Orango National Park

Orango National Park is a protected area in the Bijagós archipelago of Guinea-Bissau that includes Orango island and surrounding islands and marine zones. The park conserves a mosaic of mangroves, beaches, tidal flats and nearshore waters that support both biodiversity and traditional human uses.

The park is known for supporting species adapted to coastal and brackish environments, and for the close relationship between local Bijagós communities and the natural environment. Visits typically focus on wildlife observation, village visits and boat trips among the islands.

The protected area developed from national conservation initiatives to safeguard important coastal habitats and cultural landscapes used by local communities for fishing, salt production and seasonal resource use. Management aims to balance biodiversity protection with sustaining traditional livelihoods.

Orango National Park sits in the Bolama Region of Guinea-Bissau within the central Bijagós archipelago, accessible only by boat from larger islands or the mainland.

• Conservation scope: The protected area combines terrestrial and marine habitats and is important for coastal biodiversity, traditional fisheries and cultural landscapes of the Bijagós people.
• Wildlife highlights: Notable wildlife includes coastal and estuarine species; the area is known for its saltwater-adapted hippopotamus populations on Orango island and diverse birdlife.

What to See#

• Orango island: Orango island is the largest and most visited island within the park, noted for its beaches, mangrove systems and communities that practice traditional livelihoods.
• Islands and marine zones: Several smaller islands, sandbanks and surrounding marine areas are included in the protected zone, forming a mix of coastal, intertidal and nearshore marine habitats that support fisheries and seabirds.

• Visit during the dry season (roughly November-May) when boat transfers are more reliable and trails are less muddy.
• Arrange transport and guides in advance from Bissau or the main Bijagós islands (Bubaque) - access is by boat and local operators/community guides handle landings and park permits.
• Ask your guide about community-run conservation projects and the park's wildlife highlights (including coastal waterfowl and estuarine mammals) - many small sites are missed without a local guide.