The Omo Forest Reserve is a must-visit for Nature enthusiasts when in Abeokuta.

By Esther Omuzor

21 November 2019

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The Omo Forest Reserve is the largest forest reserve in Ogun State covering 1368.06km2, located in the Ijebu East and north local government areas of the state. The Omo Forest Reserve is home to over 200 types of trees and 125 species of birds and mammals, including endangered elephants, chimpanzees, and white-throated guenon monkeys. Apart from being a place of immense beauty and a great relaxation spot, it also has huge conservation importance.

An Elephant at Omo Forest Reserve
An Elephant at Omo Forest Reserve

Omo Forest Reserve lies within a tropical lowland rainforest and it has the most complex and productive vegetation type in Nigeria because it supports about 8000 species of plants.

The large forestland is named after the Omo tree, which is indigenous to the area. The Omo River lies within the 132,000 hectares of land, which make up the forest reserve. It has mixed moist vegetation. The average annual rainfall of the reserve is over 2,000mm. Currently, at the reserve, the exploitation of both timber and non-timber products are going on. Other socio-economic activities being carried out in the reserve include farming, hunting, fishing, sawmilling, and trading. It is also a center for research and educational activities.

Similar places tourists visit in Ogun state

At the Omo Forest Reserve, there is on-site accommodation for tourists known as the Erin camp. They provide beds with pillows, mosquito nets, toilet and bathroom, kitchen with stove, campfire, clean stored rainwater and seating area for tourists who wish to spend the night upon visiting.

You can lodge at Park Inn by Radisson which is about 1.3km away.

Things to do at Omo Forest Reserve

Some of the top activities you can do at the reserve includes; ?hiking up Beetle Hill to get a good view of the reserve, going camping with friends, getting a view of the beautiful elephants in the elephant camp, roasting marshmallows by the bonfire in Erin camp and also watching chimpanzees swinging around.

Check out top?hotels in Ijebu ode, Ogun state

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