Vallee De Mai National Park
The Vallee de Mai National Park contains over 4000 cocode-mer palm trees that grow in excess of 100 feet (30 m) in height and have the unique double-lobed coconut that is in the shape of the female (human) pelvic region.
At 20 pounds (9 kg) this is considered to be the world’s largest fruit, and takes over 10 years to ripen! Many myths and legends have arisen from the presence of this fruit, thought by some to be the “forbidden fruit, and the island being the proverbial “Garden of Eden”. Allow two or three hours for your visit, as this is a lovely park in which to walk.
The sale of the coco-de-mer (a unique souvenir, indeed) is strictly controlled, and may be purchased at the park or from other shops on the island.
Youll also be amazed at the gigantic size of some of the palm fans, and were lucky enough to spot the rare black parrot on our visit.
Related Travel Information
Boumalne
Boumalne du Dades is a small town that overlooks the valley. It makes for a pleasant stop in the valley and it is a good base for walking expeditions.
The oasis surrounding the town are very relaxing and you might want to spend more time here than you had planned. Boumalne provides an excellent base for hiking in the mountains stretching to the south, the Djebel Saghro as well as the gorges to the north. The Vallee des Oiseaux is also a very good day trip from here.
Omo National Park
Omo National Park is situated at the south-west on the west bank of Omo River. This park is 870km south-west of Addis Ababa, covering an area of approx 4,070 sq km
Omo National Park is home for buffalo, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, lion, leopard, zebra, kudu, hartebeest, oryx, Anubis baboon and many other animals. Over 306 species of birds exist in this national park. This is also a wonderful area for visiting local peoples and experiencing their cultures.
The park is not easily accessible. The park HQ is 75km from Kibish settlement. However, a new airstrip is available close to
Zimbabwe: Chizaria National Park
This national park in western Zimbabwe is one of the country's most remote and least-developed reserves. The park sits astride the dramatic Zambezi Escarpment and is filled with steep cliffs and river gorges. The wildlife, particularly in the Busi Valley, is abundant. There are a few camps in the park, but the Chizaria Wilderness Lodge, just outside the park is the lodging of choice if you can afford it. Be aware that there are no facilities within the park, so you'll need to take along your own supplies. 200 mi/320 km west of Harare.
Luambe National Park
This undeveloped, 99-square-mile (254 km2) savannah and woodlands park is located just northeast of South Luangwa National Park. Luambe has many of the same species and features of South Luangwa National Park, but lacks first-class tourist facilities to accommodate visitors.
Bouba Ndjida National Park
The prime draws of this park (open December-May) are its many rhinos and Derby elk. Because Bouba Ndjida is just east of Benoue National Park, consider combining the two on one visit. 450 mi/725 km northeast of Yaounde.
