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Comoé National Park: A West African Biodiversity Hotspot

Explore West Africa's largest protected area, a UNESCO site with diverse savanna, forests, and abundant wildlife.

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Comoé National Park, the largest protected area in West Africa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and transitional habitats. The park features a diverse range of flora and fauna, including savanna, gallery forests, and riparian grasslands, offering a unique ecological experience.

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 and easier trail navigation.
  • Hire a local guide through the OIPR office in Bouna for an informative and secure park experience.
  • Bring insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water for hikes and explorations.
  • Carry local currency (CFA Francs) for entrance fees and transport, as card payments may not be accepted.
  • Respect park regulations by refraining from hunting, leaving objects behind, and entering without authorization.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

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

  • Car

    From the city center of Comoé, drive southeast on Route N1 for approximately 30 kilometers. Look for signs for Comoé National Park on the right. There is a parking area at the entrance. Entrance fee is around 5,000 CFA per person.

  • Walking

    If you are at a nearby accommodation or village close to Comoé National Park, walk towards the park entrance. Follow the main road, watching for park signs. It's roughly a 3-kilometer walk, taking about 30 to 40 minutes. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

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Discover more about Comoé National Park

Comoé National Park, located in northeastern Côte d'Ivoire, is a sprawling sanctuary encompassing approximately 11,500 square kilometers. As the largest protected area in West Africa, it stands as a crucial biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park's unique location spans the transition zone between the humid Guinea savanna and the drier Sudanian zone, resulting in a remarkable variety of habitats. The park's landscape is characterized by a mosaic of savanna formations, open woodlands, gallery forests, and riparian grasslands. The Comoé River, after which the park is named, flows through it for about 230 kilometers, sustaining diverse plant and animal life. The park boasts around 620 plant species, 135 mammal species, over 500 bird species, 35 amphibian species, and 71 reptile species. Iconic species such as elephants, chimpanzees, African wild dogs, lions, and various antelope species roam freely within its boundaries. The park also serves as a refuge for migratory birds and several crocodile species. Historically, the area was sparsely populated due to infertile soils and the prevalence of diseases like river blindness and sleeping sickness. In 1926, the area was initially protected as the “Refuge Nord de la Côte d'Ivoire,” later becoming the Réserve de Faune de Bouna. It was declared a national park in 1968 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2003, it was placed on the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger due to poaching and management issues but was removed from the list in 2017 following improvements in conservation efforts. Today, Comoé National Park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in West Africa's untamed wilderness. With diverse ecosystems and a rich tapestry of life, the park provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.

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