The Residence Sophia residence is only 40 km from the Bandia reserve which is undoubtedly an appointment not to be missed for those who love African wildlife. Several free-living animals can be seen crossing the reserve in open cars.

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The Bandia Wildlife Reserve is a true ecological jewel in the crown of Senegal. He managed to reintroduce much of the wonderful native flora and some of Africa’s most beloved animals. Many of them had gradually disappeared, some of them centuries ago, due to population pressure and poaching. Bandia is 65 km from Dakar and 15 km from Saly-Portugal (the seaside resort of the “Petite Côte”) on the main road (N1) to Mbour and Casamance.
Here is what the Mondios guide says: “Halfway between Thoiry [note: a safari park in France] and a small Ngorogoro crater or the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Bandia reserve lends itself well to photo safaris. It is close to the capital and Saly-Portugal and brings the legendary animals of Africa to your doorstep”. In the grandiose setting of giant baobabs, thorny maquis and lush vegetation, you will have a breathtaking spectacle of herds of large antelopes and gazelles.
All of this is within the 3,500 hectares of fenced natural habitat. Visitors can travel around the reserve by private car or four-wheel drive vehicle or in the reserve’s own safari trucks which can be hired locally. If you do not have your own means of transport, you can sign up for one of the tours organized by the major hotels in Saly or Dakar. To enhance your visit, you will need to hire a specially trained guide who is second to none in their ability to spot a baby giraffe, a vulture’s nest or a lone buffalo.
You will approach most of the animals (within reason!): a real treat for photographers! You will also be able to go out and walk from time to time and can even get a closer look at a rhino hidden in the bush. However, it is advisable to stay in your vehicle near male ostriches (with black and white plumage) which are often aggressive, especially during the breeding season. In the dry season, nature lovers even have the opportunity to go on a nature hike in the dry bed of the Somone in the shade of the big mahogany trees of Senegal.
In addition to the fauna and flora, visitors can also see replicas of Serer pyramids with burial chambers, tombs of griots in the hollow of a thousand-year-old baobab containing authentic human bones, a coal millstone, Peulh huts, etc. … Our knowledgeable guides, some of whom are multilingual, will give you detailed explanations of all the sights and sounds of the park, illustrated with delightful anecdotes. A restaurant and bar overlook a waterhole where buffaloes wallow and crocodiles lurk resembling floating logs, and you’ll hear the bickering of monkeys in the trees.