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 you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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. Check current regional travel guidance for the far north when planning - conditions vary and operators advise honestly. 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.