Hana River Ecolodge is located at the Central West edge of Parc National de Taï – Ivory Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to Western Chimpanzee (critically endangered species) and Pygmy Hippopotamus (endangered species). The Park includes 5364 km² of primary tropical rainforest and constitutes by far the largest remaining of rainforest in West Africa.
HM Design provided a technical case for a better concessions, suggested improvements and enhancements of an existing dilapidated lodge. The overall objective of the report, New Conceptual Master Plan and revised Architectural Floor Plans was to jumpstart ecotourism in this pristine yet fragile part of West Africa which has a high rate of flora and fauna endemism. Indeed, more than 200 endemic plants to West Africa are found in the park. Moreover, 24 bird species and mammals, such as forest elephants, pangolins, pygmy hippos and Jentink duikers are special to the region. The Taï National Park is one of the last strongholds for eleven primate species, such as western chimpanzees, the red colobus monkeys, the Diana monkeys, the sooty mangabeys, the lesser spot-nosed monkeys and the Mona monkeys. Chimpanzees in the Parc National de Taï have unique behaviors, such as nut cracking with tools, making it an interesting population to be observed by scientists and tourists. In February 2016, the National Park Service began inviting bids for a Concession for the Hana River Ecolodge and a private partner (Ecotourisme Tai and Wild Chimpanzee Foundation) is currently operating the lodge.
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