This Mali National park is located near the town of Bamako in the western region of Mali.  The park is largely covered in West African Savannah although the vegetation is divided into two bio-geographic regions of Sudan Guinea in the south and Sahelian zone in the north. Other parts of the park are combretum shrub, Savannah woodlands, and a dense rain forest on the banks of Baoule River.

The park occupies an area of 25, 330sq km established in 1982 and is an acknowledges UNESCO World Heritage Site since September 1999

Some of the animals in the park include Saheran gazelles, giant eland, sheep, goats, and many other mammals.

The park is increasingly affected by human land pressure for agriculture, livestock keeping, and human settlement. In 1981, the livestock population was estimated to 13,500 zebus and 59,500 sheep and goats.

Various ethnic groups live in the area: sedentary Kakolo, Sarkolés, Malinké and Bambara (farmers), the transhumant Peuhls and Maures, and the Bozos (fishers). Depending on the season, between 78,300 and 150,000 people live in the biosphere reserve (1998). The land tends to be used for pastoralism in the north during the dry season and for agriculture throughout the area depending on the local rainfall conditions.

Size of Boucle du Baoule National Park Mali

Boucle du National park covers an area of 25,330 km² but has little large wildlife. The park is known for its prehistoric rock art and tombs.

Location of Boucle du Baoule National Park Mali

The Boucle du Baoulé National Park lies in western Mali, in Kayes Region and Koulikoro Region, set up in 1982.

How to get to Boucle du Baoule National Park Mali

Boucle du Baoule National Park has located 235 km from the main capital Bamako and using a 4×4 safari vehicle you can take 4-5 hours to reach the park.

Things to do in Boucle du Baoule National Park Mali

Unfortunately, due to the excessive presence of poachers who do not respect the park’s boundaries, there are very few mammals. Only the lions are visible during the dry season. You have to get close to the water points to see them, but you have to be very lucky. On the other hand, many birds can be observed: black eagles, “fishermen’s beaks”, metal blackbirds, guinea fowls…

The park also contains some interesting sites. The area would indeed have been populated for a very long time. In Oussadian, a flint industry dates back to the Upper Paleolithic. In the middle of the Fina reserves are numerous Malinke tombs and the remains of the vast Tata of Fina, a gigantic enclosure nearly a kilometer in diameter. Finally, the ruins and the military cemetery of Fort Koundou bear witness to the colonial era when, from this hill, the post ensured the security of convoys in this region.

When to visit Boucle du Baoule National Park

October, November, December, and January are the best time to visit Mali. This is the dry season, but the harmattan has yet to fully kick in, so it’s the most pleasant time to travel and game viewing can be good.

Where to stay in Boucle du Baoule National Park

Camping would be your best option and ensure you carry everything with you while traveling to the park.