5 Breathtaking National Parks in Nigeria to Spend the Christmas Holiday

There is a noticeable excitement in the air already as the Christmas season is here already. It’s a time when families gather together for festive celebrations and create unforgettable memories.

The big question for you now is: where exactly do you go to have fun with family and friends and spend the Christmas holidays? The truth is that there are many great places to spend the Christmas holiday. But what if you considered spending Christmas surrounded by the beauty of nature in one of Nigeria’s stunning national parks?

Sounds like a very good idea, right? In this article, we will explore five breathtaking national parks in Nigeria where you can spend this Christmas holiday.

1. Yankari National Park

The Yankari National Park is located in Bauchi State and stands as Nigeria’s most popular national park. It was originally established as a game reserve in 1956 and later designated as a national park in 1991.

This expansive park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, baboons, and numerous antelope species.

One of the standout attractions of Yankari is the Wikki Warm Springs, which flows at a constant temperature of about 31°C. This natural spring offers visitors a refreshing spot to swim and relax amidst the stunning scenery.

In addition to the warm springs, the park is home to ancient sandstone cisterns carved by former inhabitants for water storage, as well as the Marshall Caves, which contain fascinating rock paintings.

It will interest you to know that the Yankari National Park is particularly famous for housing the largest surviving population of elephants in Nigeria. If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, the park provides numerous opportunities for wildlife observation, guided tours, and hiking.

Furthermore, the park’s well-maintained infrastructure ensures that visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature while having access to essential amenities.

SEE ALSO: 7 Stunning Beach Resorts in Lagos to Celebrate Christmas

2. Cross River National Park

Cross River National Park is a beautiful natural reserve located in Cross River State, Nigeria. It was established in 1991 and spans approximately 4,000 square kilometers and is recognized as Nigeria’s largest closed-canopy rainforest.

This park is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity. It is home to 16 different primate species and that includes the endangered Cross River gorilla and the elusive Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee.

Its rainforests are filled with vibrant flora and fauna, and visitors can expect to see various wildlife, such as  forest elephants, drills, leopards, and numerous bird species. Also, the park features rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 150 meters in the southern lowlands to about 1,700 meters on the Obudu Plateau.

In this park, you can embark on guided hikes through picturesque trails that wind through the rainforest. This offers you a chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Birdwatching is also popular here, with many rare species using the park as home. Accommodations are available within or near the park; hence, you have little to no worries if you decide to spend more days and have fun with your friends and family.

3. Gashaka Gumti National Park

The Gashaka Gumti National Park is a breathtaking natural reserve located in northeastern Nigeria and spans across the borders of Taraba and Adamawa states.

It was established in 1991 and covers an impressive area of approximately 6,731 square kilometers. The park features a remarkable mix of habitats, which includes montane forests, savannah grasslands, and lowland rainforests. Its landscape is characterized by rolling hills, steep escarpments, and the majestic Chappal Waddi.

Gashaka Gumti serves as a crucial water catchment area for the Benue River, thereby ensuring a steady flow even during dry seasons. The park is home to an incredible array of wildlife and some of Nigeria’s most endangered species. Visitors can spot animals such as lions, leopards, and elephants. Also, it is recognized as one of West Africa’s most important habitats for primates, hosting various species, including monkeys and baboons.

4. Kainji National Park

The Kainji National Park was established in 1978 and is one of Nigeria’s most significant national parks. The park covers an expansive area of approximately 5,341 square kilometers (2,062 square miles). It is located in both Niger and Kwara States and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife.

The park is divided into three main sectors: Kainji Lake, which was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam in 1968; the Borgu Game Reserve; and the Zugurma Game Reserve.

The geography of Kainji National Park is characterized by rolling hills, expansive plains, and incised river channels that slope gently towards the River Niger valley.

Visitors can encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and various antelope species such as kob and bushbuck. The park is also home to around 180 bird species, and that includes the secretary bird, ground hornbill, and great white pelican.

It has been designated as a Lion Conservation Unit in collaboration with Yankari National Park, highlighting its importance in protecting endangered species. Accommodations are available nearby, and this makes it convenient for visitors to enjoy extended stays while exploring the park.

5. Old Oyo National Park

The Old Oyo National Park is a remarkable natural reserve located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, primarily spanning across Oyo State and extending into Kwara State. It was established in 1991 and covers an impressive area of approximately 2,512 square kilometers (970 square miles).

The park also reflects the heritage of the ancient Oyo Empire due to its rich historical and archaeological significance. It derives its name from Oyo-Ile, which was the former capital of the Oyo Empire that thrived between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Also, it houses numerous relics from that era, such as the remnants of city walls, the Akesan Market, and the Alaafin’s Palaces. The park features four main types of vegetation: dense woodland in the southeast, mixed open savanna in the central region, outcrop vegetation in the northeast, and riparian grasslands along rivers such as Ogun, Owe, and Tessi. This diversity supports a wide range of wildlife habitats.

Furthermore, the park is home to an array of wildlife species and visitors may encounter elephants, buffaloes, various antelope species (including western kob and roan antelope), baboons, and even endangered species like the painted hunting dog. The park also hosts over 100 bird species, and this includes notable ones like the African fish eagle, grey hornbill, and guinea fowl.

There are lots of fun activities and wildlife viewing is a major attraction. You can also have opportunities for guided tours that allow for close encounters with animals in their natural habitats. Also, birdwatching is popular due to the park’s rich avian diversity. You’re also free to explore the historical sites within the park. The park’s administrative office is located along the Oyo-Iseyin road, where visitors can obtain information and book accommodations.

Conclusion

This Christmas season, you should consider trading traditional festive activities for an unforgettable adventure in one of Nigeria’s breathtaking national parks. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, these parks will definitely offer you a wholesome and exciting experience.

Which of these parks have you visited or which would you love to visit? Let us know in the comments.