Yankari National Park
Nigeria's premier wildlife reserve in Bauchi State, home to the largest concentration of elephants in West Africa, baboons, lions, and natural warm springs.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Bauchi State
- Area
- 2,244 km²
- Established
- 1956 (as game reserve), 1991 (national park)
- Key Wildlife
- Elephants, lions, baboons, hippos
- Notable Feature
- Wikki Warm Springs (31°C)
Overview
Yankari National Park is Nigeria's largest and most visited national park, located in Bauchi State in north-eastern Nigeria. Covering over 2,244 square kilometres, it is home to one of the largest elephant populations in West Africa, as well as lions, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Wikki Warm Springs
The park's most famous attraction is the Wikki Warm Springs, a natural thermal spring that maintains a constant temperature of 31°C (88°F) year-round. The clear, warm waters flow through a beautiful setting of gallery forest, making it one of the most spectacular natural swimming spots in Africa. The springs attracted Nigeria's first tourism development and continue to draw visitors from across the country.
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