Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park

Bangr-Weoogo means the forest of knowledge, and the block of woodland it covers in the middle of Ouagadougou was the sacred grove of the Mossi rulers long before the city grew around it, used for initiation and for the training of court officials. Some two hundred and sixty hectares survive as an urban park with marked paths, a small zoo section, birds and monkeys, and a good many mature trees.

What you actually see

• The sacred grove - woodland the Mossi rulers used for initiation and training.
• The mature trees - a stand of old growth in the middle of a capital city.
• The marked paths - the walking routes laid through the park.
• The birds and monkeys - the wildlife using the woodland.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season and the most comfortable. Early morning is best for birds. March to May is extremely hot.

Honest expectations

Maintenance is uneven and paths are overgrown in places. The zoo section is small and conditions draw criticism. Litter is a problem in the more used areas.

Nearby

The National Museum is south, and the Moro-Naba palace is southwest.