Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj is one of the world’s major bird reserves. It is located about 60 kilometres north of Saint-Louis on the Senegal River. The park extends over 12,000 hectares, which includes part of the river, many channels, lakes, basins, and marshes, as well as surrounding zones of savannah.

It has a permanent water level, which attracts many species of bird. Migrating birds, particularly waterfowl, return from Europe in large numbers each winter. Each year, an estimated three million birds visit the park, where more than 400 species have been counted.

If you are visiting the nearby city of St. Louis, include an additional night to include this park. Its main appeal is the bird life - 180 species, including crested cranes, pink flamingos and pelicans - but about 20 different animals, as well as the Arabic outarde and the redheaded gazelle, too. 

If you get there before dusk, you can observe the return of a million or more birds from their feeding grounds. The whir of these birds as they go by low over your head is memorable. It is prohibited to enter the park without hiring a guide. The most excellent time to visit the park is November-March, when the maximum numbers of birds are in the park. You can explore the park by canoe, camel, car or horseback.