Banco National Park
Banco National Park
4.2
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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4.2
108 reviews
Excellent
44
Very good
47
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
0
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DanyEarth
Paris, France33,310 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Banco Park, whose protection status dates from 1953, is a formidable ecological and hydraulic opportunity for the north of Abidjan, with its 3,500 ha. Banco” is a distortion of the Ebrié word “Gbancô”, which means “refreshing water source”
It still has, which is rare, a part of primary forest of 600 ha in its center, which is a biodiversity reserve.
Certainly, this forest is under pressure from nearby urbanization. This is why its preservation is necessary. A botanical study section with a high school exists on site and makes it possible to raise awareness among young people about nature and its preservation. A fairly wide, flat path of 2 km leads to the complex. of life where events take place for children, who come with their school.
A small river "Gbangbo", flows quite abundantly all year round thanks to an artesian well. A pond is located near the rest area, where you can fully enjoy nature. Huge catfish, or catfish, live peacefully in the river and are fond of what passers-by give them, by opening their enormous jaws. Along the way, we didn't encounter many animals, apart from a pangolin, which meandered down the side of the road to reach its burrow. Butterflies, which I love to see, fly away as I approach. Some remain on a leaf for my pleasure, notably the superb “Graphium Polycénès” or Petit Porte Epée Stripé, with beautiful green stripes on a black background and the small “Belenois Theora Theora”, with its black dots on a white and yellow background. It also has the pretty vernacular name of “Capre Blanc des Forêts”. The large trees impose themselves on our gaze, in particular the cheese tree or (Ceiba Pentandra), which has visible root bases, which unfold into large veins. Bamboo groves form large, elegant bouquets. Trees with medicinal leaves are also present, such as coca, aguia, and others, which are unknown to me. The guide introduces us to the fruit of the tree called "Blighia Sapida", which looks like a lychee and whose fruit is in a large shell, called an aril with a peanut flavor.
Entrance to the Park costs 5,000 CFA francs and the guide costs 10,000 CFA francs. To access the park, you need a car or take a taxi from the “Yangoo” site.
It still has, which is rare, a part of primary forest of 600 ha in its center, which is a biodiversity reserve.
Certainly, this forest is under pressure from nearby urbanization. This is why its preservation is necessary. A botanical study section with a high school exists on site and makes it possible to raise awareness among young people about nature and its preservation. A fairly wide, flat path of 2 km leads to the complex. of life where events take place for children, who come with their school.
A small river "Gbangbo", flows quite abundantly all year round thanks to an artesian well. A pond is located near the rest area, where you can fully enjoy nature. Huge catfish, or catfish, live peacefully in the river and are fond of what passers-by give them, by opening their enormous jaws. Along the way, we didn't encounter many animals, apart from a pangolin, which meandered down the side of the road to reach its burrow. Butterflies, which I love to see, fly away as I approach. Some remain on a leaf for my pleasure, notably the superb “Graphium Polycénès” or Petit Porte Epée Stripé, with beautiful green stripes on a black background and the small “Belenois Theora Theora”, with its black dots on a white and yellow background. It also has the pretty vernacular name of “Capre Blanc des Forêts”. The large trees impose themselves on our gaze, in particular the cheese tree or (Ceiba Pentandra), which has visible root bases, which unfold into large veins. Bamboo groves form large, elegant bouquets. Trees with medicinal leaves are also present, such as coca, aguia, and others, which are unknown to me. The guide introduces us to the fruit of the tree called "Blighia Sapida", which looks like a lychee and whose fruit is in a large shell, called an aril with a peanut flavor.
Entrance to the Park costs 5,000 CFA francs and the guide costs 10,000 CFA francs. To access the park, you need a car or take a taxi from the “Yangoo” site.
Written 10 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan
The Hague, The Netherlands9,237 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Upon entering I was ‘convinced’ I needed a guide. In hindsight, I found out that this is not mandatory. But the route we took to the jungle probably wasn’t possible without a guide as it went straight to the jungle and was very dense at some points. With no signage.
Visited the ranger village. It was interesting to have someone tell you about the park and its history. The catfish were cool to see. A lot of locals on Saturday, as well as students from the university. All in all we did a 10k hike in a brisk pace.
Guide cost me 10.000 CFA, park entrance was 5000 CFA.
Visited the ranger village. It was interesting to have someone tell you about the park and its history. The catfish were cool to see. A lot of locals on Saturday, as well as students from the university. All in all we did a 10k hike in a brisk pace.
