Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park
Location: Northern Central African Republic
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (ix) an outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is one of the largest national parks in Central Africa, covering an area of 17,400 square kilometers. It is located in the northern part of the Central African Republic, bordering Chad. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles.
Prominent Features: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is characterized by its vast savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands. It is home to several species of large mammals, including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, and antelopes. Visitors can take guided game drives and nature walks to spot the park's wildlife and learn about its ecology and conservation. The park is also home to several traditional villages, where visitors can learn about the local culture and way of life.
History: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park was established in 1933 to protect the region's unique flora and fauna. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, in recognition of its outstanding ecological and biological significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided game drives, nature walks, and birdwatching tours. Children will also enjoy learning about the park's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Central African savanna elephant, which is classified as a vulnerable species.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and game drives typically cost around 20,000 CFA (approximately 36 USD) per person. It is important to note that the park is only open during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
How to Reach it: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is located in the northern part of the Central African Republic, bordering Chad. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying into Bangui M'Poko International Airport, which is the largest airport in the country. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the town of Ndele, which is the closest major town to the park.
Alternatively, you can hire a private car or take a bus to get to Ndele from Bangui, which will take around 2-3 days.
Once you reach Ndele, you can arrange a guided tour of the Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park. Many tour operators offer guided safaris in the park, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience.
The park entrance is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Ndele, and you can hire a car or take a taxi to get there.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park. However, it's important to note that due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in the Central African Republic, travel to the area is not recommended at this time.That being said, here are some of the accommodation options that were available before the conflict:
Next Stop: Sangha Trinational
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (ix) an outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is one of the largest national parks in Central Africa, covering an area of 17,400 square kilometers. It is located in the northern part of the Central African Republic, bordering Chad. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles.
Prominent Features: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is characterized by its vast savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands. It is home to several species of large mammals, including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, and antelopes. Visitors can take guided game drives and nature walks to spot the park's wildlife and learn about its ecology and conservation. The park is also home to several traditional villages, where visitors can learn about the local culture and way of life.
History: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park was established in 1933 to protect the region's unique flora and fauna. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, in recognition of its outstanding ecological and biological significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided game drives, nature walks, and birdwatching tours. Children will also enjoy learning about the park's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Central African savanna elephant, which is classified as a vulnerable species.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and game drives typically cost around 20,000 CFA (approximately 36 USD) per person. It is important to note that the park is only open during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
How to Reach it: The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is located in the northern part of the Central African Republic, bordering Chad. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying into Bangui M'Poko International Airport, which is the largest airport in the country. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the town of Ndele, which is the closest major town to the park.
Alternatively, you can hire a private car or take a bus to get to Ndele from Bangui, which will take around 2-3 days.
Once you reach Ndele, you can arrange a guided tour of the Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park. Many tour operators offer guided safaris in the park, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience.
The park entrance is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Ndele, and you can hire a car or take a taxi to get there.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park. However, it's important to note that due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in the Central African Republic, travel to the area is not recommended at this time.That being said, here are some of the accommodation options that were available before the conflict:
- Hotel Baoro: This is a small hotel located in Baoro, a town near the park. It offers basic amenities like comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
- Campement de Chinko: This camp is located within the park itself, and offers basic facilities like tents and a dining area. It is run by the African Parks Network, an organization that manages several protected areas in Africa.
- Sangha Lodge: This lodge is located in the neighboring country of Cameroon, near the border with the Central African Republic. It offers comfortable accommodation in bungalows, as well as activities like gorilla trekking and birdwatching.
Next Stop: Sangha Trinational