Things to Do in Banco National Park, Ivorycoast

Banco National Park is one of Côte d'Ivoire's most accessible and important protected areas, located just 30 kilometers northwest of Abidjan. Established in 1953, this 30,000-hectare park serves as a crucial green lung for the economic capital and protects one of the last remaining fragments of primary rainforest in southern Côte d'Ivoire. The park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, housing over 60 mammal species, 200 bird species, and countless plant varieties within its dense tropical canopy. What makes Banco National Park particularly special is its role as both a conservation area and research center, with the Adiopodoumé Forestry Station serving as a hub for tropical forest studies. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails that wind through towering trees, some over 60 meters high, while listening to the calls of monkeys, hornbills, and other forest dwellers. The park offers an authentic rainforest experience without requiring extensive travel into remote areas, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, researchers, and anyone seeking to escape the urban hustle of nearby Abidjan.

Top Things to Do in Banco National Park

Guided Forest Walks

Explore the park's network of well-maintained trails with experienced local guides who can identify wildlife, medicinal plants, and explain forest ecology. These walks range from 2-4 hours and offer excellent opportunities to spot monkeys, exotic birds, and unique plant species while learning about traditional forest uses.

Booking Tip: Book through the park office or reputable Abidjan tour operators for 15,000-25,000 CFA per person. Early morning walks (7-9 AM) offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

Canopy Observation

Experience the forest from above using elevated platforms and observation points that provide stunning views of the rainforest canopy. This unique perspective allows visitors to observe birds, primates, and the complex ecosystem that exists in the upper levels of the forest.

Booking Tip: Available as part of guided tours for an additional 5,000-10,000 CFA. Best visited during dry season for clearer views and safer access to platforms. Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife spotting.

Research Station Visits

Tour the Adiopodoumé Forestry Research Station to learn about ongoing conservation efforts, forest research projects, and sustainable forestry practices. Visitors can see tree nurseries, research facilities, and learn about the scientific work being conducted to protect West African forests.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits in advance through the station administration for 10,000 CFA per person. Weekday visits offer more interaction with researchers. Educational groups receive discounted rates.

Bird Watching

Banco National Park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a premier birding destination in West Africa. Early morning and late afternoon sessions offer the best chances to spot hornbills, kingfishers, sunbirds, and various forest species in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Specialized birding guides cost 20,000-30,000 CFA for half-day tours. Bring or rent binoculars at the park entrance. Peak birding season is during dry months (November-March) when visibility is better.

Photography Expeditions

Capture the stunning beauty of primary rainforest with specialized photography tours that focus on the park's most photogenic locations. These tours cater to both amateur and professional photographers, offering guidance on forest photography techniques and access to scenic viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost 25,000-35,000 CFA and include equipment advice and technique tips. Golden hour sessions (early morning/late afternoon) provide the best lighting conditions for forest photography.

Getting There

Banco National Park is easily accessible from Abidjan, located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of the city center. The most convenient way to reach the park is by taxi or private vehicle, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. Shared taxis (woro-woro) run regularly from Abidjan to nearby villages, though you'll need to arrange onward transportation to the park entrance. Many visitors opt for organized tours from Abidjan that include round-trip transportation, or rent a car for more flexibility in exploring the area.

Getting Around

Within Banco National Park, movement is primarily on foot along designated trails and paths. The park has a network of well-maintained walking trails of varying difficulty levels, from easy nature walks to more challenging forest treks. Park guides are essential for navigation and safety, as the dense forest can be disorienting. Some areas of the research station can be accessed by vehicle, but most of the authentic forest experience requires walking. Comfortable hiking boots and appropriate forest gear are essential for safe movement through the terrain.

Where to Stay

Abidjan Cocody

Abidjan Plateau

Abidjan Marcory

Abidjan Treichville

Abidjan Yopougon

Bingerville

Food & Dining

Dining options within Banco National Park are limited, so most visitors bring packed meals or return to Abidjan for dining. The park has basic facilities where simple meals can sometimes be arranged with advance notice. Nearby villages offer local Ivorian cuisine including attiéké (cassava couscous), grilled fish, and plantain dishes. For more diverse dining options, Abidjan provides everything from street food markets to upscale restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Many tour packages include meals, and it's advisable to bring water and snacks for forest excursions.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Banco National Park is during the dry season from November to March, when trails are more accessible, wildlife viewing is optimal, and the weather is more comfortable for hiking. During this period, reduced rainfall means clearer forest paths and better visibility for photography and wildlife spotting. The wet season (April to October) brings lush green vegetation and active wildlife, but heavy rains can make trails muddy and difficult to navigate. Early morning visits year-round offer the best chances for wildlife encounters and cooler temperatures for forest walks.

Insider Tips

Bring insect repellent and long sleeves as the forest has mosquitoes and other insects; apply repellent before entering trails

Hire local guides not just for navigation but for their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional forest uses

Visit during weekdays when possible to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful forest experience with better wildlife viewing opportunities

Things to Do in Banco National Park