Guide cost me 10.000 CFA, park entrance was 5000 CFA.
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jldecines
Decines-Charpieu, France48 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Superb park, easily accessible, parking in front of the entrance, a beautiful place for hiking, jogging, cycling (rental possible at the entrance a priori).
The path through this park (parallel to the banco river) becomes impassable from km 5, I did not manage to reach the source of the banco (or the natural pools according to arrow).
Or you have to take a machete to (re)open the way! Or another path... to be tested next time.
I also share the opinion of another hiker, very surprised to discover a huge plastic bottle dump in the middle of the park....(km 5)
It did not spoil the pleasure of this beautiful hike in the green lung of Abidjan, exceptional primary forest open to all.
The path through this park (parallel to the banco river) becomes impassable from km 5, I did not manage to reach the source of the banco (or the natural pools according to arrow).
Or you have to take a machete to (re)open the way! Or another path... to be tested next time.
I also share the opinion of another hiker, very surprised to discover a huge plastic bottle dump in the middle of the park....(km 5)
It did not spoil the pleasure of this beautiful hike in the green lung of Abidjan, exceptional primary forest open to all.
Automatically translated
Written 26 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sébastien s
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
Family ride not at all quiet and relaxing. Park full of people everywhere, car, motorcycles, barbecue (if possible), litter everywhere, music at full speed (each group having its own
Own sono, long live the cacophony!). Run away. WARNING: do not follow the instructions of Google maps which brings you... to the prison. Some clever little ones have understood this mistake and are waiting for the pigeons that fall into the sign to take them to a secondary entrance to the park completely lost. You have to enter through the SOUTH entrance!
Own sono, long live the cacophony!). Run away. WARNING: do not follow the instructions of Google maps which brings you... to the prison. Some clever little ones have understood this mistake and are waiting for the pigeons that fall into the sign to take them to a secondary entrance to the park completely lost. You have to enter through the SOUTH entrance!
Automatically translated
Written 6 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chantal97190
65 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
A very pleasant 3-hour walk in the Banco forest near ABIDJAN. What a breath of fresh air… Accessible in Yango. Our passionate and professional guide Julien Kouamé (10,000 CFA Franc) introduced us to the fauna and flora of this park.
Written 21 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RafikiLondon
Hong Kong, China525 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Had an organised tour and it was a big disappointment. It was a weekend and there was some sort of large school group - like hundreds of kids. It was hot and sticky, which was expected but we saw nothing of interest. Some catfish in a pond, an old tree and that was it. A wasted half day getting there and then stuck in traffic jam trying to get out.
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart C
30 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The park itself is a wonderful escape from Abidjan proper. The trail was easy to follow and was shaded and cool the majority of the walk to the center. There is a river crossing about 2.5 km from the main entrance that has massive catfish, if you have trail mix throw some in to see the catfish go after it. No guide is necessary, the trails are well marked. On the way back to the entry point my group and I stopped and got a mini Heineken from the restaurant to relax and enjoy the quiet. Overall an easy walk to see some flora. Be cautious, the trail is an active road
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seth J
3 contributions
July 2022
Beautiful urban park. Great escape from the city. Trails are easy to follow.
Just a heads up that dogs aren't allowed.
Also, pay attention driving when approaching the park as the "Entree" is directly off the Autoroute du Nord (i,e there's no exit for the park just a sharp right turn into the entrance)
Just a heads up that dogs aren't allowed.
Also, pay attention driving when approaching the park as the "Entree" is directly off the Autoroute du Nord (i,e there's no exit for the park just a sharp right turn into the entrance)
Written 19 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Scott
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau65 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
I have lived here for over four years and driven passed the rather dilapidated entrance to the National Park but when asked by a Canadian colleague if i had visited I was embarrassed to say I hadn't. So we went and could already see the new money and confidence of the country take shape at the entrance - buildings being refurbished or built, play area for the children and uniforms of a type for the wardens. The entrance fee was 5,000CFA (if I remember correctly) and a further 5,000 if we wanted a guide.
As it was our first time we opted for the guide who had seen active service during the Civil War - very friendly and evidently interested in what he does for a living. Though for the English speakers out there you might find it a little hard.
The Jungle/Forest takes you away from the madness of Abidjan and you delve into threatened world of natural forests. You wonder if you will ever be able to block out the noise of the city but soon it is blocked out by bird song, monkeys and primates though I only saw the birds.
