Pendjari National Park, in north-western Benin, is one of the last great wildlife refuges in West Africa. Lions, elephants, buffalo and hippos live there in a savannah that remains largely intact. However, security in the region has changed a great deal since 2019. So this guide presents the park, its wildlife and its management, as well as what official travel advice says today.
A sanctuary at the heart of the W-Arly-Pendjari complex
The park lies in the Atacora department, across the municipalities of Tanguiéta, Matéri and Kérou. To the north, the Pendjari River marks the border with Burkina Faso. To the west, the hills of the Atacora range overlook the plain. Together with its hunting zones, the protected area covers nearly 4,700 km², roughly one sixth of Belgium.
Its protection goes back a long way. First a game reserve in 1954, Pendjari became a national park in 1961, then a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1986. Finally, in 2017, UNESCO extended Niger's W Park World Heritage site to Benin and Burkina Faso. Pendjari National Park thus joined the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, a World Heritage property of more than 17,000 km² shared by three countries.
The wildlife of Pendjari National Park
The W-Arly-Pendjari complex holds most of West Africa's last lions, a critically endangered subpopulation. It also shelters elephants, buffalo, hippos and leopards. Among the antelopes, roan antelope, hartebeest and kob are the easiest to spot. The Northwest African cheetah, by contrast, remains extremely rare.
Birds matter too: ornithologists have recorded about 300 species. In the dry season, pools and the river draw the animals, because water becomes scarce elsewhere. That is why safaris mostly took place from mid-December to mid-June. To understand this cycle, read our guide to the best time to visit Benin, which covers the northern climate.
African Parks, the state's partner since 2017
In 2017, the Beninese government entrusted the park's management to African Parks, under a long-term partnership. This non-profit also manages W National Park in Benin. Its team trains and deploys rangers, monitors wildlife and supports neighbouring communities. For example, more than 9,600 schoolchildren took part in its environmental education activities in 2024.
Thanks to this work, several animal populations are stabilising, notably lions. Still, conservation here takes place in a difficult security context. In February 2022, for instance, explosive devices killed several African Parks staff in neighbouring W National Park.
Safety: what official advice says
In May 2019, the kidnapping of two French tourists in the park marked a turning point, and their Beninese guide lost his life. Since then, armed groups from the Sahel have carried out several attacks in the north of the country. On 17 April 2025, for example, an attack in W National Park killed 54 Beninese soldiers.
Today, the Belgian government's travel advice (in French) formally advises against all travel north of the line through Boukoumbé, Toucountouna, Kérou, Kandi and Nikki. Pendjari National Park lies north of that line. So please follow this advice, as Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège recommends, and check its latest update before making any plans.
Preparing a future visit
If the situation allows it one day, a visit will require real preparation. The park lies about 630 kilometres from Cotonou, a full day's drive via Natitingou and Tanguiéta. Visitors used to enter through the Batia or Porga gates, then explore the tracks by 4x4 with an approved guide. To locate the region, see our page on the geography of Benin.
A responsible safari also follows a few simple rules. First, stay inside the vehicle, except at the designated stops. Next, keep your distance from the animals and respect the opening hours of the tracks. Finally, choose guides and lodgings from the surrounding villages, because they support the communities that protect the park.
Meanwhile, the south offers other nature experiences. For example, the Bouche du Roy and its mangroves belong to a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Our selection of what to see in Benin also features Lake Ahémé and the sacred forest of Kpassè.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Pendjari National Park today?
Belgian travel advice currently advises against all travel to the park area. So check its latest version before any decision, since only that version counts.
Which animals live in Pendjari?
Above all lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and many antelopes. Birdwatchers can also observe some 300 species there.
Who manages the park?
Since 2017, African Parks has managed it in partnership with the Beninese state. In particular, it handles surveillance and work with local communities.
Why is Pendjari on the UNESCO list?
Because it belongs to the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, recognised in 2017 for its outstanding savannah and wildlife. In addition, it has been a biosphere reserve since 1986.
Pendjari National Park remains a natural treasure of Benin, to discover when conditions allow. Until then, plan a trip to the south with our guide on how to travel to Benin from Belgium and our e-visa page. For any question, contact Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège.
Sources
- UNESCO: W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, World Heritage
- African Parks: Pendjari park overview
- UNESCO, MAB programme: Pendjari Biosphere Reserve
- Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs: general security in Benin (French)
