Mare aux Hippopotames
Facts and practical information
The Mare aux Hippopotames is a lake and national park in Burkina Faso, created in 1937 and designated in 1977 as the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the nation. The park was created around a freshwater lake and includes surrounding pools and marches in the flood plain of the Black Volta River, and surrounding forests. The park is home to about 100 hippos; about 1000 eco-tourists visit each year. It is located about 60 kilometers north of Bobo-Dioulasso, and is itself about 163 square kilometres in size. ()
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Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Lion
The lion, a majestic big cat from the genus Panthera, roams the wilds of Africa and India. Known for its powerful build, rounded head, and distinctive tail tuft, the lion is a striking figure in the animal kingdom. Male lions, larger than females, are easily recognized...
Mammals
Cheetah
The cheetah, a large feline found in Africa and central Iran, is renowned for being the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds between 80 to 128 km/h. Built for speed, cheetahs possess a lightweight frame, long slender legs, and a lengthy tail.
Mammals
Common Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus, or hippo, is a fascinating and hefty mammal native to Africa, renowned for its massive barrel-shaped body, wide-opening mouth, and almost hairless skin. These semiaquatic giants can weigh around 1,500 kg on average.
Mammals
Martial eagle
The martial eagle, a majestic and formidable bird of prey, inhabits sub-Saharan Africa. It is the sole member of its genus, Polemaetus, and belongs to the booted eagle subfamily, distinguished by feathers that extend down their legs.
Birds
Striped Hyaena
The striped hyena, a captivating creature, inhabits North and East Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Regrettably, it is classified as near-threatened by the IUCN due to a diminishing population, primarily driven by habitat loss...
Mammals
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