× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 Nazinga Ranch Hike the Nazinga Ranch, Burkina Faso. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Domes de Fabedougou Explore Sindou Peaks Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Burkina Faso | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Nazinga Ranch Nazinga Ranch offers a unique hiking experience in Burkina Faso, with its mix of savannah landscapes and wildlife spotting opportunities. The trail stretches about 10 kilometers, which is manageable for most, but be prepared for some uneven terrain that can challenge your footing. Getting to the start is pretty straightforward; local transport options like bush taxis can drop you off nearby, though you might need to negotiate a bit. The scenery is a nice change from other hikes in the area, like the more rugged trails at Sindou Peaks, but it lacks the dramatic rock formations. On the flip side, you might encounter fewer crowds here, giving you a chance to soak in the quiet beauty of the ranch. Just keep an eye out for the locals—this is their backyard, after all! Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Burkina Faso Travel Guide . Best time to go: November – April Duration: 3 to 5 days Distance: 30 kilometers Total ascent: 200 meters Safety warning The current risk level for Burkina Faso is high. Check the advice before going. Get your Burkina Faso Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Nazinga Ranch Burkina Faso Grab your own Travelguide for only Dry-season Waterholes — Man-made reservoirs and natural ponds are the heartbeat of Nazinga. When the rains dry up animals concentrate here, so a short hike to a raised bank or hide usually yields dozens of species at once: elephants, buffalo, kobs, warthogs and a ridiculous number of birds. It’s the best place to watch animal behavior up close without needing a long game drive. Elephant Viewing on Foot — Nazinga’s elephants are used to the pattern of people and water points, so guided walks or short treks with a ranger can produce safe, memorable encounters (always with a guide). Seeing them feed, flap ears and move between trees from a nearby trail is different from spotting them from a car — it feels much more “in” the savanna. Kob Plains and Sunset Panoramas — Wide, open grasslands filled with kob and other antelope make for excellent hiking and low-impact stalking. Walk to a low ridge before late afternoon and you’ll get great animal viewing and one of the cleanest African sunsets you can get: golden light, termite mounds and the long silhouettes of grazing herds. Gallery Forests and Birdlife — The strips of riverine woodland and ponds are tiny biodiversity factories. On foot you’ll pick up small mammals, kingfishers, herons, raptors and migrating species that don’t show up on the open plains. For hikers who like quiet, focused wildlife watching, these shaded trails punch well above their size. Conservation History & Village Links — Nazinga isn’t just wildlife; it’s a working model of community-based conservation. Short walks to nearby villages or interpretation points let you see how water points, grazing management and local knowledge shaped the ranch — a neat cultural angle that shows why the animals are here and how people live with them. Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town unique site national park hike festival region show all 🌤️ When to Go? Best Time to visit Nazinga Ranch Hiking at Nazinga Ranch is best during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is when temperatures are more bearable, usually hovering around 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day. If you’re there in March or April, you might hit some highs of 35°C (95°F), so be ready for some heat! The rainy season, from May to October, brings humidity and temperatures that can climb to around 30-35°C (86-95°F), but the added moisture can make trails muddy and less enjoyable. Plus, the wildlife tends to be more elusive during this time, as they seek shelter from the rain. Pro tip: Start your hikes early in the morning to beat the heat. Pack plenty of water and some snacks, and don’t forget your sunscreen—those rays can be sneaky! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Nazinga Ranch If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Burkina Faso Best quality hotels in Burkina Faso 🥾 Get Your Walking Shoes Trail Details of Nazinga Ranch Total Distance: The Nazinga Ranch trail spans approximately 20 kilometers. It’s a solid trek that can really get your legs moving. Estimated Duration: Plan for about 6 to 8 hours to complete the hike. This gives you enough time to soak in the scenery and take breaks without rushing. Difficulty Level: The trail is considered moderate. You’ll encounter some uneven terrain and a few steep sections, but nothing too extreme if you’re in decent shape. Starting Point: The trailhead is located at Nazinga Ranch. To get there by public transport, take a bus or shared taxi from Ouagadougou to Pô. From … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Nazinga Ranch trail spans approximately 20 kilometers. It’s a solid trek that can really get your legs moving. Estimated Duration: Plan for about 6 to 8 hours to complete the hike. This gives you enough time to soak in the scenery and take breaks without rushing. Difficulty Level: The trail is considered moderate. You’ll encounter some uneven terrain and a few steep sections, but nothing too extreme if you’re in decent shape. Starting Point: The trailhead is located at Nazinga Ranch. To get there by public transport, take a bus or shared taxi from Ouagadougou to Pô. From Pô, you can catch a local taxi or arrange for a ride to the ranch, which is about 20 kilometers away. