5 min from our house
Visiting the Réserve Africaine de Sigean: prices, tips and where to stay
Lions, bears, rhinos, giraffes and hundreds of flamingos: the Réserve Africaine de Sigean safari park is the number one reason our guests come to Sigean. We go there often, in every season. Here are our tips to make the most of your day, and to stay 5 minutes from the entrance.
Réserve Africaine
5 min from the house
Breakfast from 8 am
on request, for opening time
350 hectares
of garrigue and lagoons, on the shores of the Bages-Sigean lagoons
160 species
and several thousand animals
Safari + walk
about 7 km by car (1 hour), then 2.5 to 3 hours on foot
All year round
open every day from 9 am, since 1974
The visit
How does the visit work?
The visit comes in two parts, with the same ticket.
The safari by car (about 1 hour). You drive through 8 large enclosures in your own car, with the windows closed: the African bush, the Tibetan bear park, the lion park and the African savannah. Zebras, giraffes, white rhinos, ostriches, springboks, dwarf buffalo… the animals roam freely around you.
The walking trail (2.5 to 3 hours). From the central car parks, a loop takes you to the Great Aviary, the Vivarium, the African Plain (18 hectares of giraffes, antelopes and ostriches), the cheetahs and African wild dogs, then the lagoons with flamingos and pelicans. The path is paved and can be done with a pushchair or a wheelchair, following the recommended route on the map and in the Réserve’s app.
Good to know: once you leave the park, you cannot come back in. But you can drive the safari as many times as you like during the day.
Our pictures, season after season
A day at the Réserve, in pictures
Our tips as hosts
Our tips to make the most of your day
We go regularly, in spring, summer and autumn, and for the Lumières in winter. Here is what we recommend to our guests.
Plan a whole day
Allow a full day rather than half a day. Our favourite order:
1. The safari at opening time
Arrive at 9 am, when the animals are active. Rhinos, for example, are best seen in the morning.
2. The walk and a lunch break
Around midday, have lunch in one of the park’s restaurants or have a picnic: there are plenty of tables in the shade.
3. The safari, a second time
At the end of the day, you will see animals that were hiding in the morning, the heat drops and the light of the setting sun makes everything beautiful.
Check the animal feeding times
The “Meet the keepers” sessions are a whole different experience: feeding the flamingos puts you a few centimetres from hundreds of them, and watching the pelicans catch whole fish is impressive. These sessions take place on Wednesdays and at weekends. For example:
- 2:00 pm
- Pelicans and flamingos
- 2:30 pm
- Dromedaries
- 3:30 pm
- Giraffes
- 4:30 pm
- Cheetahs
Times may change: check the board at the start of the walking trail or the Réserve’s website.
Our favourite moments
- The Tibetan bears “guarding” the entrance to their park: there are almost always one or two wandering around or watching the cars arrive.
- The giraffes in spring, spreading their legs wide to graze on the fresh flowers on the ground.
- The rhinos, massive and impressive, and the little one who wants to play with the big ones and makes them run… a bit like a child.
- The ostriches: some are not afraid of cars and come really close.
- Feeding time for the pelicans and flamingos, a few centimetres away from you.
When to come?
Every season has its charm. During the day, the morning and late afternoon are always the best times.
Our favourite
Spring & autumn
The best weather, neither too hot nor too cold. In spring, the giraffes graze on the flowers!
July – August
Summer
Long days to see everything. It gets busy, especially at weekends: arrive at opening time and stay until closing. In very hot weather, the animals rest in the shade.
Late October – mid-January
Winter
Fewer visitors, and the unique experience of the Lumières d’Afrique at nightfall.
In any weather
Light rain
It doesn’t spoil the visit: the safari is done by car, whatever the weather.
What to bring
- Water, a hat and sunscreen: the walking trail is in the open air
- Binoculars or a camera with a zoom: some animals are far away
- A clean windscreen! The windows stay closed throughout the safari
- Good shoes, and the pushchair for little ones
- A picnic or snacks if you stay all day
Tickets & opening hours
Réserve Africaine ticket prices
Important: tickets are sold online only, on the Réserve’s website. You can no longer buy a ticket at the entrance. In summer, and especially in August, book your tickets in advance: places are limited.
| Ticket (2026 prices) | Adult | Child 4–14 |
|---|---|---|
| Réserve entry full day: safari + walking trail |
€34 | €24 |
| Family Pack 2 adults + at least 3 children, same car |
€31 | €21 |
| Lumières d’Afrique only evening, in winter |
€17.90 | €14.50 |
Free for children under 4. Disabled visitors (on presentation of the French “carte mobilité inclusion”): €14.50. ANCV holiday vouchers accepted (book online, pay on site). The ticket is dated, with an arrival time slot, and valid until closing time.
