Ferlo Desert, Natural region and biosphere reserve in northern Senegal
Ferlo is a flat, semi-arid lowland in northern Senegal that covers a large part of the country's interior, marked by sparse savanna vegetation and occasional dunes. A network of boreholes drilled across the region supplies water and makes it one of the main pastoral zones in the country, as well as a recognized UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Pastoral peoples have moved through this land for centuries, following the rains with their herds across the open savanna. The severe droughts of the 1970s and 1980s forced many communities to abandon traditional routes, permanently changing how the land was used.
The Fula herders who cross these plains follow routes shaped by water points that have been known for generations. Their seasonal camps, made of light materials, appear and disappear depending on the rains, giving the land a rhythm that changes throughout the year.
The region can be visited at any time of year, but the dry season brings intense heat that requires good preparation. A sturdy vehicle is needed to move across the terrain, and travelers should carry enough water and supplies since shops and services are rare outside the main towns.
Within this region lie two wildlife reserves, Ferlo Nord and Ferlo Sud, that were set up in the early 1970s and remain largely off the radar for most travelers. These reserves shelter species that have disappeared from most other parts of Senegal, making them a rare place to see wildlife in its natural setting.
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