National park · Benin
Pendjari National ParkParc National de la Pendjari
Go for a 2–3 day safari in November–April: the Pendjari River loop and the buffalo pools are the main draws; a 4×4 is mandatory, and you must book a park guide for any game drive. Entry is 10,000 CFA per person plus 5,000 CFA per vehicle; stay at the Pendjari Lodge or the campsite. Skip if you cannot arrange a 4×4 or if the security situation in northern Benin is unstable — check the latest travel advice.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,755 km² (1,064 sq mi)1,064 sq mi (2,755 km²)
approximate
Established
1954
Best months
Nov–Mar
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry an original yellow fever vaccination certificate on…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- West Africa ↗Carry an original yellow fever vaccination certificate on any West African trip: several countries on the coast road demand it of every arrival, and the rest demand it after you have passed through a neighbour.
- West Africa ↗Cross land borders and drive between cities in daylight only; plan each crossing as a full travel day with cash for fees and passport copies for checkpoints.
- Benin ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport on official Beninese government sources; an e-visa exists for many nationalities.
- Benin ↗Governments advise against travel to parts of northern Benin near the Burkina Faso and Niger borders, including areas around the national parks; check your own government's advice.
- Benin ↗Vodun is a living religion: ask before photographing shrines and ceremonies, and follow your guide's instructions.
At a glance
- Country
- Benin
- Area
- 2,755 km² (1,064 sq mi)1,064 sq mi (2,755 km²)
- Part of the WAP complex (W–Arli–Pendjari) which totals about 30,000 km² across three countries.
- Established
- 1954
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Cotonou
Pendjari National Park, in the far north-west of Benin, is one of the last strongholds of West African big game: elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos and antelopes. It is part of the WAP complex (W–Arli–Pendjari), a transboundary protected area spanning Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. The park is remote, with limited infrastructure, but offers a genuine wilderness safari experience. The Atakora hills and cliffs provide a scenic backdrop. Since 2009 it has been on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World HeritageNominated as a tentative site in 2009; not yet inscribed.
Size and age
2,755 km² (1,064 sq mi)1,064 sq mi (2,755 km²) · national park since 1954
Part of the WAP complex (W–Arli–Pendjari) which totals about 30,000 km² across three countries.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Cotonou.
Why go
- One of the best places in West Africa to see elephants, lions, buffalo and antelopes in the wild.
- The Pendjari River loop and the buffalo pools offer reliable game viewing from a 4×4.
- The Atakora hills and cliffs make the landscape scenic and distinct from the flat savannah further north.
- The park is part of the WAP complex, a transboundary conservation area that supports a significant population of West African lions.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry season; animals gather at waterholes; clear skies.
- FebPeak dry season; best game viewing.
- MarStill dry; hot, but animals are concentrated.
- AprEnd of dry season; very hot; some waterholes dry up.
- MayStart of rains; roads become muddy; game disperses.
- JunWet season; many roads are impassable; fewer visitors.
- JulHeavy rain; park may close some areas.
- AugPeak wet season; access very difficult.
- SepStill wet; roads poor.
- OctEnd of rains; roads improving; game returns to waterholes.
- NovDry season starts; excellent game viewing.
- DecDry and pleasant; peak tourist season.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ElephantsNov–Apr · Common along the river and at waterholes. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| West African lionNov–Apr · Rare but present; best chance at dawn or dusk. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| BuffaloNov–Apr · Large herds near water. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| HippopotamusNov–Apr · In the Pendjari River. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Antelopes (kob, hartebeest, roan)Nov–Apr · Common on the savannah. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Birds (over 300 species)Nov–Apr · Includes Abdim's stork, bateleur eagle and various kingfishers. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Cotonou
Drive north via Abomey and Parakou to Tanguiéta, then 20 km (12 mi) to the park entrance. The journey is about 550 km (342 mi) and takes 7–9 hours. A 4×4 is required for the last stretch.Drive north via Abomey and Parakou to Tanguiéta, then 12 mi (20 km) to the park entrance. The journey is about 342 mi (550 km) and takes 7–9 hours. A 4×4 is required for the last stretch.
