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Safaris in Niokolo-Koba National Park
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Niokolo-Koba National Park guide
Overview
Niokolo-Koba National Park in southeastern Senegal is the country’s largest protected area, covering about 9,130 km² of savannah, gallery forest and wetland along the Gambia River and its tributaries. Declared a national park in 1954, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
The park was placed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger in 2007, after severe poaching. Following years of conservation work it was removed from that list in 2024.
Wildlife
Niokolo-Koba is one of the few places in West Africa where chimpanzees live in savannah woodland. The park also protects a small population of West African lions, the western giant (Derby) eland, hippo, buffalo, roan antelope, kob, warthog and several primate species. Elephant are very rare. More than 300 bird species have been recorded.
Key wildlife
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: Feb–May. Also good: Dec–Jan.
Peak Good Quieter
The dry season, from about December to May, is best, when tracks are passable and animals gather near the rivers. In the rainy season, from about July to October, many tracks become impassable. Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention.
Getting There
International flights arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) near Dakar. The park is a long drive to the southeast via Tambacounda, with the main entrance at Dar Salam. An official guide is required.
Fees & Access
Entrance fees
Regional tourism sources report an entry fee of about FCFA 5,000 per foreign visitor per day (FCFA 3,000 for Senegalese nationals), plus about FCFA 10,000 per vehicle per day and FCFA 10,000 per day for the compulsory official guide. Payment is in cash at the Dar Salam entrance.
We have not been able to confirm these figures on an official park tariff, so check current rates before you travel.
Gate hours
Confirm with the park authority before travel
Health
Malaria risk: High. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.
Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.
Safety and Advisories
Check your own government’s current travel advisory for Senegal before making any plans, as advice for areas near the country’s borders can change. We do not give travel advice beyond what official advisories say.
Location
Where is Niokolo-Koba National Park?
Good to know
Niokolo-Koba National Park FAQs
How much does it cost to enter Niokolo-Koba?
Regional tourism sources report about FCFA 5,000 per foreign visitor per day, plus vehicle and compulsory guide fees of about FCFA 10,000 each per day. Confirm current rates before you travel.
Do you need a guide in Niokolo-Koba?
Yes. An official guide is required and is paid per day.
What wildlife can you see in Niokolo-Koba?
The park protects savannah chimpanzees, a small population of West African lions, Derby eland, hippo, buffalo, roan antelope and kob. More than 300 bird species have been recorded.
When is the best time to visit Niokolo-Koba?
The dry season from about December to May is best. Many tracks become impassable in the rains, from about July to October.
Is it safe to visit Niokolo-Koba?
We do not give travel advice beyond what official advisories say. Check your own government’s current travel advisory for Senegal before making any plans, and follow it.
Is Niokolo-Koba still on the World Heritage in Danger list?
No. It was placed on the list in 2007 and removed in 2024 after years of conservation work.
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