safari music senegal

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The Playlist: Top 10 Songs to Play on an African Safari

• Ariana Ostrow
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So now you’ve seen the Lion King in 3D and you want to go to Africa.

OK, maybe that’s just me but I’m sure pretty much everyone wants to go to the big-A for some reason or another, be it for a Safari through the Serengeti, a bit of lazy beach lounging in Cape Town or some white-man-guilt-volunteering in Malawi.

You might even have started planning your trip already by selecting the countries to visit, having all the flu-shots and studying the different types of Antelopes. But we all know that in order to really get into the rhythm for a big journey such as an African safari or a European roadtrip , there’s no better way to get into the rhythm of it than with a nice n’ juicy playlist . Lucky for you, It just so happens that we have bag full of genuinely African grooves and cheesy wannabe-African pop alike to sink your tune-teeth into. But fear not dear traveller, we promise you that our playlist is completely free of any cringeworthy 90’s new age world horror!

So whether you’ve already watching the stewardess demonstrating how to put on an oxygen mask on a flight to Kenya, or if you’re just dreaming of the African sun from a grey and rainy London (like me!), this is what GrooveTraveler suggests you listen to:

Jealousy – Tony Allen Now here we get down with some seriously groovy 70’s Afrobeats by the African drummer legend Tony Allen supported by Africa 70 and Fela Kuti. This tune has you wiggling in your seat (in a good way, not the I-need-to-pee-way) with it’s irresistible rhythm.

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa – Vampire Weekend After Tony Allen this song by American Ivy league college kids might just sound wrong but think what you might of their adaptaion of Afrobeat, it’s a catchy little bugger and ever so cute and indie.

I Zimbra – Talking Heads  David Byrne of Talking heads and producer Brian Eno were really into African Music, you never would have guessed it! YouTube says that Gene Wilder was on the bongos. I’m perfectly willing to believe it.

Gentleman – Fela Kuti I got a fever, and the only prescription is more Afrobeat! This one’s a classic by the king of the genre, Fela Kuti and comes with some mean sax on top.

Heygana – Ali farka Touré A wailing desert blues to play in the Sahara when you’re parched, your head’s feeling hot, you’re seeing mirages and that lizard has started talking to you…

Sabali – Amadou & Mariam This song by the blind couple from Mali is perhaps not their most African in style, (probably due to the obvious influence of producer Damon Albarn) but it’s a favourite of mine and Pitchfork’s, so shut up!

Warm heart of Africa – The Very Best Not a far cry from our friends in Vampire Weekend but with a bit of Malawi and London in the mix. The song title is obviously perfect for our little playlist and the catchy tune will have you singing along in Chichewa (national language of Malawi) within seconds.

Synchro Feelings – King Sunny Adé and his african beats Wonderfully easy-going sun lounging music at it’s best. Just close your eyes and let the psychedelic guitar wash over you with the African breeze.

Africa – Toto You knew it was coming, the most 80’s, most cliché and the most epic of them all. Don’t fight it. Until you’ve touched the rains down in Africa you have sing along with vigour and punch the air with an overbite. Do it!

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Safary est un groupe sénégalais. Il est composé de 3 chanteuses qui font du rap, du rnb ou encore du reggae.

Le groupe est formé par Maria, Defa et Khadija. Pleines d’ambition, elles apparaissent sur la scène musicale sénégalaise en 2007.

Elles sortent le titre « Fighting » qui connaît un franc succès auprès du public dakarois.

Marie Pascale

Pole Classic

Amanie Illfated

Prophetess Beatrice

Audrey Bading M

South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA)

Sabu Jiyana and Matimba Project

Didier Delia

• ACCES Music Conference

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Africa , All Destinations

Safaris in senegal: are they worth it.

I did a few safaris in Senegal on my recent trip to the country. Here’s what I made out of them and what to expect if you go on one!

“We have one rhino, I named him Kevin”, Mamadou, our safari guide, informed us. “Hopefully we’ll see him today!”

We were on a bush drive in Fathala Wildlife Reserve, one of the most renowned safari parks in West Africa. 

But, before visiting Senegal, I didn’t know that such a place existed. Aren’t safaris more of an East or Southern Africa thing? 

Well, yes, they are – but a few nature reserves across Senegal (and in other places in West Africa) are opening up, some focusing on their own native nature, others introducing or re-introducing animals. 

Does Senegal have safaris? 

Yes, Senegal has safaris.

To clear up any confusion, let’s look at the definition of a safari. 

The Cambridge dictionary says it’s : an organized journey to look at, or sometimes hunt, wild animals, especially in Africa. 

Note: especially in Africa, not exclusively !

Technically, we have “sea safaris” near where we live on the North Cornwall coast (to look out for seals and birds, rather than giraffes and rhinos!). 

What are safaris in Senegal like? 

While Senegal does have safaris, they aren’t as “wild” as those in East Africa. 

You don’t have a vast savannah where giraffes and lions wander over – don’t expect the Great Migration! 

But what it does have are reserves of various sizes where they have re-introduced animals (rhinos, giraffe, zebra and antelope all used to live in Senegal, but they became extinct).

This is a similar set-up to national parks in South Africa, although admittedly, the South African equivalents are a lot bigger (Kruger is over 19000 km² compared to Fathala in Senegal which is 60km² – although the lesser-visited Senegalese Nikolo-Koba National Park is 9000 km²). 

I haven’t done an East African safari, so I cannot compare the two. 

