Mare aux Hippopotames, Nature reserve and wetland in Houet Province, Burkina Faso
Mare aux Hippopotames is a large protected area in Houet Province that brings together pools, marshes, and forests within the Black Volta floodplain. The landscape forms a mosaic of open water and dense vegetation connected by natural waterways.
The site gained protected status in 1937 and later received recognition as Burkina Faso's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977. This designation marked a turning point in how wetlands were valued as deserving conservation.
Local communities have long relied on the place for gathering plants and conducting traditional ceremonies tied to water and land protection. This connection shapes how people understand and care for the reserve today.
The best time to visit is during the dry season when paths are accessible and wildlife is easier to observe. Traveling with a guide helps you navigate the different habitats and spot animals more effectively.
The site supports a relatively stable population of around 100 hippopotamuses living as a semi-isolated community. This presence is particularly special in the region because hippopotamuses are increasingly rare across West Africa.
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