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National Parks
There are six national parks and four reserves in Senegal. The best time for visiting is usually between October and April. The Senegalese Ministry of Tourism advocates a strict nature preservation policy which invites tourists to respect the natural habitat. Accommodation is available, mostly in the form of campements or lodges. For further information, contact the Ministère de la Culture, du Tourisme et des Loisirs (see Contact Addresses section).
Parc National de Niokolo Koba: Occupying a total of 903,150 hectares (2,230,000 acres) and situated in the southeast, this is one of West Africa’s greatest reserves for large mammals. The park stretches over two geographical areas: the Sudanese savannah and the Guinea forest. Over 84 species live here, including Africa’s largest lions, elephants, panthers, crocodiles, a variety of antelopes and over 300 species of birds. Niokolo Koba can be reached by air (with a flight to Simenti and, from there, a two-hour drive); by road (from Dakar to Tambacounda on the RN1 and from there to the park on the RN7); or by train (two weekly trains from Dakar to Tambacounda). Visitors are not allowed to explore the park on foot. The park headquarters are in Tambacounda.
Parc National des Oiseaux de Djoudj: Situated in the northeast, 60km (37 miles) from St Louis, at the southern edge of the Sahara, this beautiful park has 40,000 acres of water stretches and is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world. Its position makes it a favoured gathering place for migrating birds and a number of previously unknown bird species have recently been observed. Numerous organised tours are available from St Louis. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Parc National de Basse Casamance: This park is 60km (38 miles) from Ziguinchor in the extreme south of the country, and extends over some 4920 hectares (12,300) acres of forest and mangroves. Situated in a very rainy region, the park benefits from the luxuriance of the Guinea forest with its kapok trees, oil palms and imposing parinarias. Basse Casamance is famous for its tropical vegetation and variety of wildlife, including the Derry Eland and Buffoon Cob antelope, as well as many species of monkeys. It can be reached by plane or car from Dakar. The park headquarters are in Oussouye.
Parc National Langue de Barbarie: A narrow strip of sandy lands between the Atlantic and the River Senegal, this park is a refuge for birds and sea tortoises who come here to breed. Boat trips from St Louis are available.
Parc National du Delta du Saloum: Situated in the Saloum delta, 80km (50 miles) east of Kaolack, and extending over 72,000 hectares (180,000 acres). The landscape is characterised by small islands, sand dunes and swamps providing a perfect habitat for hundreds of bird species, including pelicans, storks and pink flamingoes.
Parc National de l’Île de la Madeleine: Situated west of Dakar, 3km (1.7 miles) from the coast, this small archipelago is a protected marine park of approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres). The rocky nature of the archipelago, thought to be of volcanic origins, has favoured the establishment of numerous colonies of sea birds.
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