VISION
To develop a national park system for Nigeria that can favourably compare and compete with any other national park system in the world in preserving and protecting Nigeria’s natural and cultural heritage in a sustainable manner and for our national security.
MISSION
To deploy human, material and financial resources for the protection, regulation and development of our national parks for the conservation of their pristine ecosystems, and for the provision of complementary products that meet the aspirations of nature lovers, stand out the Service as a citadel of ecotourism and a veritable tool for Nigeria’s economic diversification and development.
INTRODUCTION
The National Park Service of Nigeria was established by Decree 36 in 1991 with five national parks. These were Gashaka Gumti, Kainji Lake, Cross River, Old Oyo and Chad Basin National Parks. In 1992, Yankari Game Reserve was converted to a national park, bringing the total to six national parks. With the promulgation of Decree 46 of 1999, now Act 46 (Cap 65 LFN 2004), in 1999 two additional national parks; Kamuku and Okomu were established. However, Yankari was delisted as a national park following a request by the Bauchi State Government in June 2006, reducing the number of national parks to seven.
The concept and development of national parks has its origins in the United States of America where the United States Congress declared Yellow Stone as a national park, the first of its kind, in 1872. Despite the frequent reference to national parks in daily affairs in the country, many Nigerians know little about the existence and roles of national parks in the country or the objectives for which they were established. This pamphlet provides a glimpse into these and related issues.
What is a national park?
Many definitions have been given to explain what a national park is. We adopt here the definition provided by The World Conservation Union, IUCN (1990):
A national park is a relatively large area of land and/or sea where;
a. One or several ecosystems that are not materially altered by human exploitation and occupation; where plant and animal species, geomorphologic sites and habitats are of special scientific, educational and recreational interest; which contain a natural landscape of great beauty.
b. The highest competent legal authority of the country (national or federal government) has taken steps to eliminate, as soon as possible, exploitation or occupation in the whole area and, enforces effectively the respect for ecological, geomorphologic, or scientific features which have led to its establishment.
c. Visitors are allowed to enter under special conditions, for inspirational, educational, cultural and recreational purposes (IUCN, 1990).
ROLE OF NATIONAL PARKS
National parks are natural ecosystems with unique attributes. Such parks play special tangible and intangible roles vital to national and regional well-being. They enhance ecological processes and life support systems such as soil regeneration, protection of nutrient cycles, protection and cleansing of hydrological cycles, production and purifying of oxygen, waste disposal etc. National parks also protect the environment and indigenous genetic resources, which are the basis for any meaningful improvement in agricultural and pharmaceutical development. They are thus significant in scientific research and educational development, agriculture and medicine, psychology, spiritualism and the recreation of the human spirit.
The aura of the spectacular sceneries they contain make national parks special spots for nature lovers and endear them as alternate centres for national economic diversification. Consequently, the nation’s high population density and dependence on natural sources for food, shelter, fibre and medicine demand that Nigeria pays more attention to the protection, conservation and development of its ecosystems for national development.
OBJECTIVES OF NATIONAL PARKS
National parks are set up in Nigeria for the fulfillment of the following objectives:
(a) To conserve a select and representative sample of wildlife communities in Nigeria.
(b) Establish an ecologically and geographically balanced network of protected areas across Nigeria under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
(c) Protect endangered species of wild plants and animals and their habitats.
(d) Conserve wildlife species throughout Nigeria to maintain their abundance and diversity at optimum levels, commensurate with other landform uses, for their sustainable utilization by the people of Nigeria.
(e) Preserve outstanding scenic, natural and cultural resources for their scientific, recreational and other values in the national parks.
(f) Protect and maintain crucial wetlands and water catchment areas in Nigeria.
(g) Control dangerous vertebrate species.
(h) Provide or cause to be provided access and other facilities for public visitation and enjoyment of the national parks as centres of ecotourism development in Nigeria.
(i) Promote and provide education about wildlife and nature conservation.
NATIONAL PARK HEADQUARTERS
The National Park Service Headquarters is situated on a 6.3 hectare of scenic landscape along Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Wuye District, Abuja. It is about one kilometre from the Abuja City Gate and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, is adjacent to the National Military Cemetery and about 23Km from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
The arboretum and mini-park hold an assemblage of trees, shrubs, fobs and vines indigenous to Nigeria. The flora species include Shea butter, Black plum, Ebony, Mahogany, Prosopis africana, Copoiba balsam, Neem, Wild pine, African whitewood, African birch, Pin cushion, Mango, Bush mango, Tamarind, Flamboyant, African oak, Iron wood, African breadfruit, Sweet orange, Sand paper and Guava among others, and represent the regenerative capacity of the fallow ecosystems of our national parks.
