Game reserves in Nigeria

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32 Places of Interest found in Nigeria

Yankari National Park
Yankari National Park

Yankari National Park

Game reserve

Bauchi

46

Swim, Sightseeing, See wildlife, Relaxation, Play, Learn, Explore nature

ABOUT Yankari National Park is a large wildlife park located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria. It covers an area of about 2,244 square kilometres (866 sq mi) and is home to several natural warm water springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its location in the heartland of the West African savanna makes a unique way for tourists and holidaymakers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat. Yankari was originally created as a game reserve in 1956 but was later designated as Nigeria's biggest national park in 1991. It is the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria and, as such, plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tourism and ecotourism in Nigeria. It is also one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa. Yankari National Park is an important refuge for over 50 mammal species including African bush elephant, olive baboon, patas monkey, Tantalus monkey, roan antelope, western hartebeest, West African lion, African buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck and hippopotamus. The lion population is on the verge of extinction. SERVICES Although the national forest is not properly managed, there are some things you get to do when you visit Yankari National Park. This national treasure is known for game viewing, its wikki spring (man-made spring), natural warm springs and museum tours. BEST FEATURES Yankari National park has a beautiful environment full of all kinds of animals around the forest. You get to see natural warm springs, beautiful trees and beautifully constructed huts. BEST TIME TO VISIT Yankari National park can be visited at any time of the year. It is best to go there during the day. WHO CAN VISIT Yankari National park can be visited by Tourists, Historians and wildlife & nature lovers. SAFETY Yankari National park is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Okomu national park
Okomu national park

Okomu national park

Game reserve

Edo

202

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Learn, Explore nature

ABOUT The Okomu National Park, formerly the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary, is a forest block within the 1,082 km2 (418 sq mi) Okomu Forest Reserve in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State in Nigeria. The park is about 60 km (37 mi) northwest of Benin City. The park holds a small fragment of the rich forest that once covered the region, and is the last habitat for many endangered species. It continues to shrink as villages encroach on it, and is now less than one-third of its original size. Powerful corporations are involved in plantation development and logging concessions around the park, which also pose a threat. The park holds a remnant of the Nigerian lowland forests that once formed a continuous 50–100 km (31–62 mi) wide belt from the Niger River west to the Dahomey Gap in Benin. To the south and southeast, the forest was separated from the coast by mangrove and swamp forests, while to the north it merged into the Guinean Forest-Savanna Mosaic ecoregion. Human pressure is not new. In the Okomu park, there is an extensive layer of charcoal and pottery below the forest, indicating that it was cleared and then regenerated over the last 700 years. By the start of the 20th century, the forest survived only in disconnected blocks, which were under intense pressure from human activity. SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the national forest is not properly managed.   BEST FEATURES Okomu National park has a beautiful environment filled with all kinds of animals around the forest.   BEST TIME TO VISIT Okomu National park can be visited any time of the year.   WHO CAN VISIT Okomu National park can be visited by Tourist, Historian SAFETY Visitors must follow strict regulations to avoid degrading the environment. However, the park is threatened by large-scale illegal logging, the expansion of large rubber and oil-palm plantations nearby, and incursions by a growing human population involved in farming and hunting. Okomu National park is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Afi Wildlife Sanctuary
Afi Wildlife Sanctuary

