Kainji National Park, National park in Niger State, Nigeria
Kainji is a large protected area divided into two sectors separated by a reservoir. The landscape consists of savanna woodland, combining two formerly independent reserves into one connected system.
The area became a national park in 1979, bringing two existing reserves under one comprehensive management system. This step marked a turning point for conservation efforts in Nigeria.
Local fishermen around the lake maintain traditional techniques that have adapted to fit within the park's conservation rules. Visitors can observe these practices directly while traveling by boat across the water.
The Borgu sector is easiest to visit between December and June, when water levels drop and animals gather near remaining water sources. You will need a boat or jeep to reach different parts of this divided landscape.
African manatees inhabit the waters of the reservoir, large gentle mammals that are rarely spotted from a boat. Catching a glimpse of these creatures makes a boat ride across the lake memorable.
Inception: 1979
GPS coordinates: 10.36840,4.55472
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Nigeria encompasses waterfalls, historic sites, national parks, and archaeological locations that document the country's natural and cultural heritage. The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Sukur Cultural Landscape are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while geological formations like the Olumo Rock in Abeokuta and Idanre Hills shape the region's topography. The ancient Kano City Walls demonstrate the city's historic role as a trading center. National parks and reserves such as Gashaka Gumti, Yankari Game Reserve, and Okomu National Park protect diverse ecosystems ranging from savanna to rainforest. The Afi Wildlife Sanctuary shelters endangered primate species. Natural phenomena include the Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti, where warm and cold water converge, and Ebonyi Salt Lake, which offers rare geological features. Waterfalls including Erin Ijesha, Owu, and Gurara draw visitors to forested regions. Archaeological sites like Nok Village, known for terracotta figures dating to the first millennium BC, and the Alok Ikom Monoliths in Cross River State document ancient civilizations. The Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River provides access to highland areas. Coastal regions include the Epe Mangroves and beaches such as Tarkwa Bay and Eleko near Lagos, while cultural facilities like the Nike Art Gallery and National War Museum in Umuahia present historical and artistic collections.
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