Niokolo-Koba National Park

We had a great experience in this park, although like other reviews mentioned, it’s all about expectations. This is not your Tanzania safari, but your Senegal safari and should be treated like that. There is plenty of wild life to spot! We spent 1 night, 2 days in the park with our own car and a guide (total of 55k CFH), and saw an abundance of animals of any kind (unfortunately not the lion, but heard it). We stayed at campement du Lion for the real authentic experience, and although it needs some love, it’s a good overal place to stay for 1 or 2 nights!

Lots of different opinions about the Niokolo-Koba National Park - here is a well-informed review which should help. I have visited the park 4 times in the last 5 years, staying a few nights each time. It seems that most of the negative reviews are based off unrealistic expectations and standards. Personally, I love going there. Understanding the following should help with having a successful trip. 1. This is no East Africa. Those who are expecting Kenya/Tanzania standards of safari will be disappointed (both in terms of level of service and density of wildlife). The environment is more forest/woodland than grassland savanna, but with a beautiful river running through the heart of the park. The park is also under-funded by the government. 2. As a national park with very limited commercialisation, you can benefit from really being alone in nature, hardly ever crossing another vehicle during a multi-day stay. Sleep quality is amazing and the sounds of nature are abundant. 3. There ARE lions, leopards and hyenas in the park. I have seen them. But the park is vast and there are not very many of them. You have to be lucky to spot them, and shouldn't expect to find them on a single day-visit. Staying a few nights increases your chances. In any case, it is 'almost' guaranteed that you will see various antelope species, warthogs, lots of birds, baboons, monkeys and hippos. There are also buffalo, tortoises, marmots and many more nocturnal creatures. 4. Those who complain about the prices have clearly never been to East Africa where a standard safari experience can easily run into a 2000-5000€ bill. The Niokolo-Koba is a bargain in comparison. 5. Go between December and May. March-May will be best for visibility and density of animals as the forest will be dry and only a few watering holes will still be present. Going outside these months would be counterproductive as the vegetation will be thick from wet-season and animals will be more spread out as more water is available. This principle is the same all over the world. 6. The guides are friendly, but poorly trained and equipped. Don't expect much from them apart from answering basic questions and helping you not get lost if self-driving. They also don't speak English. Absolutely bring your own Binoculars, or resolve to renting for 8€ a day per unit. 7. Do the boat-safari to spot wildlife along the river. This is definitely a highlight. Ask your guide in advance to organise this for you. Finally, here are my personal recommendations to have a great time. Lower your expectations. Look forward to spending time in off-grid nature with little people around. Bring your own good vehicle, a 4x4 helps but not mandatory. At least something with good ground clearance and big windows. Stay at least two nights to settle into the environment. Stay at the "Campement du Lion". It's cheap, very basic and authentic. Bring your own canned and dry food and drinks as the meals they offer are not worth it in my opinion. You can leave your drinks in their large fridge for free. The alternative is spending 150€ a night per person at the luxurious Nioko-Lodge. Tremendous accommodation, with 3 meals a day included, but a totally different budget. You can also just go there for lunch as a visitor and enjoy the stunning view from the restaurant. Enjoy the game drives and be grateful to see the animals!

Considering the beauty of the reserve, it has amazing spots. The river coast and #camping worth it. About the game-drive it was very poor regarding #wildlife. If you’re looking for calm and peace, it worth it. If your motivation is wild life beside birds, you should pass it. Using guide service is mandatory to visit the park and Ibrahim was great and very kind to us. The gate/reception guards were totally arrogant and lazy. Actually they were the worst part of this park

Enter national park from Dar Salam village, which is only 80km from Tambacounda. 75000CFA/Car for safari (maximum shared by 6 people, need to pay extra entrance fee 5000 CFA/person for national park). Must Stay Lion Camp over night to see lion in the early morning, the stay at Lion Camp is 8000 CFA / bungalow. Lunch and dinner is 4000 CFA for pepper-onion sauce with rice and chicken (basic food). Attention, they may ask you to pay more than you should pay, if you are looking for someone to share the Safari. Stay inside the national park is a much better choice to see Lion.

One of the wildest places in Senegal. Beautiful and remote.

When planning our trip, we were determined with visiting the park, and it was definitely a great experience. We visited the park yesterday and it was much better than expected. I work often in forests, etc... and, opposite to people's expectations, it's usually difficult to see animals. Obviously, they try to avoid humans, so you need to stay for some days to see animals. Surprisingly, we saw around 20 bird species, African boars, mongoos, baboons, green monkeys, antelopes, cocodriles, hippos, termite nests, lizards, beautiful ants... altogether accompanied by a beautiful landscape. I can't deny that it's the dry season, so animals tend to go to the water to drink and refresh, and it helps a lot. Although, if you are not use to high temperatures, you have to consider to come during this season. We spent the day with an excellent driver and a wonderful guide (Blaise) that we met at the Camp chez Ibrahim (right at the entrance to the park), a calm and comfortable place managed by a wonderful family. We are leaving the place very thankful for this very wonderful experience.

Great place if you wanna see wild animals in Senegal, but if you don’t like spending money, you will be disappointed

Nice and lovely place to be with friends and family members ❤️