Fauna species in the mini-park are indigenous to Nigeria. Some of them are Duiker, Red-fronted Gazelle, Kob, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, Oribi, Tortoise, Forest cobra, Puff adder, West African viper, Topi, Crocodiles, Crested Porcupine, Sitatunga, Colobus, Mona, Patas and Tantalus monkeys. Observable bird species include Peacock and hen, Egyptian goose, Hammerkop, Blue plantain eater, African collared dove among others.
Arboretum in the Park Headquarters
The Park Headquarters is home to a select sample of Nigeria’s floras and faunas
ACCESSIBILITY
Located in the capital city of Abuja, the Abuja National Park Recreational Centre is fairly accessible nationally and globally as it is linked by road and air to all parts of Nigeria and beyond.
VISITING SEASON
The National Park Headquarters is open to visitors all year, particularly for Christian and Muslim holiday makers.
VISITOR FACILITIES
Facilities such as the Children’s Playground, the Natural History Museum, the Animal Orphanage, the Arboretum and Campground, the Mini-Park, the Gazebo snack bar and the Picnic lawns have been put in place for your delight.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
Visitors can observe wildlife in the Mini-park or the animal orphanage, receive lectures on the history of wildlife conservation in Nigeria, camp or take a walk in the arboretum or mini-park, take a swing or bounce in the playground, take a bite in the Gazibo or relax on the picnic lawns and play games.
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Jabi Lake, Abuja International Conference Centre, Ecowas Secretariat, Aso Rock, Katamkpe Hill, National Mosque and National Christian Centre, Ushafa Pottery and Abuja Arts and Crafts Village are some of the important places to visit also while in Abuja.
LOCAL CUISINE
Sekwara, tuwon masara, masa, tuwon shinkafa, amala, elubo, doya, awara, miyan kuka, gbegiri, efo riro, edikang ikong, afang, ekpang, egusi, oha, ewedu, ofe onugbu, Zhupo with Kandolo soup and paten doya are some of the indigenous delicacies available in the many Mamaput joints and restaurants in the environs of the Park Headquarters.
SHOPPING
Being a metropolitan centre, visitors have a myriad of outlets they can shop from for mementoes. The famous Wuse, Garki, Utako and Goza markets are important for local crafts while the many shopping malls in the city provide conventional items.
TOURISM EVENTS CALENDAR AROUND ABUJA
Abuja celebrates a lot of domestic festivals such as: Nigeria Independence Day-1st October, National Democracy Day-29th May, Christmas and Easter festivals- December and March/April, Muslim festivals-, Abuja Cultural Carnival- November,
Abuja International Travel Fair-December, Abuja International Trade Fair-May/June, Lubulibiyije (Gbagyi-first rain) festival-April, Bulabulope (Gbagyi-new yam) festival-July, Africa Tourism and SDG Summit- November.
GASHAKA GUMTI
NATIONAL PARK
Gashaka Gumti National Park is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria with an area of 6,731km2. The park is the largest, most scenic and diverse conservation enclave in Nigeria. Geographically, the park lies between latitudes 6°55′ and 8°12′ N and longitudes11°11’and 12°13’E. It is situated in Adamawa and Taraba States, adjoining the spectacular near-temperate Mambilla Plateau.
The park is a transnational enclave as it shares boundaries with Faro National Park and Tchabbal Mbabo Conservation Area in Cameroun. This offers opportunity for trans-boundary conservation and eco-tourism between Nigeria and Cameroun.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
Gashaka Gumti National Park has five distinct ecological zones ranging from Guinea Savanna, Sudan Savanna, and Lowland Rainforest to Montane Rainforest and Montane Grassland habitats. The formation of these vegetational zones is influenced by altitude, latitude and the north-south geographic spread of the park. These zones make the park a haven of high flora diversity.
The park also harbours many endangered fauna species such as Giant Eland, Chimpanzee, Elephant, Lion, Golden cat, Leopard and Cheetah. Other faunas in the park are Red Riverhog, Yellow-backed Duiker, Mountain Reedbuck, Klipspringer, Western Hartebeest, Mongoose, Aardvaark, Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Hunting Dog etc. 477 bird species have been recorded in the park, some of which are the Hammerkop, the Royal and African Fish Eagles, Bateleur Eagle, Secretary Bird, Ring ouzel, Lily Trotter, the Hooded Vulture etc.
As an important watershed for the lower Benue Basin the park has 55 species of fish among which are Tiger Fish, Large-scale Characin, Golden Barb, Sucker Fish, Niger Perch, Clarias, Silver Catfish, Sole Fish, Tilapia, Electric Fish etc. It also has over 22species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians and over 300 species of insects including butterflies.
ACCESSIBILITY
The park can be accessed via Yola-Jalingo -Serti or Katsina Ala-Takum- Serti for those arriving from the northern parts.
