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Yankari Game Reserve

Yankari Game Reserve, now Yankari National Park, is one of Nigeria's best-known wildlife areas.

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Clear green water of Wikki Warm Spring in Yankari Game Reserve beneath a sandstone cliff carved with graffiti
Photo: Sani Maikatanga, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and compressed.

Quick facts

State
Bauchi State
Category
Nature and wildlife
Location
south-central Bauchi State, east-central Nigeria
Size
about 2,244 km2
Game reserve since
1956
National park since
1991

Yankari Game Reserve, now Yankari National Park, is one of Nigeria's best-known wildlife areas. It is home to elephants and the Wikki Warm Spring.

History

It was set up as a game reserve in 1956, formally constituted in 1957, and opened to the public in December 1962. It became a national park in 1991.

Wildlife

The park supports more than 50 mammal species, including lions, hippos and hyenas. Its elephant population, estimated at more than 300 in 2005, is among the largest in West Africa.

Wikki Warm Spring

Wikki is the largest of the park's four warm springs. It is about 13 m wide and 1.9 m deep, and releases roughly 21 million litres of water a day into the Gaji River. The water stays at about 31 degrees C all year. It is open for swimming and gives Wikki Camp its name.

Seasons

  • May to September: rainy season
  • Dry season: larger animals gather around the Gaji River
  • Harmattan period: nights can fall to about 12 degrees C
  • March and April: very hot, with daytime temperatures that can exceed 40 degrees C

Travel advice

The UK government advises against all but essential travel to Bauchi State. Read is Nigeria safe to visit? and the official advice linked there before you plan any trip.

More: places to visit in Nigeria and is Nigeria safe to visit?.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Yankari Game Reserve?

In south-central Bauchi State, in east-central Nigeria.

Is Yankari a national park?

Yes. It was set up as a game reserve in 1956 and became a national park in 1991.

What is the Wikki Warm Spring?

It is the largest of the park's four warm springs, with water at about 31 degrees C all year, and it is open for swimming.

Is it safe to travel to Yankari?

The UK government advises against all but essential travel to Bauchi State. Check the latest advice and confirm with park management before planning a visit.

Sources and further reading

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