Yankari

About this Destination

Yankari Game Reserve is the crown jewel of Nigerian eco-tourism and arguably the most significant wildlife sanctuary in West Africa. Spanning over 2,244 square kilometers of pristine Sudan Savannah, the reserve was originally created as a game preservation area in 1956 and later upgraded to a national park. It serves as a vital refuge for Nigeria's remaining megafauna, hosting the largest surviving elephant population in the country.

A safari through Yankari offers the chance to see a breathtaking array of wildlife, including African bush elephants, olive baboons, patas monkeys, roan antelopes, and occasionally, the elusive West African lion. The landscape is a mix of rolling hills, woodland savanna, and vital river networks that sustain the ecosystem during the intense dry seasons.

However, the absolute highlight for many visitors is the Wikki Warm Springs. Filtered through limestone rocks, the spring water is remarkably crystal clear, boasting a vibrant turquoise hue, and remains at a constant, soothing 31°C (88°F) year-round. After a long, dusty safari, swimming in the warm, naturally purified waters of the Wikki Spring under the canopy of ancient trees is an experience unlike any other.