Accro-Baobab Adventure Park | Mbour

Accro-Baobab Adventure Park - View Large Image

Information
Landmark: Accro-Baobab Adventure Park
City: Mbour
Country: Senegal
Continent: Africa

Accro-Baobab Adventure Park, Mbour, Senegal, Africa

The Accro-Baobab Adventure Park (Accrobaobab Adventure) is an aerial forest park located in the Sindia region of Senegal. It is the only adventure park in the world built entirely within a forest of ancient African baobab trees, situated approximately 65km southeast of Dakar.

Visual Characteristics

The park is defined by massive, centuries-old baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) that serve as the primary structural supports for the courses. Steel cables, wooden platforms, and rope bridges are integrated into the grey, cylindrical trunks at heights ranging from 3 to 20 meters. The ground consists of sandy savannah soil, and the layout is spread across a dense grove that provides significant natural canopy cover relative to the surrounding arid plains.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located directly off the N1 National Road near the village of Sindia. Access from Dakar is via the A1 Toll Road, exiting at the Sindia/AIBD junction. It is a 15-minute drive from Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). Public transport via "sept-place" taxis from Dakar to Mbour stops at the Sindia crossroads, where local motorcycle taxis provide final transit to the park entrance. On-site unpaved parking is available for private vehicles and tour buses.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Founded in the early 2000s, the park was designed as a sustainable ecotourism project to promote the conservation of the local baobab forest. The installations utilize non-invasive attachment methods to ensure the health and growth of the trees are not compromised. Geologically, the site sits on the western edge of the Thiès Plateau, characterized by well-drained sandy-clay soils that support a high density of veteran baobabs.

Key Highlights & Activities

The park features multiple zip-lining circuits, including a 315-meter line that passes through the upper baobab canopy. Climbing challenges, monkey bridges, and tarzan swings are categorized by difficulty levels suitable for children and adults. Specialized "Baobab Climbing" allows participants to ascend the exterior of hollowed trunks using professional safety harnesses and guided technical assistance.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a central reception area, a rustic open-air restaurant serving local dishes, and shaded wooden seating areas. Basic restroom and changing facilities are available on-site. Safety equipment, including harnesses and helmets, is provided with mandatory technical briefings. 4G and 5G cellular coverage is reliable. Potable water and refreshments are sold at the park’s central bar.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from November to June is the most favorable time for climbing as the bark is dry and provides better grip for participants. For photography, the morning hours (09:00–11:00) offer clear lighting before the sun reaches its zenith. The park is generally open Tuesday through Sunday, though pre-booking is required during the peak winter tourism months to ensure equipment availability.

Facts & Legends

Several of the baobabs utilized for the courses are estimated to be over 800 years old, surviving multiple centuries of regional climate shifts. Local lore often attributes spiritual significance to these ancient trees, and the park maintains a policy of low noise and minimal ecological disturbance to respect the local avian population that nests in the upper branches, including hornbills and various raptors.