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Animal park · Rochefort, Namur
Parc Animalier du Domaine des Grottes de Han
A 250-hectare park of woodland and fields cut by the Lesse, in Han-sur-Lesse, with animals of European wildlife: brown bear, wolf, European bison, lynx and wolverine. The visit is on foot along trails, or in a safari vehicle.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parc Animalier du Domaine des Grottes de Han
The animal park is part of the Domaine des Grottes de Han and covers 250 hectares of forest and fields crossed by the river Lesse. It opened to the public on 13 July 1970. The idea emerged in the early 1960s, when residents of Han-sur-Lesse became concerned about the impact of cave tourism on the surrounding area, and the company that runs the caves created a reserve.
More than 650 animals of European species live there. The park groups what it calls the five greats of Europe: the wolf, the brown bear, the lynx, the European bison and the wolverine. The bears have their own two-hectare area, the Colline aux Ours. There are also deer, reindeer and other forest and mountain species.
There are two ways to visit. On foot, the trails are about three or six kilometres and take three to four hours. In the safari vehicle, with a driver, the tour lasts about an hour and a half. The Gouffre de Belvaux, where the Lesse enters the hill to form the cave, lies within the park area.
The park is in the UNESCO Global Geopark Famenne-Ardenne, which protects the region’s limestone formations. In addition to the animals kept there, roughly 2,000 wild species of plants and animals live naturally in the area.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 3 to 4 hours on foot along the trails; roughly 1h30 in the safari vehicle.
Best time
From spring to autumn, April to October, the trails are more pleasant. Animals tend to be more active in the early hours of the visit and late in the afternoon. In July and August there is higher attendance. The schedule changes throughout the year; confirm before you go.
How to get there
The entrance is on Rue des Grottes in Han-sur-Lesse, accessed from the Domaine reception area in the village centre. By car, Han is reachable via the N86 from Rochefort. Without a car, TEC bus 29 runs from Rochefort-Jemelle station.
Tip
Wear trail shoes and bring a raincoat, because the walking route is long and almost entirely outdoors. Those short on time or travelling with small children may prefer the safari vehicle. You can combine the ticket with the cave visit on the same day.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parc Animalier du Domaine des Grottes de Han
Which animals appear in the park?
European species such as brown bear, wolf, lynx, European bison and wolverine, as well as deer and reindeer. There are over 650 animals in large forest and field enclosures.
Is it better to go on foot or by the safari vehicle?
On foot, the walk takes three to four hours and allows stops at viewpoints. The safari vehicle takes about an hour and a half and is more practical for small children or those short on time.
Can you visit the park and the cave on the same day?
Yes, and it is the most common option. Do the cave in the morning and the park in the afternoon, or vice versa, allowing a full day in Han-sur-Lesse.