Parcs Nationaux du W (W National Parks)

© Roy Digital Design

The Parcs Nationaux du W include three national parks in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, in the area where the border from the three countries meet. The parks are often referred to as Parc W. It is one of Western Africa's better game parks, where you can see a wide variety of wildlife, including antelopes, baboons, cheetahs, crocodiles, duiker, elephants, hyenas, jackals, lions, leopards and numerous bird species.

The park covers a huge area of dry savannahs. The best time to visit is just before the rainy season starts, when there is little water left after the dry period and the animals gather around the few remaining water holes. There they are easily spotted, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

The only way you are allowed to enter the park is by car. If you don't have you own transportation, you will have to hitch, or book a tour.

In Niger, tours are available from Niamey and entrance to the park is at the town of Tapoa.

The only available accommodation is the lodge in the park, but it is possible to camp outside the park's entrance. The best way to get there is from Niger. Rent a car in Niamey and enter the park without hassles. There is no public transportation other than taxis to Tapoa.