But I will say that Bandia reserve, with limited tracks, felt a little more claustrophobic and “zoo-like”, whereas Fathala didn’t – it seemed like there was much more space and it felt like we were going deep into the bush on gnarly roads before we spotted some animals. 

Where to go on safari in Senegal 

The three main places to go on safari in Senegal are: Bandia Wildlife Reserve, Fathala Wildlife Reserve and Nikolo-Koba National Park.

Bandia Wildlife Reserve

Sitting equidistant from Dakar and the beaches of Senegal’s Petite Cote , Bandia Wildlife Reserve is certainly convenient. 

If you drive to the park independently, you can hop in a safari jeep for just 18, or drive your own vehicle (if it’s appropriate for the terrain) with a guide for even cheaper.

The park is famous for its guaranteed sightings of zebra, giraffe, antelope and monkeys – and almost guaranteed rhino sightings. 

But of course, this is because the safari reserve is really quite small – the smaller the area, the more likelihood you have of finding animals on safari. 

They also keep the hyenas in enclosures, as they are a natural predator. This felt quite unnatural, although as it means that the other animals in the nature reserve don’t have any natural predators, they must have quite a relaxed life!

All that said, I did very much enjoy my safari here. It was my first experience of this type of safari, I adored seeing the elegant giraffes and graceful antelope. 

If you regularly do safaris in the Kenyan savannah, you might be disappointed, but if not, I do think it’s well worth visiting the Bandia Wildlife Reserve. 

Fathala Wildlife Reserve

That said, if you only want to visit one wildlife reserve on your trip to Senegal , I’d make it Fathala . 

Fathala has everything Bandia has, but better. The tracks are more rugged, nature more raw, the animals (when you find them) more at home. 

Like in Bandia, wild animals were re-introduced to Fathala after being made extinct centuries ago. 

The land is Senegalese-owned, but the lodge is run by a South African company, who transported animals from their native country to repopulate the park.

Things to do at Fathala

Nowadays, day visitors usually embark on a two-hour game drive, trundling deep into the park to see as many animals as possible. It’s usual to see most of the large animals – although Kevin the rhino can be a little elusive (we didn’t see him on our game drive, but he was waiting for us when we got back to the lodge!). 

Lodge guests can also enjoy bush walks and mangrove boat tours.

Then there’s also the opportunity to walk with lions. We didn’t do this for a couple of reasons.  

I don’t agree with keeping lions like this; apparently, they were looked after by humans from a young age which is why they are docile. But in my opinion, they’re still wild animals, and I’d a) be too concerned about walking with them myself and b) don’t wish to support having them in captivity.

Fathala Wildlife Reserve Lodge

We stayed at the Fathala Wildlife Reserve Lodge for two nights, and it was easily one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. 

Accommodation is in a traditional safari tent, with a ridiculous amount of mod-cons (air conditioning, free-standing bath, fridge and an uber-comfy bed to name but a few!). 

As soon as I unzipped my tent, I was right in the heart of nature, with monkeys outside on the terrace and the sound of birdsong in the air. 

The tents are centered around an airy reception area, with a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. The food was top-notch; everything was prepared to perfection, with decent vegetarian options. 

Service was top-tier as well. 

Nikolo-Koba National Park

I didn’t get a chance to visit Nikolo-Koba National Park , which is right in the southeastern corner of Senegal, but it’s supposed to be the “wildest” safari experience you can get in the region. There are even lions here!

However, it’s difficult to visit without a tour. If you do want to go, I’d recommend contacting my friend Omar from OmiTours ; he’s based in The Gambia offers tours all over West Africa and would definitely be able to help you out.

Animals you might see on a Senegalese safari

So, what can you expect to see on a safari in Senegal? Look out for the following: 

We saw a few of these towering in both Bandia and Fathala. They’re incredibly graceful! 

Zebra usually move in packs, and we saw a collection of them on our game drives in both reserves. They were a little skittish of the cars, but I got some good photos.

A few different types of antelope live on the safari parks in Senegal. 

Western Giant Lord Derby Eland

This animal’s only found in Senegal and Mali! Fathala is one of only three places where they exist in the wild. 

Warthog 

We saw plenty of warthogs (aka Pumba from The Lion King) in Fathala. They’re much smaller in real life! 

West African Crocodile 

There are lots of West African crocodiles in the river in Bandia Wildlife Reserve – the viewpoint is far above – and we also saw one on our mangroves tour of Fathala. 

Unless you do the walking with lions experience, you won’t see these creatures in Bandia or Fathala. However, you might locate them in Nikolo-Koba, if you’re lucky! 

Hyenas 

Hyenas are enclosed in Bandia Wildlife Reserve and there aren’t any in Fathala. 

How to book your Senegal safari experience

Most tourists do Senegal safaris as part of a guided tour. 

There are some tours available on Viator and Get Your Guide, but they’re pricey. 

The cheapest option by far is to join a group tour from the major hotels on the Petite Cote. For example, if you stay at a TUI hotel like the Hotel RIU Baobab, you can book this tour .

If you aren’t staying at a TUI hotel, you can book with Nouvelles Frontieres who offer pick-up from other parts of the coast . 

To see Fathala, most tourists actually do day trips from The Gambia. However, I’d highly recommend spending a couple of days at the lodge ( bookable on their website ) and enjoying activities from there. 