Afi Wildlife Sanctuary

Game reserve

Cross River

111

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Relaxation, Explore nature

ABOUT Afi Wildlife Sanctuary Formerly part of the Afi River Forest Reserve, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2000 to provide improved protection to important populations of several endangered species including the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, the drill and the grey-necked rockfowl. Afi comprises roughly 100km² of lowland and sub-montane forest with rocky peaks rising to altitudes of 1,300m. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding Afi River Forest Reserve constitute one of the largest forest blocks left in Cross River State, outside of the national park. Afi is currently managed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission/Ministry of Climate Change and Forestry. Although the steep mountainous slopes of the sanctuary have largely protected it from logging the forest is frequently damaged by dry-season bush fires set to clear new farms or to flush game. Open areas created by fire are quickly colonized by herb species which form an important staple food for gorillas. On the western flank of the mountain is a large grassland roost of migratory European barn swallows, estimated to contain up to 20 million birds at times and reputed to be the largest wintering roost site of swallows in Africa. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by 16 communities with a total population of approximately 27,000. SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the Afi wildlife sanctuary is not properly managed.   BEST FEATURES Afi wildlife sanctuary has a beautiful environment filled with all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT Afi wildlife sanctuary can be visited any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Afi wildlife sanctuary can be visited by Tourists, Historians etc. SAFETY Afi wildlife sanctuary is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Lekki conservation center
Lekki conservation center

Lekki conservation center

Game reserve

Lagos

1,010

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Meet friends, Explore nature

History of Lekki conservation center Lekki conservation center was established in 1990 to protect the wildlife and mangrove forests of Nigeria's South-West coastline from the threat of urban development. It is notable as a home to some endangered species like Mona monkey, duikers etc. Built by Nigerian conservation foundation in 1990. The year was 1990, wildlife and Mangrove forest of the southwestern coastline were in decline due to Urban development. In response to this threat, Lekki conservation center was birthed. Home to different endangered species of plants and wildlife, it has become a top destination for picnics, bird watching and relaxation. Security/Safety of Lekki conservation center This is a very safe location. What To Bring Before heading to Lekki conservation center, here are some helpful things to take along with you: camera water bottles comfortable and protective clothes Things to do while at Lekki conservation center You can try these activities out when you go to the Lekki Conservation Center: Bird watching visit the wildlife Use the canopy walkway Play fun games

Ososo Tourist center
Ososo Tourist center

Ososo Tourist center

Game reserve

Edo

104

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Relaxation, Explore nature

ABOUT This centre is located atop the rocky area of Ososo in Akoko-Edo local government, north of Edo state. It presents beautiful scenery for nature lovers and rock climbers. The tourist centre is an offshoot of a colonial rest house built in the 1930s. The first phase of a massive renovation was commissioned in 1993 with a VIP lodge four chalets and the main lounge consisting of a kitchen, restaurant and bar. Ososo is a hilly and rocky town situated on the boundary between Edo and Kogi states. There is a non-catering rest house on top of a hill of Ososo which provides a wide and spectacular view of parts of Kogi state. Ososo town is of granitic nature, with some elevations of volcanic origin containing precious stones of varied descriptions. Located on a plateau of dispersed rocks and undulating hills, the town continues to be a haven for tourists. Because of its rocks and climate, some Europeans established a quarry company north of the town, known as BOK Quarry some years ago. The rocks and hills of varied sizes and shapes occupy the plateau with the natural magical posture of a thousand models posing to nature’s camera. The colonial administrations as early as the 19th century recognised the tourist potential of Ososo and built the then Rest House which was a sort -after holiday haven for most of the white people working in Nigeria at that time. SERVICES One of its important services is to help organize your visit and create a memorable stay, there is a gift shop where things are bought and also provides a relaxation center where you have fun.   BEST FEATURES Ososo tourist centre, with its rocky hills and lush greens, is a top choice destination for mountain climbers, picnic goers or nature enthusiasts. For people keen on seeing the River Niger, the Ososo tourist center also affords you that panoramic view from the top. BEST TIME TO VISIT It can be visited anytime of the year whenever there is tourist WHO CAN VISIT Historians, Photographers, couples, children (with proper supervision), tourists, and fun lovers SAFETY It is a safe location .

