Yankari Game Reserve

The Premier Game Reserve in Nigeria.

2,058 sq km of Savanna woodland. The reserve is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, lions, buffalo and various types of monkeys. The best time for tourists is between November and May.

Started in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas are open all year round.

The Wikki Warm Springs is a great feature. Flood-lit at night with lovely warm water to bath in at night. The spring comes out form under a cliff and the water is about 6ft deep, extending to a 600ft open area. A must for bird watchers, the variety of birds here is astounding.

There are also Tennis Courts, squash courts, gas stations and a small museum.

There are hotels here to accommodate and we advise to book before Easter as this is our busiest period.

Mambilla Plateau

This is a high grassland plateau extending 1800m. It is very relaxing and you can ‘get away from all the hustle and bustle’ here. Due to the road maintenance a jeep is advisable. Food and water should be brought by yourselves too, as hotels are few and far between. You can see cattle ranches, tea plantations and lovely grassy plains. This place has its own flora and fauna different from the rest if Nigeria. This Plateau is home to some very rare species of birds and animals.

Gashaka-Gumti National Park

6,000 sq km of spectacular wildness. Adjoins the Mambilla Plateau. Home to Nigeria’s highest mountain, Chapal Wadd (2490m). This area is filled mostly with mountains. The diversity here is second to none. Many rivers flow through the park, including the Taraba, a major tributary of the River Benue.

Animals found here range from buffalo, roan antelope, chimpanzee, colobus, monkey, hippo’s, hyena, giant forest hog, lion and leopard. Loved by birdwatchers and fisherman alike the River Kam is teaming with fish and attracts rare birds.

The entrance to the park is about 15km south of Serti. The park is best explored on foot and guides and porters are available.

Cross River National Park

This park was created from two existing forest reserves of Bashi-Okwango and Oban Forest Reserves. Famous for its rain forest vegetation and home to a herd of forest elephants, the white-faced monkey (found only in Nigeria), buffalo, leopards and lowland gorillas, (plus thousands more species). The Wet season is between April and October and the Dry season is between November and April. The vegetation makes it great for Butterflies and birds.

The Kainji National Park

Established in 1979 and is in 2 sectors (Borgu Game Reserve 3, 929 sq km and Zugurma Game Reserve about 1, 370 sq. km). The Kainji National Park contains the Kainji Dam. This artificial lake is 1, 370sq km long, tours are available on request. Best for several visitors to share the cost to make it less expensive.

The land boasts many animals including antelope, lion, hippopotamus, buffalo, roan antelope, jackal, baboon, monkey and crocodile.

Open December till June this park is a must to see. With the beautiful water features makiing this park stand out from all the rest with bird life rampant here also.