Gashaka-Gumti National ParkAbout Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Gashaka-Gumti National Park is a large protected area in Taraba State in northeastern Nigeria, established in 1991. It is Nigeria’s largest national park, covering about 6,402 square kilometres.
The park contains the country’s highest point, Chappal Waddi, which rises to 2,419 metres. Visitors go for multi-day trekking, wildlife viewing and birdwatching across montane forest, woodland and savanna habitats; the park supports populations of large mammals including elephants and chimpanzees.
The protected area includes extensive montane forests, river valleys and open grasslands, giving it high biodiversity and varied habitats across steep terrain and plains. Facilities and access are limited compared with major tourist parks, so visits are commonly arranged from local towns and require planning.
The park was formed from existing game reserves and was designated a national park in 1991, with conservation and management overseen by Nigeria’s national parks authority. Over time it has been managed to protect remaining populations of large mammals and montane ecosystems.
Located in the eastern highlands of Taraba State, the park borders Cameroon to the southeast and stretches across rugged terrain. Common access points and nearby settlements include Serti and local towns at the park perimeter; overland approaches are typically used rather than scheduled mass tourism.
- Chappal Waddi: Rises to 2,419 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in Nigeria; a primary destination for mountain trekking.
- Area: Approximately 6,402 square kilometres in area, making it the largest national park in Nigeria.
- Best time to visit: Dry season from November to March generally offers the best road access and wildlife visibility for visitors.
What to See#
- Gashaka sector: Covers the park’s northern highlands and contains montane forest and the highest peaks; base for trekking routes and mountain access.
- Gumti sector: Occupies the southern portion with savanna, river valleys and more open habitats used for game and bird watching.
- Serti: A local settlement that serves as a common access point and staging village near the park’s boundary.
Best Time to Visit Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Best visited in the dry season (roughly November to February) for clearer trails and better wildlife viewing; high-altitude areas can be cool year-round.
Weather & Climate near Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Gashaka-Gumti National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1482 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 17° - 32° | 24° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 34° | 26° | 4 mm | partly cloudy | 42% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 34° | 28° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 51% | 1.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 22° - 32° | 29° | 94 mm | overcast | 68% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 167 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 202 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.4h |
| July | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 259 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 275 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 268 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 20° - 30° | 25° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Ideal | 19° - 31° | 25° | 16 mm | mostly sunny | 70% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.7h |
| December | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 53% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
How to Get to Gashaka-Gumti National Park
The park is accessed from multiple entry points; the most common is from the town of Jalingo or the local hubs of Gashaka and Serti. Visitors typically travel by road from Jalingo (Taraba State capital) with a vehicle capable of rough roads, then arrange ranger or lodge-based transfers to trailheads. Local tour operators and the Nigeria National Park Service can advise current access routes and permit requirements.
Tips for Visiting Gashaka-Gumti National Park
- Hire a park ranger or accredited guide before entering - many valleys and trails are remote and require escort.
- Bring clothing for alpine to tropical conditions: the park ranges from gallery forest to montane heath on Chappal Waddi (Nigeria's highest peak at ~2,419 m).
- Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended; services are limited once inside the park.