Diawling National Park covers 16 000 hectares, with a peripheral area of 56 000 hectares. Designated as a wetland site of international importance, the Park has 300 species of birds, including 130 migratory species, and is also the only nesting site of the lesser flamingo in West Africa.

The reserve was created in 1991 as a compensatory measure for the construction of several dams on the Senegal River that led to substantial changes in the water regime. The resulting decline in natural resources had a devastating impact on the local economy, which consists mainly of fishing, trading, livestock rearing, food gathering, crafts, market gardening, and tourism and accounts for an estimated 80% of the local population’s income. The growth of human and livestock populations and the harmful impact of invasive plants on economically or ecologically important species are increasing pressure on natural resources.

However, after 20 years of restoration efforts, thanks to the construction of hydraulic structures and dikes to manage and release brackish water into the former floodplains, the Park has successfully rehabilitated its ecosystems and once again become an important biodiversity site. Ecological restoration initiatives have enabled bird habitats to be restored, and ecological monitoring has shown an exponential increase in the number of bird species found in the Park.

Size of Diawling national park

Diawling national park covers an area of 156 km and it’s a great habitat for birdlife.

Location of Diawling national park

The Diawling National Park lies in southwest Mauritania around the Senegal River delta. During the rainy season, much of the park consists of large lakes. It is known for having over 220 species of identified birds, including pelicans, black storks, and flamingos, and also for its fish.

How to get to Diawling national park

You are more likely to spot monkeys, warthogs, and monitor lizards – it’s well worth a detour if you have a 4WD. Most people breeze through on their way to Senegal via the border crossing at Diamma. Facilities are almost completely undeveloped.

Things to do in Diawling national park

Birding

Some of the birds in the Diawling National Park include pelicans, starling, golden sparrow, gull, pied avocet, northern pintail, great egret, Eurasian spoonbill, Caspian tern, black scrub robin, lesser flamingos, black storks, African spoonbill, and many other water birds. There are more than 220 birds recorded in the park nesting and breeding at the saline water delta of the Senegal River.

Wildlife encounters

Some of the animals in the park include warthogs, wild donkeys, monkeys, and many others.

When to visit Diawling national park

February to April is the best time to visit Diawling national park but the park can be visited all year round.

Where to stay in Diawling national park

Facilities are almost completely undeveloped, with little notice park employees can put up a traditional style tent for a night but you need to come with your own food, and entrance fees can be paid at the park.