To reach the lodge, you can take taxis, or catch various buses and sept-places to Kaolack and then connect to Toubakouta, then take a taxi to Fathala – this is what we did and it wasn’t too challenging! 

Are you ready for a Senegalese safari? 

It’s not quite the same as an East African safari, but provided you manage expectations, it’s entirely possible to see wild animals in Senegal! 

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Fathala Wildlife Reserve

Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal is an area that consists of approximately 6000 hectares of original and protected forest

Book your stay with us at Fathala Wildlife Reserve

Accommodation

Visit Fathala Lodge in Senegal to enjoy a romantic safari getaway in a luxurious tent in the shadows of the majestic African Mahogany trees

Enjoy a light lunch while lounging next to the swimming pool, sipping on ice cold cocktails from the Baobab Bar at Fathala Lodge Senegal.

Discover the top attractions, best places to visit and things to do in Senegal during your stay at Fathala Wildlife Reserve Lodge.

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Fathala Guest Reviews

Aminata t. 16. may, 2022. des moments à passer en famille. parfait pour un dépaysement total ángela sevillano 2. may, 2022. alojamiento de lujo en un entorno espectacular, único. servicio muy bueno. tours impresionantes, especialmente el paseo con los leones. muy recomendable muhammed ali (high zebra tours) 25. april, 2022. it’s a place you will definitely enjoy visiting feeling the wild and nature javier garcía mompó 25. april, 2022. la mejor experiencia de mi vida gracias a abdu, a youssouf y a todo el equipo por nuestra magnifica estancia en fathala. volveremos pronto un abrazo a todos fares dayekh 21. april, 2022. very nice experience, the only place to do safari in west africa google rating score: 4.4 of 5, based on 550 reviews, contact fathala wildlife reserve.

For any queries around Fathala Wildlife Reserve’s safari accommodation, rates or activities, simply complete the form below and our team will be in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

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Wildlife to be seen at Fathala Wildlife Reserve.

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Senegal Safari Tours & Holidays

Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in West Africa. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest.

Senegal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Africa, which is home to Dakar and Saint Louis, two dynamic cultural hubs. Senegal is also home to several diverse wildlife parks, including the Niokolo-Koba National Park, the Oiseaux du Djoudj National Park, and the Bandia Game Reserve. Senegal is known as the land of “teranga”, which is the Senegalese value of hospitality, respect, and community. Teranga is a Wolof word (one of the national languages) that encompasses the Senegalese spirit of warmth and friendliness to visitors. Visitors to Senegal are sure to experience a warm welcome on their arrival, as well as throughout their visit. The Senegalese beaches are beautiful and sandy, with rich populations of fish. Savory Senegalese food is sure to tempt your taste as well.

How to get to Senegal

Many international flights from the US and Europe flying into Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR) arrive in the middle of the night between 2:00 am and 4:00 am. Exhausted and jet-lagged, you’ll find it’s not a bad idea to have a driver waiting for you to avoid being accosted by locals offering taxi services and having to haggle over prices in French. Most hotels either have a pick-up included or can arrange one for you at an additional cost.

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Senegal

To enter Senegal, a passport valid for at least six months from entry is required for most nationals ensure you check with your embassy, You may be refused entry if no evidence of return or onward travel or proof of accommodation can be produced, Visitors to Senegal require a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries.

The health sector of Senegal

Senegal’s health system is pyramidal, with three main parts: a central level, a regional level, and a peripheral level. Health centers are at the top, with one to two medical doctors and 15-20 people as part of the health staff. Health posts are below these, with four or five health workers. But for foreign travelers may only have access to private hospitals so ensure you purchase travel insurance for traveling to Senegal in case of any emergencies

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for  Senegal

Though a yellow fever vaccine isn’t required to enter Senegal, it’s recommended, as are malaria pills and a typhoid vaccine. Using good mosquito repellent, carrying tissues (as toilet paper can be scarce in public spots), and wearing sunblock are all essential. It can also be extremely dusty during the dry season, so having allergy pills on hand can also be helpful.

Currency of  Senegal

The country uses the West African CFA franc as the legal tender. Senegal depends on economic aid from developed nations. The headquarters for the West African States’ Central Bank is based in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. But ATM machines can be found in the major towns and foreign currency can be exchanged into west African francs but you should reframe from using your credit card a lot rather than take cash with you and they should be new banknotes.

Official Language of   Senegal

In Senegal, English is taught as a second language. French is the official and colonial language used for administrative and academic purposes. However, there are several ethnic groups; therefore six different local languages are spoken in different parts of the country.

Best time to travel to Senegal

The best time of year to travel to Senegal is between November and May, during the dry season. Throughout this period, the temperature tends to be around 25 degrees Celsius. However, between June and October, precipitation is very frequent and the temperatures sometimes 30 degrees Celsius or above.

What to wear in Senegal

Senegalese women wear long sarongs; as a Western woman, it may be considered disrespectful for you to wear the native dress, so you’re better off in skirts or dresses that go to the ground. A woman may also pack long pants, as this garment is becoming more accepted for women. There is really no dressing code for men except if you’re going to visit government offices you may need to tuck in and dress more official but at the tourist sites there is really much concern

What to bring while traveling to Senegal

Pack long pants or long skirts. Choose pants that are loose-fitting and made from a lightweight fabric like cotton or linen blends, since temperatures in the inland cities can approach or surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack two or three pairs of pants or skirts that you can wear multiple times during your trip.

