Malfakassa Mountains
Centrale
The Malfakassa Mountains form a significant part of Fazao Malfakassa National Park, the largest national park in Togo, situated between the Kara and Centrale regions. Established in 1975 by merging two reserve forests, the park features diverse terrain including savanna woodland, gallery forests, submontane forests, and grass-covered hilltops. The Malfakassa zone is particularly known for its rocky hills, ideal for hiking and nature exploration. The park supports a rich array of wildlife, including over 244 bird species and numerous antelope species such as bushbuck, duikers, waterbuck, and the Buffon's kob. Elephants, once common in the region, have become rare due to poaching but still maintain a remnant population within the park. Recognized for its ecological importance, the park is an Important Bird Area and is on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage status, highlighting its outstanding natural and cultural value.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to explore the rocky hills of the Malfakassa area during the dry season for better hiking conditions. It is recommended to arrange guided tours through local operators familiar with the park's terrain and wildlife. Advance booking may be necessary for guided hikes and accommodations nearby. Visitors should also check for any conservation rules or park regulations to ensure a responsible visit. Discounts or concessions might be available for students or groups, so inquire ahead.
Datos interesantes
- •The park contains over 244 known bird species, making it a designated Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
- •Buffon's kob population in the park is estimated at around 3,200 individuals, one of the largest antelope populations in the region.
- •The park's terrain includes a unique combination of savanna woodland, gallery forest, submontane forest, and grass-covered hilltops.
- •The elephant population in the park was estimated at about 50 individuals in 2003, reflecting the impact of poaching in the 1990s.
Historia
Fazao Malfakassa National Park was established in 1975 by merging two forest reserves created in 1951: Fazao and Malfakassa.
From 1990 to 2015, the park was managed by the Fondation Franz Weber under government authorization.
The park was added to UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List in 2002 for its mixed cultural and natural significance.
Over the decades, the park has faced challenges such as poaching, which notably reduced the elephant population in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Guía del lugar
Rocky Hills of Malfakassa
These hills offer challenging hiking trails with scenic views and opportunities to observe local wildlife and diverse plant species in their natural habitat.