Bazoule Crocodile Pool: What to Expect + Is It Safe?
Getting up close and personal with crocodiles doesn’t usually sound like a smart idea. And yet, in the village of Bazoule in Burkina Faso, it’s completely normal!
Just outside Ouagadougou, this quiet pond is home to dozens of ‘sacred’ crocodiles that have lived alongside local people for hundreds of years. The village is a place shaped by tradition, where the relationship between people and crocodiles goes back for generations – making it possible for visitors to stand alongside these beasts.
It’s the kind of experience that immediately raises questions. Crocodiles are powerful, unpredictable animals, so how is this possible? And more importantly, is it even safe?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what visiting the Bazoule crocodiles is really like, how it works, and what you should know before deciding if this strange phenomena is right for you.
Why are the Bazoule Crocodiles Sacred?
What makes Bazoule so unusual isn’t just the crocodiles, it’s the relationship the village has with them. Our guide explained the cultural context, which made the whole experience more meaningful.
The story goes that, during a period of severe drought, the villagers were struggling to find water. Crocodiles are said to have led them to a reliable water source (i.e. the pond that still exists today). From that moment on, the animals were seen not as threats, but as protectors.
Because of this, the crocodiles in Bazoule are considered sacred. They’re believed to be closely tied to the village’s ancestors, and harming one is thought to bring serious misfortune. Even today, if a crocodile dies, it’s buried in a similar way to a human out of respect.
This belief has shaped how people interact with the crocodiles. Rather than fear or avoidance, there’s a level of trust that’s been built over time. Hence the confidence they have when interacting with them (however unnatural for tourists)!
Of course, this doesn’t mean they’re domesticated, they’re still wild animals. But the long-standing coexistence between people and crocodiles here is what makes Bazoule so unique.
Where is Bazoule Crocodile Pool?
Bazoule is a small village located around 30km southwest of Ouagadougou.
Despite its close proximity to the capital, Bazoule feels a world away from the city. The village itself is quiet and traditional, with a very rural feel!
The crocodile pond sits on the edge of the community (on the northwest side) – this is where the famous Bazoule crocodiles live.
Because it’s so close to Ouagadougou, visiting Bazoule is one of the easiest day trips in the country, and it’s often included alongside other things to do in Ouagadougou.
Below is the location so you can find it on Google Maps when planning your visit. The crocodile restaurant doesn’t actually exist, just continue along the track and you will find the pond.
How to visit Bazoule Crocodile Pool
Getting to Bazoule crocodile pool from Ouagadougou is relatively straightforward. You have a few options (below), though the easiest way is a private driver.
- Taxi (easiest option): The simplest way to visit is by private taxi. You can either hail one from the street (which I found surprisingly difficult in Ouaga), or you can usually organise one through your accommodation. Either arrange a return trip or ask the driver to wait while you visit. The journey takes around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions from the centre of the city.
- Moto taxi (budget option): For a cheaper and more local experience, you can take a moto taxi (motorbike). This is common in Burkina Faso, but the journey is longer and less comfortable, especially in the blazing heat of Ouaga.
- Organised tour: Some hotels and local guides offer half-day trips to Bazoule, often combined with other stops around Ouaga. This is a good option if you prefer everything arranged in advance or you’re short on time.
- Public transport (less straightforward): It’s should be possible to get part of the way using shared taxis or minibuses heading out of the city (I couldn’t work it out), but you’ll likely need to arrange onward transport for the final stretch to the village.
NOTE: There are a few military checkpoints on the edge of the city, so bring your passport just in case you are stopped.
As you get closer to Bazoule, you will see a few signs for Bazoule crocodile village on the main road. Once you turn off of the main road, it’s largely dirt tracks (with some horrendous speed bumps)!
In the village, you might be asked if you want a guide – we waited until we reached the pool. Continue driving until just beyond the village, keeping the lake on your left. Park on the northern side of the pool (it should become obvious where to stop) as this is the area where you can actually see crocodiles in Bazoule!
- Opening times: Daylight hours (no official times)
- Entrance fee: 2000 CFA (full cost breakdown below)
What to expect at Bazoule Crocodile Pool
Visiting Bazoule is a simple and structured experience by African standards (arrive, see crocodiles, leave). That being said, it still feels surreal from start to finish.
When you arrive at the village, you’ll be met by a local guide who will walk you down to the crocodile pond. It’s not a huge tourist setup, just a natural-looking pool surrounded by trees and a smattering of people there.
The experience begins with the guides luring the crocodiles out of the water. This usually involves using a chicken as bait, which quickly gets their attention. One by one, the crocodiles emerge from the pond and move slowly onto the bank.
Once they’re out, the guide will position you nearby for photos. You’ll be told where to stand, when to move, and how close to get.
