Travel Guide Parc National Du W

This name, which is a little curious, refers to the sinuous W-shaped shape of the Niger River at the northern boundary of the park (Niger side). With its 10,300 km², this park is the largest of the cross-border parks in West Africa. It is destined to become a major destination for West African ecotourism. It was declared a "UNESCO Biosphere Reserve" in 2002. Its transboundary situation (Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger) represents a challenge for the overall management of this vast area. Poaching, which is on the increase, is a scourge for the protection of its wildlife. The Ecopas programme (Protected Ecosystems of Sudano-Sahelian Africa) initially involved the three countries, local populations and NGOs in nature protection and the harmonisation of interventions. Subsequently, the Development and Management Plan was validated for the period 2017-2027. Its purpose is to preserve biodiversity, promote the development of wildlife populations and combat poaching. At the same time, the eco-guides have set up tours that allow a different approach to the region than that of a 4x4 vision safari. The trails and observation sites (watchtowers, artificial water points) are now installed in Burkina Faso, and a camp has been set up at Point Triple. It is also possible to bivouac outside the park, to take as a base the few accommodations that can be found on the periphery (Diapaga in particular) or to plan a cross-border tour using the accommodations of Benin and Niger. This last possibility must be carefully prepared, because the passage by 4x4 from one part to the other, in particular between Benin and Burkina Faso, is only possible when the Mekrou river allows it, i.e. when it is dry during the dry season! However, a bridge had to be installed. It is also possible to travel from Benin to Burkina Faso via Kérémou to Benin. To date, it is still preferable to contact the park office in Diapaga to set up your tour (travel time, crossing point from one country to another, administrative formalities...). The discovery of the Burkinabe part of the W Park, to be combined with the parts of Niger and Benin, is a new must for any visit to the east of the country. The trails are good, the observation points around the various water points are arranged and the fauna, especially elephants, is there.