• Walking shoes or sandals
• Medications
• Copies of documents
• Long pants or skirts
• Long-sleeved tops

Car hire and driving in  Senegal

As infrastructure and roads aren’t great and traffic is maddening (since there are few rules), it’s best to hire a driver rather than renting a car or hopping on an over-packed bus. Prices for both guides and drivers are extremely low, and you can always try to strike a bargain.

Accommodation in Senegal

Dakar is the capital of Senegal, in West Africa. It’s an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Its traditional Médina quarter is home to the Grande Mosquée, marked by a towering minaret. The Musée Théodore Monod displays cultural artifacts including clothing, drums, carvings, and tools. The city’s vibrant nightlife is inspired by the local mbalax music and accommodation is pretty decent also in the beach sides and popular tourist attractions will have hotels in place however if you go Rural there may be no accommodation facilities available.

Local food of  Senegal

The national dish of Senegal, this boldly flavored combination of fish, rice, and vegetables simmered in tomato sauce is a hearty one-pot meal. You can make it with any fish or vegetables you have on hand, including potatoes, cassava, squash or pumpkin, and plantains.

Tipping while Travelling in Senegal

Tipping is not a common practice in Senegal. Unless the service you receive deserves extra recognition, gratuities are not warranted but at the popular tourism destinations tipping is in place, and feel free to Tip the guides or the hotel staff.

Further information for Senegal

Is a country in western Africa that is south of the  Senegal River. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west. Mauritania is to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea-Bissau and Guinea to the south and it’s one of the most visited countries in West Africa.

Safety of Senegal

One of the most common questions we hear is if Senegal is safe for travelers – yes, Senegal is safe but like any other destinations, petty  crime does happen in large crowds. Keep a lookout for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Once you get to know the locals, tourist destinations are pretty safe only travelers need to use common sense and keep their valuables with extra care.

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Pictus Safaris

Niokolo-Koba NP and Pointe-Saint-Georges, Senegal

Sensational Senegal

£4,095 per person sharing

At a Glance

Dates : April 5th - April 17th, 2024

             March 1st - March 13th, 2025

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Prices : This tour is available for £4,095 per person sharing. There is a single supplement of £250.

In a sentence : A novel safari offering species as diverse as Giant Eland and African Manatee, this is a truly unique trip and one that any serious mammal-watcher shouldn't miss!

Senegal is rarely on a list of top safari destinations but it has a huge amount to offer committed wildlife-watchers. The country's rich coastline offers opportunities to encounter the rare Atlantic Humpback Dolphin and African Manatee, the latter being essentially guaranteed. Inland, the arid north is a good bet for the shy Pale Fox, with the estuarine environment of Djoudj offering great birding opportunities. The highlight of any visit, however, must be the beautiful Niokolo-Koba National Park. Here, with a slice of luck, Lion, Leopard and even African Wild Dog can be encountered, and the remote Mount Assirik holds populations of Bush Elephant, Forest Elephant, Lord Derby's Eland and Chimpanzee.

Dakar/Kaolack

On arrival into Dakar, you will be met by your tour leader and the remainder of your group. From here, you will transfer by road the three hours' drive to Kaolack and your comfortable local hotel. After a chance to settle in, this evening we will make the short drive to the famed Kousmar Island, a haven for birders. This small island, between two branches of the Saloum River, plays host to an astonishing roost of scissor-tailed kites and lesser kestrels, often numbering over 60,000 in total. Our evening visit is planned to coincide with the impressive spectacle as these birds return to their nocturnal roosts, and the sights and sounds of this can be remarkable.

After an enjoyable evening at Kousmar, we return to our hotel for dinner and some rest.

After breakfast today, we embark on a full day's drive, taking us first east to Tambacounda and then south as we drive around the Gambia. In total, the drive today tends to take around seven hours, over very good roads, and we may spy our first mammals of the trip in Patas monkeys. Eventually, we will reach the unassuming turn off the road to Campement Wassadou, where we spend the night outside the park. As we arrive, don't be surprised to spy your first green monkeys and Guinea baboons of the tour hanging out around camp, and we may be lucky enough to spot hippo in the river below. The birding is here is superb, and African finfoot is particularly well-seen. After dinner, a night walk along the access road generally produces common genet, civet and Senegal galago, after which we return to camp.

Niokolo-Koba

This morning begins with a boat trip on the Gambia River from camp. This stretch of river not only affords good views of green monkey and Guinea baboon, but is also a birding highlight. African finfoot, Pel's fishing owl, blue-bellied roller and yellow-crowned gonolek are all possible on this relaxed sojourn on this iconic and life-giving river. After an excursion of two hours or so, we return to camp, and make the short transfer by road to the entry gate of Niokolo-Koba. Here, we will meet our local guide and open vehicle and transfer into the park.

Niokolo-Koba is a beautiful park, but it has long been neglected and poorly managed. Sadly, as a result, game densities are much lower here than in parks elsewhere on the continent, and local guiding standards are extremely low. However, some species have clung on, against all odds, and on the long drive to our stunning accommodation, which sits about two hours' drive into the park. The vast majority of this drive is through extremely arid terrain, although we may spy Defassa waterbuck, roan, warthog, red-flanked duiker, common duiker and bushbuck as we drive. The birding is also excellent, with yellow-billed shrike, stone partridge and Abyssinian ground hornbill all possible.

