Oussouye between protected areas, traditions and ecotourism

In the Department of Oussouye, different natural and cultural themes converge: Basse Casamance National Park encompasses secondary forest, Guinean savannah and mangroves. Meanwhile, places such as Mlomp and Karabane tell stories of historical heritage, and ecotourism routes connect sections on land and water. When planning your holiday, you can consider whether you would like to focus on nature, regional traditions or a route involving different modes of transport.

Protected areas and the coast

Basse Casamance National Park is a 5,000-hectare protected area in the Department of Oussouye. Its varied habitats—secondary forest, Guinean savannah and mangroves—give the natural landscape a diverse character. Another extensive area is the Ufoyaal Kassa Bandial Marine Protected Area: it covers 125,000 hectares and extends across the Departments of Oussouye and Ziguinchor. Plans for this area include promoting tourism and ecotourism value chains.

The coast is also part of the region’s character. Coastal tourism in the department includes the beaches of Cap Skirring. Cap Skirring International Airport is also located in the same department. If you would like to combine nature and coastal experiences when planning your trip, you can consider these alongside cultural discoveries.

Traditions and historical heritage

Humeubeul, the festival of the King of Oussouye, lasts 18 days; 15 of them are devoted to prayers in the sacred forest. The cultural festivities include Ekonkone, a war dance, as well as traditional wrestling matches for boys and girls. The King of Oussouye also welcomes visitors to the Bois sacré. These customs give a stay a cultural focus that is clearly distinct from a nature or coastal theme.

Historical heritage can also be seen in various places. Karabane is designated as a historic centre in the Department of Oussouye. Mlomp’s multi-storey earth houses are listed in the national register of historic monuments under the section for the Department of Oussouye. The Eglise de Carabane is part of the department’s cultural heritage; Diembéring is described as an open-air museum. These places and designations offer different starting points for a trip focused on history and regional culture.

Travelling between land and water

Ecotourism routes in the municipality of Oussouye connect a section on land with a section on water. One described route runs from Oussouye via Edioungou to Kalém élal Island. Its sections use walking trails, a mountain bike and a pirogue. This type of route differs from a stay focused primarily on individual cultural sites or the coast.

The department also has ecotourism routes where visitors can explore local wildlife and plant life and learn about the fragile balance between people and the environment. In Oussouye, community guides, village camps and small tourist establishments are developing alternatives to conventional tours. Mlomp is associated with community-based tourism. In Katakalouss, there are oyster-farming sites run by women. Together, these examples offer insight into different aspects of regional tourism and local life.

When looking for a holiday rental, you can use your preferred travel focus as a guide: nature and protected areas, the coast and culture, or an ecotourism route with sections on land and water. If you would like to find out more about the place itself, you can also find information here about Oussouye.

For an overview of the wider trip: Ziguinchor.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Bignona.