Sarah De Winne Looking for a safari experience in the South of France? As locals living in Aude, we recently visited the African Reserve of Sigean — one of the region’s most unique wildlife parks. In this African Reserve Sigean review, we’ll share what to expect, our honest impressions and practical tips for making the most of your visit.
So, whether you’re planning a family day out or looking for something different near Narbonne, here’s what you need to know.
What Is the African Reserve of Sigean?
The African Reserve of Sigean (Réserve Africaine de Sigean) is a large wildlife park located between Narbonne and Perpignan in the Aude department of southern France. Spanning over 300 hectares, the park is home to more than 3,800 animals, including bears, chimpanzees, flamingos, gazelles, giraffes, lions, rhinos and zebras.
The park is divided into two main areas:
- a drive-through safari, where visitors can observe animals like bears, lions and antelope from the comfort of their own cars
- a walking section, which includes enclosures, aviaries and paved, shaded trails.
Established in 1974, the reserve is committed to wildlife conservation and is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). This means it must meet high standards not only in animal care and housing, but also in conservation, research, and public education — reflecting its broader role in protecting biodiversity.
Unlike some modern zoos, the African Reserve of Sigean doesn’t aim for manicured perfection. Instead, it offers a more rugged, natural setting, designed to resemble the animals’ native environments as closely as possible.
The park is located within a protected natural area on the edge of the Bages-Sigean lagoon (étang) — a coastal wetland rich in birdlife that adds to the sense of immersion in nature. This wilder, more open layout is part of the park’s charm, but it’s something to be aware of when planning your visit — especially if you’re used to more polished animal parks.
African Reserve Sigean Review: Our Experience as Locals
We visited the African Reserve of Sigean in May and arrived mid-morning, giving us plenty of time to explore both the drive-through safari and the walking section at a relaxed pace. The drive-through safari is well signposted and takes you through four zones where animals roam freely — including bears, zebras, giraffes and white rhinos.
The Drive-Through Safari
One of the highlights was how surprisingly close you can get to the animals, especially the bears. At times, they were lying right on the road and bringing traffic to a complete standstill!
While these moments were memorable, they also caused frequent traffic jams. Understandably, many visitors also stop frequently to take photos of the animals. Rangers do their best to keep cars moving, but the congestion in the drive-through safari is noticeable.
We felt that the sheer number of vehicles — many with engines idling — created unnecessary noise and pollution, which could be stressful for the animals. In our view, the experience would be improved if access were further limited or replaced by guided safaris in purpose-built vehicles, both for the sake of the animals and the visitors.
By the time we reached the lion enclosure, we had been in the car for almost 2 hours and we were starting to fatigue. Especially, Olivier who had also driven 40-minutes from our medieval village, Bize-Minervois.
Overall, though, we did see a good variety of wildlife on the drive-through safari, and the effort to give them space and freedom of movement was clear.
Exploring the Walking Safari Park
The walking section of the park, by contrast, was a real highlight — and we much preferred it overall. It’s well laid out, with plenty of shade, wide paths and some low viewing windows that are ideal for younger children.
The setting along the Bages-Sigean lagoon adds to the atmosphere, as does the African Plain Observatory, where you can see animals grazing against a scenic backdrop. One of the most memorable moments was watching the pelicans and flamingos being fed, which drew a crowd and offered great photo opportunities.
There’s also a small animal area where children can climb up and over ladders to enter and interact with friendly pygmy goats. Although by that point, our young granddaughter had dozed off in her pushchair!
The Reptile House (Le Vivarium) was another family favourite. It was busy and clearly a hit with children, who could observe crocodiles and other reptiles up close — even watching them submerged in their tanks.
Throughout the park, the animals appeared well cared for, and many have been bred in captivity as part of conservation efforts, which adds to the educational value of the visit.
Is the African Reserve of Sigean Worth Visiting?
