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Description
The savannah-like dryland in the Réserve Naturelle de Popenguine also boasts with decent ups and downs. The seaside cliff creates rising air which attracts many soaring raptors. Apart from the ubiquitous Black Kite you will also see several Osprey hunting in the area. Gosling's Bunting hang out along the trail leading to the top of the cliff. The valley on the land side of the cliff provides incredible encounters with Helmeted Guineafowl, Abyssinian Roller, Woodland Kingfisher etc. Bird life is particularly active around the giant baobab trees scattered around the valley, with sightings of Dideric Cuckoo, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Green Woodhoopoe etc. The interior of the reserve is a much less visited plateau where the trails can be difficult to find and follow. Additionally, there is a decent pond at the entrance of the natural reserve which fills up during and after the rainy season and attracts water birds like Western Reef Egret, Great Egret, and Long-tailed Cormorant.
Details
Access
The village of Popenguine is a popular beach area 75 km southeast of Dakar. It can be easily reached by car. If driving, navigate towards the village and you can drive up to the entrance of the natural reserve, where limited parking space is available. Press P on the map for directions. There is no public transport that connects Dakar and Popenguine, but taxi services are common and the drive should take about 90 minutes. The area is best explored on foot, and a half-day would already yield many highlights. The circular walking route shown on the map is about 4 km long.
Since this natural reserve that is officially run by the government, it has a small entrance fee (1000CFA / person), collected at the gate, and clearly marked opening hours (08:00-18:00).
The village of Popenguine also offers ample choices for food and accommodation.
Terrain and Habitat
Plain , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Pond , ValleyConditions
Hilly , Open landscape , DryCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring , AutumnRoute
Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Late into the rainy season (June to October) as well as after, it can be challenging to visit the reserve due to dense vegetation. Particularly, the trails in the valley are covered in tall grass, which makes passage and observation difficult. However, the trail leading to the cliff is popular among visitors and is usually trimmed and well-maintained by the park rangers.