Pendjari National Park

Pendjari holds the strongest wildlife hand in West Africa: part of the vast W-Arly-Pendjari complex that UNESCO recognises across three countries, its floodplains and woodland run up against the Atacora range's red cliffs, and its dry-season waterholes gather elephants, buffalo in their hundreds, roan, hartebeest and the region's flagship predators - the critically endangered West African lion and a remnant of cheetahs found almost nowhere else in the region. Managed in partnership with African Parks since 2017, the park has rebuilt patrols, tracks and lodges, and safari here keeps a pioneer feel the famous circuits lost decades ago.

What's there

• The waterhole gatherings - elephants and buffalo at the dry-season pools.
• West African lions - the region's rarest big cats, tracked at dawn.
• The Atacora backdrop - red cliffs walling the floodplains.
• The Pendjari River - hippo pools along the northern boundary.

When to go

December to April, when water concentrates the game and tracks run firm - February to April is prime and hot; the rains green the park but scatter wildlife and close routes.

Practical notes

This is West African safari: sightings are earned, densities are lower than East Africa and the reward is having lions to yourself when they come. Facilities run from campsites to a few lodges; book rather than improvise.

Nearby

Natitingou's museum, the Tata Somba country south of the park and Tanguieta's falls.

Key facts