Bala, Kingdom of Hippos: In the Heart of a Wild Paradise
Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1986, the Bala Hippo Pond is an ecological gem in the Hauts-Bassins. This Ramsar site, managed by local villagers, shelters hippos, rare birds, and lush wetlands, offering full immersion in Burkina Faso’s natural beauty.
Description
Located about sixty kilometers from Bobo-Dioulasso, the Bala Hippo Pond is far more than a simple water point – it is a unique ecosystem where nature reigns supreme. Established in 1937 and declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986, this protected area is also listed on the UNESCO Tentative List and recognized as a Ramsar site for the importance of its wetlands.
Visitors can watch, from a canoe or shaded riverbanks, the impressive hippos living here in complete freedom, alongside a wide variety of migratory birds and rare aquatic species. The Black Volta River, which floods part of the reserve, brings life and freshness to this breathtaking landscape.
Managed by the Village Association for the Management of Resources and Wildlife (AGEREF), the Bala Hippo Pond is a model of community-led conservation where sustainable tourism and biodiversity preservation go hand in hand. A visit here is a journey into an authentic, wild, and preserved Burkina Faso – an absolute must-see.
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