National Parks in Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast has several protected areas spread all over the entire territory. The Ivorian fauna and flora present a particular richness, with many unique animal and plant species.
The Comoé National Park
Located in Bouna, about 570 km from Abidjan, the Comoé National Park was created in 1968 as a wildlife reserve (“Bouna Reserve”) and later became a national park. It covers an area of 1,150,000 hectares and is today one of the oldest and most important parks in Côte d’Ivoire. With 500 km of graded trails, the fauna is made up of Elephants, Buffalo, Cobe Buffon, Lions, Hippopotamus, Cynocephals, several varieties of birds and many other animal and plant species.
The Azagny National Park
Located at 100 km from Abidjan, the Azagny National Park was created in 1981 and covers an area of 19,400 hectares. Surrounded by nearly 60% of water, the flora consists essentially of swampy savannah. The national park is home to elephants, bush pigs, buffaloes, monkeys (Chimpanzee Islands), several species of birds, and several species of trees.
The Abokouamékro national park
It was created in 1986, an initiative of late President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, for the development of tourism. The Abokouamékro Wildlife Park covers an area of 20,430 hectares of which 7,230 hectares has been viabilised for tourist visits. The reserve is home to rhinoceroses, buffaloes, hartebeests, antelopes, buffalo kob, and many other animal species. The Abokouamékro Wildlife Reserve is a vital factor for tourism development in the region.
The Banco National Park
Found in the heart of the city of Abidjan, the Banco National Park was created in 1953 and covers a surface area of about 3000 hectares. It is an example of a virgin forest with rare species of plants and animals. The Banco National Park is the harbour of several species of primates and birds.
The marine park of the Ehotilés Islands
Located in the south-east of the country near Assinie, the marine park was created in 1974, it covers a total area of 500 hectares and consists of a group of 6 islands. The park’s wildlife is diverse. Indeed, the mangrove creates a nutritive system essential for the reproduction of numerous aquatic species. Like all coastal wetlands, the Ehotile Islands National Park is home to a remarkable birdlife. There were 128 bird species in 35 families and most of these are aquatic species, with migratory species added in the dry season. The park is also home to forest-specific mammals such as duikers, bush pigs and rodents. In addition to these animals, the park is home to two species that give it its
originality: bats and manatees.
The Marahoué National Park
Located in the center – west of the country in the region of Bouaflé, the Marahoué National Park was created in 1956 as a wildlife reserve and was established as a national park in 1968. It covers an area of 101.000 hectares and it is perfectly equipped to welcome visitors and offers a quality environment. Endowed with several watchtowers, the park is home to crocodiles, buffaloes, hippos, elephants, bongos, buffalo, cynocephalus and many other animals that you will discover.
The Mount Peko National Park
Located in the western part of Côte d’Ivoire, specifically in the region of Guémon, the Mount Péko National Park was created in 1968 and covers an area of 34,000 hectares. Mount Peko culminates at an altitude of 1000 m. The Mount Peko National Park is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is composed of elephants, panthers, buffaloes, duikers, and monkeys.
Mount Sangbe National Park
Located in the west part of the country not, far from Biankouma, Mont Sangbé National Park was created in 1976 and covers an area of 95,000 hectares. It has an exceptional fauna, rich and diversified, composed among others of rare species. It is home to elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippopotamuses, antelopes, monkeys and many more. The national park is located in a mountainous area with 14 peaks at more than 1,000m with breathtaking scenery.
The Tai National Park
Found in the southwest of the country, the TAI National Park was created in 1973. It covers an area of 350 000 hectares and it derives its name from the city of TAI. The Tai National Park has been a Biosphere Reserve since 1978 and has been listed as World Heritage by UNESCO since 1981. It has nearly 140 species of mammals, including 12 endemic species, 240 species of birds and many species of insects, 1800 plant species including 138 endemic species. This park is endowed with extraordinary flora and fauna. It is home to pygmy hippos, elephants, red colobus, forest buffaloes and a wide variety of primates.
Natural reserves
In addition to national parks, Côte d’Ivoire also has several wildlife reserves, several hunting areas and zoos in which many animal and plant species are represented. You will discover the splendid fauna and flora of Ivory Coast.