It feels utterly unnatural, with these prehistoric beasts only a short distance away… Yet at this point, things are surprisingly calm; the crocodiles tend to stay still, and the guides are very confident in handling the situation.
If you’re comfortable, you’ll then have the option to get even closer – including sitting next to (or lightly on) one of the crocodiles while someone takes photos. The guides will supervise you and reassure you that it’s ‘totally safe’.
Despite their confidence, I’m still yet to be fully convinced!
If you’ve purchased more (sacrificial) chickens to be fed to the crocodiles, this is when you can see the crocodiles jump up.
Holding these ill-fated chickens on the end of a stick, the crocs would jump up to grab them. After a couple of attempts, the crocodiles snapped up the bait and gulped down their reward. A tough day to be a chicken, but a very unique experience to witness!
Besides the crocodiles everywhere, this experience was made better by being able to ask questions to our guide. He spoke good English, which was really helpful! The last 10 minutes were spent learning about how the village and crocodiles co-exist, as well as other facts about the crocodiles.
The whole visit typically lasts around 30-60 minutes, depending on how busy it is and how long you spend taking photos.
Overall, it’s not a long or physically demanding experience, but it’s certainly a memorable one!
FAQs
Is Bazoule Crocodile Pool safe?
This is the most frequently asked question about Bazoule crocodile pool…
Of course, crocodiles are dangerous creatures. They are also technically wild animals here.
From my experience, I didn’t feel unsafe at any point here. Though maybe I should’ve done!
We were supervised by our guide, instructed on how to move (e.g. from behind and slowly) and they do genuinely seem to know their stuff.
So whilst there’s inevitably still an element of danger, it’s probably as safe as it can be for dealing with wild crocodiles!
When to visit Bazoule Crocodile Pool
Ouagadougou is hot all year round, so it matters less about what time of year you visit Bazoule, and more what time of day.
I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. This is because there’s minimal shade beside the crocodile pool, plus it leaves you plenty of time to explore Ouagadougou for the rest of the day.
How long do you need at Bazoule Crocodile Pool
Excluding travel time, a visit to Bazoule village to see the crocodiles shouldn’t take more than an hour.
We spent around 50 minutes at the Bazoule crocodile pool. This involved a few photos, a few chickens (sorry), and a few nervous laughs as we marvelled at these beasts!
With transport from Ouagadougou, expect around 3 hours in total (i.e. a half-day activity).
Can you touch the crocodiles?
Yes, visitors are allowed to touch the crocodiles at Bazoule Crocodile Pool. However, you should only do so under the supervision of guides.
They have a better understanding of the crocodiles and will be able to guide you on which ones to approach and how. They recommend approaching from behind, and remaining far from the head.
It’s usually better to approach shortly after they’ve eaten (i.e. post-chicken).
How many crocodiles live in Bazoule?
Guides estimate approximately 200-300 crocodiles live at Bazoule Crocodile Pool.
Given these crocodiles are largely wild, it’s difficult to estimate exactly how many there are. Particularly since the number is constantly fluctuating.
Are there toilets at Bazoule?
No, there are no facilities at the Bazoule crocodile pool.
If you need to relieve yourself, either ask one of the guides or local people for assistance.
How much does Bazoule Crocodile Pool cost?
In total, I spent 11,666 CFA (~£15) for my visit to Bazoule Crocodile pool from Ouagadougou.
The breakdown is as follows:
- Transport (private driver): 5000 CFA per person (of a 15k ride)
- Entrance: 2000 CFA per person
- Chicken: 3000 CFA per chicken
- Tip (optional, but recommended): 1666 CFA (of a 5k tip)
Is it worth visiting?
Whether it’s worth visiting the Bazoule Crocodile Pool largely depends on whether you personally feel comfortable with the ethics of the attraction.
Given the long-standing history between humans and crocodiles here, I’m more of the standpoint that it is ethical (largely). Because – what exactly is natural behaviour?
It’s clear that the animals still have natural instincts remaining (e.g. going for prey) and the ability to move, which is more than can be said for other alternatives around the world… They have the freedom to roam wherever they want.
Therefore, for the small fee, I think this is one of the most genuine and raw experiences you can have with crocodiles in the world, and therefore totally worth it!
Alternatives to Bazoule
It became apparent in my overlanding stint across West Africa, that seeing crocodiles is a popular and somewhat common activity.
This one in Bazoule is one of the most authentic and raw experiences I think you can find, but here are some alternatives.
Elsewhere in Burkina Faso, the town of Sabou is home to many more crocodiles. Meanwhile across the border in Ghana, a town named Paga has their own crocodiles which offer a similar experience.
I tried the Kachikally Crocodile experience in Gambia as well. In hindsight, it felt a lot more fake and touristy than here in Bazoule. My experience with the Bazoule crocodiles was one of the best. T
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