Take advantage of your stay in the south of France to visit the Réserve Africaine de Sigean and its many wild animals!
Between Narbonne and Perpignan lies a very special animal park: the Réserve Africaine de Sigean. This semi-natural 300-hectare site takes you to the heart of the African savannah. With over 3,800 wild animals and no fewer than 160 species, there’s something for young and old to marvel at and spend an unforgettable safari day! Are you wondering how to visit the Réserve Africaine de Sigean? What are the prices and opening times? You’ll find all the information you need in this article, as well as our best visiting tips.
History of the Réserve Africaine de Sigean
Photo Credit: Facebook – Réserve Africaine de Sigean
This wildlife park was created in 1972 in Languedoc-Roussillon(Occitaine), with the ambition of offering a unique, immense site dedicated to the conservation of African animal species. Since its opening to the public in April 1974, it has gone from strength to strength, thanks in particular to European breeding programs. Numerous species have been introduced with the aim of protecting them. The condition, of course, is that the animals are adapted to the Languedoc climate.
After more than forty-seven years of operation, the Park is now home to around 900 mammals, 600 reptiles and over 2,000 birds.
Our tips for visiting the Réserve Africaine de Sigean
Allow a full day for your visit
The best way to enjoy all the park’s features is to spend the whole day on site. The safari drive takes around 1 hour, while the walking tour takes around 2.5 hours. With the day ahead of you, you can easily take a second car tour and take time for lunch on site, from one of the park’s snack bars or provide your own.
Respect safety instructions
Visiting the Réserve Africaine de Sigean requires a few precautions. After all, you’re meeting animals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re travelling by car or on foot, there are a number of rules to observe, both for your own safety and for the well-being of the wildlife. For example, keep your windows closed, don’t stop your vehicle near bears, lions or rhinos, and never get out of your car. On foot, of course, you must stay on the marked paths. You will be reminded of all safety instructions when you buy your tickets and at the park entrance.
Arrive early
If you’d like to visit the park on a self-drive safari, we strongly advise you to arrive early in the morning, especially during the high season (July-August). There will be fewer visitors, which means you’ll be able to enjoy the animals more. The animals tend not to show up at the hottest times of the day.
What to do when you visit the Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
Photo credits: Réserve Africaine de Sigean – Gabriel de Jesús
In the reserve, some species live in large open spaces in semi-liberty. The others are grouped around a spacious, well-equipped zoo. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to witness the births of some of the animals! With your tickets for the Réserve Africaine de Sigean, you can combine a safari by car with a semi-free visit on foot. Don’t have a car? No problem, just hop aboard the park’s timetabled minibus. As you enter the park, you’ll quickly be transported to the heart of the African savannah! A map is provided on the park website and on site. It details the various trails and animal areas, as well as the amenities available to you.
The car tour (orange route) includes the three African bush parks. You’ll see buffalo, zebra, ostrich, giraffe, impala and more. Next, we linger in the bear park, followed by the lion park. Finally, white rhinoceroses, warthogs and Somali donkeys are grouped together in the area aptly named the African Savannah. The visit continues on foot (beige route), along the ponds where pink flamingos, pink-backed pelicans and storks live… Antelopes, chimpanzees, cheetahs and wild dogs are sure to cross your path. For reptile lovers, there’s also a large immersion aviary, a new vivarium and an alligator house.
Finally, the reserve lies on the path of many migratory birds. They fly along the coast, around the Pyrenees, to Spain or Africa in winter, and back in summer. That’s why you’ll see so many birds during your visit around the park’s pond.
How much does a ticket to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean cost?
Photo credits: Réserve Africaine de Sigean – Gabriel de Jesús
The park requires online reservations. Here are the rates from 2021.
- Adult: €32
- Children (aged 4-14): €23
- Reduced rate for disabled persons: €13.50
- Large family (cardholder, 2 adults and at least 3 children aged 4 to 14): €29 per adult and €20 per child.
How do I book a ticket for the Réserve de Sigean online?
All you have to do is visit the official website or a third-party site specializing in tours and activities. You can then choose the ticket you want, book a VIP guided tour or a group outing.
Are there guided tours of the Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
It is possible to take advantage of the services of a guide to visit the Réserve Africaine de Sigean. You can choose between the minibus tour alone (duration 1h) or combined with the walking tour (between 3h and 4h).
Please note that VIP tours are only available for groups of 15 or fewer. The price is for the whole group, not per person. The guide will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the animals you see, and provide explanations and insights into the wildlife and its habitat.
Opening hours
The park is open all year round, every day, but opening times vary according to the month of the year:
- November to March: 9am – 5:30pm
- April to June: 9am – 6.30pm
- July – August: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
- September: 9am – 7pm
- October: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Please note: last tickets can be purchased 2 hours before closing time.
How do I get to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
The Réserve Africaine de Sigean is located in southern France, between Narbonne and Perpignan, in the Occitanie region (19, chemin Hameau du lac, on the RD 6009).
- By car: from Perpignan, from the A9 freeway, exit at Sigean (n°39) and take the RD 6009 departmental road, towards Narbonne. Allow 50 minutes for the journey. From Narbonne, allow 35 minutes on the RD 6009. From Montpellier or Toulouse, exit at Narbonne Sud (n°38) and take the RD 6009, direction Sigean/Perpignan. From Toulouse, allow 1h50.
- By train: Narbonne and Port-la-Nouvelle SNCF stations are the nearest, around 15 km from the reserve. Cabs are also available. Car rental companies are available at the stations.
Where can I park near the Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
You need a vehicle to visit the Park in the best conditions. Parking lots are available inside the Reserve, where you can park your vehicle after completing your safari by car. From here, you can begin your walk!
Where to stay near the site?
There is no on-site accommodation to visit the Sigean African Reserve. However, there are plenty of options available in the surrounding area. In Sigean itself, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation: campsites, gîtes and chambres d’hôtes, a hotel, two vacation villages, rental apartments… If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can opt for nearby villages such as Portel des Corbières, Port-la-Nouvelle, Roquefort des Corbières, Peyriac de mer or La Palme. Last but not least, the town of Narbonne is also an interesting starting point for exploring the region.