Yankari National Park

Introducing Yankari National Park

Yankari, 225km east of Jos, is Nigeria’s best national park (admission N300, camera permit N100-1000) for observing wildlife. The park still holds reasonable numbers of buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck and plenty of baboons. The biggest draw is the 500-strong population of elephant and it’s possible that lion may also survive. The bird-watching is excellent.

The best time to see animals is from late December to late April, before the rains, when the thirsty animals congregate at the Gaji River. You’re permitted to drive your own vehicle if you take a guide, otherwise the park has a safari truck that takes two-hour tours (N300) at 7.30am and 3.30pm daily.

Yankari’s other attraction is the Wikki Warm Spring (admission N200), near the park camp site. The crystal-clear water is a constant 31°C, forming a lake 200m long and 10m wide. Bring your swimming gear – the spring is a real highlight and shouldn’t be missed.

The Wikki Warm Springs Hotel (077 542174; camping per person N500, bungalows N1730-3450; ) is set high above the spring and has a serene view over the lush area. There’s a decent restaurant and bar.

You can get to the park gate at Mainamaji by minibus from Bauchi (N600, five hours). After paying the entrance fee, you’ll need to arrange transport to the camp – around N2800 in a taxi or N1000 by okada.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009