In the southeastern region of Burkina Faso is the amazing place of Arly - a national park covering 760 square kilometers and towering hundreds of meters above sea level. Forests, savannahs, rivers and hills of Arly are part of the complex of protected areas that include the territories of Benin and Burkina Faso, and all this is part of the ecosystem of Airli-Singu. The entire ecosystem of Arly contains the basins of several rivers. These include the never-ending Pendjari rivers, which attract a great variety of grassy and forested savannah animals.
Flora of the National Park
On the territory of Arly (National Park) an amazing, unfortunately disappearing tugai forest has been preserved. Along the banks of never-ending rivers, it stretches for a couple of tens of meters on both sides. A more extensive and dense tugai forest grows in river deltas and turns into an impenetrable jungle. The flora there consists of numerous shrubs, willows growing at the very edge of the water, and prickly blackberries - a favorite but hard-to-find delicacy of all herbivores and pheasants.
Wildlife of Arly
BArly National Park is currently attracting many tourists. Attractions that will surprise any traveler are available here. These are significant forest areas along the banks of the rivers and many mammals and birds living in the national park. The best time to watch Arly's wildlife is early in the morning. It is at this time that you can see hippos performing water procedures, and even lions and leopards wandering along the coast in search of prey. The fauna of Arly (National Park) is represented by baboons, red and green monkeys. In addition, this is one of the few places where the buffalo population still survives and thrives.
Two hundred elephants are also alive and well and the main prey of the feline family is western hartebeest and horse antelope.
The pools of rivers and reservoirs are an excellent home for crocodiles, Nile monitor lizards are often found in these places, representing the largest population of lizards in Africa. The Nile monitor is a strong-footed, powerful reptile armed with sharp claws and strong, well-developed jaws. In addition, it is perfectly adapted to movement in water, has a tail flattened from the sides and high-set nostrils, like a crocodile. Incredibly long pythons live here, capable of swallowing a small antelope whole, and therefore dangerous for humans.
Not so long ago, the Arly savannas were home to wild dogs, whose extinction is due to a lack of national protection and an increase in the number of people,inhabiting nearby territories.
How to get there?
Arriving in Burkina Faso, to get to the national park, you need to go to the city of Dipaga and there, following the N19 highway, you can find yourself in the territory of Arly. You can go on a trip through the park by renting a car or by booking seats in a sightseeing car. It is best to visit the Arly National Park, whose interesting places are easily accessible, just in time for the dry season. During the rainy season, the roads are either too slippery and dangerous to travel, or completely washed out. And in the dry season, you can see almost all representatives of the fauna gathered at the watering place on the banks of the rivers.
Where to stay?
Where to stay in Arly? The national park boasts the three-star Hotel De la Tapoa. The area in which it is located is very close to the grassy savannah, and you can find antelopes roaming freely in the area. Rooms are independent clay bungalows surrounded by shrubs - representatives of the local flora. There is a swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
