This past weekend we journeyed North to Saint Louis – the first French settlement in Africa (named after the French King Louis XIV) and Senegal’s former capital. It once was a busy port and centre for the trade of goods and slaves and today remains a thriving fishing community. Several wildlife reserves lie within an easy day’s travel from Saint Louis of which we only had time to visit the Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj – a world famous bird sanctuary. The park attracts many bird species as it is the first place with permanent water south of the Sahara. Apparently, around 3 million birds of more than 350 species pass through this park annually and one can typically see vast colonies of pelicans and flamingos. The best way to see the park is to take a ride on a "pirogue"- a long thin wooden boat. The ideal time to visit the park is between 11-12 noon when the pelicans return from fishing en masse. Unfortunately, we had to be there quite early but there were still plenty of pelicans and other birds to see. (bird pics later)
Pictures on the drive to Saint Louis...
1 comment:
Hey Tammy, just updating myself on your progress. First you made it safe and sound now just need to get settled. I had to laugh and no that is not safe at all. You are too funny. I was thinking about you today I was telling my Aunt (she is a nurse) about what you are doing so I thought I would check out your blog. Same old same old here-but spring is here already and we are losing the snow quickly. When you miss the snow let us know and we will send pictures
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