Enjoy a stay in the South of France to visit the Sigean African Reserve and its many wild animals!
Between Narbonne and Perpignan is a very special animal park: the Sigean African Reserve. Semi-natural, this 300-hectare space leads you to the heart of the African savannah. With more than 3,800 wild animals and no less than 160 species, small and large have what to marvel and spend an unforgettable safari day! Are you wondering how to visit the Sigean African Reserve? What are the rates and times? Find all this information and our best visiting tips in this article.
History of the Sigean African Reserve
Photo credit: Facebook – Sigean African Reserve
This animal park was born in 1972 in the Languedoc-Roussillon (Langudoc-Roussillon) Occitaine ), with the aim of proposing a unique, immense and dedicated place for the conservation of African animal species. Since its opening to the public in April 1974, it has been constantly growing, thanks in particular to European herding programmes. Many species have been introduced to protect them. The condition being of course that animals are adapted to the Languedoc climate.
After more than forty-seven years of opening, the Park now houses about 900 mammals, 600 reptiles and more than 2,000 birds.
Our tips to visit the Sigean African Reserve
Preview the day for your visit
To enjoy all the park spaces, the best thing is to spend the day on the site. The car safari route lasts about 1h, while the walking tour takes about 2h30. With the day in front of you, you can easily make a second ride by car and take the lunch time on site, among the snacks of the park or with your own snack.
Respect security instructions
Visiting the Sigean African Reserve requires some precautions. Indeed, you go to meet animals in their natural environment. Whether by car or on foot, rules are to be respected, both for your safety and for the well-being of wildlife. For example, you should be careful to keep your windows closed, not stop your vehicle near bears, lions or rhinoceros, and never get off the car. On foot, you will obviously have to stay on the paths indicated. All security instructions will be reminded when purchasing your tickets and at the entrance to the park.
Coming early
If you want to visit the park by car safari, you can only be advised to arrive early in the morning, especially in high season (July-August). The attendance will be lower, which will allow you to enjoy more animals. They tend not to show up at the hottest hours of the day.
What to do during your visit to the Sigean African Reserve?
Photo credit: Sigean African Reserve – Gabriel de Jesús
In the reserve, some of the species live in large semi-free spaces. The others are gathered around a spacious and well-appointed zoo. In this preserved natural environment, with a little luck, you can even attend births! By taking your tickets for the Sigean African Reserve, you will be able to combine safari by car and semi-free walking tour. You don't have a car? No problem, climb aboard the park's minibus, on fixed hours. By entering the park, you will be quickly transported in the middle of African savannah! A plan is provided on the park's website and on site. It details the different paths and animal spaces, as well as the amenities available to you.
The car circuit (orange) includes the three parks in the African bush . There are buffalo, zebra, ostriches, giraffes, impalas, etc. Then we sit in the bear park, then the lions. Finally, white rhinoceros, phacochères, donkeys from Somalia are grouped in the wisely known African savannah. The visit continues on foot (beige route), along the ponds where pink flamingos evolve, pink-backed pelicans, storks... Antelopes, chimpanzees, cheepards and lycaons Probably cross your path. It should also be noted that the large immersion flyer, the new vivarium and the alligators house for amateur reptiles.
Finally, the reserve is on the path of many Migratory birds . These last along the coast to bypass the Pyrenees, win Spain or Africa for the winter period and come back from the beautiful days. This is why you will also observe many birds during your visit, around the pond of the park.
How much does a ticket cost to the Sigean African Reserve?
Photo credit: Sigean African Reserve – Gabriel de Jesús
The park requests to make bookings mandatory online. Here are the rates as early as 2021.
- Adult : 32 €
- Child (4-14 years old) : 23 €
- Reduced price for persons with disabilities : 13,50 €
- Large family ( card holder, 2 adults and minimum 3 children from 4 to 14 years old): 29 € per adult and 20 € per child.
How do I book a ticket for the Sigean Reserve online?
Just go to the official website or to a third party site specialized in tours and activities. You can then choose the desired ticket, book a VIP guided tour or a group trip.
Are there guided tours of the Sigean African Reserve?
It is possible to benefit from the services of a guide to visit the Sigean African Reserve. You'll have a choice between minibus route single (duration 1h) or combined with walking tour (between 3h and 4h).
Attention, the VIP guided tour is reserved as a group maximum 15 persons . The price is for the complete group and not per person. The guide will allow you to ask all your questions about the animals observed and to benefit from explanations and lighting on wildlife and its habitat.
Opening hours
The park is open all year round, every day, but schedules vary according to the months of the year:
- November to March : 9h – 17h30
- April to June : 9h – 6h30
- July – August : 8h30 – 19h30
- September : 9h – 7h
- October : 9h – 6h30
Note : the last tickets buy 2 hours before closing.
How to access the Sigean African Reserve?
The Sigean African Reserve is located in the south of France, between Narbonne and Perpignan, in Occitanie (19 Hameau du lac, on RD 6009).
- By car : from Perpignan, from the A9 motorway, exit Sigean (n°39) and take the RD 6009, direction Narbonne. Count 50 minutes. From Narbonne, count 35 min by RD 6009. From Montpellier or Toulouse, go to Narbonne Sud (n°38) and take the RD 6009, direction Sigean/Perpignan. Count 1h50 from Toulouse.
- By train : the SNCF stations in Narbonne and Port-la-Nouvelle are the closest, about 15 km from the reserve. Taxis provide the ride. Car rentals are present at the stations.
Where to park near the Sigean African Reserve?
You must have a vehicle to visit the Park in the right conditions. The car parks await you inside the Reserve, you can park your vehicles there after having carried out the safari by car. From these car parks you can start the walk!
Where to stay near the site?
There are no accommodations on site to visit the Sigean African reserve. However, many options are available in the area. To Sigean even , you will be spoiled for the choice of accommodation: campsites, lodgings and guest rooms, a hotel, two villages-vacances, apartments for rent... If you don't find your happiness, go down on neighbouring villages, like Portel des Corbières, Port-la-Nouvelle, Roquefort des Corbières, Peyriac de mer or La Palme. Finally, City of Narbonne is also an interesting starting point for the region.
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