As we were staying in Les Paletuviers Hotel for two nights (check out last post for more info: https://itsaboutsenegal.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/travelling-south-to-delta-sine-saloum/), we had plenty of time to do all the activities scheduled. So next morning, we headed to Fathala Park, which was just a 15 minute ride south.
We booked the guided Game Drive and Lion walk package all together, so prices were cheaper. We also booked an adapted 4×4 to live the whole experience!
We started seeing Warthogs; these «prehistoric» looking animals eat grass with their front paws kneeled… We also saw zebras, antelopes, different types of birds and vegetation…
Suddenly we arrived to a valley filled with all kinds of wild animals living between them in total harmony…
By the way, these little birds which are placed on top of the bull, are called «buphagus africanus» and it’s a kind of bird which disinfests big mammals by eating insects that are harmful for them.
The star of the park was, by difference, the white rhino (it’s not actually white but it’s called like this…).
Once we continued, we saw loads of sand humps made by termites. These red ants search for water underground, bring it to the surface and spit it to the sand to be able to solidify the structure of the hump. Normally the height of this hump is the same as the depth of the place where they find the water.
Amazing to see that termites are able to construct this stuff huh???
We then came across these beautiful giraffes. There were four of them eating from the same tree. These animals have the strongest tongues of all, they eat pointy plants that are found on top of the trees.
Remember what I told you about the «buphagus africanus» bird? Here you can see it doing the same stuff with the giraffes…
On our way back we managed to see some monkeys and more of these beautiful landscapes…
Once we were back in the reception, we eat a pizza in its outdoor restaurant whilst waiting for the ‘walking with lions’ guide.
Aaaand finally!!!! And this point we were super scared… they gave us these wooden sticks because the lions understand them as an object of respect…
In we go!! and what do we see? Two big lions resting under a tree, no collars, no ropes, nothing. Just us and them…
After a while, the nerves calmed down, and we totally enjoyed our walk together.
This was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve done in my life, these animals are incredible, and being able to walk with them in their habitat is awesome!
Finally, after the walking with lions activity, Michael showed us the construction of the new 5 star luxury lodge they are building inside the park.
These are the common areas:
And the accomodations:
As you can see, the works haven’t been finished but the opening is due this next month.
All tents will be fully equipped with air conditioning, bathrooms (have you seen the outdoor shower?!), beautiful furniture imported of South Africa and all the commodities of a 5 star lodge. Also, additional specialised acitivites will be offered to the lodge guests such as a visit to an island in the mangroves which is part of the Fathala property, fishing, bird watching, bush walks, african bush spa, etc.
So, if you wish to relax and have a wildlife experience in the nature but with all luxury services available, contact Claire through her website: http://www.fathala.com/
Hope you liked todays post!!
xxx
Claudia
it's about Senegal 