W National Park

W National Park takes its name from a double bend in the Niger river and spreads across Burkina Faso, Niger and Benin as a single protected block, inscribed by UNESCO first for the Niger section and extended in 2017 to take in the Arly and Pendjari areas. The Burkinabè portion is wooded savanna and gallery forest holding elephant, buffalo, hippo, lion and one of the last West African populations of several large mammals.

What you actually see

• The transboundary block - a single park shared across three countries.
• The elephants and buffalo - the large mammals the park was protected for.
• The gallery forest - the wooded strips along the watercourses.
• The 2017 extension - the inscription that brought Arly and Pendjari into the property.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the only period the park opens. The rains from June close it entirely. Early morning and late afternoon are best for game.

Honest expectations

The park closes through the rains and access is seasonal. Facilities on the Burkinabè side are minimal compared with the Beninese section. Guides and four-wheel drive are required and must be arranged well ahead.

Nearby

Diapaga is west, and the Niger and Benin borders are east and south.