Gashaka Gumti National Park
Gashaka Gumti National Park

Gashaka Gumti National Park

Game reserve

Taraba

15

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Play, Learn, Explore nature

ABOUT Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP) is a national park in Nigeria, It was gazetted from two game reserves in 1991 and is Nigeria’s largest national park. It is located in the eastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa to the border with Cameroon. The total area covers about 6,402 km2, much of the northern GGNP is savannah grassland, while the southern GGNP sector of the park has a rugged terrain characterized by very mountainous, steep slopes as well as deep valleys and gorges, and is home to montane forests. Altitude ranges from ranging from about 457 metres (1,499 ft) in the northern flatter corner of the park, up to 2,419 metres (7,936 ft) at Chappal Waddi, Nigeria’s highest mountain in the park's southern sections. It is an important water catchment area for the Benue River. There is abundant river flow even during the markedly dry season. Enclaves for local Fulani pastoralists exist within the park boundary that allows for farming and grazing SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the national forest is not properly managed. BEST FEATURES Gashaka-Gumti National Park has a beautiful environment full of all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT Gashaka-Gumti National Park can be visited at any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Historians, Photographers, couples, tourists, and fun lovers. SAFETY Gashaka-Gumti National Park is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Kainji Lake National Park
Kainji Lake National Park

Kainji Lake National Park

Game reserve

Niger

96

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Learn, Explore nature

ABOUT Kainji National Park is a national park in Niger State and Kwara State, Nigeria. Established in 1978, it covers an area of about 5,341 km2 (2,062 sq mi). The park includes three distinct sectors: a part of the Kainji Lake in which fishing is restricted, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. Kainji National Park was established in 1978. Since 2005, the protected area has been considered a Lion Conservation Unit together with Yankari National Park. The park is owned by the state and managed by the Federal National Park Service (FNPS), receiving direct government funding. The Kainji national park established from a merge of two game reserves is home to a variety of wildlife ranging from elephants to monkeys, baboons and lions. It is a conservation center aimed at promoting the biodiversity of Nigerian wildlife. Trivia: The Kainji national park is located near the famous Kainji hydroelectric dam. SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the national forest is not properly managed.   BEST FEATURES Kainji National Park has it beautiful environment full of all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT Kainji National Park can be visited at any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Historians, Photographers, couples, tourists, and fun lovers. SAFETY Kainji National Park is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Drill Ranch
Drill Ranch

Drill Ranch

Game reserve

Cross River

83

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Relaxation, Explore nature

ABOUT Drill Ranch was founded in 1991. The DRBC is the region’s first primate rehab project. Illegally held drills orphaned by hunting are donated by local citizens or handed over after seizure by authorities; no animals are purchased or removed from the wild. Over 75 drills have been recovered, and rehabilitated to life with members of their own species, after thorough medical screening. In western zoos, drills have reproduced poorly, but the DRBC has recorded over 250 births to rehabilitated wild-born parents and their offspring, making the project the world’s most successful captive breeding program for an endangered primate. Today, 286 drills live in 6 family groups, each in their own natural habitat electrified enclosure of up to 9 ha. There are plans to release the first group back to the wild in 2008. Drill Ranch is also home to 28 orphan chimpanzees. As man’s closest relative, the chimpanzees add greatly to visitor education by stimulating interest and sympathy for wildlife. The Drill Ranch and rehabilitation center is a wildlife sanctuary that hopes to preserve and ensure continuity of the endangered primate species drills. It serves to rehabilitate drills with members of their species and also provides a safe haven for orphaned chimpanzees. SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the national forest is not properly managed. BEST FEATURES Drill Ranch has it beautiful environment full with all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT Drill Ranch can be visited at any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Historians, Photographers, couples, tourists, and fun lovers. SAFETY Drill Ranch is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative
Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Meet friends, Explore nature

