National park · Senegal
Niokolo-Koba National ParkParc National de Niokolo‑Koba
Enter Niokolo-Koba: pay the entry fee (check), drive from Tambacounda (≈2 h) and hike the main savannah trail (2–3 h); visit in the dry season (Nov–May) to avoid heat and mosquitoes.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
913 km² (353 sq mi)353 sq mi (913 km²)
approximate
Established
1983
Best months
Apr–May
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 10Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry an original yellow fever vaccination certificate on…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- West Africa ↗Carry an original yellow fever vaccination certificate on any West African trip: several countries on the coast road demand it of every arrival, and the rest demand it after you have passed through a neighbour.
- West Africa ↗Cross land borders and drive between cities in daylight only; plan each crossing as a full travel day with cash for fees and passport copies for checkpoints.
- Senegal ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport on official Senegalese government sources before booking.
- Senegal ↗Dress modestly in towns and at religious sites: shoulders and knees covered.
- Senegal ↗Check your government's advice before travelling to parts of the Casamance region in the south.
- Tambacounda Region ↗The far south-east is best in the dry season, roughly November to February; later months get hot and the rains from June make laterite roads harder.
- Tambacounda Region ↗Drive only in daylight; livestock, carts and unlit vehicles are common on the N1 and rural roads.
- Tambacounda Region ↗Niokolo-Koba entry, hours and guide rules change; confirm with the park or a licensed operator before you set out.
At a glance
- Country
- Senegal
- Area
- 913 km² (353 sq mi)353 sq mi (913 km²)
- Area listed as 913 km²; other references give slightly different figures (check).
- Established
- 1983
- Best months
- Apr–May
- Permits
- For some areas
Niokolo‑Koba National Park, in Senegal’s Tambacounda Region near the Guinea border, protects a vast savannah‑wetland landscape that hosts elephants, lions, hippos and over 300 bird species. The park’s main attraction is its wildlife‑rich grasslands and river wetlands, best explored on the short savannah loop or guided river walks during the dry season (Nov–May).
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2023Inscribed as part of the Senegalese natural heritage.
Size and age
913 km² (353 sq mi)353 sq mi (913 km²) · national park since 1983
Area listed as 913 km²; other references give slightly different figures (check).
Why go
- Large populations of African elephants, lions and hippos in a savannah‑wetland landscape.
- Birdwatching hotspot with over 300 species, including the Arabian bustard and black‑crowned crane.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanDry, cool; wildlife active.
- FebDry, good visibility.
- MarEnd of dry season, still warm.
- AprDry, warm, low mosquito risk.
- MayDry, warm, best for long treks.
- JunStart of rains, humidity rises.
- JulRainy, trails muddy.
- AugRainy, higher malaria risk.
- SepRainy, some trails closed.
- OctDrying, cooler.
- NovDry, pleasant.
- DecDry, cooler nights.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African elephant, lion, hippopotamusOct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds: Arabian bustard, black‑crowned crane, martial eagleOct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate area | Visitor centre, parking, entry control. | Open daily; ticket required. |
| Savannah trail | 2–3 h loop through grasslands and waterholes. | Open; no guide required. |
| River lodge zone | Lodges along the Gambia River for overnight stays. | Private; book in advance. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata centre of the park; approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | XOF 15,000–20,000 | person | 2026 estimate; official fee at gate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for any off‑trail excursions beyond the main loop.
- Camping
- Only in designated lodge areas; wild camping prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires not allowed; use provided stoves.
- Pets
- Not allowed inside the park.
Where to stay
Near the park
Nioko Lodge
Riverside rooms with basic amenities.
Near the park
Hotel Simenti
Simple hotel in the park vicinity.
Safety
Mosquitoes / malaria medium
Heat and dehydration low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main gate area reachable by car; short walks on the savannah trail are uneven.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in park‑run lodges; support local guides.
- Do not feed wildlife; keep distance from large mammals.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Niokolo-Koba?
Entry is about 15 000–20 000 XOF per adult (2026 estimate); children pay a reduced rate.
What are the best hikes in Niokolo-Koba?
The 2–3 hour savannah loop from the main gate is the most accessible; longer river‑side walks require a guide.
When is the best time to visit Niokolo-Koba?
Visit in the dry season, November to May, for comfortable temperatures and good wildlife visibility.
Are there accommodations inside the park?
Yes, lodges such as Nioko Lodge and Hotel Simenti sit along the Gambia River; booking ahead is advised.
Do I need a guide for the main trail?
No, the short savannah loop is self‑guided; longer or off‑trail routes require a licensed guide.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Niokolo-Koba National Park
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