It is as hot and humid as I could take and almost lost hope when we came across the research/forestry school at the center, with its administrative building and village like housing that surrounds it. There at its heart is a very make shift bar with the coldest beer that money can buy! I exaggerate but I was hot and thirsty - so make sure you bring a bottle of water (unlike me)
recommend to everyone, especially locals who appeared surprised that I had gone and even concerned that I wasn't robbed by 'bandits' - maybe it was bad in the past but no longer!
As it was our first time we opted for the guide who had seen active service during the Civil War - very friendly and evidently interested in what he does for a living. Though for the English speakers out there you might find it a little hard.
The Jungle/Forest takes you away from the madness of Abidjan and you delve into threatened world of natural forests. You wonder if you will ever be able to block out the noise of the city but soon it is blocked out by bird song, monkeys and primates though I only saw the birds.
It is as hot and humid as I could take and almost lost hope when we came across the research/forestry school at the center, with its administrative building and village like housing that surrounds it. There at its heart is a very make shift bar with the coldest beer that money can buy! I exaggerate but I was hot and thirsty - so make sure you bring a bottle of water (unlike me)
recommend to everyone, especially locals who appeared surprised that I had gone and even concerned that I wasn't robbed by 'bandits' - maybe it was bad in the past but no longer!
Written 31 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ute C
Haslemere, UK28 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
I went there at the end of a business trip and spend a whole morning in the forest.
It's hard to find much info about the park on the web. A few tips:
- make sure your taxi driver goes on the motorway, not the road that goes over it. The entrance is literally next to the Shell station.
- I paid 2500 CFA on the way there, 3000 on the way back
- no need to pay a taxi driver to wait. The guide took me over the bridge where are plenty of taxis passing
- if you're into birds, Kouame is the guide to have. He knows his stuff and has a bird book. You can call him to arrange to get in early. Tel: 08667708
- Go early because of the heat. Opens at 07:00.
It's hard to find much info about the park on the web. A few tips:
- make sure your taxi driver goes on the motorway, not the road that goes over it. The entrance is literally next to the Shell station.
- I paid 2500 CFA on the way there, 3000 on the way back
- no need to pay a taxi driver to wait. The guide took me over the bridge where are plenty of taxis passing
- if you're into birds, Kouame is the guide to have. He knows his stuff and has a bird book. You can call him to arrange to get in early. Tel: 08667708
- Go early because of the heat. Opens at 07:00.
Written 15 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! I would like to visit the park but I wonder how much it cost the entrance and the guide. Thanks in advance!
Written 21 August 2018
Thank you for your interest in visiting Banco national Park. The cost for foreigner who are not from the ECOWAS zone is 5000 F CFA and 1000 F CFA for ECOWAS people. The guide cost depend on the track you decide together with the guide himself. the less cost is 5000 FCFA and the highest is 10 000 CFA.
Thanks again.
Written 22 August 2018
Hi Aviv, how are you?
I read your comment on your experience at Banco National Parc and I wanted to ask you if you still have the number of the guide that you made the tour with.
I'm at Abidjan and staying here for a few days and would like to visit the Banco during the weekend.
Thanks
Joao
Written 17 May 2018
Hi! I hope you a nice week-end in Banco National Park. You can join Mickel at +22501202213. He'll be happy to guide you. Enjoy your visite
Written 18 May 2018
i intend to go there but someone told me you have to go with group so could you recommend me a tourist agency can i reserve with it?
Written 9 August 2016
There's no need to book or go with a group. You just turn up and pay the entrance fee and they will let you in. They may ask if you want a guide, which i would suggest is useful for your first visit but after that just go on your own. (When I say alone I wouldn't recommend solo but with a friend - this is just common sense, whether on a mountain, remote park or city national park). ENJOY!
Written 10 August 2016
I want to know how can i make a reservation or got there? How much the ticket ??
Written 30 July 2016
thanks for your question. the ticket is 5 000 FCFA for non ecowas people and 1 000 FCFA for local and ecowas people. Not necessery to make a reservation. Just go to the main entrance of the Parc and take your ticket.
Written 12 May 2017
Bonjour,
Est-ce qu'il faut prendre un rendez-vous / réserver un guide avant d'y aller ? Ou suffit-il d'y aller ? Le WE ?
Merci
Written 9 June 2016
Pour visiter le Parc national du Banco, pas besoin de prendre un rendez-vous. Vous vous rendez à l'entrée principale du Parc et des agents sur place se chargeront de votre accueil et de vous faire remplir les formalités de la visite. Appelez le 01 31 52 62 pour plus d'informations sur le terrain.
Written 12 May 2017
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