Burkina Faso is emerging as one of West Africa’s most intriguing destinations. With security improvements making travel safer, the country is inviting visitors to discover its national parks, wildlife reserves, cultural festivals, and the warmth of its people..

Burkina Faso in 2026 is positioning itself as a safe and welcoming destination, with improved security, stunning national parks like Arli, W, Kaboré Tambi, and Deux Balés, plus reserves and cultural attractions. Visitors can expect elephants, lions, hippos, antelopes, giraffes, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species across its protected areas Découvrir Le Burkina Faso.

🏞️ National Parks and Protected Areas

Burkina Faso is home to four major national parks and several reserves that showcase its ecological diversity:

• Arli National Park: Located in the southeast, part of the UNESCO-designated W-Arly-Pendjari complex. Known for elephants, lions, cheetahs, antelopes, and hippos.
• W National Park: A transboundary biosphere reserve shared with Niger and Benin. Offers vast savannas and wetlands, home to buffalo, giraffes, crocodiles, and over 300 bird species.
• Kaboré Tambi National Park: Situated south of Ouagadougou, rich in savanna landscapes and wildlife including monkeys, antelopes, and diverse birdlife.
• Deux Balés National Park: Famous for its elephant population, alongside antelopes and other savanna species.

Beyond the national parks, Burkina Faso also protects biodiversity through wildlife reserves and hunting areas, ensuring habitats for its 147 mammal species, 330 aquatic species, and over 2,000 plant species  Wikipedia  Découvrir Le Burkina Faso.

🐘 Wildlife Highlights

Visitors can expect encounters with:

• Elephants: Especially in Deux Balés and Arli.

• Lions and cheetahs: Predators roaming Arli and W National Park.

• Hippos and crocodiles: Found in rivers and wetlands.

• Buffalo and antelopes: Common across savannas.

• Giraffes: Seen in W National Park.

• Birds: Over 300 species, making Burkina Faso a paradise for birdwatchers.

🎭 Culture and Attractions

Burkina Faso’s natural wonders are matched by its cultural richness:

• Ouagadougou: The capital, hosting the world-famous FESPACO film festival.

• Bobo-Dioulasso: Known for music, dance, and traditional architecture.

• Sindou Peaks: Dramatic sandstone formations.

• Karfiguéla Falls: A scenic waterfall near Banfora.

🤝 The People

Above all, visitors will be welcomed by the friendly Burkinabè people, known for their hospitality, resilience, and eagerness to share traditions, cuisine, and stories.

✨ In 2026, Burkina Faso offers a rare blend of improved safety, thriving wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture — making it a destination where adventure meets authenticity.

Other interesting places to visit:

Monument of National Heroes

Parc Crocodile de Bazoule

National Museum of Music

Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou

Le Musee National Du Burkina Faso

Musee d'Issouka

Grande Mosquée de Ouagadougou

Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso

Marché de Sankariaré

The Grand Mosque at Bani

Royal Palace of Tiébélé

Les Pics de Sindou

Reserve de Nazinga

Parc Urbain Bängr-Weoogo

Ouagadougou Cathedral