Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By priffe
  • 1 Post By priffe

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 53
Parc National du Niokolo-Koba - worth visiting?

Hi folks- planning our first overland trip to North/West Africa. We are considering coming Kayes-Kidara and on to the park. Has anyone been recently? Is it worth the trip? I understand it is nothing like the game preserves in East and southern Africa, but is there the possibility of seeing lions and elephants?

Are there other spots in the region for wildlife viewing, say down into Guinea, or should we plan to save that for another trip east-south and not be disappointed?

thanks, Rick.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
Niokola Koba is pretty good by West Africa standards in my opinion. Forget any comparisons to East/South Africa or you will be disappointed.

At the main camp (Simenti) a good chance of seeing crocs and hippos in the river below and some good birdlife.

If you go late in the dry season, we saw a variety of antellope/gazelle, plenty of baboons and monkeys, and warthogs......as for lions/elephants I think you'd be very lucky to see them , if they still exist at all.

It's a pretty spot by the river at the main camp. Colvin was a guy from Ipswich, UK, and he was managing the place when we were there.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: where the truck is stopped!
Posts: 120
Ditto on Dave the Hat, you won't see elephants or lions but you should have no problems with monkeys, baboons, crocs, antelope/deer and all manner of birds.

We were required to take a guide so you will want to plan on that.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Posts: 177
We have been there, from Simenti it is only possible to make a guided tour unless you ask for special permission which you can obtain only with a good 4x4 vehicle, not bike.

There is a very nice way of exploring the park yourself if you enter from the south, it is a spectacular drive and you will end up at the main camp Simenti as well but you can spend a lot of time, 1 or 2 days in total, driving around yourself.

Campement Dar Salam en parkingang N13 15.634 W13 12.088 Symbool en naam 21-3-2009 15:57:48
Parkingang 2 geen kaartverkoop N13 10.474 W13 01.253 Symbool en naam 22-3-2009 9:26:28
Campement Chez Gilbert N12 38.291 W12 49.166 Symbool en naam 22-3-2009 16:26:12
Ingang 3 kaartverkoop N12 40.615 W13 03.084 Symbool en naam 23-3-2009 12:03:14
Dalaba N12 45.131 W13 16.574 Symbool en naam 23-3-2009 15:25:53
Damantan N12 59.808 W13 24.150 Symbool en naam 23-3-2009 18:18:50
Simenti hotel campement N13 01.641 W13 17.636 Symbool en naam 23-3-2009 19:56:31
Grand Mirador N13 06.804 W13 18.673 Symbool en naam 24-3-2009 11:25:54
Campement du Lion N13 01.564 W13 14.296 Symbool en naam 24-3-2009 12:34:51


Sorry for the Dutch tongue.....

If you want more info, GPS Tracks about this possibility, just let me know.

GRTZ,

JP
Attached Thumbnails
Parc National du Niokolo-Koba - worth visiting?-simenti.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 53
thanks folks.

JP, we will be in a Land Cruiser, kitted for overland, so the southern route on our own sounds interesting, but we would probably want to do the reverse, as we will continue south into Guinea from there. More info and GPS Tracks appreciated! What did you have to do to arrange the self-tour option? We plan to enter Senegal at Kidira, then down through Tambacounda.

rk
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Posts: 177
Just to enter from the south is enough, you pay for the entrance and that's it. Coming first to Simenti from the north you will need the permit.

Pleas send me a PM with your e-mail address and I will send you the tracks by mail.

Coming from the south, just before Simenti you will have to cross this bridge, going around is no option, full of crocs in the river.
Attached Thumbnails
Parc National du Niokolo-Koba - worth visiting?-dsc03496.jpg  

Parc National du Niokolo-Koba - worth visiting?-dsc03500.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Overland Tonka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Originally London. Now driving my Toyota.
Posts: 191
Hi there... As the others said you will collect a guide at the enterance.

It was an ok kind of place with round thatched huts you can stay in.

We drove the track from the gate to Simenti in our 1990 Nissan micra which was fun and takes quite awhile...we even went on a tour of the park with our guide in the micra (impossible to kill these little cars!)

I would not rush to go back there to be honest although the food was not what you expect... Duck a la orange etc...like being in Paris 30 years ago...tasty though. Overlooking there river bend with the monkeys, hippos and crocs was relaxing.

When we was there the map showed no real road heading south....to our surprise there was a brand new road they was just finishing all the way to the mali border..saw about four other cars all the way...beautiful smooth and twisty road.
__________________
Facebook " Kevin Heike " come and say Hello as we travel around the world.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Oh this begs a few questions.

Since I noted there is a piste from Manantali, Mali to Keniebe at the border that I would like to test the next trip, do you think it would be possible to enter Senegal at this border post with an old landcruiser and no carnet?

And, coming in from the south, is it possible to drive around and camp freely?

According to Wiki there are some 150 lions in the park
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,341
Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe View Post
According to Wiki there are some 150 lions in the park
You do so worry when you travel priffe!
It's not a problem as it usually only takes one to eat you
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Posts: 177
Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe View Post
Oh this begs a few questions.

Since I noted there is a piste from Manantali, Mali to Keniebe at the border that I would like to test the next trip, do you think it would be possible to enter Senegal at this border post with an old landcruiser and no carnet?

And, coming in from the south, is it possible to drive around and camp freely?

According to Wiki there are some 150 lions in the park
?????

In my view Keniebe is Mali, so do you mean Keniebe in Mali tot Manatali in Senegal??

Senegal does not recognise the carnet anymore for several years now so if there is a piste with an international bordercrossing, it must be possible. However, I really dont understand what crossing you have in mind.

They spot lions once a year over there, there is even a lion camp, last time I have been there it was 3 years ago that they spotted Lions there.

In the south I can recommand the camp on my map: Chez Gilbert, he will prepare you a very nice meal and make a monkey excursion in the morning.

GRTZ,

JP

GRTZ,

JP
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
No, I meant to research SW Mali more, going from Manantali to Kenieba on the Senegal border. I never ventured into Senegal since my vehicle is old and I presume they wouldn't allow it, but perhaps at this remote post at Kenieba they would let me in? Border post on the Senegal side would probably be Saraya.

What is the entrance to the park like on the south side?
Bertrand, I wouldn't mind sleeping with lions.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Posts: 177
Nothing special, pay for the entrance and off you go. The piste can be damaged a bit by heavy rainfall.

GRTZ,

JP
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Overland Tonka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Originally London. Now driving my Toyota.
Posts: 191
Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe View Post
No, I meant to research SW Mali more, going from Manantali to Kenieba on the Senegal border. I never ventured into Senegal since my vehicle is old and I presume they wouldn't allow it, but perhaps at this remote post at Kenieba they would let me in? Border post on the Senegal side would probably be Saraya.

What is the entrance to the park like on the south side?
Bertrand, I wouldn't mind sleeping with lions.
Crossed there in a 1990 Nissan micra so I think you will be fine. They was begining to building a bridge when I was there across the river...should be finished by now. Senegal border was very friendly... Mali border was non exsistant. Spent two days lost off piste till we found a gold mine...later that day we came across a police road check. They could not issue us with a visa, but phoned ahead to the next police checkpoint which gave us a visa with no problems... From what we saw the SW of Mali looks a great place to explore, if you don't mind very very slow going tracks.
__________________
Facebook " Kevin Heike " come and say Hello as we travel around the world.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Sounds like next trip we will spend time in SW Mali and SE Senegal with the khassonké
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Parc National du Banc d'Arguin LandJ North Africa 14 14 Mar 2013 15:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:29.