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Nazinga Hills

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Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)

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The Nazinga Game Ranch is located in southern Burkina Faso, near the border with Ghana, and is regarded as one of West Africa's most successful nature conservation projects. It was founded in 1979 by Canadian brothers Robert and Clark Lungren with the goal of creating a sustainable model for wildlife management and ecotourism. The landscape is defined by gentle slopes, often referred to as the Nazinga Hills, and expansive savannah dotted with numerous man-made watering holes. The ranch is world-famous for its high density of elephants, which can be easily observed congregating near the dams, especially during the dry season. In addition to elephants, the area hosts over 275 bird species, as well as warthogs, monkeys, and various antelope species like the roan antelope. The initiative has significantly contributed to the economic development of surrounding villages by creating jobs in tourism and conservation. Nazinga remains a flagship project for integrating wildlife protection with local community development in the Sahel region and is a top destination for wildlife photographers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252932323028272626262625
Rain mm141057921222132691946820

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The rocky area is typically accessed via the main unpaved tracks of the Nazinga Ranch. Visitors generally need a robust off-road vehicle to navigate the park's sandy dirt roads.
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Best season
Wildlife viewing and walking in this dry environment are generally best during the dry season, from December to April, when animals predictably gather near limited water sources.
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Terrain & paths
The landscape naturally consists of rocky outcrops rising above the dry savanna. Expect relatively accessible lower slopes that are scattered with dry brush and very large boulders.
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What to bring
Visitors should typically always bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes, and a remarkably good pair of binoculars for spotting distant wildlife.
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Parking
Parking is generally reliably available at the main lodges, scenic viewing hides, or designated base camps within the reserve, from where guided walks safely commence.
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Safety
Visitors must consciously remain vigilant regarding free-roaming wildlife, especially large mammals like elephants. Walking outside designated areas without a local ranger is strictly prohibited.
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Time needed
Exploring the rocky elevations and the surrounding scenic savanna typically occupies an entire half-day, which is often seamlessly combined with an extended vehicle safari.

Geography

Coordinates
11.20000, -1.60000

Facts

  • Founded in 1979 by brothers Robert and Clark Lungren.
  • Located in southern Burkina Faso near the Ghana border.
  • World-renowned for its exceptionally high elephant density.
  • Home to more than 275 unique bird species.
  • Features numerous man-made water sources for wildlife.
  • A premier model for sustainable ecotourism in West Africa.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SapouySapouy44 km · SEExplore →
PôPô51 km · NExplore →
BéréBéré53 km · NEExplore →
Léo LowlandsLéo Lowlands57 km · SExplore →
PagaPaga59 km · NWExplore →
Pikworo Slave CampPikworo Slave Camp59 km · NWExplore →
DakolaDakola59 km · NExplore →
Hapa Crocodile SanctuaryHapa Crocodile Sanctuary60 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nazinga Hills (1)

Observatoire🌿 nature

The Observatoire is an elevated viewpoint providing expansive panoramas over the surrounding natural landscapes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nazinga Hill?
A prominent elevation near the Nazinga Game Ranch, convenient for panoramic views.
Is the climb strenuous?
It is more of an easy hike, but the heat can make it challenging.
Can you see animals from the top?
With binoculars, you can often spot elephants at distant water holes.
When should you climb the hill?
At sunrise or sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Is there a fixed hiking trail?
There are footpaths; a guide from the Nazinga Ranch will show you the best way.
Nazinga Hills: where is it located?
Nazinga Hills is located in Burkina Faso.
Nazinga Hills: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Nazinga Hills: why is it worth visiting?
The Nazinga Game Ranch is located in southern Burkina Faso, near the border with Ghana, and is regarded as one of West Africa's most successful nature conservation projects.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Sapouy — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Sapouy
A town located on the main road to Ghana, known for its wood carvings.
Pô — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Pô
A town near the border with Ghana and an important access point to the Nazinga Game Reserve.
Béré — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Béré
A small rural community in the Zoundwéogo province.
Dakola — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Dakola
A small border town with Ghana that monitors the formal transport of goods.
Manga — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Manga
The capital of the Centre-Sud region, surrounded by agricultural areas.

History & landmarks

Paga — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Paga
Paga is a lively border town in northern Ghana, renowned for its sacred crocodile ponds where visitors can safely interact with these fas…
Navrongo Cathedral — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Navrongo Cathedral
A fascinating basilica from 1906, built of mud bricks featuring wall paintings that blend local and western art.

More places

Léo Lowlands — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Léo Lowlands
A low-lying region near the border with Ghana.
Pikworo Slave Camp — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Pikworo Slave Camp
A site where captives were held before being moved to coastal markets.
Hapa Crocodile Sanctuary — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Hapa Crocodile Sanctuary
A less visited but great crocodile habitat.
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Ourou Oasis
Oasis de Ourou is a green resting place in a dry landscape.
Sissili Forest — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Sissili Forest
Foret Sissili is a wooded area in south-central Burkina Faso.
Paga Crocodile Pond — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Paga Crocodile Pond
A unique place to see crocodiles up close.
Royal Court of Tiébélé — Nazinga Hills (Burkina Faso)
Royal Court of Tiébélé
Traditional painted houses of the Kassena people.
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Gwollu Defence Wall
The ruins of an 18th-century defensive wall built to protect the people of Gwollu from slave raiders.