Explore the Sigean African Reserve from our campground in Vias Plage: a drive-through safari and a walk through a wildlife park spanning more than 350 hectares
The spectacle of wildlife in the south of France
Located between Narbonne and Perpignan, on the Mediterranean coast and bordering the lagoons that dot the Languedoc coastline, the Sigean African Wildlife Reserve is home to several thousand animals in large enclosures, allowing them to remain wild and fully express their natural behaviors.
Today, several thousand animals share a territory of more than 350 hectares. Sigean prides itself on its connection to nature, and a visit to the park offers the chance to discover not only African wildlife but also a unique ecosystem: the Languedoc lagoon coastline.
A rich variety of wildlife
At its core, a natural environment worth preserving
The tour route winds through a natural landscape featuring a mix of ponds, marshes, scrubland, pine forests, plains, and hills—divided into large areas of about ten hectares—where a wide variety of species, mostly African but also including local wildlife, live and reproduce. Observing them in their daily lives, deciphering their behaviors, and learning to identify them are all part of the charm of the walk.
The commitment to preserve and protect the natural environment was included in the plans drawn up by Daniel de Monfreid when the park was officially opened in 1974. A vast peripheral zone extending to the Bages-Sigean ponds was intended to ensure the biological protection of species. To the best of our knowledge, this innovative approach to wildlife conservation and the preservation of a “natural” environment through a wildlife park is unique.
A park covering more than 350 hectares
The Sigean African Reserve can be explored by car and on foot
On a 7.5-km route, you’ll drive through the three African Bush parks, home to pygmy buffalo, impalas, zebras, springboks, ostriches, giraffes, and more. You’ll then continue on to the Tibetan Bear and Lion parks. Your drive-through safari will conclude after you’ve visited the three African Savannah parks, home to white rhinos, sitatungas, warthogs, and Somali donkeys…
After parking your car in the parking lots located in the center of the park, the walking trail will take you along the ponds where flamingos, pink-backed pelicans, and white storks regularly breed…
One of the largest aviaries in Europe
Immerse yourself in the heart of a “ ”—a peaceful haven spanning nearly one hectare
More than 250 exotic birds roam freely.
Marabou storks, Goliath herons, Rüppell’s vultures, African palm birds, Abdim’s storks, Gabon grey herons, black-crowned night herons, ibises, turacos, hornbills, teal, and many more among the 40 extraordinary species that call this area home.
Be sure to check out our two largest alligators and several hundred red-eared sliders, which live in harmony with all the other creatures here.
African Plain Observatory
One of the largest herds of herbivores in Europe
Enjoy a relaxing break at the snack bar with its panoramic terrace, or take a seat on one of the three observation platforms that bring you up close to the 200 ungulates and ostriches that roam the plain.
The perfect spot to take a break while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Vivarium
Fascinating Reptiles from Africa and Madagascar
In a tropical setting with lush vegetation, don’t miss—in this approximately300-square-meter space—Parson’s chameleons, Duméril’s boas, Jackson’s tree snakes, dwarf crocodiles, West African false gavials, Nile monitor lizards, scaly bush vipers, western Gabon vipers, leafy-tailed geckos, emerald lizards, fire skinks, and reddish pelomeduses.
This place will transport you right into the tropical jungle!
