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About

Arli National Park (French: Parc National d’Arli) is located in southeastern Burkina Faso near the borders of Benin and Niger. Established in 1954 and later designated as a national park, it covers approximately 294 square miles (760 sq km).

Arli forms a critical component of the larger W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, one of the most significant wildlife conservation landscapes in West Africa. The park adjoins Pendjari National Park and connects with W National Park, creating an extensive transboundary ecosystem that supports some of the region’s most important populations of large mammals. The WAP Complex is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding biodiversity and ecological value.

Arli National Park is best known for its rich wildlife and its role as one of the last strongholds for large mammals in West Africa. Visitors who explore the park encounter classic African savanna landscapes where elephants, antelope, buffalo, and predators still roam freely.

Although less visited than many famous East African safari destinations, Arli offers a more remote and authentic wilderness experience. The park’s relatively undeveloped character allows travelers to experience a landscape that remains remarkably natural and ecologically intact. Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and scenic exploration are among the primary visitor activities.

The geography of Arli National Park consists of rolling savannas, open woodlands, floodplains, seasonal rivers, and rocky outcrops. The Pendjari River system and its tributaries influence much of the park’s ecology, providing critical water sources for wildlife throughout the year.

The landscape is characterized by grasslands interspersed with acacia trees, gallery forests along waterways, and patches of dry woodland. Seasonal rains transform the park into a lush environment that supports abundant plant and animal life, while the dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources, creating excellent opportunities for observation.

Wildlife diversity is one of the park’s greatest strengths. Arli supports African elephants, buffalo, hippopotamuses, warthogs, and numerous antelope species including roan antelope, waterbuck, kob, hartebeest, and bushbuck. Predators such as lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas occur within the park, although sightings can be challenging due to the vast landscape and relatively low visitor numbers.

The park is also a haven for birdlife, with hundreds of species recorded. Eagles, vultures, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, storks, and migratory birds are commonly observed throughout the park’s diverse habitats. Reptiles and amphibians further contribute to its ecological richness.

Arli National Park plays a vital role in protecting one of West Africa’s last functioning savanna ecosystems. The park safeguards migration corridors and breeding habitats for species that have disappeared from much of their historic range. Its importance is magnified by its connection to neighboring protected areas within the WAP Complex, creating a landscape large enough to support viable populations of wide-ranging wildlife.

Ecologically, Arli can be compared to renowned African reserves such as Hwange National Park and Ruaha National Park, where expansive savannas support diverse wildlife communities. Through its rich biodiversity, vast grasslands, and role in regional conservation, Arli National Park remains one of Burkina Faso’s most important natural treasures and a cornerstone of wildlife protection in West Africa.

Things to See

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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.

Things To Do

Engaging Arli National Park

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Game Drives

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.

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Walking Safaris

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.

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Birdwatching

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.