Akure Forest Reserve

Akure Forest Reserve is a large rainforest area in Ondo State with dense tree cover and rich plant and animal life. The forest is crisscrossed by natural paths and officially marked trails that let visitors move through different sections.

The reserve was established in 1936 to protect the natural resources of the region. It forms a connected network with neighboring forests that work together to safeguard the area's ecosystems.

Yoruba-speaking communities in this area have long used the forest for traditional medicine and rituals. Walking through the forest, you can sense how deeply these practices remain woven into local life today.

Enter the reserve with a local guide who knows the trails through dense forest and can point out wildlife. It is best to visit in early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active and light is better for seeing into the forest.

Within the reserve lies a special 600 hectare area called Queen's Plot that serves as a strictly protected research zone. This set-apart section focuses on scientific studies and protecting rare species found nowhere else in the broader forest.