On arrival at the lodge, there will be a chance to settle in and, if time permits, an afternoon game drive will follow. Whilst our lodge offers unparalleled comfort by Senegalese standards, and a wonderful vista, its location sometimes does not lend itself to game-viewing, and we may have to drive some distance to the central game-viewing area of Simenti to give ourselves a chance of spotting lion, leopard and more. Lion are doing poorly here, with just half a dozen or so in this core area, so sightings are far from guaranteed - by contrast, this is the best spot for leopard in West Africa, although these secretive cats are always hard to find. Buffalo and even wild dog can be seen here too, although more common are western hartebeest, kob, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, Patas monkey, roan, green monkey, Guinea baboon, Gambian mongoose, common duiker and red-flanked duiker.

Sadly, park rules mean we will have to be back at the lodge an hour before sunset this evening. We have long lobbied park management to change this bizarre rule, and are actively working with Panthera to secure night drives as soon as possible - we cannot guarantee that permission will be granted in advance of this tour. Our lodge does have access to a nocturnal hide, but access is limited to two people for one hour each night, and sightings from this hide are limited. 

Days Four to Nine

The next six full days are dedicated to exploring this park, our favourite in Africa. Game-viewing here can be bruisingly unrewarding, and we have spent months here in the past without seeing any big game. However, with our wealth of experience in this park, we will be sure to target key areas known to produce encounters with lion, leopard, buffalo and wild dog. There can be no guarantees, but morning and afternoon drives to the key watering points around Simenti, including the Gambia River, will give us our best chance of encountering these elusive mammals, as well as the diverse birdlife of the park.

With such an extended stay, we have the opportunity to explore areas of the park not ordinarily visited. We will make a day-trip to the remote south of the park and the area around Mt Assirik. This area is particularly dry and inaccessible, and protects the very few remaining bush elephant, giant eland and chimpanzee in the park. Our chances of encountering giant eland will be greatly increased if rare permission to bivouac here is granted, and we will seek this permission immediately prior to our visit (which is the soonest we are allowed to ask!).

Each evening, we will access the nocturnal hide, and time will be set aside on most days to relax and soak in the creature comforts of our superb lodge. If clients desire, we may de-camp to the much more basic campsite on one night, where honey badger, civet and spotted hyena are commonly seen.

After a final morning game drive near the lodge, we will exit the park and return to Campement Wassadou where we overnight.

Pointe-Saint-Georges

We spend today on the road, embarking on the long drive westwards to the tiny village of Pointe Saint Georges on the Casamance River. We will arrive by late afternoon and will have time to settle in to our basic accommodation before dinner this evening.

Pointe St Georges

The full day today will be spent on the nearby beach, watching African manatee at the nearby spring. This is probably the best place to see these manatee anywhere, although the choppy and dirty water can make clear sightings difficult - the best view is usually granted when the manatees break the surface with their calves. Keep an eye out also for dolphins, both common bottlenose and Atlantic humpback, as we stake out the manatees before returning the short distance to camp.

Day Thirteen

Cap Skirring/Dakar

This morning we transfer to Cap Skirring for our hour-long flight to Dakar, where the tour ends.

Please be aware that whilst we make every effort to follow the above itinerary as closely as possible, circumstances may occasionally arise that mean the tour deviates from the itinerary.

Dates and Prices

This tour will run from March 1st to M<arch 13th, 2025. The tour is timed to maximise our chances of encountering African Manatees and the big game of Niokolo-Koba, but the weather is extremely hot.

The cost of this trip is £4,095 per person sharing, with a single supplement of £250. This excludes all drinks and lunches, but includes breakfasts and dinners. To secure a place on this tour, a deposit of £1,250 plus any single supplement must be paid.

Flights and Visas

Pictus Safaris do not offer flight booking services. However, we do recommend the use of travel comparison websites such as skyscanner.net or momondo.com to identify the best fares, and then booking with the airline directly where possible. This will reduce the likelihood of complications and fees should any issues with your booking arise.

British nationals do not require a visa to enter Senegal. Clients of other nationalities are advised to check well before travel whether they require an entry visa. ​

Weather and What to Bring

The weather in Senegal in March is very hot, with little rain and maximum temperatures of around 39 degrees Celsius. At night, temperatures will drop to around 24 degrees Celsius.

A full packing list will be circulated at least two months prior to departure. Pictus Safaris will be able to provide one extra set of binoculars and two spotlights per group, and clients are welcome to bring additional camera, videography and scope equipment should they wish to. Please note that the use of drones is not permitted in many protected areas.

Do also remember to budget for any expenses not included in the cost of the trip, including for gratuities and additional activities. All major currencies can be exchanged in Dakar.

Safety and Security

There are currently no security issues in any of the areas visited by this tour.

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iOS 18 rumors: Everything we know so far

iOS 18 , Apple's next big annual update, is expected to roll out with some major AI-powered updates .

Yes, rumors are already flying around about iOS 18, the theoretical follow-up to last year's iOS 17 update. I say "theoretical" because Apple has yet to publicly talk about it, but you can rest easy knowing it'll almost certainly come out at some point this year. And when it does, it may or may not be a total overhaul of the iOS experience (more on this later).

Here's everything we know about iOS 18 so far.

Latest iOS 18 news:

• iOS 18 rumored to bring AI to Siri, Messages, Notes in new report
• iOS 18: A mysterious new audio feature is reportedly coming to Apple Music
• Apple adds new accessibility features across the senses, including eye tracking
• Apple and OpenAI 'finalizing terms' for bringing ChatGPT to iOS 18

iOS 18 release date

Even with no confirmation from Apple, we can safely assume iOS 18 will launch in September, around the same time as the also-unconfirmed iPhone 16 .

