, a volcanic eruption forced the last remaining tribes to leave the area, giving rise to the park’s name, “Hell’s Gate.” The park features numerous geothermal springs, a product of volcanic activity, which are used for energy production. The Olkaria geothermal power plant, the largest and oldest in Africa, is located here. The park also features a spa where visitors can enjoy hot spring baths. Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park offer the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a great option for a day trip from Nairobi, providing a chance to relax in the midst of Kenya’s beautiful natural surroundings.

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Masai Mara – The Kingdom of Lions and the Great Migration

Gosia — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:05:20 +0000

Masai Mara is one of the largest reserves in Kenya. The vast plains and savannas found here are renowned for their incredible biodiversity. Its name comes from the Maasai people and the word “Mara,” which in the Maasai language means “spotted.” The park received this name due to the scattered trees and shrubs that dot the landscape. The Maasai people are deeply connected to this land and are arguably the most iconic tribe in Africa. They moved to the highlands of modern-day Kenya in the early 17th century. They led a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving with their cattle during the rainy and dry seasons to prevent overgrazing areas. Unfortunately, like most other African tribes, the Maasai lost much of their fertile land and parts of their culture when European settlers moved into their territory. Today, they no longer lead a nomadic lifestyle and settle in one place, where they rely on local agriculture and tourism. They are recognizable by their tall stature and distinctive red attire, called shuka. In addition to the Maasai, Masai Mara is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Every year, from July to October, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in search of food and water. Interestingly, zebras and wildebeest live in symbiosis, increasing their chances of survival. Though both species are herbivores, they feed on different parts of plants. Moreover, zebras have excellent eyesight, allowing them to spot predators from a distance, while wildebeest have a great sense of smell that helps them locate water. Besides the migration, Masai Mara is also home to the famous “Big Five,” which includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The reserve is known as the Kingdom of Lions, with an estimated population of over 900 individuals. Additionally, numerous cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and hippos live here. The Mara River is a popular habitat for crocodiles and hippo herds. The park is also home to over 570 species of birds, including 50 birds of prey. You can spot eagles, vultures, ostriches, kingfishers, cranes, and storks. Although Masai Mara is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the Great Wildebeest Migration, from July to October. For those seeking a quieter experience with fewer tourists, the months from January to March offer a hot and dry season with lush green vegetation after the short rains in November and December. Masai Mara offers unforgettable safaris, wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to learn about Maasai culture.

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Amboseli National Park- balloon ride with a view of Kilimanjaro

Gosia — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 16:54:14 +0000

Amboseli National Park is the second most visited park in Kenya, right after the famous Masai Mara, attracting tourists from all over the world. The park’s name, “Amboseli,” means “salty dust” in the Maasai language, reflecting its semi-arid nature. Initially established in 1906 as the Southern Reserve for the Maasai people, it was designated a national park in 1974. The park’s diverse landscape consists of four main zones: savannah, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and the dried-up Amboseli lake bed. The park is home to numerous underground springs fed by the ice cap of Kilimanjaro. These water sources create an ideal habitat for birds. Around 400 bird species inhabit the park, including pelicans, kingfishers, flamingos, herons, ostriches, and storks. However, the park’s most famous attraction is its large elephant herds. It’s estimated that over 1,600 elephants live in Amboseli. In addition to elephants, visitors can also see lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and hippos. The best view of the park is from Observation Hill, offering a sweeping panorama of the plains, swamps, and if weather permits, a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, standing at 19,341 feet. Sadly, seeing the entire mountain is rare, as its peak is often hidden by clouds. The best time to see it is at dawn or sunset, when the clouds tend to rise. Last year, while I was in Tanzania, I only managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of the mountain’s majestic peak. So this year, I set myself the goal of seeing it in all its glory. I had no choice but to opt for a balloon ride. 😉I must say, it was one of those experiences that I’ll remember for a long time. While it might not be the best way to spot wildlife, from high up, you can admire the park’s spectacular panorama. High above the ground, I watched an incredible sunrise over the vast Amboseli plains. Then, moments later, Kilimanjaro emerged from the clouds. The view was breathtaking, and the mountain seemed to rise from nowhere. I could even see the snow-covered peak. At that moment, I thought to myself, it’s time to make another dream come true and climb to the summit. The best time to visit Amboseli is during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, the grass is shorter, making it easier to spot animals, as they gather around water sources. The weather is also favorable – the days are warm, and the nights cooler, with temperatures dropping to as low as 15°C. Entrance to the park costs $60, with a discounted rate of $35 for children. Amboseli National Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also a symbol of successful conservation efforts. It stands as a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of people and wildlife, especially the Maasai people, who have played a key role in protecting this unique ecosystem. Amboseli National Park offers unforgettable experiences. The stunning views of Kilimanjaro, vast elephant herds, and rich biodiversity make this place truly special. Finally, a sunset at the campsite at the foot of Kilimanjaro 😊

