In the blissful African sun shining down on a lush blanket of indigenous Senegalese forest, home to Fathala Wildlife Reserve, it is easy to picture this place 1000 years ago. The 6000 hectare of tropical forest that Fathala Wildlife Reserve is situated on is classified as original indigenous protected forest. This means that you can experience a glimpse of this untouched stunning spectacle in the way it was originated on your African safari holiday. It is no wonder that this Senegalese holiday destination is wildly popular in this day and age where the trend is to be naturalists and minimalists.

Although the idea of managing a getaway destination in a location so beautiful that it speaks for itself seems simple enough, but it is one of great responsibility. Many forests around the globe are being protected by developing tourist attractions, like this popular African holiday destination in or around them with as little disruption to the natural setting as possible. The task of preserving a piece of natural heritage as magnificent as the African tropical rainforest is a very important one. Therefore we would like to highlight the role that we play in the conservation of the fauna and flora of Senegal’s biomes through environmental tourism.

Destruction or loss of forest by fire is fairly common; because trees are highly exposed to fire and once started it becomes difficult to control. Sometimes, the fire starts by natural process, i.e., by lightning or by friction between trees during speedy winds, while in most cases it is also by man either intentionally or unintentionally. In order to save forests from fire, it is necessary to adopt latest techniques of firefighting. Some of the fire suppression techniques are to develop three meter wide fire lanes around the periphery of the fire. Senegal tourism destinations like Fathala Wildlife Reserve make the protection of this forest attainable and more affordable. Every tourist that visits Fathala Wildlife Reserve actively contributes to the conservation of Senegalese Forests.

Fathala Wildlife Reserve is proud to be the safe home of many threatened and near threatened animal species as recorded on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/):

• African Lion (Panthera leo) – Vulnerable
• Burchell’s Zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) – Near Threatened
• White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) – Near Threatened
• Western Red Colobus Monkey (Piliocolobus badius) – Endangered
• Hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) – Critically Endangered
• West African Forest Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) – Near Threatened
• African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) – Vulnerable
• Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas) – Neat Threatened
• Gabbon Viper (Bitis gabonica) – Vulnerable

There are other species like the White Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus), which is classified as critically endangered that can no longer be seen in Senegal and Gambia areas where they used to thrive. The decrease in population is mainly due to poisoning and habitat destruction. It is therefore of paramount importance for wildlife reserves, nature reserves and wildlife tourism attractions in Senegal and Gambia to sustain a healthy environment for these species to be able to be safely reintroduced into their natural habitat.

By visiting Fathala Wildlife Reserve you do  not only get to see endangered and threatened wildlife species on an authentic African Safari, but you actively contribute to the sustaining of a safe and healthy environment in order for these species to be rehabilitated into a natural world.

“The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans.” ~ Jim Fowler. We live in an era where we are only starting to understand the importance of this precious commodity that we call home and all its other inhabitants. We feel that you cannot help save something you do not know why, therefore we strive to enlighten you as a wildlife enthusiast. Come and experience our piece of heaven and help us create awareness of the magnificence and also the threats it faces.

For more info on our amazing fauna and flora, what we offer and how to book visit our webpage: https://www.fathala.com/