Borgu Game Reserve, Game reserve in Niger State and Kwara State, Nigeria

Borgu Game Reserve is a protected wildlife area in northwestern Nigeria, spread across Niger State and Kwara State. It sits between the border with Benin to the west and Kainji Lake to the east, covering a mix of open grasslands and patches of woodland.

Borgu was managed as a separate game reserve before it merged with Zugurma Game Reserve in 1975 to form Kainji Lake National Park. That decision was part of a broader effort by Nigeria to bring several protected areas under a single national park structure.

Local people guide visitors through the land and share their knowledge of animals and plants living here. The way they manage the reserve shows their deep connection to these natural spaces.

Animals are easiest to spot in the early morning or late afternoon, so planning around those hours makes a real difference. The terrain is rough and tracks are unpaved, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended.

Although Borgu is now officially part of Kainji Lake National Park, it continues to be known and referred to by its original name. Visitors who travel through it often notice that it feels separate from the rest of the park, with its own character and landscape.

• GPS coordinates: 10.04100,4.06000
• Latest update: March 3, 2026 14:04