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Ngorongoro – the Seventh Natural Wonder of Africa

Gosia — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 14:45:22 +0000

Ngorongoro is called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, which also includes Mount Kilimajaro located in Tanzania and the Great Migration of Animals in the Serengeti. Ngorongoro is located between Serengeti National Park and the Lake Manyara. The name of the reserve was given by the Maasai and comes from the characteristic sound of the bell hanging around the cow’s neck. Ngorongoro is said to be the largest caldera in the world. It was created as a result of the collapse of a volcanic cone with a diameter of about 20 km. This occurred between 2.5 and 3 million years ago, depending on the source. The crater’s depth reaches 610 meters and its area is approximately 260 km2. You can see here the so-called The Big Five, which includes: rhinoceros, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. Ngorongoro is also inhabited by numerous zebras, wildebeests and buffalos. The first stop on the way to Ngorongoro was a viewpoint. The landscape looked amazing. This is a great place to observe the scale of the caldera. However, the green plain looks quite deserted from the distance. The long distance made it impossible to see any game, so it is hard to believe that Ngorongoro is inhabited by 30,000 large mammals. Since it was quite late for sightseeing, we went to a campsite for the night. It was an interesting experience for me. I hadn’t slept in a tent for a long time, not to mention it was my first time in such a place. The sky was full of stars and the sounds of animals were amazing. Another surprise was a herd of buffaloes that I met in the middle of the night on my way to the toilet. This view works better than coffee, immediate awakening is guaranteed. We woke up in the middle of the night, it was 4:30, we ate quick breakfast and packed all the stuff. The plan was to reach the crater for sunrise. It’s very fresh, which is natural at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level. Half-conscious and freezing, I tried to pretend that I was conscious enough to realise what was happening around me. A short drive along the gravel road and we finally made it! The view from the crater wall was epic… The view of Nagorongoro at dawn was amazing. The fog hanging over the crater created a mysterious atmosphere. The landscape looked very rugged, completely different from the rest of Tanzania. At first there were no animals visible, but as we were going down towards the bottom of the caldera, more and more of them were appearing. Moreover, due to the relatively small and limited surface of the crater, the density of animals is very high. The steep, high walls of the crater created a kind of barrier for animals. You can feel here as if you were in a huge natural zoo. Various animals can be found here at every step. Until 1921, hunting took place in Ngrorongoro. In order to protect the unique fauna, it was initially included in the Serengeti National Park and then designated as a separate nature reserve. The bottom of the caldera is a unique ecosystem. Thanks to volcanic activity, the soil here is rich in minerals. The bottom of the crater is covered with numerous grasses and resembles a large grassland. This creates excellent living conditions for herbivorous animals. You can see numerous zebras, wildebeests and buffalos here. Duża ilość zwierząt kopytnych przyciąga tu liczne drapieżniki. W rezerwacie można zobaczyć liczne hieny. Ngorongoro boasts the highest density of lions in Tanzania. According to statistics, there is one lion for every 3 km2. For comparison, to see the king of animals in Serengeti you need to travel each 5 km2 of the park. The lions found in the Ngorongoro area are smaller than those seen in the rest of Tanzania. This is due to their isolation from and therefore lower genetic diversity. The reason may also be a smaller amount of game to hunt. The real gem of Ngorongoro is the black rhinoceros, whose population is currently threatened with extinction. The number of this species decreased significantly due to poaching in the second half of the 20th century. Currently, there are only 5,000 individuals left in the world. Rhinos are not a common sight in Ngorongoro, but if you are lucky you can spot them here. In addition to rhinos, in Nagorongoro you can also see other endangered species, such as African golden cat and African wild dog. Ngorongoro is also inhabited by numerous species of birds. It’s estimated that there are approx. 500 Flamingos feeding on Lake Magadi look particularly photogenic. Magadi means “soda” in Swahili and refers to the high soda content in water. The view of pink flamingos with blue, foggy lake in the background is absolutely amazing. Swamps and lakes are also ideal habitats for hippos. They can be seen mainly around the Mandusi and Gorigor swamps. Additionally, you can see numerous monkeys and elephants in the reserve. What’s more interesting, however, is that you won’t find giraffes or impalas (a type of antelope) here. This is probably due to the lack of vegetation which is in the diet of these herbivores. Another possible explanation is that the terrain prevents the giraffes from crossing the steep slopes of the caldera. Practical information Entry to Ngrorongoro is only possible by off-road vehicle, which must have a special permit. The visit permit is for six hours only. Most tours are carried out here by local travel agencies. I used this option. The main reason was the high cost of renting an off-road vehicle, which I could not afford traveling alone. The second argument was the opportunity to see many more animals. Local guides know the topography of the park perfectly and the places where animals can most often be found. Ngorongoro is a must-see during your stay in Tanzania. I must admit that the reserve made a huge impression on me, much more than the famous Serengeti. I think it was mainly due to the interesting terrain and the morning fog, which gave this place a unique atmosphere.

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