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Garoa larrañeta CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

Park

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park in the Central African Republic covers savannah and seasonal wetlands supporting elephants, antelopes and migratory birds-visited by researchers and adventurous wildlife tours.

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Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park essentials

Address: Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic - Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture
Hours: Access by permit only and subject to security conditions
Admission: Park entry and safari fees vary; permits may be required for scientific work
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About Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is a large protected area in the northern Central African Republic covering savanna, floodplain and gallery forest habitats. It was recognised for its importance to regional biodiversity and populations of large mammals.

Historically the park supported significant populations of elephants, buffalo, antelopes and other characteristic savanna species and was noted for its mosaic of open plains and riverine woodlands. In the late 20th century it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for these values.

Since inscription the park has experienced severe pressures from poaching and armed conflict that have reduced wildlife numbers and degraded management capacity; these problems led to its listing as a World Heritage Site in Danger. Conservation efforts have been constrained by security and governance challenges.

The reserve lies in the Bamingui-Bangoran area of northeastern Central African Republic, occupying remote savanna landscapes with seasonal rivers and floodplains.

  • UNESCO status: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its biodiversity values and later placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger because of poaching, armed conflict and a breakdown in management capacity.
  • Access and security: Security and conservation issues have limited access and wildlife populations have declined in recent decades, so visits require official permission and up-to-date security information.

What to See#

  • Manovo-Gounda sector: The Manovo-Gounda sector, a broad savanna plain and riverine areas that historically supported high densities of large mammals.
  • St. Floris sector: The St. Floris sector, comprising wooded savanna and gallery forest patches with seasonal wildlife concentrations and floodplain habitats.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

Dry season offers safer access and better wildlife visibility; travel requires up-to-date security clearance.

Dry season
December-March · 20-35°C
Easier access and clearer wildlife viewing along water sources.
Wet season
May-October · 22-30°C
Flooded plains and increased tsetse activity; many roads become impassable.

Weather & Climate near Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

Climate

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1120 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 91 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
45°
Warmest Month
11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 17° - 35° 26° 1 mm mostly sunny 30% 1.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.6h
February Ideal 19° - 37° 28° 5 mm some cloud 27% 2.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Excellent 21° - 36° 29° 25 mm partly cloudy 39% 2.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 22° - 35° 29° 56 mm partly cloudy 54% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
May Good 21° - 33° 27° 125 mm partly cloudy 66% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
June Very Good 21° - 31° 26° 147 mm partly cloudy 74% 1.5 m/s 2.0 very high 12.5h
July Good 20° - 29° 25° 196 mm overcast 79% 1.3 m/s 1.9 very high 12.4h
August Good 21° - 29° 25° 218 mm overcast 83% 1.2 m/s 1.9 very high 12.3h
September Good 20° - 30° 25° 213 mm overcast 82% 1.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
October Very Good 20° - 31° 25° 125 mm partly cloudy 78% 1.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
November Ideal 17° - 33° 25° 9 mm mostly sunny 62% 1.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
December Ideal 16° - 34° 25° 0 mm clear 45% 1.7 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

Access requires coordination with CAR authorities and conservation NGOs; transport is by 4x4 from regional towns and is heavily dependent on security and weather. International visitors should consult diplomatic advisories.

Tips for Visiting Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

  • Due to security and logistical factors in the CAR, only travel with accredited operators and NGOs; check current advisories before planning.
  • Fieldwork requires permits from national authorities and coordination with local conservation bodies.
  • Bring comprehensive medical and emergency plans; infrastructure is limited.