W National Park, Biosphere reserve in Niger and Benin, West Africa.
W National Park is a large protected area spanning Niger and Benin, shaped by a distinctive river bend that gives it its name. The landscape changes between dry grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands where rivers and water sources run through the year.
This protected area was established as a national park in 1954 and later gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation came as part of a broader conservation effort that linked several nature reserves across the region.
Several ethnic groups have lived alongside the wildlife and water sources in this region for many generations. Their traditional hunting and fishing practices shaped how people interact with the land today.
The park is mainly accessible during the dry months from November to April and requires organized safari tours with local guides. Visitors should prepare for long drives through remote areas and bring appropriate gear for changing weather conditions.
The park's name comes from the distinctive W-shaped bend in the Niger River along its northern border. This geographic feature is barely visible from ground level, but becomes immediately clear when viewed from the air.
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