West Africa in fact has its share of opportunities to view big game (for the
record, East Africa has its share of anthropological attractions too; was it
even necessary to mention?). In Benin we discovered Pendjari Park at the north
extreme of the country (where we even saw a lion!), and on the Niger-Burkina
Faso border is a reserve of West Africa's remaining indigenous giraffe
population.
Senegal, too has a wildlife reserve, by the name of Bandia. Here are some
pictures from our expedition: To be fair, a few of the animals were imported
from South Africa, but they were once found here naturally, so it's perhaps
forgivable. We spent the morning in a 4-wheel vehicle in the company of a
zoologist guide who had clearly made that circuit so many times she knew it by
heart. We spotted crocodiles, hippos, rhinos, hyenas, warthogs, zebras, and
giraffes without too much trouble. The treetops were full of birds, including
the striking Abyssinian Roller in bright, cerulean plumage and a long tail that
waggled in the branches. We were also shown the Griot's tree, a traditional
burial place in which a real human skull remained visible between the roots.
Zebra, rendered even more stunning by the colors in the underbrush. Diego was
thrilled to see it.
West African giraffe (I think: the differences in giraffe spots are not obvious
to the untrained). It's amazing how quiet these animals are; they have no
voice at all, and manage to tread softly through the brush.
Black Rhino. The Rhinos were usually accompanied by a pack of annoying
Warthogs, which the rhino would rush at now and again, just to remind them who
the boss is.
Valentina the Explorer, with binoculars, has just spotted a Wild Animal!
Diego too has spotted an animal in the distance. But he's also spotted the
cookies in our bag, and helped himself to one.
The Elephant's Baobab, a tree that has happened to take on the silhouette of an
elephant. Don't shoot! The Griot's Tree, an enormous Baobab with roots
you could make a home between. Note skull at feet - it's human.
Like birds? See my Birds of Dakar page, with a growing collection of feathered
friends, including aforementioned Abyssinian Roller.
