W National Park of Niger, national park in Niger
W National Park of Niger is a protected area in Tamou in western Niger that forms part of a larger complex with neighboring reserves in Benin and Burkina Faso. The landscape shifts between open grasslands, forest strips along the Niger River, and seasonal floodplains that change with the river's water levels.
The protected area was established decades ago to preserve wildlife and has since been expanded several times. Recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar site came later, reflecting international efforts to secure the ecological importance of the region.
The park takes its name from the W-shaped bend of the Niger River that runs through the protected area. Visitors can observe how local communities work with park management and carry on traditions of caring for the land, while fishermen cast their nets along the riverbanks.
Visitors should plan to come during the cooler months from November to March, when animals gather at water sources and temperatures are more comfortable. Sturdy footwear, light clothing, binoculars, and plenty of drinking water are advisable, as facilities remain basic and paths are often unpaved.
The floodplains attract over 20,000 aquatic birds from February to May, which rest and feed along the river bends. The meandering oxbows that give the park its name are best seen from a boat at sunrise, when hippos and crocodiles rest along the banks.
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