Crossing the wild rocks of the Atakora, the Pendjari National Park covers some 275,000 hectares of savannah, included since 2017 in the W-Arly-Pendjari Transfrontier Complex and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inhabited by elephants, baboons, hippos, antelopes, the last remaining lions and cheetahs, as well as a large number of crocodiles, hippos and birds, it is one of the best organised parks for safaris.
It is Benin’s most important nature reserve and the best time for sightings is during the dry season, when the arid terrain, water shortages and high temperatures cause animals to gather around the main pools. There are two accommodation facilities where you can stay pleasantly between sightings and take a dip in the pool. Sleeping a night in these lodges is an integral part of the safari, as the elephants often pass close by, being not far from one of their favourite tracks.
Only drive inside the park by daylight and at a very moderate speed, so as not to disturb the balance of the wildlife. It is forbidden to get out of the car except near the observation points, which are well organised with lookout towers and where it is possible to organise too picnic lunches, although this is not recommended because of the baboons that love to steal food, sometimes even aggressively. It is much more comfortable to return to the hotel to eat adequately.
The greatest thrill will be for those who, with a little luck and an expert guide, manage to follow the tracks of the rare lions and cheetahs, the last survivors of the entire region.
The safari ends with a refreshing swim at the paradisiacal Tanoungou waterfall, not far from the park entrance.