Crocoparc, discovering Nile crocodiles

The creation of this park was the brainchild of Luc Fougeirol, a member of an old family from Agadir who has been passionate about reptiles from an early age. He had already created parks like this one with "la ferme aux crocodiles" in Pierrelatte, "la planète des crocodiles" in Civaux and "la ferme des crocodiles" in Parc Djerba.

The aim of creating Crocoparc in Agadir is to protect the Nile crocodile species in order to monitor their evolution and enable visitors to discover their way of life. The nursery, located in one part of the park, gives scientists and students the opportunity to study crocodile reproduction.

To really get you in the mood, you'll be greeted at the entrance by a giant crocodile head, its mouth wide open as you make your way to the entrance hall before coming face to face with them. Crocodiles can grow up to 7 metres long and weigh up to a tonne.

All along the way, you'll find educational panels and guides to give you as much information as possible about the crocodiles and the plant species. You'll be able to watch them eating, bathing or simply doing nothing, just relaxing in the sun.

If you're coming with your children, you'll be delighted to know that the park has play areas made from eucalyptus trees, as well as workshops especially for them, including face painting, masks, pottery, origami and puzzles, and a treasure grotto. Contemplate the 5 themed gardens, featuring 300 species of plants from all over the world and mainly from the Souss Massa region.

Firstly, the Blue Garden, as its name suggests, is made up of plants in shades of blue such as Aloe Suzannae. The second garden, the exotic square, boasts magnificent ficus trees that are over fifty years old.

The aquatic garden boasts a collection of water lilies, including Victoria Cruziana, as well as an avenue of Nile papyrus. The fourth, the tropical area, is home to two belombra and phytolacca dioica trees, as well as palms, enormous bamboos and bromeliads.

And the last is the new themed garden, the Cactus Garden, where you can admire large tortoises and even iguanas.

Crocodiles aren't the only reptiles you can see at the Crocoparc. Enter the snake cave and be careful not to get petrified. The most impressive and especially the largest, the anaconda and the python, grow up in an environment that is as close as possible to their natural habitat. A sensational experience guaranteed!

You can also discover the home of the white-brushed marmosets, small monkeys that live in Brazil. Inaugurated in July 2016, the nursery is open to all visitors and is the first conservation centre in Morocco. The aim of this new facility is to provide the best possible development for the babies and protect them in the process.

If you get peckish during your visit, you are not allowed to have a picnic, but the restaurant La Table du Croco will be delighted to serve you. Its terrace overlooks the crocodile pond, so you can enjoy your meal while watching the crocodiles. Children also have the right to admire this superb view, which is why high chairs are available for them. A complete change of scene.

🚗 Access to the park: the Crocoparc is located in the locality of Drarga on the outskirts of Agadir. From Agadir city centre it takes around twenty minutes by car.

⏰ Opening times: the park is open every day from 10am to 5.30pm.

During Ramadan, the park opens at 10.30 a.m. The park is closed on the religious holiday of Aid El Kebir.

The park's opening times vary according to the season, so we advise you to check the times on the park's website before your visit.

👛 Rates: adults 80 Moroccan dirham (approx. €7), children aged 3 to 12 50 Moroccan dirham (approx. €5), guided tour with shuttle bus and welcome tea 220 Moroccan dirham for adults (approx. €20) and 130 Moroccan dirham for children (approx. €12).

🐊 Watch the crocodiles being fed: it all depends on when you visit! During the summer, crocodiles are fed up to 5 times a day. In winter, they can go 3 months without eating.