The park has two main landscapes that sit side by side: open savannah grassland where elephants and antelopes graze, and dense riverine forest where hippos cool off in the water and monkeys swing through the canopy. Moving between these two zones in a single day, you might see completely different animals in each place — it is like visiting two parks for the price of one.
Fazao-Malfakassa has several rivers running through it, including the Mono River, which is Togo's longest river. The rivers attract animals from across the park, especially during the dry season when other water sources dry up. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife at the water's edge — patient visitors may catch elephants, baboons, and warthogs all drinking within a few metres of each other.
The park is also a haven for birds. Over 300 species have been recorded there, from tiny sunbirds that hover over flowers to giant hornbills with their bright curved beaks, and fish eagles that plunge into rivers feet-first to grab their meals. Bird watchers travel from many countries just to visit Fazao-Malfakassa.