Arli National Park
Park Savanna national park home to elephants and Sahelian fauna
Arli National Park in eastern Burkina Faso conserves savanna, gallery forest and riverine habitats; tourists come for wildlife safaris, birdwatching and seasonal river excursions.
.JPG?width=1200)
Arli National Park is a protected savanna and woodland park in southeastern Burkina Faso’s Est Region, near the border with Benin. It conserves savanna plains, gallery forest and rocky outcrops and supports a variety of large mammals and birds.
The park is noted for populations of elephants, buffalo and other large mammals typical of West African savanna ecosystems, and for gallery forests along river courses. It is frequently visited by wildlife observers and is used for safari-style drives and guided nature walks.
Arli was established to protect the region’s wildlife and habitats and now functions as part of a broader network of protected areas that span national boundaries in this part of West Africa. Conservation focus includes anti-poaching and habitat protection.
Geographically the park lies in the far east of Burkina Faso, close to the border with Benin, occupying lowland savanna and riparian zones characteristic of the region.
- Transboundary context: Forms part of a larger transboundary conservation landscape adjoining protected areas in neighbouring Benin, increasing its value for wide-ranging species and migration routes.
How to Get to Arli National Park #
Arli lies in the Est Region near the town of Pama. The most practical arrival is by road from Fada N’Gourma (roughly 3-4 hours east) or from Diapaga. Local 4x4 transfer is recommended during the rainy season when tracks deteriorate. There are no regular commercial flights into the immediate area; international visitors typically fly into Ouagadougou and take a domestic connection or road transfer.
Tips for Visiting Arli National Park #
- Hire a local guide from Pama or Diapaga who knows the seasonal waterholes - they know where elephants concentrate during the dry season.
- Plan afternoon drives along the Arli River banks; the light hits the sandstone cliffs well after 4pm, and predators often move then.
- Bring binoculars and insect repellent; many good sightings require patience at a distance and comfortable, long views from tracks.
Best Time to Visit Arli National Park #
Visit outside the rainy months for reliable vehicle access and the best chance to see large mammals gathered at the park's rivers and waterholes.
Weather & Climate near Arli National Park #
Arli National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and hot winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 19°C to 39°C. Moderate rainfall (850 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 25°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (180 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is hot, feeling like 29°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
