10 Best Nature Reserves in Nigeria for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Nigeria is blessed with a variety of nature reserves that offer stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. For outdoor enthusiasts, these reserves provide the perfect settings for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, camping, and photography. Here are ten of the best nature reserves in Nigeria for those looking to connect with nature.

1. Yankari Game Reserve

Located in Bauchi State, Yankari Game Reserve is Nigeria’s premier wildlife and eco-tourism destination. Covering over 2,200 square kilometers, it is home to some of the most impressive wildlife species, including elephants, lions, and hippos. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy safari drives, birdwatching, and visits to the Wikki Warm Springs, where visitors can swim in the natural thermal pools.

2. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

In Cross River State, the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area renowned for its population of critically endangered Cross River gorillas, chimpanzees, and drills. The sanctuary is a hotspot for conservation and adventure tourism, offering challenging hiking trails through dense forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek up Afi Mountain and explore the diverse flora and fauna while supporting vital conservation efforts.

3. Okomu National Park

Okomu National Park in Edo State is a small but incredibly biodiverse reserve that offers a tranquil escape into nature. Known for its rainforest ecosystem, Okomu provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. It is home to endangered species such as forest elephants and white-throated monkeys. The park’s vast network of trails allows outdoor lovers to immerse themselves in the beauty of one of Nigeria’s last tropical rainforests.

4. Gashaka Gumti National Park

Gashaka Gumti National Park, located in Taraba and Adamawa States, is Nigeria’s largest national park, offering over 6,600 square kilometers of rugged terrain, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The park is ideal for adventurous outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the scenic mountain trails, spot wildlife like chimpanzees and leopards, and even climb Nigeria’s highest peak, Chappal Waddi.

5. Oluwa Forest Reserve

Oluwa Forest Reserve, located in Ondo State, is a significant part of Nigeria’s remaining lowland rainforests. This reserve offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore lush green forests filled with towering trees, exotic birds, and diverse wildlife. With its dense canopy and peaceful surroundings, the Oluwa Forest Reserve is perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and photography.

6. Lekki Conservation Centre

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a nature escape close to Lagos, Lekki Conservation Centre offers a serene environment. This urban nature reserve is home to monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Its highlight is the 401-meter-long canopy walkway—the longest in Africa—allowing visitors to walk among the treetops for a bird’s-eye view of the forest. Visitors can also explore the boardwalk, picnic areas, and a fish pond, making it ideal for a day of adventure and relaxation.

7. Cross River National Park

Cross River National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Nigeria, encompassing a rich array of flora and fauna. This park is a nature lover’s paradise, particularly the Okwangwo Division, which is known for its dense rainforests and pristine rivers. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through the jungle, go on guided birdwatching tours, and encounter rare species such as the Cross River gorilla, forest elephants, and hundreds of colorful butterflies.

8. Erin-Ijesha Waterfall and Forest Reserve

Located in Osun State, Erin-Ijesha Waterfall and Forest Reserve is a spectacular natural wonder with cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forests. The seven-tiered waterfall is perfect for hiking enthusiasts who can ascend from one level to the next while enjoying breathtaking views. The surrounding forest offers opportunities for nature walks and wildlife spotting. This destination is ideal for camping, picnicking, and swimming in the natural pools formed by the falls.

9. Kamuku National Park

Kamuku National Park, located in Kaduna State, is a hidden gem for outdoor adventurers looking for solitude and an authentic wilderness experience. Its diverse landscape, consisting of savannah woodlands and rolling hills, is perfect for trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The park is home to elephants, roan antelopes, and over 200 species of birds, making it a top destination for nature photographers and bird enthusiasts.

10. Nguru Wetlands

Nguru Wetlands, located in Yobe State, is part of the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, a Ramsar site recognized for its ecological importance. It’s one of the most critical bird habitats in West Africa, attracting migratory birds from Europe and Africa. Outdoor enthusiasts who love birdwatching will find this reserve particularly rewarding, with hundreds of species to spot, including pelicans, herons, and storks. The wetlands also offer opportunities for canoeing and nature photography, especially during the migratory season.

Nigeria’s nature reserves are a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities ranging from hiking and birdwatching to wildlife safaris and camping. Whether you’re scaling mountains in Gashaka Gumti or walking among the treetops in Lekki Conservation Centre, these reserves provide the perfect blend of adventure and serenity, showcasing the best of Nigeria’s natural beauty.