Plizio Visual Lab
Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve is located near the city of Kara in northern Togo, spanning an area of approximately 150 hectares. Originally established as a private retreat and hunting ground for the former president Gnassingbé Eyadéma, the area was later repurposed for ecological tourism and conservation. The reserve is notable for its diverse wildlife population, which includes zebras, ostriches, Cape buffaloes, and various antelope species, some of which were imported from Southern Africa to enrich the local ecosystem. Its landscape consists of open savannas and wooded areas, providing a well-suited environment for wildlife viewing and photographic safaris. Beyond its role as a tourist attraction, the reserve serves as an important site for preserving regional biodiversity. Visitors can navigate the park in off-road vehicles to witness Togo’s dedication to wildlife protection and sustainable land management in the Kara region.
- Location: Togo
- Nearby: Pya (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 11 | 38 | 89 | 125 | 147 | 197 | 208 | 207 | 118 | 11 | 2 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The dry season from November to March is optimal, as animals gather around remaining water holes. During the rainy season, wildlife viewing is harder due to denser vegetation.
Best time of day
Early morning and dusk are when most animals are active, especially zebras and antelopes. They typically rest in the shade during the midday heat.
Etiquette
Stay inside your vehicle - disembarking is only allowed at designated spots. Do not feed animals and avoid loud noises to avoid startling the wildlife.
What to bring
A good pair of binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are essential for in-vehicle viewing. Water, sunscreen, and a hat will protect you from the savanna sun.
Getting there
Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve is located about 30 km north of Kara, Togo. Access typically requires a 4x4 vehicle, as roads can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.
What to expect
Animals are shy and may hide in dense bush. Drive slowly and stop at vantage points - sometimes animals appear only after a while of waiting.
Geography
Facts
- The reserve covers an area of approximately 150 hectares of savanna land.
- The zebras in the park were specifically imported from South Africa.
- It is located about 400 kilometers north of the capital city, Lomé.
- The site was originally a private retreat for the former presidential family.
- The reserve hosts one of the few ostrich populations in the country.
- Visitors are required to tour the area in off-road vehicles for safety.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What animals can you see in the Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve?
The reserve is home to various species such as antelopes, monkeys, and diverse bird species.
Is the reserve family-friendly?
Yes, a visit is educational and a great experience for children.
When is the best season to visit?
The dry season is best as paths are easily accessible and animals are near water.
Are there accommodations nearby?
There are limited accommodation options in the immediate vicinity.
Do you need a guide?
Yes, a guide is recommended for the best experience and wildlife spotting.
Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve: where is it located?
Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve is located in Togo.
Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve is located near the city of Kara in northern Togo, spanning an area of approximately 150 hectares.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Togo →
Nearby cities
Kara
Kara is a dynamic city in the north, strongly influenced by being near the home region of the former president.
Bassar
Bassar is known throughout West Africa for its traditional iron smelting, with furnaces that can still be visited today.
Niamtougou
Niamtougou hosts the country's second international airport and serves as a key logistical hub in the north.
Bafilo
Bafilo nestles at the foot of the Alédjo Mountains and is famous for its traditional weaving cooperatives.
Kandé
Kandé is the primary gateway for visiting Koutammakou, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Tamberma people.
Kanté
Kanté is closely linked to the Tamberma region and serves as a service hub for the inhabitants of the famous tower houses.
Guérin-Kouka
Guérin-Kouka is located in northwestern Togo and is a major agricultural trading center for yams and grains.
🗺️
Pagouda
Pagouda is located in the heart of Kabyè land and is known for its terraced fields and traditional mining.
🗺️
Kpagouda
Kpagouda is located in the hilly landscape of the Kara Region and is known for its traditional Kabyè festivals and wrestling matches.
Pya
Pya is known as the birthplace of longtime president Gnassingbé Eyadéma and holds great symbolic significance in Togo.
Yadé
Yadé is a historic site in the Kara Region, known for its traditional clan structures and the preservation of ancient legends.
🗺️
Sanda-Kagbanda
Sanda-Kagbanda is located near Kara and serves as a center for local grain and vegetable trading.
Sirka
Sirka is nestled in the foothills of the Kabyè Mountains and is known for its stunning views across the savanna.
Sabi Lamba
Sabi Lamba is a quiet rural center in the Kara Region, characterized by traditional agriculture and small craft workshops.
Fazao-Malfakassa National Park
Togo's largest national park protects an impressive variety of ecosystems, from mountains to savannahs.
History & landmarks
Kara Congress Palace
This monumental building in Kara serves as a congress center and a venue for major political and cultural gatherings.
🗺️
Kara Stadium
A central sports stadium in northern Togo, serving as a venue for football matches and regional sports events.
Grand Mosque of Kara
A striking religious center in the city of Kara, defining the northern cityscape with its traditional architecture and minarets.
Kara Central Market Building
The striking building of the Kara central market complex is the city's economic centerpiece and a major landmark.
Kara Bridge
This important bridge crosses the Kara River and is a crucial landmark of the transport infrastructure in northern Togo.
Sarakawa
Historical site and wildlife reserve known for the monument of a major 1974 plane crash.
Koutammakou
The land of the Batammariba people, famous for its unique two-story mud tower-houses called Takienta.
Nature
More places
🗺️
Kabyè Mountains
The Kabyè Mountains are famous for their artistic terrace farming, which has created a unique cultural landscape.
Lassa Water Pumping Station
The Lassa pumping station is a vital industrial facility for the water supply of the city of Kara and its surroundings.
SITEX Textile Factory Kara
SITEX is a significant textile factory in Kara that processes locally grown cotton.
🗺️
Mount Ibéti
A prominent mountain in the northern Atakora range, shaping the landscape of the Kara region.
Mount Koranga
A rugged mountain in the Kara region, known for its impressive rock formations.
Kandé Millet Fields
Millet is the most important grain in northern Togo and is grown on the vast fields around Kandé for daily needs.
Koutammakou
This UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Togo is famous for the 'Takienta', the unique multi-story mud towers of the Batammariba p…
🗺️
Bassar Yam Fields
Bassar is famous for the cultivation of yams, which play a central role in local cuisine and traditional festivals.