Inside Banco National Park, Abidjan’s Tropical Forest Sanctuary

In Banco National Park, a thin mist hangs over the tall, ancient trees like a long and slow exhale from the forest itself. The air here is cool and fresh, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil, crushed leaves, and the faint sweetness of wild blossoms. As the mist lifts, the rainforest's colours appear in a mosaic of emerald, jade, and bark brown. The bustle of the city feels distant, even though it lies just beyond the trees.

There are few places in the world where a rainforest sits shoulder-to-shoulder with a modern, fast-growing city, yet Abidjan has exactly that. Banco National Park – or Parc du Banco if you want to sound like a local – is a rare slice of untouched rainforest that acts as a leafy sanctuary for all kinds of biodiversity.

Here, the park captivates you from the moment you step through its gates. The air cools, the light softens beneath the canopy, and the sounds of the city fade away. The park’s trails, peaceful clearings, and flourishing plant life have a way of slowing the pace of even the busiest traveller.

Families often find that children who arrive in the city feeling restless are suddenly calm when they’re surrounded by the rustling trees, wild birds, and the stillness of the rainforest. That's the power of nature here.

Part of the park’s charm lies in its welcoming layout. The paths are shaded with trees and varied, offering gentle options for families with young explorers, as well as slightly longer routes for those who want to venture deeper into the forest. The atmosphere is welcoming rather than overwhelming, making the park an ideal introduction to rainforest landscapes – especially if it’s your first time venturing into one.

Despite its scale, Banco National Park feels safe, accessible, and welcoming to explore. Don’t worry – we’ll wander through all of its wild highlights in just a moment.

As you walk through the forest trails, you begin to realise just how biodiverse this protected environment is. Enormous ancient trees arch overhead, their roots coiling into the earth, making them look like nature's ancient sculptures. Smaller plant species cluster along the path edges, creating a beautiful collage of greens and textures that’s especially striking during the early morning hours.

Overall, Banco National Park shelters an impressive mix of flora and fauna, from rare hardwoods like Tieghemella heckelii to darting monkeys, colourful bird species, duikers, and African civets. And if you're wondering what a duiker is, it's the absolute cutest small, shy antelope. You'll often spot them moving gracefully and quietly through the undergrowth – unlike the fast monkeys.

Wildlife lovers and children will be especially charmed by the monkeys darting from branch to branch and birds weaving through the canopy. This open-air zoo is the star of the show, especially for visitors experiencing West African species for the first time. Here, the educational elements blend seamlessly with the joy of seeing wildlife up close.

You’ll also find a botanical garden, which is a highlight for plant lovers. It offers a gentle introduction to native flora and encourages young visitors to notice the smaller details of the forest. Finally, the little ones will appreciate the miniature train, which also adds a nice touch for those who don't feel like exploring the park solely on foot.

Here, wellness – though not loud or deliberate – is a natural part of the experience. A walk through Parc du Banco has a grounding effect, encouraging families to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with one another away from all the screens and busy schedules. Many visitors describe feeling as though they've stepped into a completely different world, even though they're only minutes from the heart of Abidjan. It's precisely this effortless shift from urban energy to natural serenity that makes the park so alluring.

For travellers and families seeking an easy day trip that combines exploration with well-being, Banco National Park is a destination that delivers. Its proximity to the city centre, including convenient access from Novotel Abidjan Plateau, makes it a wonderfully simple day trip, particularly for those wishing to blend comfort with a little peace and quiet in nature.

Novotel Abidjan Plateau is the perfect base to explore both the city and the nearby urban rainforest. Just a 25-minute drive or taxi ride away from Banco National Park, the hotel itself feels like a gentle exhale in the heart of Abidjan’s busiest district.

You’ll find bright, contemporary spaces and a breezy terrace ready to welcome you. The rooms are designed to feel beautifully relaxing after a day in “Little Manhattan” – a nickname inspired by the Plateau’s sleek high-rises and lagoon-side skyline, a charming West African wink to New York. Outside, the Plateau’s skyline surrounds you.

The area is sleek, lively, and just a short stroll from landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the striking Saint-Paul Cathedral. So, whether you’re here to work, explore, or slip away with the family to explore the city, the hotel’s lagoon-side calm and easy elegance make it the perfect base for your Abidjan adventure.

Planning a visit to Banco National Park is effortless. From Novotel Abidjan Plateau, visitors can simply hop in a taxi or arrange a ride through the hotel. Both options are quick and hassle-free. The drive is straightforward, allowing travellers to effortlessly turn the visit into a half-day or full-day outing without feeling overwhelmed.

Once you arrive, you can spend the morning leisurely wandering the forest paths. The park typically opens early and closes by late afternoon, and the early morning hours are perfect for spotting birds and cute rainforest critters.

Entry fees are modest, especially considering the scale and ecological value of this protected rainforest. You can purchase tickets directly at the park or authorised ticketing offices in the city. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and breezy clothes. Bring along a bottle of water, some sun protection, a camera, and you’ll be good to go.

Keep in mind: many of the trails are shaded, but tropical weather can shift without warning, so a light rain jacket is a smart addition. That said, the best months to visit Banco National Park are during the dry season, from November to March. That’s when the trails are easier to navigate, wildlife is more active and visible, and the rainforest is more enjoyable without the frequent showers of the wet season.

Local tip: visitors are encouraged to stick to marked paths, both for safety and to help preserve the delicate ecosystem.

For families seeking connection, well-being, and a hint of adventure, Banco National Park offers an effortless blend of serenity and discovery. It’s one of those rare places where Côte d’Ivoire’s natural beauty feels close enough – where children can roam safely outdoors, adults can unwind, and the whole family can connect through the simple joy of just being outdoors together. In a metropolis celebrated for its energy and ambition, Parc du Banco stands as a quiet, calm haven – the kind of natural beauty that you’ll always remember.