Mi Kwabo
 Welcome

The Centre de rechreche d’arigcole and La Forêt de Nialouli have been situated in the village of Niaouli since 1904 and cover an area of 220 ha, of which 170 ha represent some of the remaining of the natural forest areas in southern Benin. This protected area is home to a myriad of rare species of both flora and fauna  The center offers two types of ecosystems: a wetland-tropical forest and a dry land-tropical forest-situated on a plateau.  The ecological diversity of Niaouli offers a picturesque and pleasurable visit.   

The forests play host to more than 220 vegetative species, grouped into more then 70 botanical families. The wetland-tropical forest is distinguished by the presence of native flood plain plant species.

Different species of trees are easily distinguished by the signs located near their trunks.  In the dry land-tropical forest, visitors  will appreciate many of the large tree species, such as le faux iroko, le samba, le micocoulier africain and le tamarinier noir, and will discover their local and traditional uses. 

There are a number of mammals, reptiles and other animals that can be found in the two forests.  Some species our visitors may discover are large cane rats(agouti), porcupines, green monkeys, chameleons, forest turtles, pythons, green mambas, and the cobra.

On your walk through our forest you will encounter some of our many colorful species of butterflies.  Visitors can also expect to see some of the 110 species of birds that frequent the forests.

Paradise Flycather

 Pygmy Kingfisher

Blue-Billed Malimbe

Red-belleid Paradise Flycather

Green-crested Touraco

A visit in the Park of Niaouli is lead by one of our interpretive guides, who are experts in the forests history, its uses (indigenous knowledge), and the customs of the local population(all tours are in French).  Our trails are well managed and kept up year round.  They traverse more then 5 km of the two forests, offering an enjoyable hike and visit.  The guides are available to facilitate the visitor’s discovery of the park, their presence is to help you distinguish the different types of trees and their medicinal uses. 

Tourist Map
Click to enlarge

The Site

The Centre du recherche d’agricole and La Forêt de Niaouli are near the village of Attogon, just north of Allada, 65 km north of Cotonou.  Here, the visitors will see native forest species of birds, large indigenous trees of southern Benin and animals species, such as the green monkey.  You can hike through two different types of forests and visit coffee and cocoa plantations.  You can also rest and eat at the center itself.

Prices

     Adult  Foreigner: 2.000 CFA
     Adult  National: 1.000 CFA
     Student : 500 CFA
     Child : 300 CFA

Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more

Price includes photography and guide

Lodging

There is a guesthouse, which rests near the forest where you will able to hear and see animals and birds.  Each room is furnished with a double bed, screened windows and ceiling fan.  The rooms share a full bathroom.

Price by night (two people) : 2.500 CFA

Things to Bring

P   Shoes and clothes for outdoor walking

P  Sunscreen

P  Insecticide

P  Potable water

P  Sunglasses

P  Binoculars

P  Photo and video cameras

P  Picnic Lunch