Niokolo-Koba National Park Tambacounda

"We had a great experience in this park, although like other reviews mentioned, it’s all about expectations. This is not your Tanzania safari, but your Senegal safari and should be treated like that. There is plenty of wild life to spot!
We spent 1 night, 2 days in the park with our own car and a guide (total of 55k CFH), and saw an abundance of animals of any kind (unfortunately not the lion, but heard it).

We stayed at campement du Lion for the real authentic experience, and although it needs some love, it’s a good overal place to stay for 1 or 2 nights!"

Marc de Lange

"Maybe people should read about the global eco crisis and the loss of biodiversity- extinction. And that mist of the wildlife is gone. That there are parks such as this one that have a history of decline and of the tireless efforts of IGOs, Governments and NGOs to revive them. Nature is not just about you going places and taking pics of yourself and "wildlife". It is about learning what is being done to save life and to be a part of that struggle. Why not volunteer and do conservation work. Join an ngo like Panthera and educate yourself about thier work in NK and other parks. And accommodations? Have you never gone backpacking for a few weeks? Who cares about your food and soap? Again, do you not u persuade that your precious east africa garden of Eden was once all over africa and the world? Omg"

Clinton Maffett

"Lots of different opinions about the Niokolo-Koba National Park - here is a well-informed review which should help.

I have visited the park 4 times in the last 5 years, staying a few nights each time. It seems that most of the negative reviews are based off unrealistic expectations and standards. Personally, I love going there. Understanding the following should help with having a successful trip.

1. This is no East Africa. Those who are expecting Kenya/Tanzania standards of safari will be disappointed (both in terms of level of service and density of wildlife). The environment is more forest/woodland than grassland savanna, but with a beautiful river running through the heart of the park. The park is also under-funded by the government.

2. As a national park with very limited commercialisation, you can benefit from really being alone in nature, hardly ever crossing another vehicle during a multi-day stay. Sleep quality is amazing and the sounds of nature are abundant.

3. There ARE lions, leopards and hyenas in the park. I have seen them. But the park is vast and there are not very many of them. You have to be lucky to spot them, and shouldn't expect to find them on a single day-visit. Staying a few nights increases your chances. In any case, it is 'almost' guaranteed that you will see various antelope species, warthogs, lots of birds, baboons, monkeys and hippos. There are also buffalo, tortoises, marmots and many more nocturnal creatures.

4. Those who complain about the prices have clearly never been to East Africa where a standard safari experience can easily run into a 2000-5000€ bill. The Niokolo-Koba is a bargain in comparison.

5. Go between December and May. March-May will be best for visibility and density of animals as the forest will be dry and only a few watering holes will still be present. Going outside these months would be counterproductive as the vegetation will be thick from wet-season and animals will be more spread out as more water is available. This principle is the same all over the world.

6. The guides are friendly, but poorly trained and equipped. Don't expect much from them apart from answering basic questions and helping you not get lost if self-driving. They also don't speak English. Absolutely bring your own Binoculars, or resolve to renting for 8€ a day per unit.

7. Do the boat-safari to spot wildlife along the river. This is definitely a highlight. Ask your guide in advance to organise this for you.

Finally, here are my personal recommendations to have a great time.

Lower your expectations. Look forward to spending time in off-grid nature with little people around. Bring your own good vehicle, a 4x4 helps but not mandatory. At least something with good ground clearance and big windows. Stay at least two nights to settle into the environment. Stay at the "Campement du Lion". It's cheap, very basic and authentic. Bring your own canned and dry food and drinks as the meals they offer are not worth it in my opinion. You can leave your drinks in their large fridge for free. The alternative is spending 150€ a night per person at the luxurious Nioko-Lodge. Tremendous accommodation, with 3 meals a day included, but a totally different budget. You can also just go there for lunch as a visitor and enjoy the stunning view from the restaurant. Enjoy the game drives and be grateful to see the animals!"

Pierre-Louis Denaro