Overall, yes — the African Reserve of Sigean is well worth a visit. While it’s a natural choice for families, we also saw couples, solo travellers and visitors of all ages enjoying their day. Whether you’re an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or a keen photographer, there’s plenty here to appreciate.
Pros → Why You’ll Love the African Reserve
- Beautiful natural setting, with views of the Bages-Sigean lagoon and open plains that give animals space to roam in more natural habitats.
- Plenty to see and do, making it easy to spend a full day here without rushing.
- Wide variety of species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles — from rhinos and bears to pelicans and crocodiles.
- Educational value, including an app with audio and written information about the animals — you can even check them off as you go, which we found surprisingly fun as adults!
- Conservation focus, with many animals bred in captivity and the park’s membership in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
- Picnic-friendly, with dedicated picnic tables in the car park area — a great place to break up your day between the safari and the walk-through park.
Cons →Things to Keep in Mind
- Traffic jams in the drive-through safari can be frustrating, especially during busier times.
- Some steep hills in the walking area might be challenging for those with mobility issues or pushchairs.
- Food options on-site are limited, so bringing your own is a good idea.
- Some areas lack shade, particularly in the warmer months.
Who Should Visit the African Reserve Sigean?
The park is ideal for families, animal lovers, and espe cially photographers, with many opportunities for close-up wildlife shots in a semi-natural setting.
Value for Money → Is It Worth the Price?
While the African Reserve may seem pricey compared to other attractions in the region, it offers good value for a full day out. The ticket includes both the one-hour drive-through safari and access to the large walk-through animal park.
- Adults: €34
- Children (ages 4–14): €24
- Person with a disability: €14.50
- Reduced family rates available for 2 adults and 3 children in one vehicle.
Tips for Visiting the African Reserve of Sigean
Best Time of Day and Season to Go
To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the day as animals tend to be more active in the cooler morning hours. During hotter parts of the day, they often rest in the shade and can be harder to spot.
We chose an overcast day in May, which was perfect for walking and wildlife viewing. The park is open year-round but expect it to be much busier during the peak summer season and school holidays.
What to Bring
Pack smart for a comfortable visit:
- Picnic or snacks (though there are food options, bringing your own is a good backup).
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Hat and suncream to protect yourself from the sun.
- Mobile phone for photos and to download the official app, which offers audio guides and animal checklists.
- Camera for capturing the amazing wildlife moments.
- Pushchair or stroller if you’re visiting with young children, as there’s a lot of walking and some hills that can tire little legs!
- Dress comfortably and in layers as temperatures can vary, and good walking shoes are essential.
Drive-Through Safari Vehicle Rules
The self-drive safari must be done in your own vehicle — suitable vehicles include cars, camper vans, or buses. For safety reasons, bicycles, motorcycles, and convertibles are not allowed on the safari route.
How Long to Allow for your Visit
Plan on at least one hour for the drive-through safari but be aware that traffic jams can extend this considerably. On our visit, it took nearly two hours to complete the safari drive due to congestion!
The walking part of the animal park is recommended to take around 2 hours 30 minutes to fully enjoy the exhibits and animals. Visitors are also encouraged to repeat the drive-through safari at another time during the day to catch any animals they may have missed on their first visit.
PERSONAL TIP: Consider visiting the walk-through animal park first and returning later in the afternoon for the safari — the drive-through seemed less busy as we were leaving!
Parking and Facilities at the African Reserve Sigean
Parking is free and conveniently located near the entrance.
For food, the park offers:
- Le Serengeti restaurant-cafeteria.
- Three additional snack bars throughout the walking park.
- Picnic tables in various locations.
You’ll also find plenty of drinking water points across the park to stay refreshed.
Restrooms are located at:
- Snack Tiwanga (park entrance)
- Le Serengeti restaurant-cafeteria
- Snack des Giraffes
- Snack de la Plaine Africaine
Accessibility and Visitor Conduct
The park is mostly accessible for strollers and wheelchairs on the main paved paths, but some steep hills may pose challenges. Visitors are kindly asked to respect the animals by not feeding or disturbing them. It is also important to follow all ranger instructions, especially during the drive-through safari, to ensure everyone’s safety.
