What an absolutely amazing place Fathala Wildlife Reserve is, we ventured out of our Riu Hotel and traveled 4 hours to get to this place.... And we were not disappointed, everything about this place is rock star treatment but with the utmost respect for the animals on the Reserve... The moment you arrive at the hotel you are treated like royalty, through the check in process and then while being shown around your room. The whole process is very easy and everyone here is so professional and considerate. The management take the time to talk to each and every one at the hotel and it was a real pleasure to see, and that's coming from someone who doesn't like to talk. The rooms are amazing especially considering your location, in the middle of the reserve. And sitting on your verander in the afternoon looking at the animals visiting the watering hole was just breath taking. The walking with Lions experience was also truly amazing, the guides were brilliant and you could see the love they had for these lions was so sincere. There are lots of Do's and don't buy to be honest they all made sense. I would say however that there are a small number of lockers if needed before you do the walk which we weren't aware of but this didn't matter as we were only stopping down the road actually on the reserve anyway. Some may think or say it's slightly out of their price range but trust me when I say it is certainly worth stretching that little extra for, you will not be disappointed. This place is truly a 'YOU MUST VISIT' in your lifetime sort of place / experience. I have soo many photos of the 2 days spent here but this place is a must visit if you're in Senegal or Gambia, you will not be disappointed, I promise.... If you contact them they will also arrange pick up and drop off, we were 200km+ away and they managed to arrange collecting us on time and dropping us back hassle free and all paid at check out (minus the booking deposit). Honestly, trust me, this place has to be visited...