ABOUT LUFASI is an acronym for Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative: a non-governmental organisation established in 2013 and dedicated to the preservation of natural habitats in urban areas for use as a field laboratory to interact with and learn from nature. LUFASI attempts to address the issue of limited green spaces in urban areas like Lagos Nigeria, which can provide recreation and aesthetic satisfaction, and likewise enlighten the populace to clear the ambiguity of climate change through practical learning. The shelter for rescued animals (wild and domestic) serves to educate on conservation with an extra aesthetic and recreational incentive for the centre. SERVICES LUFASI offers the following service; Animal Sanctuary, Environment Education, Forest Conservation BEST FEATURES LUFASI has a Nature Park that sits on her 20hectare pristine Farm-Forest, situated in the heart of highly urbanized Lekki, Lagos Nigeria. BEST TIME TO VISIT LUFASI can be visited at any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Historians, Photographers, couples, tourists, and fun lovers. SAFETY LUFASI is a safe Location.

IITA Forest
IITA Forest

IITA Forest

Game reserve

Oyo

28

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Meet friends, Explore nature

ABOUT The IITA Forest Unit at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, was set up on 1 January 2015 to succeed the Forest Project. Its mission is to manage and utilize forest resources for conservation, research, and education. The Ibadan campus covers 1000 hectares (2470 acres) of which about 350 hectares (865 acres) are forested. The largest forest fragment is known as the IITA Forest Reserve. This, together with lakes and ponds, farmland and gardens, provides habitats for many different plants and animals that were once common but have declined or disappeared through expansion of the surrounding city. In particular, it is recognized globally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and for this reason, the Forest Unit focuses on birds. They run an Ornithological Monitoring project, organize the Ibadan Bird Club and bird-related activities for Schools Conservation Clubs, carry out IBA monitoring, and hold workshops for young ornithologists and birdwatchers. With support from IITA and donors, the Forest Unit has developed a Botanical Nursery& Garden which produces trees for reforestation and landscaping, traditional Yoruba medicinal herbs and vegetables, and ornamental plants for the home, office, and garden.   SERVICES There are no services rendered here.   BEST FEATURES IITA Forest has it beautiful environment filled with all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT IITA Forest can be visited at any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Historians, Photographers, tourists, students, researchers, campers, bird watchers and adventurous people are always present here. SAFETY IITA Forest is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Omo Forest Reserve
Omo Forest Reserve

Omo Forest Reserve

Game reserve

Ogun

109

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Learn, Explore nature

ABOUT Omo Forest Reserve is a preserved area of tropical rainforest in the Nigerian state of Ogun, in the southwest part of the country. It is located about 135 km (84 mi) northeast of Lagos and 80 km (50 mi) east of Ijebu Ode. This nature reserve covers an area of 130,500 hectares (322,000 acres). The average rainfall is around 2,000 mm (80 in). The terrain is largely flat and well-drained, with some low rolling hills, and forms part of the Omo River watershed. This forest reserve consists of a large area of tropical rainforest covering 130,500 hectares (322,000 acres). In the northern part of the reserve, the vegetation consists of a dry evergreen mixed deciduous forest, while in the south, it consists of a moist, mixed, semi-deciduous forest. Parts of the reserve consist of primary forest with mature trees, especially near the watercourses. However, large portions have been disturbed, with the felling of the original trees and the establishment of plantations. At the centre of the reserve, a plot of 640 hectares (1,600 acres) has been designated a strict nature reserve.   SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the forest is not properly managed.   BEST FEATURES  It has a very beautiful green environment BEST TIME TO VISIT It can be visited at any time of the year WHO CAN VISIT Historians, tourists SAFETY It is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Okonni Wildlife Sanctuary
Okonni Wildlife Sanctuary

Okonni Wildlife Sanctuary

Game reserve

Edo

23

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Learn, Explore nature

ABOUT Jointly owned by the Edo government and the Nigerian conservation fund, the Okonni wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of endangered primates including chimpanzees and white-throated monkeys. Other animal attractions include bush babies, buffaloes, porcupines and red river hogs. This was built in 1985. It is notable as a conservation center for endangered primate species. SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the forest is not properly managed.   BEST FEATURES  Its beautiful environment is filled with all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT It can be visited at any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Historians, tourists SAFETY It is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.