From the southern part access is via Gboko-Katsina Ala-Takum-Serti or Ogoja-Katsina Ala-Takum-Serti. Access to the Gumti sector is through Yola-Mayo Belwa- Toungo or Jalingo-Mayo Belwa -Toungo.
The closest airports are in Jalingo and Yola. There is also an unmanned airstrip for very light aircraft in Serti for chartered flights. Visitors can make arrangements with the park authority for airport pickups.
VISITING SEASON
Best time to visit is December to June for easier accessibility and better visibility of wildlife and beautiful sceneries of the park. For mountaineers and other adventure seekers, the park is however accessible all year.
VISITOR FACILITIES
The park has 20 chalets in Serti Tourist Camp, 10 in Toungo Base station and 20 in Gashaka village. There are several primitive camp sites dotted within the park, particularly around Mayo Kam, Jiman and Yakuba. A limited number of camping tents is available.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
The park is littered with many archaeological/historical sites such as the Toungo iron smelting site, Dumti Lake and the old German and English forts. The Gangirwal summit of the Chapal waddi plateau in the Gotel mountain range is an interesting attraction as the highest peak in Nigeria, standing at an altitude of 2419 metres above sea level.
Tourists to Gashaka Gumti National Park can engage in a number of activities including sport fishing on Mayo Cam and Gashaka rivers, mountaineering at Gangirwal/Chappal Waddi Mountains (the highest peak in West Africa), camping, wilderness trekking/experience, game viewing, picnicking, swimming, bird watching, primates watching in Kwano Forest, tour of archaeological/historical sites such as British and German forts, Zanti hills, Sangurditi shrines and Toungo Iron smelring site, visit to Kiri waterfalls and Matashirip Hotsprings.
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Tourists can also enrich their visit by exploring the Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, the Mambilla tea plantations (makers of lipton and highland teas), Barub waterfalls (site of the Mambilla hydro electric dam), Jurgel waterfalls at Nguroje, Sukur World Heritage site, Faro Water Bottling factory, etc.
LOCAL CUISINE
Visitors are encouraged to have a taste of the local cuisine. Pami(palm wine), kuri (honey beer), burkutu (corn beer),fura de nono and kunu are some of the beverages on offer while kumbi, wafube, kuka and tuwon are some of the food delicacies in the area.
SHOPPING
Local markets abound in Yola, Jalingo, Serti, Ganye, Toungo, Nguroje, Ndaga, Goje, Karamti, Garbabi, Selbe, Gembu, and Bali. Souvenirs in these markets range from local dyed cloths, Jibawa raphia sleeping and table mats, hand fans, grass hats and mats, metal works, wood carvings and utensils, beads, leather works, embroidered clothing and local foods and beverages.
TOURISM EVENTS CALENDAR AROUND THE PARK
Events around the park include: the Jalingo and Serti Durbars during Muslim festivals, Christmas Service feast- December, Easter procession festival- March/April, Ndola cultural dance- 15th March, Alegata dance – 11th September, Jibawa dance – 5th December, Kihasi Nson dance -1st November, Leko Nson dance -1st August, Njaen Nson dance 10th October.
MAP OF NIGERIA SHOWING THE 7 NATIONAL PARKS AND THE PARK HEADQUARTERS
KEY
| 1 | Chad Basin National Park | 4 | Kainji Lake National Park | |
| 1a | Bade-Nguru Wetlands Sector | 4a | Borgu Sector | |
| 1b | Bulatura Oases Sector | 4b | Zugurma Sector | |
| 1c | Chingurmi-Duguma Sector | 5 | Kamuku National Park | |
| 2 | Cross-River National Park | 6 | Okomu National Park | |
| 2a | Okwangwo Division | 7 | Old Oyo National Park | |
| 2b | Oban Division | 8 | National Park Headquarters | |
| 3 | Gashaka-Gumti National Park | |||
| 3a | Gashaka Sector | |||
| 3b | Gumti Sector |
KAINJI LAKE
NATIONAL PARK
Kainji Lake National Park was the first national park in Nigeria, established in 1979 by Decree 46. It is located in northwest central Nigeria between latitudes 9°45′ and 10o 23’N and latitudes 3° 41′ and 5° 47’E in Niger and Kwara states. The park is 500km from Lagos and 385km from Abuja, the Federal Capital. It has an area of 5340.82km2 comprising two non-contiguous sectors; Borgu sector with an area of 3970.02km2 and Zugurma with an area of 1370.80km2.
The park is characterized by undulating landforms, with a network of rolling hills, valleys and gentle flowing rivers that empty into River Niger. It is a watershed to Rivers Oli, Menai, Doro and Manyara, all of which are important for the fish stocks of the lower Niger Basin.
