Yankari Game Reserve

Yankari Game Reserve is Nigeria’s most sought game reserve for wildlife safaris located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria. It covers an area of approximately 2,240 sq km and 2,058 sq. km. of savanna wood­land. It is composed of savannah grassland with well-developed patches of woodland. It is also a region of rolling hills, mostly between 200m and 400m. Kariyo Hill is the highest point at 640m.
Yankari, designated 1956 and opened to the public in 1962 has become one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa. The park is managed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Parks Service.
Yankari Game Reserve also features water springs. Wikki Warm Springs situated around the Gaji River flow daily over 21,000,000 litres of clear spring water into the river. These scenic springs flavour the reserve’s beauty and offer one of the best features of the game reserve to tourists. The spring gushes out from under a cliff, where the water is at least 6 ft. deep extending for 600 ft. to an open area. The springs usually have constant temperatures of 31.1°C all year during both day and night and have now been developed for recreation.
Wildlife
Yankari is an important refuge for wildlife resources in Nigeria. Over 50 species of mammal can be spotted here including African Bush Elephant, Olive Baboon, Western Hartebeest, Lion, African Buffalo, Waterbuck, Warthog, Roam Antelope, Bushbuck, Patas Monkey, Tantalus Monkey and Hippopotamus. Lions are occasionally spotted as well, despite their natural cam­ouflage.
Important to note also is that Yankari home to the largest populations of elephants in West Africa with estimates of around 500. The heavy concentration of the elephant however has created a dilemma to the surrounding localities at times as the animals attack local farms during the rainy season.
Bird Life
There are also over 350 species of bird found in the Park. Of these, 130 are resident, 50 are Palearctic migrants and the rest are intra-African migrants that move locally within Nigeria.
Recorded species of birds here include White-rumped Vulture, Guinea Fowl, Cattle Egret, Grey Hornbill, and the Saddle-billed Stork; others are the golliath heron, bateleur eagle, vultures, kingflshers, bee-eaters and more. This variety offers excellent opportunities for adventurous bird-watchers.

Aside for the abundant flora and fauna, the park also take pride in several archeological, cultural and historical preserves such as the Dukkey Well System and the Ampara and the furnace shafts which are great historical assets. It also has a large and diverse freshwater ecosystem around its freshwater springs as well as the Gaji River.

The Park provides an attractive setting, well worth a visit. Usually this reserve is said to be different from the rest of Nigeria with regard to flora and fauna as it is home to some rare species of birds and animals.

Where to Stay

Basic accommodations at Yankari are varied, from hostels for youth and budget travelers to “presidential” chalets. Also available are luxury suites, double rooms and family camp chalets with facilities such as restaurants, bars, Indoor and outdoor sports facilities, swimming options especially at Wikki camp. Other facilities include: Tennis & squash courts, a small museum in the reception area plus gas stations with convenience stores at Wikki Camp and Bauchi.

Getting There

By Air: Chatter a domestic flight and land at Yola Airport from where you can then drive a few miles south to Mambilla.

By Road: Alternatively to get there by road, there is a major road route from Lagos to Mambilla. Also note that it can take 2-days by car over well-maintained roads to get there. The Park’s main entrance is at Mainamaji village, about 29 km from Dindima.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yankari Game Reserve is between November and May, when tourists are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers. The park is popular with Japanese, Western Europeans, Americans and Southeast Asian tourists. Tourists usually arrange walking tours or guided tours on specially adapted trucks. Visitors’ reservations in the reserve can be made at Durbar Hotel in Kaduna, Bauchi State House and at the Zaranda Hotel in Bauchi.