That's because every new version of iOS launches in September, around the same time as the new iPhone. Unlike MacBooks and iPads, iOS release dates are easy to pin down.

iOS 18: Everything we know so far, including AI features

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple prognosticator, reported in January that iOS 18 will "one of the biggest" updates in iOS history. And as mentioned, AI will be at the forefront of those updates. While some of the AI features will run on-device , there will be others that will rely on cloud servers.

According to MacRumors , Apple won't be making its own chatbot. Instead, it will reportedly lean on a popular existing chatbot — and it will likely be OpenAI's ChatGPT. Speaking of assistants, let's kick this iOS 18 rumor recap off with Siri.

Siri is expected to have some AI integration that will allow it to, according to Gurman, "take command of all of the features within apps for the first time."

In other words, Siri, thanks to a new large language model (LLM) powering it, will reportedly allow the assistant to do the following:

• open individual files
• move notes to other folders
• send emails
• delete emails
• launch a specific publication in Apple News
• email a web link
• summarize articles
• transcribe voice memos

This would be a big deal because Siri is known for having its functionality limited to broader, macro-level commands (e.g., playing music playlists, controlling smart-home devices, and more). However, with this new AI-powered update, Siri can get more granular in fulfilling users' requests.

However, according to Gurman, this new-and-improved Siri is expected to hit iPhones, and by extension, iPads, some time next year.

RCS messaging standard

Aside from that, the best prediction we can make regarding iOS 18 is that texting with Android users will probably be a better experience.

That's because Apple already confirmed it will adopt the Rich Communication Services (or RCS) messaging standard starting this year.

As MacRumors pointed out, this means that the following should see improvements between iOS and Android devices:

• Wi-Fi messaging
• Read receipts
• Typing indicators
• Audio messages
• Resolution of photos and videos

We're also expecting to see improvements to group chats between iPhone and Android phones.

According to Gurman, the Messages app is expected to automatically suggest replies to texts. (The Mail app will reportedly get the same functionality.)

Plus, users may also get AI-generated emojis .

In other words, instead of being limited by the current portfolio of emoji, you can generate your own based on your conversations. It's also worth noting that we may see a new crop of emoji head to iOS 18, including a baggy eyes character.

Safari will have two standout features Intelligent Search and Web Eraser, according to Forbes .

• Intelligent Search - Based on an LLM, Safari will reportedly be able to identify key phrases and topics within a web page, according to Forbes, allowing Safari to summarize it.
• Web Eraser - An ad-blocking feature built into the Safari browser

Forbes noted that publishers may be concerned about Web Eraser because it may hinder their ad revenue.

Accessibility: Eye tracking, music haptics, and more

When it comes to accessibility features, which includes settings that better support your vision, mobility, hearing, and cognitive needs, iOS 18 is reportedly getting some enhancements.

First up is Live Speech. This perk, which lets you type what you want to say before it gets read aloud, is getting a new "Categories" feature, according to MacRumors.

With this new functionality, you'll now have the option to organize frequently used or favorite phrases into categories of your choice.

Secondly, there was a rumor that Apple is rolling out "Adaptive Voice Shortcuts," which lets you map custom phrases to a specific accessibility feature. As such, if you say a specific custom phrase, you should be able to launch the accessibility feature that you linked it to.

As it turns out, this rumor is true. On May 15, Apple rolled out a new post in Newsroom that talks about the new "Vocal Shortcuts" perk, the official name for the aforementioned feature.

However, one of the most mind-blowing features is eye tracking.

Yes you read correctly: eye tracking. In other words, users will now have a way to control their iPhone with their eyes. This feature is powered by AI and is designed for users with disabilities. "Eye tracking uses the front-facing camera to set up and calibrate in seconds," Apple said.

It's worth noting that this feature uses on-device machine learning, so your data is kept secure — and not shared with Apple.

Apple is also introducing something called "Music Haptics" to iOS 18.

For users who are hard of hearing, Music Haptics add taps, textures, and vibrations that coincide with the audio, allowing users to experience music in an elevated, new way.

According to MacRumors , iOS 18 will bring two new features to Apple Maps:

• Custom routes
• Topographic maps

Custom routes allows users to select roads of their choice before navigating from point A to point B, a feature Google Maps already supports.

Topographic maps, which already debuted on Apple Watch via watchOS 10, allow users to see maps with more detail, including contour lines, trails, elevation, and more.

To compete with the likes of Samsung and Google with their glitzy photo-editing features, Apple will unleash some AI-based editing perks.

However, Gurman warns that Apple fans should temper their expectations: "None of these features will impress people who have used AI in Adobe Inc.'s apps for the last several months," he said.

According to an exclusive from AppleInsider , the Notes app will have two new features in iOS 18:

• Built-in audio recording support
• "Math Notes," a feature that leverages Apple Calculator

Diving a little deeper into these new features, the Notes app in iOS 18 is reportedly getting an audio recording perk in the app. Users will likely have the option to add images and texts to these voice notes. For example, a student can record a lecture and add screenshots of their lecture to the audio capture.

There's also an alleged new "Math Notes" feature. "The update is likely to usher in support for displaying mathematic notation, an essential shorthand for academic, science, and engineering applications," AppleInsider said.