The park experiences the wet and dry season weather. The wet season begins from late April-October while the dry season begins from November to early April with a short harmattan period between December and February. The mean annual rainfall is between 1100-1200mm with a temperature range of between 10° C and 30°C and relative humidity of 53%.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
Kainji Lake National Park is endowed with rich and diverse populations of wildlife and a variety of ethno-historic and cultural sites. The vegetation type is northern Guinea savanna comprising a mosaic of woodland savanna with patches of riparian forests along major river courses. Flora species in the park include Afzelia africana, Teminalia macroptera, Isobelinia tomentosa among others.
Its fauna species include Kob, Roan antelope, Hippopotamus, Duiker, Hartebeest, Lion, Hunting dog, Aardvark, Buffalo, Hyena, Baboon etc. It is also rich in birds, insects and reptiles such as Ground hornbill, Plover, Royal python, Crocodile etc.
ACCESSIBILITY
The park can be accessed through:
Abuja— Mokwa – Kainji or Kaduna — Mokwa — Kainji from the north, or
Ilorin — Mokwa-Kainji for those arriving from southern Nigeria.
The closest airport is Ilorin Airport. There is an Air-force Base in New Bussa however which may be used, on arrangement, by tourists intending to arrive by air.
VISITING SEASON
Best time to visit is December to June for easy accessibility and better visibility of wildlife and beautiful sceneries of the park. For visitors other than wildlife seekers, the park is however accessible all year.
VISITOR FACILITIES
Visitor facilities are located in Oli Camp, Wawa, Kaiama and Ibbi. Oli Tourist Camp is equipped with a restaurant and bar, a 100 seater conference centre and 2 swimming pools. Other facilities include 52 chalets: 8 at Ibbi, 8 at Kaiama, 2 at Wawa and 34 at Oli camp. Also available are a Park viewing vehicle and a water bus.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
Tourists can engage in wilderness treks, game viewing, bird watching, wildlife tracking and water recreation. Cultural/historical tours can also be made to Kali Hill and Shrine, Kuble Hill, Lion cave, Giyaye pool and ruins of Old-Bussa.
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Experience the Gani festival, traditional wrestling, Takai dance etc. Also tour Kainji Dam complex, Shagunu Beach and New Bussa town.
LOCAL CUISINE
Savour pounded yam with kpewoora and miyan kuka soups, Tuwon Masara, Tuwon Shinkafa, Tuwon Dawa and Amala with Gbegiri, Ewedu and Efoo soups.
SHOPPING
Tourists can shop for local textiles, wood carvings, native pots etc from local markets in New Bussa, Wawa, Kaiama and Kara.
TOURISM EVENTS CALENDAR AROUND THE PARK
Cultural activities around the Park are: Gani festival-November, Traditional wrestling – November, Takai Dance- November.
CROSS RIVER
NATIONAL PARK
Cross River National Park is located in the southeastern corner of Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Cameroun. The Park lies within longitudes 5°05’and 6°29’N and latitudes 8°15’and 9°30’E. It has an area of 4000km2 of wholly tropical moist rainforest ecosystem which thins out progressively to montane rainforest and grassland around the summit of the Obudu Plateau in the Okwangwo Division of the park.
The park has two non-contiguous sectors: Oban and Okwangwo. The Oban sector has an area of 3,000km2 and is one-hour drive from Calabar while the Okwangwo sector is about 1,000km2 and one hour drive from Obudu town.
Cross River National Park is conceived to protect and conserve the vestiges of the tropical moist rainforest in Nigeria and to promote ecotourism.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
Cross River National Park is a biodiversity hotspot in Nigeria. As such it is home to many species of wild plants and animals. The park is blessed with 1531 recorded flora species including Cedar, Iroko, Mahogany, Ebony, Camwood, Ironwood, Rattan, Raphia, Oil palm, Shea butter, Anceistocladus korupensis, Prunus africana, Musanga cercopoidae, Irvingia gabonensis, Star apple, African kola, Bitter kola and African black pear among others.
Animal species include Gorilla, Drill, Chimpanzee, Angwantibo or Golden Potto, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Duiker, Bushbuck, Redriver Hog, Sitatunga, Hyrax, Hornbill, Redheaded Rockfowl and Butterflies among many others. Thus, the Park is home to 199 mammal, 63 frog and toad, 20 reptile, 380 bird, 48 fish and 950 butterfly species. These attributes make it the most species-rich in the country.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Head Office of the park is located in Akamkpa, 45km from Calabar.
Visitors from northern Nigeria can access Okwangwo Sector through: Abuja-Ikom- Butatong or Abuja – Enugu- Ikom- Butatong.
For Oban sector access is through:
Abuja –Ikom-Akamkpa or Abuja-Enugu-Ugep- Akamkpa.