Dogs are allowed throughout most of the park, provided they are kept on a short leash at all times. However, dogs are not permitted inside the Great Aviary, the Vivarium or the pygmy goat enclosure.
Don’t Miss: African Plain Observatory
One of the park’s highlights is the African Plain Observatory — a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking an 18-hectare plain home to one of the largest herds of herbivores in Europe.
There’s a panoramic terrace and three observation platforms, perfect for wildlife spotting and photos. It’s also a great place to relax with a drink, snack, or ice cream from the nearby Snack de la Plaine Africaine.
An accessible picnic table is also available here, allowing wheelchair users to join family and friends and enjoy sitting together in this beautiful setting.
How to Get to the African Reserve from Narbonne, Béziers, or Carcassonne
The African Reserve of Sigean is conveniently located for visitors exploring the Aude and surrounding Occitanie region. Here’s how to get there from three key nearby cities:
From Narbonne: The park is just a 30-minute drive from Narbonne, mainly via the A9 motorway. It’s a straightforward route — take the A9 southbound and exit at Sigean. Follow the signs to the Reserve, which is well signposted once you’re nearby.
From Béziers: It takes about 50 minutes by car from Béziers via the A9 motorway heading south. The route is direct and well signposted towards Sigean.
From Carcassonne: It takes about 1 hour by car from Carcassonne, using the A61 motorway westbound, then joining the A9 southbound. Take the exit for Sigean and follow local signs to the Reserve.
Key Tips for Getting There
Arrive early if you want to avoid peak crowds, especially during weekends and summer holidays.
GPS navigation is helpful but also watch for clearly marked signs along the route.
There’s plenty of free parking at the Reserve, so no need to worry about finding a spot.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
If you’re making a day trip to the African Reserve, there are several other fantastic places nearby worth visiting — many of which we cover in other articles on our site:
Beaches of Port la Nouvelle: Beautiful sandy shores perfect for a relaxing swim or family beach day.
Beaches of Leucate: Known for stunning coastline and great spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Forteresse de Salses: A fascinating historic fortress with extensive walls, a chapel and panoramic views — ideal for history lovers.
Fontfroide Abbey: A peaceful Cistercian monastery surrounded by vineyards, offering a glimpse into medieval monastic life and wine tasting.
Château de Quéribus: One of the famous Cathar castles perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views and a rich history.
Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt: A remarkable natural site of colourful rock formations resembling organ pipes — a unique geological wonder.
Planning your visit to include some of these nearby highlights can make for a memorable trip full of nature, history and culture in the South of France.
Final Thoughts from a Local Perspective
Our visit to the African Reserve of Sigean was a fun, informative and relaxed day out in a truly beautiful natural setting. The combination of the drive-through safari and the walking animal park offers a varied experience that appeals to all ages and interests.
From spotting bears and white rhinos up close to enjoying the stunning views across the lagoon and African plains, there’s plenty to keep visitors engaged.
Would we recommend it?
Absolutely! The African Reserve at Sigean offers good value for money, especially considering the breadth of the experience included in the admission price — the drive-through safari, walking park and facilities. It’s an ideal destination for families, animal lovers, photographers and anyone curious about wildlife conservation.
What’s more, it’s a place you can return to multiple times and still discover new sights or animal behaviours. Children, in particular, will get different things from their visit depending on their age and interests, making it a versatile outing for families.
What would we do differently next time?
Next visit, we’d start with the walking part of the park and save the drive-through safari for later in the day. This way, we hope to avoid some of the traffic congestion that builds up during peak times.
Another change we’ll definitely make is to enjoy our picnic lunch at the African Plain Observatory — a truly breathtaking spot with panoramic views and abundant wildlife. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the atmosphere of the Reserve’s protected natural environment on the edge of the Bages-Sigean Étang lagoon.
