Cacheu River Mangroves Natural Park

The Cacheu River Mangroves Natural Park (also known as Tarafes de Cacheu Natural Park) is a protected area in northwestern Guinea-Bissau, centred on the mangrove ecosystem of the lower Cacheu River. It is one of the most important wetland sites in West Africa, with extensive tidal mangroves, mudflats, and river channels that support a rich diversity of birdlife, fish, and crustaceans. The park is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts and is accessible by canoe from Cacheu town.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau, about 100 km south. Travel to Cacheu town (2 hours), then arrange a canoe.

By Car / Road

Access the park via Cacheu town. From there, local canoes provide the primary means of exploring the mangrove channels. A local guide from Cacheu is recommended.

The park is navigated by canoe. Regular non-tourist canoes operate from Cacheu harbour, or you can hire a private canoe for a customised trip.

• Mangrove forests — extensive tidal mangroves lining the Cacheu River

• Birdlife — herons, egrets, storks, kingfishers, and migratory waders

• River channels — scenic waterways through the mangrove labyrinth

• Birdwatching — the park is one of the best birding sites in Guinea-Bissau

• Canoe trips through the mangrove channels

• Visit the "tabancas" (traditional villages) on the park periphery

• Photography of the mangrove landscape and birdlife

No food facilities. Bring provisions from Cacheu.

Bring drinking water.

No accommodation within the park. Stay in Cacheu or Canchungo.

No facilities within the park. Buy supplies in Cacheu.

• Cacheu — adjacent, the historic town with fort and slavery memorial
• Canchungo — 30 km south, commercial centre with better accommodation
• Sao Domingos — accessible via canoe from Cacheu, coastal town