Taï National Park

Taï National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the remote southwest, protects one of the last major tracts of primary tropical rainforest in West Africa, an ancient, dense and precious wilderness that once covered much of the region. This pristine jungle of towering trees shelters extraordinary biodiversity, including the rare and elusive pygmy hippopotamus, forest elephants, several species of monkey, and famously a population of chimpanzees observed using stones and wood as tools to crack nuts, a remarkable window into primate intelligence. Explored on guided treks through the humid forest, it is a genuine adventure for the dedicated naturalist.

The landscape

• The primary rainforest - the ancient, pristine jungle.
• The tool-using chimpanzees - the famed nut-cracking chimps.
• The pygmy hippos - the rare, elusive forest hippos.
• The forest wildlife - the monkeys, elephants and birds.

When to go

November to February, the drier season, for the most manageable forest travel, though as a rainforest it is humid and rain is possible any time; the park is remote and reached by a long journey, with visits arranged as guided treks. Wildlife, especially the shy chimps and pygmy hippos, takes patience, luck and good local guides to encounter.

Good to know

Taï is deeply remote and undeveloped, reached by long, rough journeys and explored only on guided treks through hot, humid, trackless jungle with basic facilities, so it is a genuine adventure for dedicated naturalists rather than casual visitors, and its famous wildlife is elusive. For the rare chance to experience one of West Africa's last pristine primary rainforests, with its tool-using chimps and rare pygmy hippos, though, it is extraordinary and important.

Nearby

The southwestern towns and the Liberian border region are within reach.

Key facts