Parc National de la Comoé | Bouake

The Parc National de la Comoé (Comoé National Park) is the largest protected area in West Africa, and one of the continent’s most ecologically diverse national parks. Located in northeastern Côte d’Ivoire, it spans approximately 11,500 square kilometers and lies between the towns of Bouna, Téhini, and Kong, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Ghana. It is named after the Comoé River, which runs through the park and plays a key ecological role.

1. Ecological Diversity and Landscape

What makes Comoé National Park exceptional is its wide range of habitats, which support a biodiversity not typically found together in West Africa:

Savannas (both wooded and open grasslands)

Gallery forests along rivers and streams

Dry forests

Riparian vegetation

Wetlands created by seasonal and permanent water bodies

Because of this ecological variety, the park harbors species from both savanna and forest ecosystems, making it a rare biological corridor.

2. Fauna

Comoé is a haven for wildlife, supporting:

135 species of mammals, including:

African elephants

Lions

Leopards

Buffalo

Kob antelopes, roan antelopes, hippos, bush pigs

Three species of crocodiles:

Nile crocodile

Slender-snouted crocodile (faux gavial)

Dwarf crocodile

Chimpanzees and other primates (like patas monkeys and green monkeys)

Birdlife: Over 500 species of birds have been recorded, making it one of the most important bird habitats in Africa, especially for:

Migratory birds

Wetland species

Raptors and forest dwellers

Reptiles and amphibians: More than 90 species

Fish: Over 60 species in the rivers and streams

This diversity led UNESCO to list the park as a World Heritage Site in 1983.

3. Flora

The park includes over 620 documented plant species. The varied vegetation supports plant communities from both Sudanian and Guinean zones, with forested areas around rivers and dry-adapted species in open savanna.

4. Conservation History

Created in 1968 as a national park.

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 due to its global ecological significance.

Listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger (2003–2017) due to:

Civil unrest and lack of protection during Côte d’Ivoire’s political crisis

Poaching and overgrazing by cattle

Absence of staff and proper monitoring

Removed from the danger list in 2017 after major efforts to restore and manage the park, including:

Reestablishment of ranger stations

Anti-poaching patrols

Research partnerships (notably with the University of Würzburg, Germany)

5. Tourism and Activities

Although it is not as commercially developed as some East African parks, Comoé offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience for nature lovers:

Game drives to see antelope, buffalo, warthogs, birds, and possibly elephants or lions

Boat rides on the Comoé River for bird and hippo watching

Walking safaris and nature hikes

Camping and eco-lodges, mostly in or around Bouna and Téhini

Opportunities to engage with local guides and researchers, some of whom operate educational or photographic tours

Access is seasonal and best during the dry season (November–April), when roads are passable and wildlife is easier to spot around waterholes.

6. Scientific and Cultural Importance

The park is also a center for scientific study, especially in ecology and conservation biology. It houses the Comoé Research Station, run in cooperation with international institutions. Studies have focused on:

Large mammal population dynamics

Climate impacts on biodiversity

Reforestation and ecosystem recovery post-civil war

There are also archaeological and cultural sites within the park, with evidence of ancient human occupation, traditional land use, and sacred groves still revered by local communities.

7. Visitor Considerations

Access: Most visitors reach the park from Bouna or Ferkessédougou. Roads are unpaved and require 4x4 vehicles.

Guides: Recommended, often essential. Local guides enhance safety and wildlife viewing.

Accommodation: Modest options include small lodges or campsites; few high-end lodges exist currently.

Health: Malaria precautions, yellow fever vaccination, and basic travel health measures are advised.

Summary

Parc National de la Comoé stands out as one of Africa's richest ecological zones, blending savanna and forest in a single protected area. It offers a rare, authentic safari experience away from mainstream tourism, and its revival after years of neglect is a remarkable conservation success story. While infrastructure remains modest, its wilderness, wildlife, and scientific value make it a must-visit for eco-tourists and researchers alike.