Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience worth booking?
Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience is a 5-hour experience in Dakar, Senegal, from $400 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $400 per person
This is a wonderful option to get away from the city a bit. This one-hour drive from downtown Dakar offers great views of rural life. This full-day tour experience is designed to give you a mixed taste of the city from animals to culture and adventure. It all starts with an early visit to where you have a chance to spot Rhinos, Zebras, Giraffes, Buffaloes, etc...on a private 4WD safari Jeep along with a professional safari guide. After the visit, we will proceed for a one-hour drive to the pink lake, 10 times saltier than the Atlantic Ocean. Very interesting to see how men harvest the salt from the lake and women unload it from the boat and pile it up. You will also be given the opportunity to visit a traditional Fulani village, meet with the chief and interact with the locals. Picture opp and possibility to swim in the designated swimming area.
What you get
About this experience
This is a wonderful option to get away from the city a bit. This one-hour drive from downtown Dakar offers great views of rural life. This full-day tour experience is designed to give you a mixed taste of the city from animals to culture and adventure. It all starts with an early visit to where you have a chance to spot Rhinos, Zebras, Giraffes, Buffaloes, etc...on a private 4WD safari Jeep along with a professional safari guide. After the visit, we will proceed for a one-hour drive to the pink lake, 10 times saltier than the Atlantic Ocean. Very interesting to see how men harvest the salt from the lake and women unload it from the boat and pile it up. You will also be given the opportunity to visit a traditional Fulani village, meet with the chief and interact with the locals. Picture opp and possibility to swim in the designated swimming area.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Carbonated beverages
What you'll see and do
Reserve De Bandia
we will spot Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebra, Buffaloes, etc...
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Dakar
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SENEGAL ODYSSEY TOURS
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ousmane delivers a wonderful Senegal adventure. A memory builder
Ousmane Gaye contacted us about a week before the excursion and said the PINK LAKE was not pink anymore due to heavy rains and flooding and suggested changes... and described them in detail. Then, the day before he contacted us to confirm time and place for pickup. Perfect! He had a driver and had our permission to alter the original places to visit due to much rain - and his choices were fabulous. First drove to Bandia Animal Park - and on the 45 minute drive he showed us all the important buildings in town and told us all about Senegal - the country, the people, life, commerce, and we felt we really learned a lot about the people/place. At the park he had arranged for a private tour with another guide joining us so our jeep only had the two of us and our 2 guides (other jeeps were packed 3 people wide and 3-4 rows. but we had fabulous views in all directions due to his arrangements). On the 2 hour drive we saw so many animals in the wild only a few feet away: rhino (male & female), zebra, alligators, giraffes (even a pregnant one), warthogs, Cape and Derby Elands, monkeys, newborn monkeys, Impalas (Lion McDonalds), tortises, and hundreds of BaoBab tress including one where they put the remains of many non farmers: Tomdeau de Griots. We then went to Lake Somone for a short boat ride to a local restaurant Cafe Rasta - and Ousmane treated us to a traditional national Senegal lunch (thieboudienne) of fried fish, rice, vegetables and as well as a glass of BaoBab juice! We then went on a 30 minute bat ride thru the mangrove to be mere feet away form birds birds birds esp close to pelicans, cranes, egrets. It was a fabulous day we will always remember and have such a great collection of photos to relieve it all.
via Viator
Ousmane Gaye Senegal Odyssey Safari Tour is FABULOUS
We received email confirmation from the guide Ousmane Gaye the day before to confirm time and place for pickup. Perfect! He had a driver and had our permission to alter the original places to visit due to much rain - and his choices were fabulous. First drove to Bandia Animal Park - and on the 45 minute drive he told us all about Senegal - the country, the people, life, commerce, and we felt we really learned a lot about the people/place. At the park he had arranged for a private tour with another guide joining us so our jeep only had the two of us and our 2 guides (other jeeps were packed 3 people wide and 3-4 rows. but we had fabulous views in all directions due to his arrangements). On the 2 hour drive we saw so many animals in the wild only a few feet away: rhino (male & female), zebra, alligators, giraffes (even a pregnant one), warthogs, Cape and Derby Elands, monkeys, newborn monkeys, Impalas (Lion McDonalds), tortises, and hundreds of BaoBab tress including one where they put the remains of many non farmers: Tomdeau de Griots. We then went to Lake Somone for a short boat ride to a local restaurant Cafe Rasta - and Ousmane treated us to a traditional national Senegal lunch (thieboudienne) of fried fish, rice, vegetables and as well as a glass of BaoBab juice! We then went on a 30 minute bat ride thru the mangrove to be mere feet away form birds birds birds esp close to pelicans, cranes, egrets. It was a fabulous day we will always remember and have such a great collection of photos to relieve it all.
via Tripadvisor
The Best Experience
We came for a weekend away, as we do not live too far away. This trip had my cheeks hurting with so many smiles and laughs. Oumar is such a wonderful knowledgeable man and made the day. We were skeptical of the cost for a family of five for a day out but this is well worth every penny.
Response from the operator: I am just flattered by your review. Thank you so much, Sarah. It was great meeting you and your family. When I get feedback like this, it makes me love what I do more than ever before and the clients' reviews are a testimony to the fact that customer service satisfaction is way more important than the dollar value to me. And my tours are worth every single penny spent. However, it is wonderful to know that it is all worth it when my guests have an outstanding experience. It makes it all worth the effort.
via Viator
Oumar was the best!
Our tour experience was excellent. The guide, Oumar, was extremely knowledgeable about so many things, and filled the drive time between locations with educational information on Senegal’s culture, people, and history. He was fun and engaging and so pleasant to work with! This tour was a full day, and jam-packed with activities that left our group exhausted yet very satisfied. It is well worth the money! And if Oumar is tour guide, you’ll be in for a guaranteed good time!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your outstanding feedback. It's highly appreciated. However, your cooperation and the group's ongoing attention made it a success. You can see that I enjoy what I do and having an easy-going tour made it more enjoyable. Give a hug to everyone on that tour
via Viator
Excellent day out
Absolutely fantastic day out. From start to finish. Our guide was there for us on time for pick up and he kept us engaged on the whole drive to the safai. He was very knowledgeable and answered every question we threw at him 👌🏻. Have already recommended to other work mates to use these guys. I know I will be using them again!!!
Response from the operator: Your business is much appreciated. However, if I can ever be a service for your workmates in the future, please let me know. I really appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. With Oumar, no detail is too small to make your vacation a lifetime experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by SENEGAL ODYSSEY TOURS, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.9.
See everything SENEGAL ODYSSEY TOURS runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dakar.
How much does Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience cost?
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Prices start at $400 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dakar usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dakar is not rushed.
Is Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dakar, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dakar can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dakar and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dakar within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Dakar?
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On Outty we rank every Dakar experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Explore Dakar and Gorée Island full day, Taxi DSS to DAKAR,SALY,RIU HOTEL,SOMONE ( please check Options), Full-Day DAKAR city / GOREE Island Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Dakar?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Dakar?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience?
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Included: Private transportation; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; and Carbonated beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 11 listed pickup locations in and around Dakar. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Dakar. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Full-day Bandia / Somone Lagoon: The safari experience?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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