7–9 h
Open the page →
From Parakou
Drive north-west to Tanguiéta (about 4 h), then to the park.
4–5 h
From Natitingou
Drive north to Tanguiéta (about 1.5 h), then to the park.
1.5–2 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Pendjari River loop | The main game drive circuit along the Pendjari River; best for elephants, buffalo, antelopes and birds. | Guided 4×4 only. |
| Buffalo pools (Mare aux Buffles) | A waterhole where animals gather, especially in the dry season. | Guided 4×4 only. |
| Pendjari Lodge area | The park's main accommodation and restaurant; also the park office and entrance gate. | Open to all visitors. |
| Atakora cliffs | Scenic cliffs and hills on the park's southern edge; good for views and hiking with a guide. | Guided only. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate; the park covers a large area and specific points are not precisely mapped.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry per person | XOF 10,000 | person | 2026 estimate; check official website. |
| Vehicle entry | XOF 5,000 | vehicle | 2026 estimate. |
| Park guide (mandatory for game drives) | XOF 15,000–25,000 | group | Half-day to full-day; 2026 estimate. |
| Camping per night | XOF 5,000–10,000 | person | At the Pendjari campsite; 2026 estimate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park guide permit or guide
4×4 vehicle permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- XOF 10,000
- XOF 5,000
- XOF 15,000–25,000
- XOF 5,000–10,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on African Parks — Pendjari National Park before you go.
Park rules
- Park guide
- Mandatory for all game drives and hikes; you cannot drive alone.
- 4×4 required
- Only high-clearance 4×4 vehicles are allowed on park roads.
- Stay in vehicle
- Do not get out of the vehicle except at designated viewpoints or with a guide.
- No drones
- Drones are not allowed without prior permission from the park authorities (check).check
- Camping
- Only at the designated campsite near the lodge; no backcountry camping.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; no fires.
Where to stay
In the park
Pendjari Lodge
The park's main lodge with rooms, a restaurant and a pool; book in advance.
In the park
Pendjari Campsite
Basic camping with shared facilities; bring your own tent and supplies.
Near the park
Tanguiéta town
Basic hotels and guesthouses about 20 km (12 mi) from the park entrance.Basic hotels and guesthouses about 12 mi (20 km) from the park entrance.
Safety
Wildlife encounters medium
Road conditions high
Security in northern Benin medium
Heat and dehydration medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The park is remote and requires a 4×4; there is no public transport.
- The Pendjari Lodge has ground-floor rooms, but the terrain is uneven.
- Game drives involve bumpy roads; not suitable for those with back or mobility issues.
Visiting lightly
- Hire a local guide and use the park's official accommodation to support conservation.
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
- Carry out all waste; the park has limited waste management.
- Avoid visiting during the wet season to reduce pressure on the roads and wildlife.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Pendjari National Park?
Park entry is 10,000 CFA per person and 5,000 CFA per vehicle (2026 estimate). A park guide costs 15,000–25,000 CFA per group for a half-day to full-day drive. Camping is 5,000–10,000 CFA per person per night.
What are the best hikes in Pendjari National Park?
There are no marked hiking trails; all wildlife viewing is done by 4×4 game drive. The main circuits are the Pendjari River loop and the buffalo pools. A guided walk to the Atakora cliffs is possible with a park guide.
When is the best time to visit Pendjari National Park?
The dry season from November to April is best. Game viewing peaks in January–March when animals concentrate at waterholes. The wet season (May–October) makes roads impassable and wildlife disperses.
Do I need a 4×4 to visit Pendjari?
Yes. A high-clearance 4×4 is mandatory; the park roads are sandy and rough. Normal cars cannot manage.
Is Pendjari safe to visit?
The park itself is safe for visitors who follow the rules. However, northern Benin is near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, where there is a risk of terrorism and kidnapping. Check your government's travel advice before going.
Can I see lions in Pendjari?
Yes, but they are rare. The park is one of the last strongholds of the West African lion. Your best chance is at dawn or dusk during the dry season.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. A park guide is mandatory for all game drives and walks. You cannot drive around the park alone.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Pendjari National Park
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