Discover the Sigean African reserve from our campsite at Vias Plage: a Safari by car and a walk in an animal park of over 350 hectares.
the spectacle of wildlife in the south of France
Between Narbonne and Perpignan, on the Mediterranean coast and bordering the ponds that dot the Languedoc coastline, the Rรฉserve Africaine de Sigean is home to several thousand animals in large open spaces, where they can remain wild and express their natural behaviors to the full.
Today, several thousand animals share an area of over 350 hectares. Sigean is open to nature, and a visit to the park is as much about discovering Africa’s wild fauna as it is about discovering an environment: that of the Languedoc lagoon coast.
A wealth of wildlife
Originally, a natural environment to be preserved
The tour passes through a natural environment alternating ponds, marshes, garrigues, pine forests, plains and hills, divided into large spatial units of around ten hectares, where a wide variety of species, mostly African but also belonging to the local fauna, live and reproduce. Discovering them in their everyday lives, deciphering their behavior and recognizing them are all part of the charm of the walk.
Daniel de Monfreid’s plans for the opening of the Park in 1974 included a commitment to conserving and protecting the natural environment. A vast peripheral zone extending as far as the Bages-Sigean ponds was to ensure the biological protection of species. To our knowledge, this innovative concept of wildlife conservation in a “natural” environment is unique.
A park of over 350 hectares
Discover the Sigean African Reserve by car or on foot
A 7.5 km drive takes you through the three African bush parks, home to Dwarf Buffalo, Impala, Zebra, Springbok, Ostrich and Giraffe…. You will then continue to the Tibetan Bear and Lion Parks. Your self-drive safari ends after the three African Savannah parks, home to White Rhinoceros, Sitatungas, Warthogs, Somali Donkeys…
After parking your vehicle in the parking lots in the center of the Park, the walk will take you along the ponds where pink flamingos, pink-backed pelicans and white storks regularly breed…
One of Europe’s largest aviaries
Plunge into the heart of a haven of peace covering almost one hectare.
Over 250 exotic birds roam free.
Admire African Marabouts, Goliath Herons, Rรผppell’s Vultures, African Palmists, Abdim’s Storks, Gabon Greys, Ombrettes, Ibis, Touracos, Hornbills, Teal and many more of the 40 extraordinary species that call this area home.
Discover our two biggest Alligators and several hundred Red-headed Turtles, who live in harmony with all this little world.
African Plain Observatory
One of Europe’s largest herds of herbivores
Relax in the snack bar with its panoramic terrace, or sit on one of the three observation platforms that get up close and personal with the 200 ungulates and ostriches that inhabit the plain.
The ideal place to take a break while enjoying the beauty of the landscape.
Vivarium
Fascinating reptiles from Africa and Madagascar
In a lushly vegetated tropical environment, don’t miss Parson’s Chameleons, Dumรฉril’s Boas, Jackson’s Tree Snakes, Dwarf Crocodiles, West African False Ghavials, Nile Varans, Scaly Bush Vipers, West Gabon Vipers, Leaf-tailed Geckos, Emerald Lizards, Fire Skinks and Rufous Pelomedus.
This place will plunge you into the tropical jungle!
