Things to Do in W National Park

W National Park hosts West Africa's largest elephant herds—and you won't share the sightings with tour bus crowds. The park forms part of a transboundary complex stretching into Niger and Burkina Faso, with landscapes ranging from Niger River gallery forests to seasonal wetlands that shift dramatically between wet and dry seasons. Total wilderness feel. The distinctive 'W' name comes from the double bend the Niger River makes flowing through the region, creating natural boundaries that have guided wildlife migration patterns for centuries.

Dining options within W National Park limit you to your accommodation's restaurant or packed meals during game drives. Lodge restaurants typically serve mixed local Beninese dishes and international options, with fresh Niger River fish as the highlight when available. Head to nearby towns. In Natitingou or Tanguiéta, local restaurants serve traditional dishes like pâte (cornmeal staple) with various sauces, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables. Try the local palm wine if you're adventurous, though bottled drinks work better for sensitive stomachs.

November through April delivers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources and vegetation thins out. December through February provides the most comfortable temperatures, while March and April turn hot but offer excellent wildlife concentrations. Timing matters significantly. The wet season from May to October transforms landscapes into lush green scenery and brings migratory bird species, but many tracks become impassable and wildlife disperses. For photography, November and April provide dramatic skies and good lighting conditions.