Plizio Visual Lab
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
Weather…
Water temperature…
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary spans nearly 300,000 hectares across the Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces of eastern Cambodia. It is globally recognized as a hotspot for primate conservation, hosting the world's largest known populations of the yellow-cheeked crested gibbon and the black-shanked douc langur. The sanctuary features a diverse landscape ranging from evergreen mountain forests to deciduous lowlands, supporting over 350 bird species and endangered mammals such as Asian elephants and gaurs. Keo Seima is a pioneer in international carbon conservation through its REDD+ project, which sells carbon credits to protect the forest while funding local community development. The area is also the ancestral home of the indigenous Bunong people, whose traditional beliefs and livelihoods are deeply integrated with the forest ecosystem. Conservation efforts involve rigorous patrolling and community-based monitoring to mitigate threats from illegal logging, land grabbing, and wildlife poaching.
- Location: Cambodia
- Nearby: Sen Monorom (40 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 4 | 10 | 35 | 128 | 181 | 180 | 190 | 162 | 149 | 77 | 23 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The vast sanctuary is typically accessible via unpaved tracks originating from the surrounding Mondulkiri province. A robust four-wheel drive vehicle is generally indispensable for reaching the area safely.
Best season
The dry season from November to April is widely considered the best time to spot wildlife near watering holes. During the rainy season, the unpaved roads typically turn into very deep, impassable mud.
Terrain & paths
The terrain consists primarily of dense forests and uneven paths that are frequently heavily overgrown. Trekking tours typically require a high tolerance for rough, uneven, and sometimes hilly ground.
What to bring
Robust trekking clothing, effective protection against leeches, and very strong bug spray are usually mandatory. Binoculars for spotting wildlife and plenty of clean water should never be left behind.
Parking
Vehicles can usually only be safely parked near the park's main headquarters or in the surrounding rural villages. Deep inside the dense forest, there are understandably absolutely no parking facilities.
Safety
Visitors are typically only permitted to enter the sanctuary when directly accompanied by official park rangers. Maintaining a respectful distance from elephants and watching for snakes is extremely vital.
Time needed
For wildlife viewing and comprehensive guided treks, you should generally plan for at least two to three days. Considerably shorter stays drastically reduce your chances of spotting any rare animal species.
Geography
Facts
- Total area: 292,690 hectares
- Key species: Black-shanked douc langur
- Bird count: 350+ species recorded
- Carbon project: Leading REDD+ initiative
- Indigenous group: Bunong people
- Location: Eastern Cambodia (Mondulkiri)
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which monkey species can be easily spotted here?
The sanctuary is famous for the Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbons.
Are there ecotourism projects?
Yes, the Jahoo Gibbon Camp has guided tours and accommodation.
How many bird species are in the sanctuary?
Over 330 species have been documented, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
Can you see elephants?
There is a significant population of wild Asian elephants in the forest.
Is the sanctuary suitable for day trips?
Multi-day visits are recommended to go deeper into the forest.
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary: where is it located?
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Cambodia.
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary spans nearly 300,000 hectares across the Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces of eastern Cambodia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Cambodia →
Nearby cities
Sen Monorom
Set in the rolling hills of Mondulkiri, this cool highland town is famous for elephant sanctuaries and vast pine forests.
Đồng Xoài
The capital of Bình Phước province, known for its rubber and cashew plantations.
Lumphat
Former capital of Ratanakiri province, Lumphat is today a quiet settlement surrounded by pristine wildlife sanctuaries and indigenous vil…
Snuol
Snuol is a vital trading hub in eastern Cambodia and a historically significant site of the Cambodian resistance.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam's largest city and economic hub, formerly known as Saigon.
Banlung
Nestled in the red earth of Ratanakiri province, Banlung is an ecotourism hub surrounded by waterfalls and indigenous villages.
Vung Tau
Coastal city and a major hub of Vietnam's offshore oil industry.
Long Hai
An authentic coastal town with golden sands and significant historical heritage.
Phước Hải
A historic fishing village in southern Vietnam, famous for its salted fish production and pristine beaches.
My Tho
My Tho is the gateway to the Mekong Delta, famous for its floating markets, lush fruit orchards, and the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Bến Tre
The 'Capital of Coconuts' of Vietnam, a lush area in the Mekong Delta.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
🗺️
Okvau Gold Mine
Cambodia's first modern, commercial-scale gold mine in Mondulkiri Province.
Mondulkiri Elephant Project
A highland sanctuary that provides a stress-free environment for rescued elephants and campaigns against elephant riding.
Mondulkiri Plateau
A hilly plateau in the east, known for its grassy landscapes and waterfalls.
Jahoo Gibbon Camp
A unique conservation project where visitors take guided treks to see the rare yellow-cheeked crested gibbons.
Elephant Valley Project
This ecotourism project in Mondulkiri allows visitors to watch elephants roam freely through the jungle.
Binh Duong Industrial Parks
Bình Dương province is a leading hub for industrial development in Vietnam, with numerous parks focusing on furniture, textiles, and manu…
🗺️
Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary
An extensive landscape of open dry forests and wetlands providing an ideal habitat for large Asian mammals and waterbirds.
Suối Tiên Theme Park
A large amusement park in Ho Chi Minh City, its landscape and attractions focusing on Vietnamese history and mythology.