Ouagadougou sits in the middle of the Sahel, and the surrounding countryside has more to offer than first impressions suggest. Wildlife, sacred sites, and ancient villages are all within reach.
Sabou — About 90 kilometres west of the city, Sabou is known for its sacred crocodile pond. The crocodiles are considered sacred and are remarkably placid — locals will let you get very close for a small fee.
Ranch de Nazinga — South of Ouagadougou near Po, this game reserve has a large population of elephants, along with antelopes, monkeys, baboons, and warthogs. It is one of the best places in West Africa to see elephants in the wild.
La Mare aux Poissons Sacrés de Dafra — A scenic sacred fish pond about 8 kilometres southeast of the city, where large catfish are considered sacred.
Mare aux Hippopotames — About 66 kilometres northeast, where visitors can take a pirogue out to view hippos at close range for a small fee.
Pabre — An ancient Mossi village a short distance north of the city, near a large reservoir.