Prices taken from the official website in October 2026, please check before your visit.
Opening hours
The Réserve opens every day at 9 am, all year round. Closing times depend on the season:
| Period | Last entry | Safari | On foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Sept – 24 Oct 2026 | 4:30 pm | 5:30 pm | 6:30 pm |
| 25 Oct 2026 – 27 Mar 2027 | 4:00 pm | 4:00 pm | 5:30 pm |
| 28 Mar – 5 Jul 2027 | 5:00 pm | 5:30 pm | 6:30 pm |
| 6 Jul – 30 Aug 2027 | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 7:30 pm |
| 31 Aug – 26 Sept 2027 | 4:30 pm | 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
Every winter
Lumières d’Afrique: the Réserve after dark
Every winter, the Réserve is transformed: a magical trail of more than a kilometre, with giant illuminated lanterns telling the story of the African savannah, rainforest, desert and coast, set to music.
- 2026–2027 dates: from 25 October 2026 to 17 January 2027, at weekends and during French school holidays
- Times: 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Included in the full-day entry ticket on Lumières days. Evening-only ticket: €17.90 per adult, €14.50 per child (4–14)
- Online booking required, no sales at the gate
- The live animals are not part of the night trail: the lanterns take centre stage.
Our opinion: it’s magical! Visit the Réserve during the day and go straight on to the Lumières at nightfall. And bring warm clothes: once the sun has set, it can get cold.
Practical info
Before you go
By car
The safari is done by car, motorhome or coach. Convertibles, motorbikes and bicycles are not allowed. Windows closed, no getting out of the vehicle, 10 km/h maximum.
Food & picnics
Le Serengeti cafeteria and snack bar, the African Plain snack bar with a 360° view, and an ice-cream kiosk. Picnics are allowed: picnic areas are open all year round, with lots of tables in the shade.
With a baby
Baby-changing area, microwave and high chairs on site. The walking trail can be done with a pushchair.
Accessibility
The walking trail is paved with gentle slopes and can be done in a wheelchair by following the recommended route (map and app).
Dogs
Allowed on a short lead in the Réserve, except in the Great Aviary, the Vivarium and the dwarf goat enclosure. Please note: we cannot accept pets at Abitarela.
Address & access
19 chemin Hameau du Lac, RD 6009, 11130 Sigean · +33 4 68 48 20 20. A9 motorway: exit 39 Sigean (from Perpignan) or exit 38 Narbonne Sud (from Montpellier or Toulouse).
Stay 5 min away
Where to stay near the Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
Our guest house is in the heart of Sigean, a 5-minute drive from the entrance of the Réserve, which lists us among its recommended places to stay. It is designed for families who come for the safari:
Sweet and savoury breakfast buffet from 8:30 to 10 am, included when you book direct, and from 8 am on request: you will be there when the park opens at 9 am
“La Réserve” picnic for €9.50: a sandwich, a drink and a piece of fruit, to order when you arrive at the latest
Family suites for up to 4 people (5 with a child in a baby cot, contact us). Baby cot: €15 per stay
Air-conditioned rooms with private shower rooms, free parking in the village
Stay 3 nights, there is so much to see. Most of our guests stay one night, but we recommend three: the Réserve, then the Corbières hills, the beaches of La Franqui and Leucate, Peyriac-de-Mer and its boardwalk walk, Narbonne and Gruissan. 10% off for 3+ nights when you book directly on our website. All our ideas: things to do around Sigean.
−10% on accommodation for 3 nights or more, even in high season · Breakfast included when you book direct · Best price guaranteed
They came for the Réserve
Guest reviews
4.5
648 Google & Booking.com reviews
Aprop de la Reserve Africaine de Sigean. Un lloc molt confortable i agradable.
Nous avons été chaleureusement accueillis par notre hôte. La suite familiale est agencée simplement mais efficacement. Nous avons apprécié les shampoings, gel douche et autres accessoires de toilette (cest rarement le cas!). Le petit déjeuner se prend dans l'ancienne salle de restaurant réaménagée avec beaucoup de goût. Le buffet se compose de salé et de sucré. Beaucoup d'attention est portée au bien être du client et nous leur en remercions. Ce fut un court mais agréable séjour !