More customizable Home Screens

Historically, Apple hasn't really let iPhone Home Screen customization roam free, aside from giving users the ability to move icons around. But according to MacRumors , Apple could roll out a Home Screen refresh with iOS 18 , with users reportedly to be given more freedom with icon arrangement — and per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, more customization could also be coming for Lock Screens too.

AirPods 'hearing aid mode'

Alongside the release of iOS 18, Gurman claims that the AirPods Pro will get a new "hearing aid mode."

Keep in mind that the AirPods Pro already have a Conversation Boost feature, which increases the clarity of speakers directly in front of the user. However, what Apple has planned for its earbuds is reportedly a slight upgrade.

iOS 18 is expected to be revealed at WWDC 2024 in June. Stay tuned for Mashable's coverage on the highly anticipated Apple event.

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Apple Devices User Guide

• Syncing overview
• Sync your content between devices
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Sync your Windows computer and iPhone, iPad, or iPod

You can select the information you want to sync from your Windows computer to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. You can sync all items of a specific type (for example, all your movies or photos). Or you can select specific items (for example, some of your movies and some of your books), which gives you more control over which files are synced.

After you select the content you want to sync, the items are updated whenever you sync your Windows computer to your Apple device.

When you set up syncing, you must connect your Apple device to your Windows computer using a USB or USB-C cable. After you connect the device, its icon appears in the sidebar, and selecting the icon displays syncing options. You then select which items to sync.

Sync all items of a content type

Connect your Apple device to your Windows computer.

You can connect your device using a USB or USB-C cable.

If you connect your device to your Windows computer using a USB or USB-C cable and don’t see the device in the sidebar, see If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod doesn’t appear in the sidebar .

Select the type of content you want to sync in the sidebar.

You must have the Apple TV app on your Windows computer in order to sync TV shows and movies, and the Apple Music app in order to sync music.

Note: If you use iCloud Photos and Apple Music, when you select Music or Photos, no options appear for syncing. Your photos and music are synced automatically using iCloud.

Select the “Sync [ content type ] onto [ device name ]” checkbox to turn on syncing for that type of item. For example, select the “Sync movies onto [ device name ]” checkbox to sync your movies.

With the checkbox selected, syncing is set to transfer all items of that type to your device.

You can also set up syncing to save storage space. See Save storage space when syncing .

Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each type of content you want to sync.

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If you want to sync individual items instead of all items of a content type, see the following:

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Sync photos to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

Sync files to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Air's Moon Safari is an era-defining French album worth celebrating, 25 years on

There's no telling how many special moments have been soundtracked by Moon Safari, the acclaimed 1998 debut album from French duo Air.

An era-defining record of pristine, space-age lounge music delivered with cinematic atmosphere and a distinctively French je ne se quios , Moon Safari was a universal critical and commercial success upon release.

The lush easy-listening music was perfectly suited to post-club comedowns, hip cafes, and make-out sessions: smooth and dreamy enough to be played in the background, but singular and masterfully crafted enough to reward close listening.

It proved highly influential, too. But the wave of mellow, down tempo imitators and 'chill out' CD compilations it spawned struggled to surpass Air's chic, exquisitely woozy beauty.

'It was not meant to be played live'

Jean-Benoît Dunckel, one half of Air alongside Nicolas Godin, never expected Moon Safari's enduring success.

"We never imagined this album could work that way worldwide," he tells Karen Leng on Double J Lunch. 

"It took time, it took decades, [but] the success is not by us, the audience made [it]."

This year, the duo has been playing Moon Safari in full around the world on their first tour in seven years, including Australia.

"It was not made to be played live," says Dunckel. 

"We had to adapt it for the live [setting]. That is what the people want to get — this special feeling they heard the first time… to live again these feelings."

Having played two nights at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Live , Air will live-stream their show at London's Royal Albert Hall this weekend.

"It's a beautiful venue," says Dunckel, who is keen to preserve a pristine performance of the album online for future access.

"It's really important to do that because… people can also discover the band live. Some people appreciate the live versions more than the recorded versions."

Performing as a trio, alongside drummer Louis Delorme, Air play inside an oblong box adorned with dazzling lights and visuals, which morph from swathes of minimalist colour to the perspective of a spaceship enjoying interstellar travel.

"We play in a box of light. It looks a bit like the studio on the cover of 10 000 Hz Legend," says Dunckel, referencing the band's second studio album — a weirder, wilder reaction to Moon Safari.

"It could be a home, it could be our world, our head, our architectural concept. It helps for people to enter into a world… people like [that] intimacy."

Dunckel says people often ask: "Are you not bored to play these songs you play for 20 years now?"

"Sometimes I struggle — because you have to concentrate, and you have to play. But I'm never bored. It's always a pleasure."

Moon Safari is a product of its era, but it's also aged beautifully.

It's an evocative listening experience, from the moment lengthy opener 'La femme d'argent' ushers you in with the sounds of water and slinky bassline, through to the weightless pop and robot-voiced melodies of 'Kelly Watch The Stars' and 'New Star in the Sky'.

In 1998, its retro-futuristic arrangements already sounded timeless. 25 years later, its ability to transport your mind and imagination elsewhere hasn't dated one iota.

"It could be a journey, a love story," remarks Dunckel. "That's why we're really attached to it. I think the audience is searching for that, too.

"It helps human relationships in every way," adds Dunckel. Over the years, Air fans have shared "so many stories" of what the album means to them.

"Most of the time it's for love. It's always, 'I met my girlfriend or wife this time'."

