This is the largest protected area in Africa, covering some 7.7 million hectares. The area considered as a protected sanctuary is only one-sixth of the total area. It includes the volcanic rock massif of the Aïr, a small Sahelian pocket, isolated as regards its climate and flora and fauna in the Saharan desert of Ténéré.

The reserve boasts an outstanding variety of landscapes, plant species and wild animals. The mountainious regions of the park are an important spot for afrotropical and palaearctic migratory birds. The Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1991.