5/5 Pierre-Louis D. 2 months ago on Google • 40 reviews New
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!
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