8 National Parks in Nigeria
With more than 1,300 animal species and around 885 bird species, according to the Nigeria National Park Service, Nigeria has significant potential as an eco-tourist destination. There are eight national parks in Nigeria, between them protecting diverse ecosystems and many historic and cultural monuments. The provisions of tourist facilities and services varies considerably from park to park.
1. Chad Basin National Park
Chad Basin National Park in northeast Nigeria features varied ecosystems including a wetland reserve and a water fowl sanctuary with a bird-watching hide. Visitors can take a boat cruise on Dabarmagini Lake and Lake Nguru, hike over sand dunes and ride a horse or camel through a desert landscape.Tourist facilities, including accommodations and restaurants, are provided at Dagona Base Camp.
2. Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park is notable for protecting one of the oldest rain forest habitats in the world, and for offering visitors the chance to track the Cross River gorilla, a sub-species of gorilla that is only found in the park. The tourism infrastructure includes a 7-mile four-wheel-drive track, hiking trails and a botanic garden. Available activities and adventures include hiking in the Mbe Montains, spotting some 200 bird species in the grasslands of the Obudu Plateau, boat cruises on the Cross River and sport-fishing excursions.
3. Gashaka-Gumti National Park
According to the Nigeria National Park Service, Gashaka-Gumti, the largest park in the country, consists of five distinct ecological regions: montane forests, lowland rain forests, grasslands and two kinds of savanna. These ecosystems are home to some rare and endangered species, including colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, cheetahs and wild dogs. As well as its natural attractions, the park features an early 20th century German fort and a natural history museum. Campgrounds are available and park rangers are on hand.
4. Kainji Lake National Park
The landscape of Kainji Lake National Park includes the Oli River and the Kali Hills as well as its namesake lake, where boat cruises are available. The park has a relatively well-developed tourist infrastructure, offering the Oli River Tourist Camp with a swimming pool and electricity and fresh water supplies, and another tourist camp with a restaurant, bar, natural history museum and children's playground. On a typical safari, visitors might see lions, hippos, leopards and aardvarks.
5. Kamuku National Park
Kamuku National Park is a preserved stretch of Sudan-Guinea savanna vegetation bounded by the Mariga River. Its 19 resident mammal species include elephants, green monkeys, baboons and several duiker species. Approximately 177 bird species have been spotted in the park. Kamuku is the closest Nigerian park to the capital, Abuja.
6. Okomu National Park
Okomu National Park, the smallest of Nigeria's national parks, is a rain forest ecosystem inhabited by endangered species such as forest elephants, forest buffalo, chimpanzees and the white-throated monkey. The park has cultural significance as an ancient capital of the Benin Kingdom. It hosts an eco-resort offering chalet and apartment accommodations, a restaurant and a swimming pool. The park is open year-round, although the Nigeria National Park Service says the best time to visit is from November through March.
7. Old Oyo National Park
Old Oyo National Park in southwest Nigeria is a landscape marked by lowland plains, sloping river valleys and granite outcrops that attract climbers. There are also opportunities for water spots at the Ikere Gorge Dam on the River Ogun. Old Oyo, now in ruins, was the ancient capital of the Yoruba Empire, and there are sites of cultural significance throughout the park. Examples include royal cemeteries at Igboho and Bara, a blacksmith center and several shrines and rock shelters.
8. Yankari National Park
With its large populations of elephants, buffalo and baboons, Yankari is lauded as "Nigeria's best national park for observing wildlife" by Lonely Planet. The Gaji River, which flows through the park, is a gathering place for many species during the peak wildlife-viewing season, from late December until late April. Visitors may drive their own vehicles or take a two-hour tour in the park's safari truck. Campgrounds and hotel accommodations are available.
1. Chad Basin National Park
Chad Basin National Park in northeast Nigeria features varied ecosystems including a wetland reserve and a water fowl sanctuary with a bird-watching hide. Visitors can take a boat cruise on Dabarmagini Lake and Lake Nguru, hike over sand dunes and ride a horse or camel through a desert landscape.Tourist facilities, including accommodations and restaurants, are provided at Dagona Base Camp.
2. Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park is notable for protecting one of the oldest rain forest habitats in the world, and for offering visitors the chance to track the Cross River gorilla, a sub-species of gorilla that is only found in the park. The tourism infrastructure includes a 7-mile four-wheel-drive track, hiking trails and a botanic garden. Available activities and adventures include hiking in the Mbe Montains, spotting some 200 bird species in the grasslands of the Obudu Plateau, boat cruises on the Cross River and sport-fishing excursions.
3. Gashaka-Gumti National Park
According to the Nigeria National Park Service, Gashaka-Gumti, the largest park in the country, consists of five distinct ecological regions: montane forests, lowland rain forests, grasslands and two kinds of savanna. These ecosystems are home to some rare and endangered species, including colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, cheetahs and wild dogs. As well as its natural attractions, the park features an early 20th century German fort and a natural history museum. Campgrounds are available and park rangers are on hand.
4. Kainji Lake National Park
The landscape of Kainji Lake National Park includes the Oli River and the Kali Hills as well as its namesake lake, where boat cruises are available. The park has a relatively well-developed tourist infrastructure, offering the Oli River Tourist Camp with a swimming pool and electricity and fresh water supplies, and another tourist camp with a restaurant, bar, natural history museum and children's playground. On a typical safari, visitors might see lions, hippos, leopards and aardvarks.
5. Kamuku National Park
Kamuku National Park is a preserved stretch of Sudan-Guinea savanna vegetation bounded by the Mariga River. Its 19 resident mammal species include elephants, green monkeys, baboons and several duiker species. Approximately 177 bird species have been spotted in the park. Kamuku is the closest Nigerian park to the capital, Abuja.
6. Okomu National Park
Okomu National Park, the smallest of Nigeria's national parks, is a rain forest ecosystem inhabited by endangered species such as forest elephants, forest buffalo, chimpanzees and the white-throated monkey. The park has cultural significance as an ancient capital of the Benin Kingdom. It hosts an eco-resort offering chalet and apartment accommodations, a restaurant and a swimming pool. The park is open year-round, although the Nigeria National Park Service says the best time to visit is from November through March.
7. Old Oyo National Park
Old Oyo National Park in southwest Nigeria is a landscape marked by lowland plains, sloping river valleys and granite outcrops that attract climbers. There are also opportunities for water spots at the Ikere Gorge Dam on the River Ogun. Old Oyo, now in ruins, was the ancient capital of the Yoruba Empire, and there are sites of cultural significance throughout the park. Examples include royal cemeteries at Igboho and Bara, a blacksmith center and several shrines and rock shelters.
8. Yankari National Park
With its large populations of elephants, buffalo and baboons, Yankari is lauded as "Nigeria's best national park for observing wildlife" by Lonely Planet. The Gaji River, which flows through the park, is a gathering place for many species during the peak wildlife-viewing season, from late December until late April. Visitors may drive their own vehicles or take a two-hour tour in the park's safari truck. Campgrounds and hotel accommodations are available.