Things to Do in W National Park

Elephants roam within hours of your arrival at W National Park, even though this feels like one of West Africa's most remote wilderness areas. The park stretches across three countries, with Burkina Faso offering the easiest access to wildlife viewing. Named for the Niger River's distinctive bend, this UNESCO site protects savannas, forests, and wetlands that support impressive African wildlife. Animals here are skittish. Unlike their East African cousins, W's elephants, hippos, and antelope species bolt at the first sign of humans. What makes this park special is its role in a larger transboundary complex—wildlife corridors enable seasonal migrations you won't see elsewhere in the region.

Food options inside W National Park are limited to lodge meals or packed lunches during day trips. Most visitors base themselves in Fada N'Gourma, where local restaurants serve traditional Burkinabé cuisine including rice dishes, grilled meats, and vegetable stews. Park lodges offer simple but hearty meals with local ingredients. Bring snacks and water. Facilities within the park are basic, though some tour operators arrange bush meals or picnic lunches at scenic spots.

November through April delivers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources and vegetation thins out. December through February provides comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, while March and April get hot but offer excellent game viewing. The rainy season from May through October makes many roads impassable. Wildlife disperses during rains. But this period offers lush landscapes and better bird watching opportunities—photographers love the golden light during dry season mornings and evenings.