Old Oyo National Park

Old Oyo National Park is a protected area in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, that combines savanna wildlife habitat with archaeological remains of the historic Oyo Empire. The park preserves both natural savanna ecosystems and the ruins of the former Oyo-Ile capital, which are of cultural and historical importance.

Visitors to the park can see archaeological remains associated with the old Oyo capital alongside opportunities for wildlife observation in woodland and grassland habitats. The site is significant for cultural heritage tourism as well as for conservation of regional fauna and birdlife.

The park was created to protect the ecological landscape and to conserve the archaeological and historic sites connected to the Oyo Empire; it is managed as a national park under Nigerian conservation authorities.

Old Oyo National Park lies in Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, encompassing parts of the historic Oyo region and accessible from regional towns and roads serving the state.

• Cultural and natural values: The park protects both savanna ecosystems and archaeological sites linked to the historic Oyo Empire, making it a combined cultural and wildlife conservation area.
• Wildlife: Wildlife includes typical West African savanna species and birdlife; the park provides habitat for antelope, primates, and other savanna fauna within Oyo State.

What to See#

• Oyo-Ile ruins: The archaeological remains of Old Oyo (Oyo-Ile), the former capital of the Oyo Empire, lie within the park and are a primary cultural attraction alongside wildlife and savanna landscapes.

• Aim to visit Old Oyo National Park in the dry season (roughly November-March) when roads are passable and wildlife visibility is higher.
• Hire a local guide or coordinate with the park authority to visit the archaeological ruins of Oyo-Ile inside the park-these historic sites are best seen with someone who knows the access routes and history.
• Confirm logistics and permissions with the Oyo State park office before you go; park entry points and internal roads can be difficult to navigate without up-to-date local information.