W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, Protected natural area in West Africa.

The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex is a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, formed by Arli National Park, Pendjari National Park and W National Park, which the three countries share. W National Park takes its name from the W-shaped bend of the Niger River. The parks hold savanna, woodland and wetland habitats with African rosewood and palms, and animals including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards and African manatees.

W National Park was established in 1954 in French West Africa; after independence it was split among Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso. Niger's portion was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996, and the site was extended in 2017 to include Pendjari National Park in Benin and Arli National Park in Burkina Faso, making it the first natural World Heritage Site for both Benin and Burkina Faso.

Local communities live within and around the area, practicing farming and fishing traditions that have adapted to the protected landscape over time. These activities shape how people interact with the land and forest on a daily basis.

The complex spans three countries: Arli National Park in Burkina Faso, Pendjari National Park in Benin and W National Park, shared by Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. Access is through each country's own park entrances, so check which national section you plan to enter before setting out.

The complex spans three countries: Arli National Park in Burkina Faso, Pendjari National Park in Benin, and W National Park, which the three states share. The "W" comes from the double bend the Niger River makes here, a shape visible on any map of the area.