Visitors from the south can access the park through:
-Onitsha –Calabar –Akamkpa or Port Harcourt-Calabar-Akamkpa
-Enugu-Ikom-Butatong or Port Harcourt-Odukpani-Ikom-Butatong
-Enugu- Ugep – Akamkpa or Enugu- Odukpani-Akamkpa
The closest airports are in Calabar and Uyo. There is also an unmanned airstrip at Bebi near the foot of the Obudu Plateau for chartered light planes.
Tourists can also take advantage of the Calabar seaport for cruise tours.
VISITING SEASON
Best time to visit the park is November to April when the rains have waned.
VISITOR FACILITIES
The park has 5 chalets and arboretum in Butatong Base Camp, 5 chalets and a 20 bed hostel in Akamkpa, camping tents, 27 chalets and a 20 bed hostel and a public camp site in Erokut Tourist Camp.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
Visitors to the park can engage in forest walks, bird watching, gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, canoeing, sport fishing, swimming and scuba diving, game viewing, picnicking and camping, mountain climbing etc.
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Visitors can tour villages around the park, Kwa falls, oil palm farms and mills, old stone quarries, old sawmills, tour Calabar slave museum, Tinapa Leisure Resort, Calabar Free Trade Zone and visit Obudu Plateau and Ranch Resort.
LOCAL CUISINE
Cross River is famous for delicacies. Savour erang eno, eba, akpu or semo with nfunu, edere (afia efere), edikang ikong, otong or nseng soup; ekpang nkukwor, kenkwa, mbed egome, mbed eyu, roasted plantain etc.
SHOPPING
Local markets in Obudu, Okwabang, Bateriko, Abu Nkpang, Okomita, Akampa, Oban, Aningeje, Ikom, Utanga, Ekong and Calabar display excellent arts and crafts including cane and raphia works, pottery, woodworks, paintings and beadworks which visitors can take away.
TOURISM EVENTS CALENDAR AROUND THE PARK
Many cultural events occur around the park among which are: Carnival Calabar- November/December, Boki New Yam-18th August, Bakor New Yam-15th September, Leboku Festival 2nd -22nd August, Etung New Yam-4th September, Akachak Festival-1st December-1st January, Ekpe Festival-December. Moninkim (maidens) Dance- September/ December.
CHAD BASIN
NATIONAL PARK
Chad Basin National Park is located in the Sudan – Sahelian ecological complex in the extreme Northeast Nigeria, between Borno and Yobe States. It lies between latitudes 11o00′ and 13° 00’N and longitudes 13° 00′ and 15o00’E with an area of 2,258km2. The Park is made up of three non – contiguous sectors:
(i) Chingurmi-Duguma Sector:
It is the largest sector with an area of 1,228km2inBorno State. It is contiguous with Waza National Park in the Republic of Cameroon, thus offering opportunities for transboundary conservation and eco-tourism.
(ii) Bade-Nguru Wetlands Sector:
This sector is part of the internationally renowned Hadejia-Nguru-Bade Wetland (now a national park) with an area of 938km2 in Yobe State. The main attraction of the sector is the Dagona Waterfowl Sanctuary, internationally recognized as a wintering site for palaearctic migrant birds from Africa, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
(iii) Bulatura Sector
Bulatura is the smallest sector with an area of 92km2. It is made up of a series of sand dunes and fertile swampy valleys or depressions referred to as Oases, in the middle of the Sahara Desert. An important feature of this sector is the highly mobile scenic sand dunes that have great potential for sand dune surfing and ecological tourism.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
The vegetation type of the park is open Sahelian scrub savanna. With little or no trees, it is dominated by Acacia-Balanites woodland complex interspersed with dense stands of elephant grass (Sorghum aethiopium).
Fauna resources of the park include Giraffe, Patas monkey, Warthog, Sudan bustard, Topi, Hartebeest, Mongoose, Red fronted gazelle, Elephant, Ostrich, Jackal, Giant tortoise, Porcupine, Spotted hyena and Kori bustard among others. Species frequently sighted at the Dagona Waterfowl Sanctuary include Garganey, Pintail, Pelican, Spur-winged goose, Marabou stork, White stork, Crowned crane, Turtle, Lick Tail Godwit, Glossy Ibis, European stork and a variety of Waders.
ACCESSIBILITY
Visitors to the Bade – Nguru and Bulatura sectors of the park can gain access through the following routes:
- Kano-Nguru-Dagona
- Jos-Potiskum-Gashua – Dagona
- Jos-Damaturu-Gashua – Dagona
- Kano-Gashua-Yusufari –Bulatura
- Jos- Gashua- Yusufari- Bulatura
- Maiduguri- Damaturu-Dagona
- Maiduguri –Damaturu- Gashua- Yusufari-Bulatura
The Chingurmi-Duguma sector of the park can be accessed through:
Yola -Maiduguri -Bama/Dikwa.
