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Africa Geographic Travel

Chad’s Zakouma National Park is 3,054km2 of protected area that plays a vital role in a greater ecosystem of approximately 25,000km including the Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve. The park’s management was taken over by African Parks in 2010 and since then this unique Sudano-Sahelian ecosystem has flourished. 

Its exquisite beauty, lively animals and exciting history make it one the most interesting safari destinations yet. Enjoy these 10 delightful images of Zakouma.

waterbuck
© Michael Viljoen/ African Parks
zakouma
© African Parks
buffalo herd
© Michael Viljoen/ African Parks
elephants
© Tanguy Dumortier/ African Parks

What is Zakouma’s greatest triumph!? 

In 2011 Zakouma National Park had a serious poaching crisis with only 454 elephants, out of the 4,000 counted in 2006, left. Africa Parks took over management of the park shortly after 31 elephants were killed in 2010. Since October 2011 there have been no poaching incidents. Buffalo, giraffe, roan and Lelwel’s hartebeest have also subsequently made a comeback.

For more info on elephants in Zakouma National Park read: Beyond the Infinity Pool.

lion
© Michael Viljoen/ African Parks
Zakouma National Park
© Jean Labuschagne/ African Parks

What is unique about Zakouma?

50% of Africa’s population of Kordofan giraffes resides in Zakouma. The Kordofan giraffe is a subspecies of giraffe that occurs in the deserts of Northern Africa.

giraffe
© African Parks
pelicans
© Michael Viljoen/ African Parks

Zakouma has 373 bird species recorded within its periphery, including 40 raptor species. The charismatic Abyssinian ground hornbill also calls Zakouma home.

Zakouma
© Michael Viljoen/ African Parks
zakouma lodge
© Jean Labuschagne/ African Parks

Zakouma National Park is one of conservation’s greatest success stories – surviving through two decades of civil war; before conservation efforts like those formulated by African Parks could be put in place.

For more wonderful images of Zakouma National Park: click here

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African Parks is a non-profit organisation that takes on total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments, wildlife organisations and local communities. We operate thirteen national parks in nine countries: Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Malawi and Benin. Please see www.african-parks.org or visit our Facebook page for more information.

Africa Geographic Travel
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