Back in 1998, Dunckel told triple j that while hiking in Iceland, his guide revealed Moon Safari was his love-making soundtrack.

There's "probably" plenty of babies in the world with some of the album's DNA in them since, Dunckel estimates of a new generation discovering Air for the first time.

"As we are getting old now, it's becoming that people say, 'oh yeah, my parents were listening to Moon Safari when we were travelling in a car; this family time'."

Sexy Boy, the surprising queer anthem

For many, debut single 'Sexy Boy' was their first introduction to Air. A seductive slice of synth-pop that brought vocoder back to the pop charts and sung in both French and English.

It's a seemingly simple song but Dunckel notes there's "a lot of tolerance and freedom" embedded in it.

"Sexy Boy, first of all, is a strange title because it breaks a certain taboo. The taboo is that heterosexual boys can check out other boys," he explains.

"Also, it became a gay slogan in a way. A gay anthem."

The song took on a new meaning in late 90s Paris when the electronic music scene's wider acceptance of the LGTBQI+ community led to more club and techno nights dedicated to queer punters and DJs emerging.

"There was a lot of gay parties," says Dunckel. "Homosexuality is everywhere in the world, and it's always existed, always there. So, it was important to liberate this movement."

Originally, the song's titular phrase was inspired by Parisian fashion culture.

"People are checking each other out all the time… In Paris, when a couple is meeting another couple, the girl is not going to check out the boy. She's going to check out the other girl: analyse what she wears, how she behaves, what is the fashion or type of the boyfriend.

"Sexy Boy is speaking about that. The fact a man wants to be a pretty man and he is checking [out] other boys."

A popular soundtrack choice, featured in teen rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You and noughties TV drama Queer As Folk, 'Sexy Boy' is also a testament to youth.

The French verses are "celebrating that golden age of being young," Dunckel explains.

"When you're young you don't realise you're at the top of your life. You have a lot of power, actually… because you're beautiful. Your skin, hair, you feel great, you have a lot of energy."

The makings of a classic

Despite its iconic status, Moon Safari was actually the last roll of the dice for Dunckel and Godin.

Raised in the conservative suburb of Versailles, the pair began making music together after meeting at school. But after having their demo tapes rejected by every record label they approached, they quit music and instead focused on their studies.

Each had established careers — Godin in architecture, Dunckel in mathematics — when an opportunity presented itself in a close friend landing a role with Virgin Records imprint Source.

They landed a deal with the label but ditching their jobs for a full-time career in music to support their burgeoning families was a gamble.

"We were 26 years old. We were not sure we come be musicians for the rest of our life," remembers Dunckel. "I was already working [as] a physics teacher… I had a baby."

Thankfully, their risk was rewarded when their debut album became a breakout international hit. Air was swiftly lumped alongside a fresh wave of Parisian artists reinventing the electronic music scene in the late 90s.

Dubbed French touch, the movement included Cassius, St. Germain, Étienne de Crécy, and Daft Punk, who recorded their breakout 1997 album Homework down the street from where Air made Moon Safari.

"There was a kind of energy circulating all over Paris," recalls Dunckel. "Paris is kind of small; all the media, artists and business part of it [were] working all together."

The worlds of music, fashion, contemporary art, cinema — "everything was mixed," Dunckel says.

"At this time, new generations of young people coming from the suburbs are even inside Paris and mixing all these rich, futuristic concepts together with new machines, samplers, computer programs to make music."

A fond farewell to youth

Despite being poster boys for the future of French music, Moon Safari was an evocative, nostalgia-drenched ode to Dunckel and Godin's past.

"In a way it was the end of my youth… That's why the songs [on Moon Safari], there are a lot of regrets and it's a goodbye to our youth and the innocence of it.

"It's full of vibrations from teenage times."

Although labelled an electronic act, Air's music wasn't rooted in beats and house music. Instead, they armed themselves with analogue Moog and Korg synthesizers, vintage drum machines, vocoders and the trusty Rhodes piano.

The resulting compositions bore the esprit of Serge Gainsbourg, electronic pioneers like Jean-Michel Jarre, and the 1970s film and TV soundtracks of Dunckel's childhood.

There's a fondness for the psychedelic grandeur of Pink Floyd and ELO. But also, Burt Bacharach arrangements, particularly in the wistful French horn topline of ''Ce matin là' (This morning) and the easy-going 'You Make It Easy' and 'All I Need', both featuring the lyrics and vocals of Godin's then-neighbour, Beth Hirsch.

From its lush, otherworldly sounds right down to its title, Moon Safari gives rise to cosmic ideas and conducive to escapism. That spirit is central to Air's entire ethos.

"I think music exists in paradise and you can feel this [album] is in a strange interface between our world and something else."

Such ephemeral expressions might be surprising coming from a former physics teacher, but Dunckel says "both sides of your brain help" when it comes to making emotive art.

"There is a mathematic aspect of music, that analyses and helps you perform and conceive music. But there is something else happening, your heart is talking.

"As a musician you're organising the vibrations of your heart and the feelings into music… vibrations travelling into space and air."

"When I do a song, it's all about 'what do I feel?'" Dunckel concludes.

"For me, good means it affects me. No good means I don't feel anything… if it affects me, it's going to affect others, too. They're going to feel the feelings I do, too."

Air live-stream their performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 1 June. Details here .

Hear Karen Leng hosting  Lunch on Double J from midday Monday to Thursday.

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