The closest airports to the park are in Maiduguri and Kano.
VISITING SEASON
Chad Basin National Park is open all year, however best time to visit is December to June.
VISITOR FACILITIES
Presently, the park has 12 rustic chalets and a multipurpose hall in Dagona. Electricity supply is generator-driven and is available 6.00pm — 12.00m, depending on occupancy rate.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PARK
Park viewing, bird watching, sport fishing, boat cruising, sand dune surfing, horse /camel riding and picnicking are some activities tourists can enjoy while in the park.
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Tourists to the park can also visit Lake Chad, the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri, tombs of the 4 Shehus in Kukawa, Rabeh fort in Dikwa, the Giant So (Sau) settlement relic in Amchaka, the Marama mountains and shrines, the Dufuna Canoe, the Gogoram ancient settlement and the ancient Kanem Borno capital of Birnin Ngazargam. Sites are open all year.
SHOPPING
Visitors can shop for souvenir items in the numerous local markets that dot the park area. These include Jajimaji, Amshi, Dagona, Nguru and Gashsua famous potash market. Articles range from potash, arts and crafts to hides and skins to clothing etc.
LOCAL CUISINE
While in these parts savour the gastronomic offerings of the northeast. Ndalai, Denderu, Burabusco, Sinasun, Marghi Special, Kilishi, Fura da Nono, Ardep Tsimi, Soborodo and Kununzaki are some of the local foods and beverages.
TOURISM CALENDAR OF EVENTS AROUND THE PARK
You can plan your visit to coincide with these events in the State: the Gogoram fishing festival- February, the Shaddi/sharo (Fulani flogging festival) – November,
Dambe (traditional boxing) festival-November/December, and Langa (hopping game) festival-November/December.
OLD OYO
NATIONAL PARK
Old Oyo National Park is located in Southwest Nigeria in Oyo State. With an area of 2, 512km2, the park lies between latitudes 8° 101’ and 9°051’N and longitudes 3° 00′ and 4°.02’E. It derives its name from the ruins of Oyo Ile, the capital of the ancient Oyo Empire.
Most of the park is low-lying plain, from 300m – 500m above sea level at its highest. Notable hills in the park are Yemoso, Gbogun and Kosomonu. The park is drained in the south by Owu, Owe and Ogun Rivers and in the north by River Tessi.
The park experiences the wet and dry seasons. The rainy season begins from April-September with the peak in July/August. The annual rainfall in the park ranges between 900mm-1500mm. The dry season begins from October – March. The annual temperature ranges between 30°C and 37°C depending on the season.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
The park is rich in flora and fauna resources. The flora assemblage consists of dense guinea savanna woodland complex. Woody plant species include Carmel’s foot, Tallow tree, Pin cushion, Baobab, Bush willow, Senegal basari, Cat’s eye, Wild custard apple, Shittim wood, Akee, Silk cotton, Confetti tree, Velvet bush willow, Sycamore fig, Borreassus palm, Bamboo, Sand paper, Castor Ringworm shrub, Bonkey ball, Asthma herb, Broom weed, Siam weed and Mexican tea among others.
Fauna species in the park are Roan Antelope, Grey duiker, Patas monkey, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Warthog, Kob, Buffalo, Western hartebeest, reptiles, birds and insects among others.
ACCESSIBILITY:
A network of fairly tarred roads surrounds the park, making it easily accessible. Travel time from the Head Office in Oyo town to the Akoto is about 3hours (135km) and 4hours to Igboho (228km).
Ibadan – Iseyin — Sepeteri gate is access route from the south.
Ilorin- Igbeti – Jokoro- Tessi Garuba/Apata from the northeast.
Kaiama-Kishi-Soro gate is access route from the northwest.
Yashikira- Kosubosu-Igboho-Alaguntan is access from Benin Republic.
Closest airports are in Ibadan and Ilorin.
VISITING SEASON
The park is accessible all year. However, for visits to Oyo-Ile ruins and Koso the dry season period, November to June is advised. 4Wheel Drive vehicles are also recommended for visit to these sites.
VISITOR FACILITIES:
The park has 18 chalets, a 40 bed students’ hostel and a standard restaurant at Akoto Base Camp. It also has 4 chalets each in Oyo and Ikoyi-Ile towns, a 30-seater tourist bus, an Activity Centre as well as a Natural History Museum. Facilities for boating and sport fishing are available at Ikere Gorge Dam.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
Guided tours on wilderness/wildlife viewing, Koso and Oyo-ile ruins and Natural History Museum. Others are conferencing, wedding/birthday/funeral receptions, canoeing/boating on Ikere Lake and Ibuya Pool, bird watching and the Yemoso Hill.
