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Arli National Park
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Arli Overview

Arli National Park, known locally as “Parc National d’Arli,” is a protected area in southeastern Burkina Faso’s Tapoa Province. Established in 1954, the park covers approximately 760 square kilometers (293 square miles) and adjoins Benin’s Pendjari National Park to the south and the Singou Reserve to the west, forming part of the expansive W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex.

The park’s diverse landscape includes gallery forests along the Arli and Pendjari rivers, savanna woodlands, and the sandstone Gobnangou Hills, which rise to about 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level. These hills offer panoramic views and are popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts. While Arli National Park does not feature large waterfalls, the rivers and streams create picturesque scenes, especially during the rainy season.

Arli National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It is home to approximately 200 elephants, 100 lions, and 200 hippos. Other notable species include buffaloes, baboons, warthogs, bushbucks, duikers, and various antelope species such as roan antelopes and western hartebeests. The park also hosts a variety of primates, including green and red monkeys.

Birdlife is abundant, with species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill and various raptors. The diverse habitats support a wide range of flora, including savanna grasses and riverine forests, contributing to the park’s ecological richness.

Arli National Park plays a crucial role in regional conservation as part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, one of West Africa’s most important biodiversity sanctuaries. This transboundary protected area spans Burkina Faso, Benin, and Niger, facilitating wildlife migration and genetic exchange.

Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and community engagement to promote sustainable resource use. Collaborative management among the three countries aims to address challenges such as illegal hunting and human encroachment.

Visitors to Arli National Park can engage in guided safaris, bird watching, and hiking, particularly in the Gobnangou Hills. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when wildlife congregates around water sources, making animal sightings more frequent. Access is typically via the N19 highway through towns like Pama or Diapaga.

In summary, Arli National Park is a vital component of Burkina Faso’s natural heritage, offering diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Its integration into the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex underscores its significance in regional conservation efforts, providing a sanctuary for numerous species and opportunities for ecotourism.

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Park Map
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Arli National Park Highlights

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Arli National Park, located in southeastern Burkina Faso, is a vibrant sanctuary where the diversity of its savannah and woodland ecosystems sustains a wealth of wildlife.

African Elephant
These majestic giants roam the park’s grasslands and woodlands, using their tusks to strip bark and dig for water during the dry season.

West African Lion
A symbol of strength and wilderness, the West African lion prowls the park’s open savannahs in search of prey.

Leopard
A stealthy predator, the leopard is rarely seen but leaves its mark on the park’s ecosystem as a master hunter.

Hartebeest
This large antelope, known for its distinctive face markings, grazes in herds on the park’s grassy plains.

Bushbuck
A solitary and shy antelope, the bushbuck prefers the cover of the park’s woodlands, foraging for leaves and shoots.

Warthog
Often seen in family groups, the warthog is a resilient forager, using its tusks and snout to dig for roots and tubers.

Spotted Hyena
This opportunistic predator and scavenger plays a vital role in the park’s ecosystem, helping to control prey populations and clean up carrion.

Roan Antelope
One of Africa’s largest antelopes, the roan antelope is easily recognized by its striking black-and-white facial markings.

Patas Monkey
Known for its speed and agility, the patas monkey is often seen darting through the savannah in small troops.

Aardvark
A nocturnal insectivore, the aardvark is a rare but important member of the ecosystem, feeding on ants and termites.

Birds

Arli National Park’s mix of wooded areas, wetlands, and open savannah provides an ideal habitat for an impressive array of bird species, delighting birdwatchers and researchers alike.

Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
This large, terrestrial bird patrols the savannah on foot, hunting insects and small vertebrates with its powerful bill.

Martial Eagle
A formidable raptor, the martial eagle soars above the park, searching for prey such as small mammals and reptiles.

Saddle-billed Stork
With its vivid red and yellow beak, this striking bird is often seen wading through the park’s wetlands in search of fish.

Grey Crowned Crane
This elegant bird, with its golden crest and graceful movements, is a highlight for visitors to the park’s wetlands.

Senegal Parrot
A vibrant and social bird, the Senegal parrot adds flashes of green and yellow to the park’s trees.

African Fish Eagle
A masterful hunter, the African fish eagle is frequently spotted near water, diving to catch fish with remarkable precision.

Bearded Vulture
Known for its dramatic appearance and unique bone-eating habits, this vulture soars high above the park’s rugged terrain.

White-backed Vulture
An important scavenger, the white-backed vulture helps maintain the park’s ecological balance by consuming carrion.

Red-throated Bee-eater
A colorful bird with a playful flight, the red-throated bee-eater is often seen hunting insects near water sources.

Black-headed Weaver
Known for its intricate nests, the black-headed weaver is a lively presence in the park’s wooded areas.

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Engaging Arli National Park

Game drives through Arli National Park’s expansive savannahs offer an exhilarating way to encounter its diverse wildlife. Safari vehicles traverse open plains and wooded areas, bringing visitors close to iconic species such as elephants, lions, and hartebeest.

Early morning or late afternoon drives are particularly rewarding, as these cooler times are when animals are most active. Guides provide fascinating details about animal behavior, habitats, and conservation challenges, enriching the experience with expert knowledge.

The scenic beauty of the park, combined with the thrill of spotting elusive predators like leopards, makes game drives a memorable highlight for visitors.

Walking safaris in Arli National Park provide an intimate way to explore its rich ecosystems and observe wildlife up close. Accompanied by experienced guides, visitors trek through woodland trails and savannah paths, learning about the park’s flora and fauna along the way.

Tracks, droppings, and subtle signs reveal the presence of animals like bushbucks or aardvarks. The slower pace of walking allows for a deeper connection with nature, from spotting smaller creatures to appreciating the intricate patterns of vegetation.

This activity combines education, adventure, and a chance to experience the park’s wilderness on a more personal level.

The Pendjari River, which flows through the park, is a hotspot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its wetlands and riverbanks attract a variety of bird species, from the graceful saddle-billed stork to the melodious red-throated bee-eater.

Early mornings are ideal for birdwatching, with the park coming alive with birdsong and activity. Guided tours provide binoculars and field guides to help visitors identify both resident and migratory species.

The tranquil setting of the river, combined with the dazzling array of birdlife, offers a serene and rewarding experience for nature lovers and photographers.

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