Zeer aangename chambres d’hôtes in het centrum van Sigean. De eigenaars zijn bijzonder vriendelijk en gastvrij. De kamer was ruim, netjes en comfortabel, met een goede badkamer, airco en een uitstekend bed. Ook het ontbijt was verzorgd en lekker. Dankzij de centrale ligging zijn restaurants en winkels gemakkelijk bereikbaar. Een echte aanrader!
Nous avons été agréablement surpris par l'accueil . Etant momentanément en panne de voiture Sandy nous a proposé de venir nous rechercher à Narbonne . L'adresse est a recommandée .
Nous avons passé 2 jours très agréable. L'accueil était chaleureux et superbe L'hôtesse est très à l'écoute du client Rien a dire foncez !!
Une maison d'hôtes parfaite, située dans une ruelle calme de Sigean et proche de la réserve africaine. Sandy nous a accueillis avec le sourire ! Nous avions une suite familiale avec 2 chambres séparées, la literie est excellente. Le petit-déjeuner est bien complet, sous forme de buffet. nous n'hésiterons pas à y revenir si nous passons dans le coin !
Une adresse à ne pas manquer. Tout était vraiment très bien. De l'accueil aux prestations. Très propre. Un petit déjeuner plus que complet avec abosulement de tout (du sucré et du salé). Merci Sandy.
The house, facilities, kind reception, very quiet street at night while sleeping with open window.
A very cozy place in a quiet area. It's a nice town. We had a very good rest. In the morning, we listened to the bells of the city chapel, and a wonderful breakfast was waiting for us. The quality of the hotel is very good, cozy. Thank you very much
Petit déjeuner au top, avec choix multiples, possibilité de demander un pique-nique, hôtes très accueillant, disponible, et très sympathique ! La chambre était propre et literie était au confortable, mis à disposition de serviettes de bain ainsi que gel douche. Nous avons également reçu des conseils afin de découvrir Sigean et ses alentours. Notre séjour a été agréable nous recommandons à 100% ! Merci pour tout 🙂
Un séjour magnifique. J'ai fait nuit à l'abitarela avec ma femme et ma fille d'un an et c'était parfait. Ils ont un grand salle a manger à disposition avec des livres et des petites jeux pour enfant et le petit déjeuner était très bon. Le personnel était très accueillant. On reviendra la prochaine fois qu'on séjour à Sigean.
Frequently asked questions
Réserve Africaine de Sigean: your questions
How much is entry to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
In 2026: €34 per adult, €24 per child aged 4 to 14, and it is free for children under 4. The Family Pack (2 adults + at least 3 children in the same car) costs €31 per adult and €21 per child. Tickets are sold online only.
Can I buy tickets at the entrance?
No. Tickets are sold only on the Réserve’s website, with a date and an arrival time slot: you can no longer buy them at the entrance. In summer, and especially in August, book them in advance.
How long does it take to visit the Réserve?
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours: about 1 hour of safari by car and 2.5 to 3 hours on foot. We recommend a full day, with a second safari drive at the end of the day.
Can we do the safari twice?
Yes, you can drive the safari again during the day. However, once you leave the park, you cannot come back in.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn for the weather, summer for the long days, winter for the Lumières d’Afrique. During the day, arrive at opening time: the morning and the end of the day are the best times to see the animals.
Can we have a picnic in the Réserve?
Yes, shaded picnic areas are open all year round. At the house, we prepare our “La Réserve” picnic (a sandwich, a drink and a piece of fruit) for €9.50, to order when you arrive at the latest.
Are dogs allowed?
In the Réserve, yes, on a short lead (except in the Great Aviary, the Vivarium and the dwarf goat enclosure). At Abitarela, however, we cannot accept pets.
Can we do the safari in a convertible or on a motorbike?
No. The safari is done by car, motorhome or coach, with the windows closed. Convertibles, motorbikes and bicycles are not allowed.
Where to stay near the Réserve Africaine de Sigean?
At Abitarela, our guest house in the heart of Sigean, a 5-minute drive from the entrance: breakfast from 8 am on request and a picnic to take away. Discover our rooms.
What is Lumières d’Afrique?
A night trail of more than a kilometre, with giant illuminated lanterns. In 2026–2027: from 25 October 2026 to 17 January 2027, at weekends and during French school holidays, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. It is included in the full-day entry ticket on those days.
Another question? See all our answers or write to us, we will be happy to help.
5 min from the Réserve
