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Comoé National Park: A West African Biodiversity Hotspot

Explore Côte d'Ivoire's Comoé National Park: a UNESCO site with diverse savanna, forests, and abundant wildlife. A West African treasure!

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Comoé National Park, located in northeastern Côte d'Ivoire, is the largest protected area in West Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Biosphere Reserve. It boasts an exceptional biodiversity due to its range of habitats from savanna to rainforest, supporting a vast array of plant and animal species.

A brief summary to Comoé National Park

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Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (November to March) for the best wildlife viewing opportunities and more comfortable temperatures.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a safer and more informative experience exploring the park's diverse ecosystems.
  • Pack binoculars and a camera to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities within the park are limited.
  • Respect the wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and refraining from feeding the animals.
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Getting There

  • Public Transportation

    From the main taxi station in Comoé, locate a bus or shared taxi ('taxi-brousse') heading towards the park area. The fare is approximately 1,500 CFA, and the journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Inform the driver you want to stop at Comoé National Park. Upon arrival, the entrance fee is approximately 5,000 CFA.

  • Car

    From the city center of Comoé, head southeast on Route N1 for approximately 30 kilometers. Look for signs for Comoé National Park, located on the right side of the road. There is a parking area at the entrance to the park. The entrance fee is around 5,000 CFA per person.

  • Walking

    If you're already at a nearby accommodation or village close to Comoé National Park, you can opt for walking. From the nearest point, follow the main road towards the park entrance. Look out for signs indicating the direction to the park. It's roughly a 3-kilometer walk, which should take about 30 to 40 minutes. Ensure you carry water and wear comfortable shoes.

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Discover more about Comoé National Park

Comoé National Park, situated in the Zanzan District of northeastern Côte d'Ivoire, stands as a testament to the region's rich natural heritage. Spanning approximately 11,500 square kilometers, it is the largest protected area in West Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its outstanding biodiversity. The park's unique location at the intersection of different climatic zones allows it to harbor a remarkable variety of habitats, from humid Guinea savanna to dry Sudanian zones. The park's diverse landscape includes various savanna formations, gallery forests, riparian grasslands, and forest islands, creating a mosaic of ecosystems that support an exceptional array of plant and animal life. The Comoé River, which flows through the park for about 230 kilometers, is a vital water source and contributes to the area's ecological richness. The park is home to around 620 plant species, 135 mammal species, over 500 bird species, 35 amphibian species, and 71 reptile species. Notable inhabitants include elephants, chimpanzees, African wild dogs, lions, leopards, hippos, and various antelope species. The park also serves as a refuge for several threatened species and hosts a diverse range of migratory birds. Historically, the area around Comoé National Park was sparsely populated due to factors such as infertile soils, the presence of river blindness, and the prevalence of tsetse flies. In 1926, the area was initially declared a refuge and later expanded to a wildlife reserve before being officially designated as a national park in 1968. In 1983, it was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. The park faced challenges in the early 2000s due to civil unrest, leading to increased poaching and its placement on the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. However, conservation efforts have since improved, and the park was removed from the list in 2017. Today, Comoé National Park offers visitors a chance to experience West Africa's untamed beauty and observe its diverse wildlife. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the park's flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

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