Into the Wild: Nigeria's National Parks and Reserves

While often overlooked for East African safari destinations, Nigeria possesses a unique biodiversity that rewards the patient naturalist. Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State remains the premier destination for wildlife viewing. It is home to the largest remaining elephant population in Nigeria, along with baboons, waterbucks, and roan antelopes. The reserve's Wikki Warm Springs offer a crystal-clear, naturally warm pool that is perfect for a swim after a game drive.

Further south, the Gashaka-Gumti National Park—Nigeria's largest park—stretches across the mountainous border with Cameroon. It is a rugged wilderness of savannah, forests, and montane grasslands, offering habitats for chimpanzees and rare bird species. It is a hiker's paradise, with Chappal Waddi, the 'Mountain of Death' and Nigeria's highest peak, challenging even experienced trekkers.

Conservation Challenges and Hope

Conservation is a growing focus in 2025, with NGOs working to protect these spaces from poaching and encroachment. Visiting these parks directly supports these conservation efforts. For the eco-tourist, these reserves offer an unpolished, authentic encounter with West African nature that is becoming increasingly rare.