Old Oyo offfers cozy environments for sporting and social events
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Tourists to Old Oyo can also visit the royal cemeteries at Igboho and Bara, the Antete Shrine at Ikoyi-Ile ( a pot containing bees said to be used as weapon during tribal wars), the Asabari Shrine, the Ibuya Pool in the park( said to have healing properties on Fridays). Arts and crafts centres in Oyo, Isheyin, Igbeti and Igboho are some areas worth visiting too.
LOCAL CUISINE
Amala, eba, pouded yam, elubo and agidi with ewedu, gbegiri, egusi and efo riro are the traditional servings found around the park communities. There is also jollof and white rice with palm oil stew.
SHOPPING
Local markets dot the park in Sepeteri, Ikoyi, Oyo, Isheyin, Igboho and Igbeti from which tourists can shop for items like pottery, calabash and wood carvings, traditional musical instruments, aso oke and adire clothes and textiles, leather works, metal works, raphia and cane works, and sculpture and painting works among others.
TOURISM EVENTS CALENDAR AROUND THE PARK
Egungu masquerade festival- July, Sango festival – August, Obatala, Ogun, Oya, and Osa-oke festivals – July/August, Oro, Oranyan festivals – September, Asabari festival – and Antete festival –variable.
KAMUKU
NATIONAL PARK
Kamuku National Park was established in 1999 and is located in Kaduna State with a land area of 1,121km2. The park is 15km or 40 minutes drive from the Park’s Head office in Birnin Gwari. It is situated between latitudes 10o30’ and 11010’N and longitudes 6o20’ and 6o30’E.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
The vegetation is typically Sudan Savanna closed canopy woodland complex and is rich in biodiversity comprising about 19 species of mammals, 177 species of birds as well as insects, reptiles, and other classes of life-forms.
Some of its flora species are Isobelinia tomentosa, Afzilia africana, Daniella oliviera, Detarium macrocapum, Raphia, Andropogon gayanus, Penisetum purpereum, among others.
Western hartebeest is the star fauna species of the park. Other faunas include elephant, patas monkey, roan, bushbuck, reedbuck, baboon, duiker, oribi and warthog. Over 200 species of resident and intra-African migrant birds such as Secretary bird, Neotic derham, Bucorvus abyssinicus as well as reptiles, fishes and insects inhabit the park’s ecosystem.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Visitors can access the park through:
Kaduna — Birnin Gwari or Sokoto – Funtua – Birnin Gwari.
From Northeast access is through:
Jos — Kaduna — Birnin Gwari.
From the Southwest access is through:
Mokwa — Tegina — Birnin Gwari.
From the Southeast and Southsouth access is through:
Abuja -Kaduna – Birnin Gwari.
Kaduna International Airport is the closest.
VISITING SEASON
Kamuku National Park is open all year. However, the best period to visit is November – May when visibility and road condition are best.
VISITOR FACILITIES
The park has 18 chalets, restaurant, bar and Events Centre in Birnin Gwari. It equally has a primitive camp site for adventure tourists. Other facilities are Gym, Badminton, Table Tennis and Snooker.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
Visitors to Kamuku National Park have a bouquet of adventure packages they can choose from – park viewing, bird watching, camping, tour of Natural History Museum, tour of geomorphologic sites such as Dogon Ruwa falls, Tsaunin Rema, Kwakwa Shida palms, Goron Dutse inselberg, and cultural sites such as Parnono shrine and Kade Mainono.
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Visitors can also visit the Emir’s palace, experience the durbar in Zaria and birding at Bagoma Dam.
LOCAL CUISINE
Savour the Birnin Gwari local cuisine – tuwon dawa with gwangwale soup, dame porridge, kahuka and jigira specials.
SHOPPING
You can also shop in the local markets in Birnin Gwari. Takeaways include handmade leather works, metal works, beads, decorated mats, and wood carvings.
TOURISM EVENTS CALENDAR AROUND THE PARK
Visitors may also plan to visit and experience: the popular CampFire nigt- December 31, Kamuku Day-May ( alternated annually between Niger and Kaduna states), Atyap festival (Kataf)- December, Afan festival(Kagoro)-1st January,
OKOMU
NATIONAL PARK
Okomu National Park is located in Edo State and was upgraded to a national park in 1999. It lies between latitudes 6°.15’and 6°25’N and longitudes 5°9’and 5023’E. It is bounded in the west by the Okomu River and in the northeast and south by a series of transect lines. With an area of 202.24sq.km, it is the smallest national park in Nigeria.
FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES
Okomu National Park is endowed with a rich population of biodiversity some of which are endemic either to the park or to the region.
