Yankari National Park

Yankari National Park is a large protected area in Bauchi State made up of open grasslands, wetlands, and thick vegetation at moderate elevation. The landscape includes rivers and natural water sources that support a variety of habitats for wildlife.

The area started as a game reserve and was later upgraded to national park status, giving wildlife much stronger legal protection. This change reflected growing recognition of the need to safeguard the region's animals and their habitats.

The park holds meaning for local communities as a place where wildlife has been protected and respected for generations. Visitors walking through the landscape can see how people have learned to coexist with the animals that live there.

The main accommodation and dining hub is Wikki Camp, which sits centrally within the park and serves as a good base for visitors. The best time to visit is during the dry season when wildlife is easier to spot and the landscape is more accessible.

The park contains natural warm springs that bubble up from underground, creating pools where visitors can swim and relax. These thermal springs are an unusual feature that sets this place apart from other wildlife reserves in the region.