National park · Côte d'Ivoire
Taï National ParkParc national de Taï
Spend 2–3 nights inside the park at the NGO-run camp near Taï village (150,000 CFA all-inclusive) for guided chimpanzee and monkey tracking; skip the government-run camp near N'iebe (more expensive). Visit in the dry season (December–February) when trails are passable. The park is 100 km (62 mi) inland from the coast, reachable by unpaved road from Guiglo or Tabou.Spend 2–3 nights inside the park at the NGO-run camp near Taï village (150,000 CFA all-inclusive) for guided chimpanzee and monkey tracking; skip the government-run camp near N'iebe (more expensive). Visit in the dry season (December–February) when trails are passable. The park is 62 mi (100 km) inland from the coast, reachable by unpaved road from Guiglo or Tabou.
- 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.
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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
4,540 km² (1,753 sq mi)1,753 sq mi (4,540 km²)
approximate
Established
1972
Best months
Dec–Feb
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7Nine 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.
- Côte d'Ivoire ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport on official Ivorian government sources before booking.
- Côte d'Ivoire ↗Governments advise against travel to parts of the far north near the Mali and Burkina Faso borders; check your own government's advice.
- Côte d'Ivoire ↗Check the yellow-fever vaccination certificate rules for Côte d'Ivoire before you fly.
At a glance
- Country
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Area
- 4,540 km² (1,753 sq mi)1,753 sq mi (4,540 km²)
- UNESCO listing gives 4,540 km²; some sources round to 4,500 km².
- Established
- 1972
- Best months
- Dec–Feb
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Abidjan
Taï National Park protects 4,540 km² of primary tropical rainforest, one of the last large blocks of virgin forest in West Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve. The park is famous for its chimpanzees and 11 other primate species, including the Diana monkey and the zebra duiker. Access is restricted: visitors must enter with a guide from one of two camps — the NGO-run camp near Taï village (the better option for most travellers) or the privatised camp near N'iebe. The park has no self-guided trails; all walking is with a researcher or guide.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1982Inscribed for its primary rainforest and biodiversity.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1977Taï Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
4,540 km² (1,753 sq mi)1,753 sq mi (4,540 km²) · national park since 1972
UNESCO listing gives 4,540 km²; some sources round to 4,500 km².
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Abidjan.
Why go
- One of the last large tracts of primary rainforest in West Africa.
- Guided walks with researchers tracking chimpanzees and other primates.
- Over 1,300 plant species and 200 mammal species, including forest elephants and pygmy hippos.
- A genuine wilderness experience — no roads, no crowds, just forest.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarGo
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctCaution
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanDry, trails firm; peak primate visibility.
- FebDry, good conditions.
- MarEnd of dry season; some rain.
- AprStart of wet season; trails muddy.
- MayWet; leeches and mosquitoes.
- JunWet; some trails impassable.
- JulWet; heavy rain.
- AugWet; short dry spell possible.
- SepWet; second rainy peak.
- OctWet; trails slippery.
- NovTransition; drying out.
- DecDry season starts; best time.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChimpanzeesDec–Mar · Best in dry season when they stay near camp. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Diana monkey, red colobus, other primatesAll year · Year-round, but easier to see in dry season. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Forest elephant (rare)Dec–Mar · Very shy; sightings are rare. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Pygmy hippo (rare)Dec–Mar · Nocturnal; rarely seen. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Mosquitoes and leechesApr–Oct · Abundant in wet season. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
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
From Abidjan
Drive west to Guiglo (about 5–6 h on paved roads), then 3–4 h on unpaved road to Taï village. Alternatively, fly to San Pedro and drive north (check).
8–10 h
Open the page →
From Guiglo
Unpaved road south to Taï village; 4WD recommended in wet season.
3–4 h
From Tabou
Unpaved road north to Taï village; 4WD recommended.
2–3 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Taï village entry | NGO-run camp; base for primate tracking and forest walks. | By booking with the NGO; no self-entry. |
| N'iebe entry | Privatised camp; also offers guided walks. | By booking; more expensive. |
| Core forest | Primary rainforest; no trails for independent walkers. | Guided only. |
Sketch map
- 1Taï village · Village≈5.900, -7.450Entry point and NGO camp location.Map ↗
- 2N'iebe village · Village≈5.600, -7.300Second entry point.Map ↗
- 3Guiglo · Town≈6.550, -7.500Nearest town with paved road access.Map ↗
- 4Park headquarters (approximate) · Headquarters≈5.750, -7.120Coordinates from Wikidata; actual HQ location check.Map ↗
Take the points offline
4 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.
Approximate positions; the park has no official visitor centre with published coordinates.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGO camp (Taï village) – 2-night all-inclusive package | XOF 150,000 | person | Includes transport from Taï, meals, permit and guide. Check current price. |
| N'iebe camp – 2-night all-inclusive package | XOF 200,000–300,000 | person | Privatised; more expensive. Check current price. |
| Park entry (if not part of a package) | XOF 10,000–20,000 | person | Check; usually included in camp packages. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry permit permit or guide
Guide permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- XOF 150,000
- XOF 200,000–300,000
- XOF 10,000–20,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Taï National Park before you go.
Park rules
- No independent entry
- All visitors must be accompanied by a guide; no self-guided walks.
- Drones
- Not allowed without permission from park authorities (check).check
- Camping
- Not permitted in the forest; only at designated camps.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish.
- Wildlife disturbance
- Do not feed or approach animals; maintain distance.
Where to stay
In the park
NGO camp (Taï village)
Simple rooms inside the park; all meals and guiding included.
Near the park
Hotel Beau Séjour (Taï village)
Fan room for about 6,000 CFA; basic, no luxury.
In the park
N'iebe camp
Privatised camp; more expensive, similar experience.
Safety
Ebola virus low
Getting lost high
Wet season trails medium
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
- The camps are basic; no wheelchair access.
- Walks are on forest trails; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Book the NGO-run camp near Taï village — it directly supports conservation and local employment.
- Avoid the privatised N'iebe camp unless the NGO camp is full; it is more expensive and less transparent.
- Never buy bushmeat or animal products in the region.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Taï National Park?
There is no standard entry fee. Most visitors book a 2-night all-inclusive package at the NGO-run camp near Taï village for 150,000 CFA per person, which includes transport from Taï, meals, permit and guide. The privatised camp near N'iebe is more expensive (200,000–300,000 CFA).
What are the best hikes in Taï National Park?
There are no marked hiking trails for independent walkers. All walks are guided: chimpanzee tracking (full day), primate walks (half day), night walks (2–3 hours) and a forest canopy walk (2–3 hours). The best experience is the chimpanzee tracking with researchers.
When is the best time to visit Taï National Park?
The dry season from December to February is best. Trails are firm, mosquitoes fewer, and primates are easier to see. The wet season (April–October) brings heavy rain, mud, leeches and some impassable trails.
Can I visit Taï National Park on my own?
No. Independent entry is not allowed. You must book a package with one of the two camps (NGO-run near Taï village, or privatised near N'iebe) and be accompanied by a guide at all times.
Is Taï National Park safe?
The park is a natural reservoir of the Ebola virus; avoid contact with animal excretions or bodily fluids. The main risk is getting lost — always stay with your guide. In the wet season, trails are slippery and leeches are common.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Taï National Park
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