Things to Do in Arli National Park, Burkina Faso

Arli National Park, located in southeastern Burkina Faso near the borders of Benin and Niger, is one of West Africa's most important wildlife conservation areas. Established in 1954, this 760-square-kilometer park forms part of the larger W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents one of the region's last remaining intact ecosystems. The park's diverse landscapes include savanna woodlands, gallery forests along seasonal rivers, and open grasslands that support an impressive array of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and over 200 bird species. Arli serves as a crucial corridor for animal migration and represents one of the most significant remaining populations of West African wildlife, making it an essential destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists seeking an authentic African safari experience away from the crowds.

Top Things to Do in Arli National Park

Wildlife Safari Game Drives

Explore the park's diverse ecosystems on guided game drives to spot elephants, lions, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous bird species. The park's relatively untouched nature offers excellent opportunities for authentic wildlife viewing in their natural habitat. Early morning and late afternoon drives provide the best chances for animal sightings when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active.

Booking Tip: Book through the park office in Diapaga or arrange through tour operators in Ouagadougou. Costs range from $30-50 per person for half-day drives. Best times are dry season (November-April) when animals congregate near water sources. Look for operators with experienced local guides and well-maintained 4WD vehicles.

Bird Watching Tours

Discover over 200 bird species including raptors, waterbirds, and colorful forest species in the park's varied habitats. The gallery forests and wetland areas are particularly rich in birdlife, offering opportunities to spot species like the Abyssinian roller, violet turaco, and various kingfisher species. Professional guides can help identify both resident and migratory species throughout different seasons.

Booking Tip: Arrange specialized birding guides through the park headquarters or birding tour companies in Burkina Faso. Costs are typically $25-40 per day for guide services. Best months are November-March for resident species and April-May for migrants. Ensure guides have birding experience and bring quality binoculars.

Cultural Village Visits

Visit traditional villages surrounding the park to learn about local Gourmantché and Fulani cultures and their relationship with wildlife conservation. Experience traditional architecture, local crafts, and understand how communities participate in park conservation efforts. These visits provide insight into sustainable tourism and community-based conservation initiatives.

Booking Tip: Coordinate visits through park authorities or local community tourism initiatives. Costs range from $15-25 per person including guide and community fees. Best arranged during dry season when villages are more accessible. Choose operators that ensure fair compensation to local communities.

Nature Walking Safaris

Take guided walking safaris through designated areas of the park to experience the African bush on foot and learn about smaller wildlife, plants, and ecosystem relationships. Walking safaris offer a more intimate connection with nature and opportunities to observe animal tracks, medicinal plants, and intricate ecosystem details often missed from vehicles.

Booking Tip: Must be arranged through official park guides with armed escorts for safety. Costs are $20-35 per person for 2-3 hour walks. Only available during dry season and in designated safe areas. Book at park headquarters and ensure guides are certified for walking safaris.

Photography Expeditions

Participate in specialized photography tours designed to capture the park's wildlife and landscapes during optimal lighting conditions. These expeditions focus on positioning for the best shots of elephants, predators, and scenic vistas while respecting wildlife and maintaining safe distances. Professional photography guides can provide technical advice and local knowledge of animal behavior patterns.

Booking Tip: Book with operators offering specialized photography vehicles with extended roof hatches and stability features. Costs range from $60-100 per day for dedicated photography guides. Dry season offers best conditions with clearer skies and predictable animal movements. Look for operators familiar with wildlife photography ethics.

Getting There

Arli National Park is accessed primarily through the town of Diapaga, located about 350 kilometers east of Ouagadougou. The journey from the capital takes approximately 5-6 hours by road, with the first portion on paved highways and the final stretch on unpaved roads requiring a 4WD vehicle, especially during rainy season. Most visitors fly into Ouagadougou Airport and arrange ground transportation through tour operators or rent vehicles. Public transport options are limited, with bush taxis available to Diapaga, but private transportation is recommended for park access. Some tour packages include charter flights to nearby airstrips, though this significantly increases costs.

Getting Around

Transportation within and around Arli National Park requires 4WD vehicles due to unpaved roads and seasonal flooding during rainy months. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or the park administration, as self-driving requires significant off-road experience and proper equipment. Park roads can be challenging even for experienced drivers, with sandy tracks, seasonal water crossings, and limited signage. Guided tours typically include transportation, and this is the most practical option for most visitors. Walking is only permitted in designated areas with armed guides, and bicycles are not recommended due to wildlife safety concerns and terrain challenges.

Where to Stay

Diapaga town guesthouses

Park camping areas

Community-based accommodations

Ouagadougou hotels (for day trips)

Mobile camping with tour operators

Lodge accommodations near park entrance

Food & Dining

Dining options around Arli National Park are limited and primarily consist of simple local restaurants in Diapaga serving traditional Burkinabé cuisine including rice dishes, grilled meats, and local vegetables. Most accommodations provide meals as part of packages, featuring local specialties like tô (sorghum porridge), riz gras (rice with meat and vegetables), and fresh fish from local rivers. Visitors should expect basic but hearty meals rather than international cuisine. It's advisable to bring snacks and bottled water, especially for longer park excursions. Some tour operators provide packed lunches for full-day activities, and camping arrangements typically include meal preparation services using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Arli National Park is during the dry season from November through April, when wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Roads are most accessible during this period, and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. December through February offers the coolest temperatures, while March and April provide excellent wildlife viewing but with increasing heat. The rainy season from May to October makes many areas inaccessible due to flooding, though this period brings lush vegetation and migratory bird species. For the best balance of weather, accessibility, and wildlife viewing, plan visits between December and March.

Insider Tips

Bring a good supply of cash as ATMs and card payment options are extremely limited in the region

Pack comprehensive medical supplies and ensure you have current yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylaxis

Coordinate visits well in advance through official channels as the park has limited infrastructure and requires proper permits and guide arrangements

Things to Do in Arli National Park