Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Gashaka-Gumti covers around 6,700 square kilometres in the southeast of Taraba against the Cameroon border, which makes it the largest protected area in Nigeria, and it runs from lowland savanna in the north to montane forest and grassland on the Gashaka side, climbing toward Chappal Waddi. The forest holds one of the more significant chimpanzee populations in West Africa, studied at the Gashaka Primate Project field station at Kwano, along with several other primates, buffalo, and a bird list past five hundred species. Rivers cut through the park and are crossed on foot. Infrastructure is minimal: park headquarters at Serti, basic camps, and long walks with rangers to reach the interior.

What you actually see

• Montane forest - the high forest on the Gashaka side of the park.
• Chimpanzees - the studied population, heard more often than seen.
• River crossings - the watercourses walked through on the trails.
• Savanna woodland - the lowland habitat in the Gumti sector.

When to go

November to March in the dry season, when tracks are passable and rivers fordable. The rains from May to October make much of the park unreachable. Early morning is best for primates and birds.

Honest expectations

Facilities are very basic and reaching the interior means multi-day walking with rangers and camping. Chimpanzee sightings are uncommon. Access roads are rough and the park is far from any city. Arrangements must be made in advance at Serti.

Nearby

The Mambilla plateau lies south; Chappal Waddi is on the border.