Some of the fauna populations include the Short-snouted Crocodile, pygmy hippopotamus, White – throated Monkey, Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo, Red River Hog, Yellow-backed Duiker, Red-capped Mangabey, Monitor Lizard etc. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the Park. Some of them are African Grey Parrot, Helmeted Guinea fowl
Emerald splendour of the rainforest ecosystem of Okomu National Park
ACCESSIBILITY:
The park is 38km from Benin City and can be accessed from Lagos through:
Lagos- Okada Junction-Udo.
From the Southeast through:
Onitsha – Okada Junction-Udo.
From the North through: Abuja -Lokoja – Benin – Udo.
The closest airport is in Benin.
VISITING SEASON
The park is open all year, however the best time to visit is October to April during the dry season when the road condition and park visibility are favourable. The use of 4 wheel drive vehicles is also advised, especially during the rainy season.
VISITOR FACILITIES:
The park has 28 chalets, a restaurant which doubles as a mini conference centre, and a swimming pool, in Arakhuan Base Camp. It has also a 140 foot high Tree House, a 30m aerial walkway and a hanging bridge across the Arakhuan stream.
Tourists to Okomu National Park have a range of treats to savour from. Game viewing, Tree House climbing, a dip in the swimming pool and Rivers Osse and Okomu, bird watching, sport fishing, picnicking, wilderness experience, canoeing on Rivers Osse and Okomu, visit to Odighi Pond and canopy rambling on the aerial walkway.
Tourists taking a dip in the pool
Bird watching and game viewing are rewarding pastimes in the park
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE PARK
Visitors can also tour the Arakhuan statue, Emotan statue, Udinoro Uselu historical site (Oba’s coronation rally), Inikorogha picnic beach, ancient Bini Moat (UNESCO site), Bini Museum of Natural History, Ulokozomo cultural site, Ekpoleke cultural site and visit to the Oba’s palace among others.
The Arakhuan statue in Udoh
LOCAL CUISINE
Pounded yam with egusi soup, plantain with owoh, emieke, akah, akasah and uloko, iyan, eba and ohah are some of the local delicacies on offer in the park area.
SHOPPING
Visitors to Okomu National Park can shop for souvenirs from the local markets of Udo and Iguobazuwa. Items from these markets include traditional beads and caps, Bini bronze carvings, drums and gongs, ivory masks, wood carvings, brass and metal works, raphia/cane crafts, etc.
CALENDAR OF TOURISM EVENTS AROUND THE PARK
Igue festival – lask week in December, Easter holiday – March/April, Christmas holiday – 25/26 December, Iselogbe festival – December/January, Ekpo festival- November, Akhue festival (sport) – dry season, Ewuwu masquerade festival- October, Ugivie festival (decoration of outstanding personalities) – December, Evben (wrestling) festival –December, Ewere (blessing of heroes) festival – December, Ihure (soil fertility) festival – October, Ikpoleki (remembrance of traditional deities) festival – October, Eho (remembrance of departed souls/new yam) festival – 1st October, Inikorogha beach picnic – December, Eguayioba (migration of crown prince to Ogbe as the Oba) festival – December, Ague (fasting) festival –March, Stakeholders’ campfire – December.
REACHING US
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, HEADQUARTERS
Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway,
PMB 0258, Garki, Abuja,
GSM: 08082515957; 08112907916
E-mail: consgenparks_@hotmail.com
nigeriaparks_headquarters@hotmail.com
nigeriaparks_headquarters@yahoo.com
KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK
PMB 1372, New Bussa, Niger State,
GSM: 07034920125
E-mail: nigeriaparks_kainji@hotmail.com
GASHAKA GUMTI NATIONAL PARK
30B Mubi Road, Sadru House,
PO Box 554, Yola, Adamawa State,
GSM: 08084778205,
E-mail: nigeriaparks_gashakagumti@hotmail.com
nigeriaparks_gashakagumti@yahoo.com
CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK
PMB 1028, Housing Estate, Calabar, Cross River State,
GSM: 08037929263,
E-mail: nigeriaparks_crossriver@hotmail.com
nigeriaparks_crossriver@yahoo.com
CHAD BASIN NATIONAL PARK
PMB 1026, Maiduguri, Borno State,
GSM: 08027843470,
E-mail: nigeriaparks_chadbasin@hotmail.com
nigeriaparks_chadbasin@yahoo.com
OLD OYO NATIONAL PARK
PMB 1033, Oyo, Oyo state,
GSM: 09065152950; 09075602495; 08096168829,
E-mail: nigeriaparks_oldoyo@hotmsil.com
KAMUKU NATIONAL PARK
PMB 002, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State,
GSM: 08093017706
E-mail: nigeriaparks_kamuku@hotmail.com
OKOMU NATIONAL PARK
Arakhuan-Udo, PMB 1329, Benin City, Edo State,
GSM: 08166548556; 08144607936; 07069666450
E-mail: nigeriaparks_okomu@hotmail.com