Explore Nigeria’s exiting parks, ranches

There is a saying that “when you are in Nigeria, you can never be bored”! as a first time visitor or not, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Nigeria. From history through art and culture to the outdoors, pieces of attractive natural endowments are uncountable. Nigeria is one of the […]

There is a saying that “when you are in Nigeria, you can never be bored”! as a first time visitor or not, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Nigeria. From history through art and culture to the outdoors, pieces of attractive natural endowments are uncountable. Nigeria is one of the hot destinations in West Africa of tourism in historical monuments, cultural activities, clubbing and great food.

There are various tourists and interesting destinations to visit in Nigeria from parks, ranches to exciting resorts. Yankari Game Reserve is one that quickly comes to mind whenever interesting parks to be visited in Nigeria are mentioned. This national park is the biggest and most popular in the couintry. It is located around the Gagi River. It is home to the majestic African elephants, hippopotamus, crocodiles, baboons, roan antelope, buffalo, water bucks and bush bucks. If lucky, one can also spot lions. Wikki Warm Springs is one of the main attractions which with flood lit light and lovely warm water to bath at night. The water there is approximately 6 feet deep and warm. There are also many types of birds like Goliath heron, kingfishers, vultures etc.

The accommodation available is very basic with the environment quite serene and conducive for the desired relaxation to cool stressed nerves. It is also an ideal place for bird watchers because the variety of birds here are said to be outstanding.

Another interesting park to explore when in Nigeria is the Old Oyo National Park. A visit to this old Yoruba Empire reveals the Oyo’s Old Portuguese style houses. The park derives its name from the ruins of Oyo-lle (Old Oyo) the ancient political capital of Yoruba Empire. The unique ecosystem and historical relics were converted to Game Reserves in 1952 and finally upgraded to the status of a National Park.

This park is rich in fauna and flora resources, significant species of which are Buffoon, Buffaloes and a wide range of birds. It is also in the middle of a vibrant community rich in tradition and cultural heritage. It has chalets, tourists’ camps, restaurants, boating and fishing facilities.

If you are in Nigeria for an adventurous holiday, Obudu Ranch is the place to be. Here you can find deep wooded valleys and amazing waterfalls. Gorilla camp is one of the main attractions here. There are a lot of gorillas in their natural habitat. Hikers can have as many trips on horseback as they wish. Best time to visit would be between October and December. After December thunder storms make it impossible for those who go there to go out and explore but the serene atmosphere is a sight to behold when visitors are relaxing in one of the chalets on the ranch.

For nature lovers the sight of Okomu National Park instantly brings a sense of relaxation and belonging. For the past three decades that it has been a fully protected area, Okomu, a Guinea lowland rainforest habitat measuring about 220 square km, has remained a priceless conservation enclave and one of the foremost ecotourism destinations in the country. Located in Arakhuan, Ovia southwest local government area, about 50 minutes motor distance from Benin, the Edo State capital, the forest has a glossary of diverse plant and animal species of great importance, as well as ecotourism and educational facilities.

Chad Basin National Park, located between Borno and Yobe States are internationally acclaimed as congregation site for migrant birds coming all the way from Europe. The park is a refurbished tourist attraction and has played host to royalties in the past, like the Prince Philip of Britain. It also has some rare desert life like giraffe, ostrich, red footed gazelle and more.

The Cross River National Park is also one tourist site that one cannot afford to ignore. The National Park is a wild life with hundreds of animals and birds. The park is known for its naturally preserved inhabitants and it is one of the many natural attractions in Nigeria. It offers activities to keep tourist engaged as they indulge themselves in nature. The park is a place to see some of Africa’s greatest animals such as lions, hippos, gorillas, drill chimpanzee, monkeys and antelopes.

A visit to any of these parks or ranches will leave an unforgettable experience of Nigeria and an opportunity to come back for more of these exciting adventures of indulgence in nature.