Yankari Game Reserve

Yankari Game Reserve is a large wildlife reserve in Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria known for savanna mammals and a range of habitats, including woodlands and riverine areas. The reserve covers several thousand square kilometres and is one of Nigeria’s best-known wildlife areas.

Populations of African elephant and other savanna species, long seasonal grasslands and several permanent water sources that attract wildlife; the Wikki Warm Spring is a notable permanent warm-water pool popular with visitors. Game drives, guided walks and birdwatching are common visitor activities.

The reserve was established in the mid-20th century and has been managed as a protected area since then, with infrastructure added for tourism and wildlife management over the decades. Conservation and tourism efforts have aimed to maintain populations of large mammals and protect key habitats.

Yankari lies in a lowland plateau area of Bauchi State, roughly 200 kilometres southwest of the state capital Bauchi and about 530 kilometres northeast of Abuja, surrounded by savanna and agricultural land.

• When to see wildlife: Best wildlife sightings typically occur at dawn and dusk when large mammals come to water; late dry season often concentrates animals around waterholes.
• Visitor facilities: Reserve facilities include a visitor centre and camps; guided game drives and walking tours are the usual ways to explore the reserve.

What to See #

• Wikki Warm Spring: A perennial warm-water spring forming a clear pool used for swimming and recreation inside the reserve; the spring is a major visitor attraction and is accessible from the main camps.