Yankari National Park

Yankari covers around 2,200 square kilometres of Guinea savanna woodland in Bauchi State, and it holds the largest remaining elephant population in Nigeria, estimated at a few hundred animals, along with baboon, patas monkey, waterbuck, roan antelope, bushbuck, hippo in the Gaji river and a long bird list. Poaching has reduced the larger species considerably and lion and buffalo numbers have fallen sharply. The centre of the park is Wikki Warm Spring, water at around thirty-one degrees emerging from a sandstone cliff into a clear pool some two hundred metres long, deep enough to swim in and open day and night. Wikki camp beside it provides the accommodation.

What you actually see

• Wikki Warm Spring - the clear warm pool below the sandstone cliff.
• Elephants - the herds, seen on drives when timing is right.
• Savanna woodland - the wooded grassland of the park interior.
• The Gaji river - the watercourse with hippo and waterbirds.

When to go

November to April in the dry season, when animals concentrate at water and tracks are passable; March and April are hottest but give the best sightings. The rains close much of the park. Drives run early morning and late afternoon.

Honest expectations

Poaching has reduced wildlife numbers and sightings are far from guaranteed; elephants move seasonally. Accommodation at Wikki camp is basic and has been through periods of neglect. Game drives are in park vehicles at set times, and the park is a long drive from Bauchi town.

Nearby

Bauchi town lies west; Jos is southwest.