W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
Location: Northern Benin
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (ix) an outstanding example of 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 W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is a transboundary conservation area that spans three countries in West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Benin part of the park covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and antelopes.
Prominent Features: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is characterized by its vast savannahs and grasslands, which are interspersed with forested areas and water sources. The park is home to several species of large mammals, including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, and antelopes. Visitors can take guided game drives and nature walks to spot the park's wildlife and learn about its ecology and conservation.
History: The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex was established in 1954 to protect the region's unique flora and fauna. The Benin part of the park was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, in recognition of its outstanding ecological and biological significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex offers several family-friendly activities, including guided game drives, nature walks, and birdwatching tours. Children will also enjoy learning about the park's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is one of the last remaining strongholds of the West African lion, which is classified as a critically endangered species.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and game drives typically cost around 20,000 CFA (approximately 36 USD) per person. It is important to note that the park is only open during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
How to Reach it: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is located in northern Benin, near the border with Burkina Faso. The easiest way to reach the Benin side of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is by flying into Cotonou International Airport, which is the largest airport in Benin. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the northern city of Natitingou, which is the closest major town to the park. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private car to get to Natitingou from Cotonou, which will take around 7-8 hours.
Once you reach Natitingou, you can arrange a guided tour of the Pendjari National Park, which is the most accessible part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex from Benin. Many tour operators offer guided safaris in the park, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience.
The park entrance is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Natitingou, and you can hire a car or take a taxi to get there. If you plan on driving yourself, it is recommended to rent a 4x4 vehicle as the roads can be rough and require a vehicle with high clearance.
Overall, getting to the Benin side of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex requires a bit of planning, but it is definitely worth the effort for the chance to experience one of West Africa's most impressive wildlife reserves.
Where to Stay: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex offers several accommodation options, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Pendjari Lodge, the Tata Somba Hotel, and the Campement de la Dent de Sèba.
Next Stop: W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, Burkina Faso
Year of Inscription: 1996
Criteria: (ix) an outstanding example of 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 W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is a transboundary conservation area that spans three countries in West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Benin part of the park covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and antelopes.
Prominent Features: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is characterized by its vast savannahs and grasslands, which are interspersed with forested areas and water sources. The park is home to several species of large mammals, including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, and antelopes. Visitors can take guided game drives and nature walks to spot the park's wildlife and learn about its ecology and conservation.
History: The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex was established in 1954 to protect the region's unique flora and fauna. The Benin part of the park was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, in recognition of its outstanding ecological and biological significance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex offers several family-friendly activities, including guided game drives, nature walks, and birdwatching tours. Children will also enjoy learning about the park's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is one of the last remaining strongholds of the West African lion, which is classified as a critically endangered species.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and game drives typically cost around 20,000 CFA (approximately 36 USD) per person. It is important to note that the park is only open during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
How to Reach it: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is located in northern Benin, near the border with Burkina Faso. The easiest way to reach the Benin side of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is by flying into Cotonou International Airport, which is the largest airport in Benin. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the northern city of Natitingou, which is the closest major town to the park. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a private car to get to Natitingou from Cotonou, which will take around 7-8 hours.
Once you reach Natitingou, you can arrange a guided tour of the Pendjari National Park, which is the most accessible part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex from Benin. Many tour operators offer guided safaris in the park, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience.
The park entrance is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Natitingou, and you can hire a car or take a taxi to get there. If you plan on driving yourself, it is recommended to rent a 4x4 vehicle as the roads can be rough and require a vehicle with high clearance.
Overall, getting to the Benin side of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex requires a bit of planning, but it is definitely worth the effort for the chance to experience one of West Africa's most impressive wildlife reserves.
Where to Stay: The Benin part of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex offers several accommodation options, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Pendjari Lodge, the Tata Somba Hotel, and the Campement de la Dent de Sèba.
Next Stop: W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, Burkina Faso