Arli National ParkAbout Arli National Park
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 19° - 35° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 24% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 21° - 37° | 29° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 22% | 2.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 25° - 39° | 32° | 7 mm | some cloud | 28% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 26° - 39° | 35° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 47% | 2.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Very Good | 26° - 36° | 35° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Very Good | 24° - 34° | 32° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.7h |
| July | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 180 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.6h |
| August | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 224 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.4h |
| September | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 172 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Excellent | 23° - 34° | 32° | 33 mm | some cloud | 74% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Excellent | 20° - 36° | 29° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 51% | 1.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| December | Ideal | 19° - 35° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 34% | 2.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.3h |
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.