Things to Do in W National Park

W National Park spans three countries and covers ~220,000 hectares in Niger alone. This transfrontier conservation area stretches across Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin, creating West Africa's largest cross-border wildlife zone. The name makes sense from above—the Niger River's bends form a distinctive 'W' shape through the landscape. This UNESCO site protects one of the last intact West African savanna ecosystems, from riverine forests to grasslands dotted with ancient baobabs. The park is a critical wildlife corridor supporting West African elephants, lions, cheetahs, and over 350 bird species you won't easily find elsewhere in the region.

Food options are extremely limited inside the park. Most visitors rely on packed meals and camp cooking arranged through tour operators, which is honestly your best bet. Park lodges serve basic local dishes with rice, millet, seasonal vegetables, and locally-caught Niger River fish. Stock up in Niamey beforehand—the capital has traditional Nigerien food plus Lebanese and French restaurants from the international community.

November through April is prime time. The dry season offers comfortable conditions and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around permanent water sources and vegetation thins out. December to February represents peak season with cooler temperatures and outstanding game viewing, though you'll pay more and deal with crowds. Wet season from May to October brings spectacular landscapes and bird migrations but also brutal road conditions, higher temperatures, and scattered wildlife.