Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, Central African Republic.
Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park encompasses savannas, forests, and seasonal wetlands that host African wildlife from antelopes to elephants and large predators. The varied landscapes create overlapping zones where different species find suitable conditions to survive.
The park was established in 1979 to protect the region's biodiversity and received UNESCO World Heritage recognition 8 years later. Ongoing pressures from poaching and armed conflict later made it necessary to designate it as endangered.
Local communities participate in conservation efforts alongside park staff through collaborative programs that bridge herding traditions with wildlife protection. This partnership allows people who live on the land to remain involved in decisions affecting their surroundings.
Visiting requires careful planning due to its remote location, unpredictable weather, and the need for experienced guides to navigate the terrain safely. Allow extra time for travel and expect conditions to vary significantly depending on the season.
The northern floodplains along the Bahr Kameur and Bahr Aouk rivers support more than 300 bird species, including pelicans and African fish eagles. These water areas serve as essential stopping points for migratory birds making their seasonal journeys across the continent.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.