Djoudj Sanctuary is a paradise that attracts over 1.5 million birds, drawing a huge number of migrants birds from as far as Europe and as near as the Sahara.
The vast wetland spreading over 16000ha is home to white pelican, flamingos, the purple heron, the African spoonbill, the great egret, African spoonbill, the purple heron and the cormorant to name but a few. Not limited to birds the park also holds a range of wildlife.
Listed as a World Heritage Site, the park has a Pelican Island, an island with hundreds of pelicans birds that is sure to take the breathe away.
Found on the Senegal River delta, the park is surrounded by lakes, ponds and boyous. It is a popular breeding ground for birds.
It has been threatened by rapid invasion of a water plant called Salvina Molesta, which is an invasive plant that has threatened the eco system there. The authorities are working towards eradicating the weed.
Even during the dry season, the park is naturally green. It splits between Senegal and Mauritania.
Visitors use a boat ride on the water ways to capture the energy of the birds and the wildlife in the park.
“The highlight of that trip was a boat ride to see the sanctuary’s enormous nesting colony of great white pelicans, but we saw many other birds along the way, as well as some interesting non-bird animals — west African crocodiles and warthogs among them” Says Rob Kanter, as he recounts his trip to the park on the news gazette
A must visit for bird lovers as well as nature lovers. It is a place that everyone must aim to visit once in their lifetime to enjoy the beauty of nature in its best.