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Nazinga Ranch: A key spot where you can learn about conservation efforts and spot some wildlife. Waterholes: There are a few natural waterholes along the way that attract animals, making for great viewing opportunities. Scenic Overlooks: Expect some breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah, especially as you climb to higher points. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of dirt paths and rocky sections. You’ll hike through open savannah, with patches of forested areas providing shade. The landscape is dotted with baobab trees and other native flora, offering a unique backdrop. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Vegetation: Expect to see acacia trees, grasses, and various shrubs typical of the West African savannah. Wildlife: Keep an eye out for elephants, antelopes, and a variety of birds. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, so you might get lucky with some sightings. This trail is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Burkina Faso while enjoying a bit of adventure. Just remember to bring plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes, and keep your camera ready for those wildlife moments! ⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that’s off, I’d love to hear from you,so I can update it for fellow travelers. ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Burkina Faso Travel Guide Discover the best Burkina Faso has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Burkina Faso 158 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 52 must-see highlights ✅ 21-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! Pick your country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Cook Islands Costa Rica Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Republic of the Congo Réunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino São Tomé and Príncipe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Virgin Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City State Venezuela Vietnam Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Sign me up for the newsletter I agree to the Terms email BUY NOW 100% secure payment via Stripe. The Travel guide is directly downloadable after your purchase. Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic, amazing amount of information! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My goodness this is amazing, it‘s what I‘ve been looking for hats off too you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very complete and informative. It‘s still missing places, but I gotta to commend you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is truly amazing, thank you, can‘t wait to explore it with my kids! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome resource, thank you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is amazing! Can’t wait to explore the ones I haven’t seen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love this! Well done, great idea. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thanks for taking the time to make this gem! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This might be the best website I’ve ever seen. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it‘s incredibly valuable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As someone who’s only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you very much! I‘m going to visit my dad, it‘s going to be very useful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is really cool! We’ll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is so cool. I’ll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is very impressive! Good work. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done! Explore Burkina Faso Nazinga Ranch isn’t the only highlight in Burkina Faso. Explore all what Burkina Faso has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Bobo-Dioulasso, Banfora, Ouagadougou, see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Nouna, Orodara, Fada N’gourma , see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Cascades de Karfiguéla, Royal Court of Tiébélé, Lac de Tengrela, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : W, Arly, Kabore Tambi, see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Banfora Cascades, Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail, Sindou Peaks, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : FESPACO, SIAO, Jazz à Ouaga, see all 🏝️ Regions        Compare the top best regions : Gourma, Namentenga, see all Explore Burkina Faso ✈️ Ready to Go? Nazinga Ranch FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Burkina Faso The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Burkina Faso Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Nazinga Ranch? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Burkina Faso Best quality hotels in Burkina Faso What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Burkina Faso? Burkina Faso is all about hot days and cooler nights, especially from November to February, so think layers. The terrain’s mostly flat savannah, with some hills, so sturdy shoes are a must if you’re planning to trek around. Rainy season hits June to September, so a lightweight rain jacket could be a lifesaver. Culturally, modesty is key—cover those shoulders and knees when you’re out and about. Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Burkina Faso. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts Nazinga Ranch has this chill vibe that feels worlds away from the hustle. The surprise? Spotting elephants casually wandering by your tent—seriously, it’s like nature’s own show! Just a heads-up: the heat can be intense, so plan your adventures for early morning or late afternoon. Trust me, the sunsets here are worth every bead of sweat. Enjoy the wild side! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 23 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript