Arli National Park in Burkina Faso

Also spelled as Arly, Arli national park is a national park located in the southeastern region of the Republic of Burkina Faso in Tapoa province. The park adjoins Pendjari national park of Benin in the south and the Singou reserve in the west. Arli national park covers an area of approximately 760 square kilometers encompassing a number of habitats ranging from the deep forests of the Arli and Pendjari rivers to savanna woodland and sandstone hills of the Gobnangou chain. It was recognized on the list of Ramsar sites since 2009 due to the importance of its wetlands.

Wildlife of Arli National Park

Mammal species

Arli national park is a habitat to more than 200 African elephants, 200 hippos and 100 lions. Other mammals include the African buffalos, hippos, wild boars, waterbucks, red and green monkeys, warthogs, baboons and numerous antelope species such as the roan antelopes and the western hartebeest. Also, the park is a home to other animals like the bushbucks and the duikers and also various reptile species including the crocodiles and other fish species.

Bird species

Arli national park is a home to more than 360 species of birds thus being one of the best birding destinations in Burkina Faso. The park has a rich bird life including various wintering migratory birds including the ducks, swans and geese. Other species of birds in the park include the Arabian bustard, spur winged goose, the African fish eagle, the bateleur, the white stork, and the Abyssinian ground hornbill, the hammer kop and many others.

Also while in the park, sight other bird species around the dotted seasonal plains around the plains and among these include; the great herons, ducks and the storks.

How to access Arli national park

Arli national park can be accessed via the N19 highway via Diapaga and in the dry season one can access the park via Pama. The park has a number of pools such as Tounga where you will sight a waterhole. Also, there are other two pools where you will view a variety of hippos which are more than 20 in number.

By the lead and guidance of the park ranger or a tour guide, enjoy various safari activities while on safari in Arli National park including the game drives, safari walks and trails, bird watching, photography, sport fishing and many others. These activities and attractions will surely catch your memory and will be a full story to tell.