Family Adventure in Niokolo-Koba National Park

Finding Peace in the Wilds of Niokolo-Koba

Today was a day of gentle exploration and quiet reflection within the vast expanse of Niokolo-Koba National Park. It's amazing how quickly the rhythm of the savanna seeps into your soul, replacing the hustle of Brampton with the serene pulse of nature. Moses, Hope and I started our day with the simple goal of soaking in the park’s less-trodden paths, and it turned out to be a truly rewarding experience.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant kaba et frère. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and local Senegalese bread was the perfect way to kickstart our adventures. It reminded me of the breakfasts back home, though with a distinct West African twist. The kids were particularly excited about the sweet, fried dough, a local delicacy that Hope quickly declared her new favorite. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off to explore Sit de min.


Discover the serene beauty of Sit de Min Park in Maniankanti, a tranquil retreat perfect for relaxation, walks, and reconnecting with nature.
Sit de min was a revelation. The area exuded tranquility, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. We spent a couple of hours simply wandering, listening to the sounds of the birds and the rustling of leaves. It was a welcome contrast to the more strenuous hikes we've done earlier in the week. I took the time to sketch in my travel journal, trying to capture the essence of the place – the golden light filtering through the trees, the gentle breeze, and the feeling of utter peace. Moses, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the local flora, pointing out various plants and their traditional uses. Hope, meanwhile, was busy snapping photos, determined to document every detail for her Instagram.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Next on our itinerary was Dademayo, another hidden gem within the park.


Explore Dademayo Park in Kedougou, a serene oasis filled with lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife, perfect for relaxation and nature exploration.
Dademayo offered a different perspective, with its unique rock formations and diverse plant life. We encountered a group of local children playing near a small stream, their laughter echoing through the trees. It was a heartwarming reminder of the simple joys in life, something we often overlook in our busy lives back in Canada. We joined them for a few minutes, sharing stories and laughter, bridging the gap between cultures with simple human connection. I even taught them a few words in Luganda, much to their amusement.

Lunch was at Restaurant Mandingue, a charming little spot that served traditional Senegalese cuisine.


Discover the authentic flavors of Senegal at Restaurant Mandingue, where traditional cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere in N7.
I opted for the *thieboudienne*, a flavorful rice dish with fish and vegetables, while Moses went for the *yassa*, a chicken dish marinated in lemon and onions. Hope, always the adventurous one, tried the *mafé*, a hearty stew made with peanut sauce. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It felt like we were dining in someone's home, surrounded by the comforting smells of home-cooked food and the sounds of friendly chatter. It was a far cry from the fast-food chains back in Brampton, and I savored every moment.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we made our way to Black And White, a local bar known for its lively atmosphere.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Black And White in Kedougou, where local flavors and lively ambiance create the perfect dining experience.
I decided to try a local Gazelle beer while Moses enjoyed a glass of bissap juice, made from hibiscus flowers. Hope stuck to her usual Coca-Cola, ever the creature of habit. The bar was filled with locals and tourists alike, all mingling and sharing stories. A local band was playing traditional Senegalese music, and soon, everyone was dancing and singing along. It was a joyous celebration of life and community, and we were swept up in the energy. Even Moses, who usually shies away from dancing, found himself tapping his feet to the rhythm.

Dinner was at impérial Bar, brasserie et restaurent.


Discover delicious Senegalese cuisine in a vibrant setting at L'Impérial Bar & Brasserie in Dakar's historic Independence Square.
The restaurant had a relaxed ambiance, and the menu featured a mix of local and international dishes. I ordered grilled fish, while Moses chose a steak. Hope, predictably, went for the pasta. The food was good, but the company was even better. We spent the evening reminiscing about our adventures in Niokolo-Koba, laughing at our mishaps and marveling at the beauty of the park. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Today was a gentle reminder that travel isn't always about ticking off famous landmarks or rushing from one attraction to another. Sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are found in the quiet moments, in the simple interactions with locals, and in the appreciation of the natural world around us. It was a day to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with each other and with nature. It reminded me of the importance of slowing down and savoring the present moment, a lesson I often forget in the chaos of daily life.

As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel grateful for this opportunity to share this experience with my family. It's moments like these that strengthen our bonds and create memories that will last a lifetime. I am reminded of the importance of these trips, and the value they bring to our family. As immigrants in Canada, it is important for us to stay connected to our roots, to share our heritage with our daughter, and to create new memories together.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to venture towards Bassari Country and Fathala [i]. I've heard wonderful things about the cultural richness of Bassari Country, and I'm eager to learn more about the local traditions and way of life. Fathala, on the other hand, promises more wildlife encounters, and I'm particularly excited about the possibility of seeing some of the park's elusive chimpanzees. We'll start our day with breakfast at Le Cabanon Dakar [i], followed by lunch at corid'or [i]. Dinner will be at Restaurant Nigérian Kédougou [i], which I am particularly excited about. Before heading back to camp, we plan to visit BOUTIQUE DE YAYE KABA [i] to pick up some souvenirs for our friends back home. I am already anticipating the adventures that await us, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share them with my family. It feels good to be disconnected from the world, and connected with my family. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Niokolo-Koba continues to surprise and delight us, revealing its subtle charms one day at a time. It's a place that stays with you, long after you've left its borders. I feel incredibly fortunate to be experiencing this with Moses and Hope. As we prepare for our final days in this remarkable park, I am reminded of the importance of these adventures, and the opportunity to share them with my family. I am grateful for the chance to disconnect from the world, and reconnect with each other and with nature. I look forward to the memories we will create in the days to come, and the lessons we will learn from this experience.

I am also grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with you, my readers. I hope that my words have inspired you to explore the world, to connect with different cultures, and to appreciate the beauty of nature. Asante sana, and until tomorrow!