Downtown Manchester Village Historic District | Manchester VT

W National Park is a transboundary protected area located in Niger, Benin, and Burkina Faso. This section focuses on the Burkina Faso portion of the park, situated near Fada N'Gourma.

Visual Characteristics

The landscape is characterized by savanna plains, gallery forests along watercourses, and rocky outcrops. Dominant vegetation includes various grasses, acacia species, and shea trees. The terrain features plateaus, valleys, and the Niger River's tributaries. Wildlife is diverse, with mammals like elephants, lions, and hippopotamuses present.

Location & Access Logistics

The Burkina Faso section of W National Park is approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Fada N'Gourma. Access is primarily via unpaved roads from Fada N'Gourma, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. The journey can take 3-4 hours depending on road conditions. There are no designated public transport routes directly into the park. Limited parking is available at park entrances and designated rest areas.

Historical & Ecological Origin

W National Park was established in 1954 as a national park in Niger and later expanded to include parts of Benin and Burkina Faso. It is part of a larger protected area complex designed to conserve the biodiversity of the West African savanna ecosystem. The park's geological formations include ancient shield rocks and sedimentary basins.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include guided game drives for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature walks. Specific areas are known for elephant and primate sightings. Boat trips on the Niger River are possible in designated zones. Photography of flora and fauna is a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic infrastructure exists within the park, including a few ranger stations and designated camping sites. Restrooms are available at some of these locations. Shade is provided by natural tree cover and some rudimentary shelters. Cell phone signal is generally absent within the park boundaries. Food vendors are not present inside the park; visitors must bring their own supplies.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from November to May, when animals congregate around water sources. The period from December to February offers the most pleasant temperatures. The wet season (June to October) brings lush vegetation but can make some roads impassable.

Facts & Legends

The park's name, "W," derives from the distinctive "W" shape of the Niger River as it flows through the area. Local folklore speaks of spirits inhabiting the ancient baobab trees, believed to protect the park's wildlife.

Nearby Landmarks

• Parc National du W du Niger (0.1km North)
• Arly National Park (50km Southwest)
• Singou Reserve (60km Southwest)