Basse Casamance National Park, located 160 mi/260 km southeast of Dakar, is one of the natural highlights of Senegal, but it remains off-limits to tourists because of the risk of unexploded mines as a result of former rebel activity.
The park is a preserve of forest, savanna and mangrove swamps. The diverse terrain provides homes for more than 50 mammal species, including several types of monkey and antelope, as well as the secretive aardvark. The animals are often difficult to find, but the park's fascinating flora makes up for it. So does the varied birdlife, which includes several very localized species associated with Senegal's last remaining patch of Guinea-Congo rainforest.
The park, located on the Guinean border to the south of the Casamance River, can be viewed by boat or car.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.