Hop across the Gambian border into neighbouring Senegal, where you’ll discover luxury wrapped in canvas. Staying in luxurious air-conditioned safari tents, Fathala allows guests to experience a wide selection of Africa’s superb wildlife.
What we love
Observing the rhino up close during dinner when he visits the watering hole at the lodge is an amazing experience.
The 40-minute ferry crossing – what a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic examples of African life before arriving at your luxurious lodge.
Good to know
Packages are available to pre-book year round, including dinners and a selection of excursions; alternatively, individual trips can be arranged on arrival.
A wide variety of birds can be viewed around the reserve, however it is not possible to walk unaccompanied outside the grounds of the lodge itself.
Leave time to enjoy the beauty treatments (payable locally).
A unique location
This superb property is totally unique and allows you to combine a safari experience with a wide range of other excursion options, making the most of its unique location close to the waterways of the Sine Saloum Delta. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Africa from the terrace of your luxurious accommodation, or cool off in the plunge pool. A magical atmosphere exists by night as guests gather around the fire pit, observing the wildlife at the nearby watering hole before dining in the traditional thatched restaurant.
Safari excursion
For the more adventurous, take a glimpse into West Africa’s past on board a safari truck for a local game drive. Expert guides will help you to explore the bush and its inhabitants, including rhino, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, monkeys, antelope including the endangered Lord Derby Eland and more, all roaming free amongst the mighty mahogany trees. This experience allows you to get close to these incredible animals which have been reintroduced to their natural habitat, so be sure to remember your camera!
The real treat with Fathala, luxury safari tents aside, is that it’s big enough not to feel overly managed. Set within 2,000 hectares of a 6,000 hectare national reserve in the Sine Saloum South region of Senegal – the animals roam free, minding their own business – and yet it is set up in such a way that the wildlife always feels close enough to lend a sense of being immersed in Africa.
How to get to Fathala
This property is easily reached from The Gambia and the transfer from Banjul is approximately three hours including a river crossing of 40 minutes which provides a real insight into African life. You can combine Fathala with any of our Gambia or Sine Saloum Delta hotels; if only staying at Fathala or combination of Senegal properties, you will need to spend your first night in The Gambia. Due to the slightly erratic nature of the ferry timetable it may be worth considering not returning to Gambia on your return flight day for peace of mind.
It is also featured in our 7-night Wildlife of The Gambia and Senegal tour, along with Mandina Lodges and the Chimp Rehabilitation Project Camp in the River Gambia National Park.
Lodge Facilities
- Plunge pool with sunbathing deck
- Open-air Mahogany restaurant & Bar
- 20 luxury safari tents
- Beauty treatments (extra charge)
Activities
- Fathala Wildlife Reserve has an activity centre which offers a wide selection of excursions enabling you to experience the Reserve fully (payable locally in CFA, €, £, $ or can be pre-booked).
- FATHALA WINTER SPECIAL: the 2 night option includes 2 dinners, a 3-hour guided game drive & 1 sunset mangrove cruise per person (including snacks and selected drinks) - from £120pp in addition to the cost of your accommodation. Available for arrivals from October - April 2018 and also winter 2018/19.
- FATHALA WINTER SPECIAL: the 3 night option includes 3 dinners, a 3-hour guided game drive (including snacks & selected drinks), 1 full day island boat trip (including lunch & selected drinks) and 1 bush walk per person (including water, coffee & biscuits) - from £185pp in addition to the cost of your accommodation. Available for arrivals from November - April 2018 and also winter 2018/19.
- FATHALA SUMMER SPECIAL includes 2 dinners, a 3-hour guided game drive & 1 sunset mangrove cruise per person (including snacks and selected drinks) - From £95pp in addition to the cost of your accommodation. Available for arrivals from May - October 2018 and also summer 2019.
Room Facilities
- Air-conditioning
- Twin / double beds
- Mosquito nets
- Tea & coffee-making facilities
- Private deck
- Bathroom with freestanding bath, twin basins, flushing toilet and guest amenities
- Private open-air double showers
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer
Cuisine Information
The open-air Mahogany Restaurant and lounge is the ideal place to enjoy a filling continental breakfast, with hot dishes cooked to order, or a delicious lunch and evening meal, whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the Reserve around you. The Fathala Cafeteria at the Activity Centre serves light lunches, including fresh pizzas from its own pizza oven.
The following cuisine information is available for Fathala Wildlife Reserve
- Breakfast is served buffet style, with hot dishes cooked to order
- Light a la carte lunches (payable locally)
- Three-course table d'hote menu for dinner, payable locally (approximately €25pp)
- Vegetarian options: Yes but please advise chef on arrival to discuss your requirements
- Highchairs: Not applicable
Please note that there are no other restaurants in the vicinity as the lodge is in the middle of the game reserve. Credit cards are accepted at this property.
Location
- Beach: N/A
- Restaurants: On site
- Transfers: From Banjul 3.5 Hours
From prices based on 2 persons sharing,
What's included in your booking
•Return flights, 20kg luggage allowance, in-flight meals
•Gambia guide with exclusive discounts
•Airport transfers
•Service of dedicated in-resort reps
Prices start from £1,122
All prices and details are subject to change and availability. Terms and conditions apply.
Or call us for further information
01206 508888 |
Holiday Name : Fathala Wildlife Reserve
Reference : TGE
Reference : TGE