YANKARI NATIONAL PARK

Yankari National Park, one of six national parks in Nigeria, started as a game reserve in 1956. It was upgraded to the status of a national park by the Federal Government in 1991.

Topography
Most of the park lying in rolling hilly country point on the Gaji River at its exit, ranges between 200 meters above sea level at the lowest point and 640m at the highest point, east of Kariyo Hill. Most of the uplands rise between 250m and 400m, and some rocky hills in the north, west and south of the park rise up to 50m above their surroundings.

Climate
The park experiences an average annual rainfall of between 900mm and 1000mm, falling from May through September with the highest rain falling in August. Temperatures are moderate between 18 degrees C and 35 degrees C. The dry season begins in early October. The harmattan period lasts from November through February during which night temperatures can be as low as 12 degrees C. The hottest period is March and April, when daytime temperatures average between 30 degrees C and 42 degrees C.

Fauna
Yankari National Park has rich variety and numbers of wild animals including more than 50 species of mammals such as anubis baboon, patas monkey, tantalus monkey, warthog, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, caracal, serval, spotted hyena, striped hyena, jackals, elephants, buffalos, roan antelope, bubal hartebeest, waterbucks, bushbucks Grimm’s duiker, oribi and red-flanked duiker. Seven species of large mammals have become locally extinct since the area was first created as a game reserve. These are African hunting dog, cheetah, giraffe, western kob, korrigum, red-fronted gazelle and bohor reedbuck. More than 350 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Of these, 130 are residents, 50 are paleartic migrants, and the rest are intra-African migrants or those who move locally within Nigeria. There have been few studies of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and insects. Nevertheless, 26 species of fish, seven species of amphibians and 17 species of reptiles have been identified so far. The African rock python, the Nile crocodile and the Nile monitor are quite common.

Tourist facilities
Yankari National Park has many facilities for visitors to enjoy. There are guided park tours to view wildlife and other interesting features either from the park’s open trucks or visitors’ private vehicles. Swimming and boating as well as sport fishing can be enjoyed in the Wikki Spring. Wildlife can also be viewed and photographed from a hideaway at Daban Maje natural saltlick. There is a campground at Wikki Camp. There is also a museum and organized free lectures on conservation.

Bookings
Intending visitors are encouraged to book accommodations in advance, particularly during public holidays.

Accommodations
Visitor accommodations are provided in traditionally styled and modestly furnished, air-conditioned chalets. Low-income student hostel accommodations are also available. There is a conference facility, a modern restaurant and bar as well as a discotheque. There is potable water, electricity and satellite television.