Comoé National Park

Comoé National Park is a protected area in northeastern Ivory Coast that conserves a mosaic of savanna, gallery forest and wetlands. It is one of the larger conservation areas in West Africa and is noted for biodiversity across seasonal habitats.

The park is valued for wildlife viewing across different ecosystems, with river channels and gallery forests producing high bird diversity and seasonal concentrations of large mammals. Expect variable conditions between the dry and wet seasons that strongly affect where animals concentrate.

The area was set aside for conservation by the Ivorian government to protect its wildlife and landscape; management has focused on balancing protection with local land uses. Over time the park’s accessibility and on-the-ground conservation activities have varied with national conditions.

The park sits in the Zanzan region of northeastern Ivory Coast, inland from the country’s southern coast and within the upper catchment area of regional rivers. The nearest major population centers are several hours’ drive to the southwest in central Ivory Coast.

• Habitat diversity: Located in the northeast of the country, it contains a mix of savanna, gallery forest and riverine habitats that support a wide range of wildlife.

• Plan safari or vehicle-based wildlife excursions during the dry season (roughly November-April) when animals concentrate at water sources and dirt tracks are passable; many roads become impassable in the rains.
• Arrange your visit through park authorities or accredited guides - Comoé is large and remote, and knowledgeable guides are essential to reach productive sectors and to comply with park regulations.
• Birdwatchers and photographers should focus on gallery forests and waterholes in the park's southern sectors, which are often overlooked by general safari routes.