W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
Location: Southwest Niger
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (ix) be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
Overview: The Parque Nacional W de Níger (Niger W National Park) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Niger. The park is a vast wilderness area that covers over 10,000 square kilometers and is home to a variety of rare and endangered wildlife species.
Prominent Features: The park's unique landscape is characterized by grassy savannas, rocky hills, and acacia woodlands. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the critically endangered West African lion, cheetah, African elephant, hippopotamus, and several species of antelope. Visitors can take guided tours of the park to view the wildlife, hike through the savannas, and explore the park's natural wonders.
History: The park was established in 1954 by the French colonial administration and was later expanded to its current size in 1965. The park has since become a vital sanctuary for several endangered and threatened species, including the West African lion and the African elephant.
Family-Friendly Activities: The park is an ideal destination for families looking to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Niger. Guided tours and safari drives are available for visitors of all ages, and the park's diverse range of wildlife and natural wonders are sure to captivate the entire family.
Fun Fact: The West African lion, which is found only in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin, is one of the rarest and most endangered lion subspecies in the world, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the wild.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for Parque Nacional W de Níger vary depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and safari drives typically cost around 15,000 CFA francs (approximately 27 USD) per person.
How to Reach it: The park is located in southwestern Niger and can be reached by car or public transportation from nearby cities such as Niamey and Dosso. The park's main entrance is located just off the Route Nationale 1 highway, which runs between Niamey and the border with Burkina Faso.
By Air: The nearest airport to the park is the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger. From there, visitors can take a domestic flight to the nearby city of Tillaberi. From Tillaberi, the park can be reached by car, which takes approximately 2 hours.
By Car: The park is accessible by car from several cities in Niger, including Niamey and Dosso. Visitors can hire a car with a driver or rent a car to reach the park. However, the roads leading to the park can be challenging, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
By Public Transport: Public transport in Niger is limited, but visitors can take a bus or shared taxi from Niamey or Dosso to reach the nearby city of Tillaberi. From Tillaberi, visitors can hire a car with a driver or take a shared taxi to reach the park.
By Tour: Visitors can also book a tour package to visit the park, which usually includes transportation, accommodation, and guided tours. Several tour operators offer packages that cover multiple parks in West Africa, including the Parc National W of Niger.
Where to Stay: The park offers several accommodation options for visitors, including tented camps, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Campement de la Forêt, the Campement de la Lame, and the Campement de Mokabi. It is recommended to book in advance as accommodations can be limited during peak tourist seasons.
Next Stop: Historic Centre of Agadez
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (ix) be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
Overview: The Parque Nacional W de Níger (Niger W National Park) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Niger. The park is a vast wilderness area that covers over 10,000 square kilometers and is home to a variety of rare and endangered wildlife species.
Prominent Features: The park's unique landscape is characterized by grassy savannas, rocky hills, and acacia woodlands. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the critically endangered West African lion, cheetah, African elephant, hippopotamus, and several species of antelope. Visitors can take guided tours of the park to view the wildlife, hike through the savannas, and explore the park's natural wonders.
History: The park was established in 1954 by the French colonial administration and was later expanded to its current size in 1965. The park has since become a vital sanctuary for several endangered and threatened species, including the West African lion and the African elephant.
Family-Friendly Activities: The park is an ideal destination for families looking to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Niger. Guided tours and safari drives are available for visitors of all ages, and the park's diverse range of wildlife and natural wonders are sure to captivate the entire family.
Fun Fact: The West African lion, which is found only in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin, is one of the rarest and most endangered lion subspecies in the world, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the wild.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for Parque Nacional W de Níger vary depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and safari drives typically cost around 15,000 CFA francs (approximately 27 USD) per person.
How to Reach it: The park is located in southwestern Niger and can be reached by car or public transportation from nearby cities such as Niamey and Dosso. The park's main entrance is located just off the Route Nationale 1 highway, which runs between Niamey and the border with Burkina Faso.
By Air: The nearest airport to the park is the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger. From there, visitors can take a domestic flight to the nearby city of Tillaberi. From Tillaberi, the park can be reached by car, which takes approximately 2 hours.
By Car: The park is accessible by car from several cities in Niger, including Niamey and Dosso. Visitors can hire a car with a driver or rent a car to reach the park. However, the roads leading to the park can be challenging, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
By Public Transport: Public transport in Niger is limited, but visitors can take a bus or shared taxi from Niamey or Dosso to reach the nearby city of Tillaberi. From Tillaberi, visitors can hire a car with a driver or take a shared taxi to reach the park.
By Tour: Visitors can also book a tour package to visit the park, which usually includes transportation, accommodation, and guided tours. Several tour operators offer packages that cover multiple parks in West Africa, including the Parc National W of Niger.
Where to Stay: The park offers several accommodation options for visitors, including tented camps, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Campement de la Forêt, the Campement de la Lame, and the Campement de Mokabi. It is recommended to book in advance as accommodations can be limited during peak tourist seasons.
Next Stop: Historic Centre of Agadez