Anyone have Burkina Faso experience they would like to share?

My father and i are considering a hunt to Burkina Faso, and are still very early in the planning stages. I haven't met anyone, online or elsewhere, who has been there.

I am interested in Burkina Faso because the hunts seem relatively affordable, with species that interest me (esp. roan and savanna buffalo), and the terrain and hunting style seems attractive. My father is especially interested in wingshooting, and there are a number of wingshooting outfits, mostly with websites only in French. I am also very interested in West African life and culture, and BF seems the most affordable place to hunt in West Africa. I also like the possibility of returning there at a later date to hunt chasse-libre, as I am used to hunting Montana and Alaska without a guide. As a writer, I'm interested in hunting there so i can write about it, because it is not a place covered much, at least not in English language publications.

Would anyone care to share their experience and give us some considerations or recommendations? Neither of us speak French - is this likely to be a problem? Can anyone recommend a specific outfit there?

Thanks to all!

Hello Cossack,

I know both countries, Burkina faso and Benin. You find there the same animals. It is two very nice hunting countries with well organize companies and friendly local people, for sure a hunt to do. It is not easy, walking, hot but very nice experience.Not many people are speaking english as you noticed but you can find some, for sure the trackers are not speaking at all. Forget about the chasse libre, outside of the big game hunting areas there is nothing left, may be some birds...
If you need some help to find some companies, ask me.
Regards
Christophe

Like you, I have not hunted in Burkina Faso but have looked into it and researched it some. It appeals to me for the same reasons that it does to you. One thing I did find that is quite interesting is that once you bag a big game animal, hunting stops for that day. This law is unlike any other you'll find in other African countries where you are allowed to hunt as many animals on a given day as possible.

Pinotguy, I noticed that law and found it interesting, but it didn't bother me too much because I understand that small game and wingshooting is still allowed after bagging a big game animal (someone correct me please If I am wrong!). My dad is very interested in hunting birds in Africa, so we would still be busy!

Honestly, I would rather work hard and get 2-4 animals during my trip to Africa than feel like I was just getting carted around collecting trophies. But of course each day is expensive and time goes quickly, so of course I agree that I would want to make the most of each day.

Christophe,
Thank you very much for your comments. I am a little saddened to hear that the Chasse libre is not worthwhile. I understand that there is an area in the Cascades region in the Southwest part of BF that sounds promising. I don't know if it could be considered truly chase libre, because it involves hiring the local Dozo as guides/trackers. Here is an article about it: Self-guided hunting in Burkina Faso. It also seems interesting because of the opportunity to experience local village life. I probably would do a lot of French study before I went! (I'm pretty good with languages: I took myself around Poland after finishing University, and only studied Polish for a few months beforehand).

Benin is also interesting to me, but seems to be more expensive than Burkina Faso. Please correct me if i am wrong, because I would love to travel the forests and savannas of Dahomey!

If you know any companies with good reputations and with PHs that speak English well, please let me know. Even so, French study would be part of my preparation, but I want to be able to share stories and communicate well with the PH. Thanks again!
- Nick

Hello dear passionate hunter,

I was in Burkina one time in the south east part of this country on the borderline of the benin (where I was two weeks before my burkina huntin trip).

Burkina is a famous place to hunt the buffalo (Syncerus caffer savanensis) and the Roan at good price.

The guide are very professionnal and the place hot, sandy, with some little mountain (especially the one of ATAKORA) but the way of hunting was my favorite.
Wake up early the morning to take the car and drive to some water hole. We can see there if the animal went to drink during the night and if we see a good track we follow them until the first contact.

It's a very interessting hunt really but be careful like in all the coutries and all the destination, you can find some good guys and some who sell you some quota that they can not afford.

I have two very good contact with a LOT OF Buffalo and I will be happy to speak with you about this company...

P.S: I know Christophe MORIO very well and this guide will be probably the best one that you can get to such destination and such hunt...

Cheers.

We organize Burkina Faso hunts ans we have there english speaking PH, name is George. Our hunts are sold for 2011, and available for Jan of Feb of 2012 for Burkina Faso. If you are interested do not hesitate to contact.

Lio, thanks for your information. The hunt sounds exactly like what I want to do. Unfortunately, it seems that the hunting season in Burkina will not work out with our schedule - my father and I will probably need to go in June or July. Nevertheless, I would be interested knowing more. If you don't mind, would you send me a private message with your contact's information?

Mr. Aliyev,
I would also be interested in more details about the hunt you offer.

Thanks!
-Nick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cossack

Mr. Aliyev,
I would also be interested in more details about the hunt you offer.

Thanks!
-Nick

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Dear Nick,
The hunting area is the Nazinga in Burkina Faso (ex Alto Volta) of 92.000 ha. In the middle of it there is a structure consisting of 7 modest bungalows with hygienic services and a fan, with restaurant in the centre featuring an excellent French cuisine. The hunt is conducted on foot tracking animals which are first located from the car early in the morning or in the evening. The area is populated by typical East African game animals, from buffalo to duiker. We offer you programs of 6, 9 or 12 hunting days with various animals included in the license.
6 days of hunt including a hunting licence for Roan Antelope, Bubal (Western Hartebeest), Warthog and Baboon.
9 days of hunt including a hunting licence for Roan Antelope, Bubal (Western Hartebeest), Warthog, Baboon, Western Buffalo, Oribi and Cob Defassa (Sing sing Waterbuck).
If you are intersted in further information let me know your email to send full information.

Regards, Emil