Yankari National Park

The Yankari National Park is Nigeria’s biggest national park and one of Nigeria’s foremost tourist locations.

The Yankari National Park is well-known to be the first of its kind in West Africa, attracting tourists from all over the world. The National Park holds the largest surviving elephant population in Nigeria, which is one of the largest in West Africa. It is one of a few remaining areas in West Africa where wild animals are protected in their natural habitat.

The Yankari National Park has a vital population of the critically endangered West African lion (one of only four known populations) as well as buffalo, hippopotamus,  hartebeest, primates, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodiles, roan gazelle, wild ox, countless species of monkeys and birds. There are more than 350 bird species in the Yankari National Park.

Located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria, the Yankari National Park is definitely one of the main reasons Bauchi’s tagline is the “Pearl of Tourism”. The Park covers an area of about 2,244 square kilometres (866 sq mi) and is home to several natural warm water springs, caves, fishponds as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Prominent amongst the springs, is the Wikki warm spring.

The Wikki warm spring is the largest spring with crystal clear water and a temperature of 31 Degrees Celsius year in-year out. The Wikki spring has been developed for recreation. Other warm water springs are Dimmil, Gwan, and Nawulgo springs. A fifth spring, Tungan Naliki, is the only cool spring in the park.

Exploring Yankari is an adventure into the amazing wildlife of Nigeria. The park reveals the beauty of biodiversity and ecotourism as never seen before, giving tourists and holidaymakers an unforgettable wholesome experience. It is also one of the most popular Eco-destinations in West Africa. Ecological tourism is presently favoured by many global environmental organisations and aid agencies as a vehicle to sustainable development. Ecotourism promotes conservation of biological diversity by protecting natural ecosystems.

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Originally created as a game reserve in 1956, Yankari was upgraded to a national park in 1991 and managed by the National Parks Service until 2006 when responsibility for the management of the reserve was handed back to Bauchi State Government. Today Yankari is an important tourism destination in the country, and rapidly growing in popularity.

For tourists outside of Bauchi, the Yankari National Park boasts a 7- Star graded resort by Trip Advisor. The Yankari Game Reserve and Resort is located at the Wikki Camp, Yankari reserve, Bauchi. This Resort is domiciled in the same area as the Yankari Games Reserve. The resort is perfect for tourists, students and leisure travelers.

Planning to visit the Yankari National Park, www.yankarigamereserve.com.ng has more information.