Bazoulé, Sacred crocodile village in Tanghin-Dassouri, Burkina Faso
Bazoulé is a small settlement near Ouagadougou known for its sacred pond containing roughly one hundred Nile crocodiles that coexist with human inhabitants. The pond occupies much of the village center and is surrounded by modest structures, while the reptiles swim freely in the shallow water.
The settlement began when Naaba Kouda's youngest son established his own territory and named it Pazolgo-tenga, a name that gradually transformed into Bazoulé over time. Oral traditions and local customs have preserved this origin story, shaping the community's identity through generations.
The village is deeply connected to its crocodiles, which locals regard as sacred creatures that share their daily spaces near the pond and throughout the settlement. The pond serves as a focal point for community life where visitors can watch how residents interact with the animals.
Visitors have the best chance of seeing the crocodiles during the dry season from November to April, when the animals are most active. It is advisable to arrive early in the day and hire a local guide to explore the village safely and learn more about daily life here.
During drier months, the crocodiles leave the pond and enter village homes to nest their eggs, yet residents tolerate their presence without driving them away. This peaceful coexistence is so established that the reptiles move freely between water and human dwellings.
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