Yankari Game Reserve

Yankari was created as a game reserve in 1956, but later designated Nigeria’s biggest national park in 1991. In 2006 it lost its national park status.

Its location in the heartland of the West African savanna makes it a unique way for tourists to watch wildlife in its natural habitat.

It is the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria and, as such, plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tourism and ecotourism in Nigeria. It is also one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa.

As of 2021:

• Child or students: ₦800
• Adult: ₦2000

Visitors and tourists to the nature park will get to view wildlife on foot. Guided tours and safari vehicles are also available. Private cars aren't allowed into the park. In addition, the rental car service of a Savana jeep (for touring) isn't offered at the park as of December 2021, but the service might be included in the near future.

Yankari Game Reserve has natural tourism sites and attractions such as:

• 🌍 Wikki Warm Springs. 24 hour. A simply beautiful place inside Yankari resort. The spring is clear a bit warm with a temperature that is constant great place for water games and swimming. (updated Jun 2021)
• Marshall caves
• Dukkey wells
• Anfara Iron Smelting Site

As a tourist, there are a number of activities you can indulge in while at Yankari Game Reserve, such as:

• Visiting the Museum
• Having a warm swim in the Wikki Warm Spring
• Sightseeing the beautiful natural landscape
• Sports Game
• Go to the Dukkey wells, Marshall Caves, and Anfara Iron smelting site

There is mini-supermarket within the park to enable tourists buy basic day-to-day toiletries and materials needed during their stay, markets and stores can also be found in the community around Yankari Game Reserve located in Bauchi state.

Unless you are in a supermarket or restaurant/bar with fixed prices, you will be expected to negotiate the price you pay for an item down to the lowest the vendor would sell. Hawkers usually camp at a spot selling anything from fresh food items like tomatoes, fishes, vegetables, potatoes to drinks. Expect any high-end clothing and accessories brand names (Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton, etc.) in these informal markets to be fake, and should you wish to purchase them aim for a very low price. Shopping at the local market is usually done with cash as they don't have POS machine for cashless transactions, supermarkets, restaurant/bar accepts cashless transaction such as POS and money transfer.

If you hold a Visa, MasterCard credit/debit card you can withdraw cash in Naira from various ATMs around Bauchi state. Most banks' ATMs accept both Visa and Mastercards.

Foreign currencies such as U.S. dollars, pounds sterling, or euros are best exchanged in Lagos before heading down to Bauchi state, but for safety, foreign currencies can also be exchanged at banks located in Bauchi state. In Lagos, there are various places for foreign currency exchange usually located near large hotels and the airport. These are not formal bureaux de change and you will need to negotiate the exchange rate. It is strongly recommended that you count your money in front of the exchanger, and don't be afraid to walk away if you are not happy with the deal. Be wary of your safety in money-changing areas, and take care to make sure you are not followed when leaving them.

There are formal bureaux de change in the various banks that can be found both in Lagos and Borno state, and you can rest assured about transacting with them, although their rates may be slightly higher or lower than the rates outside.

The Reserve has a restaurant that caters to the diet needs of tourists. The Restaurants offer both local and international dishes. Tourists can either decide to eat at the indoor restaurant or eat in their rooms. Feeding varies from ₦1,000 per meal and more for a banquet.

The reserve also has a bar that caters to the drinks needs of tourists.

There are accommodations made available within Yankari Game Reserve.

• 🌍 Wikki Hotel, Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi, ☏ +234 902 733 2226, info@yankarigamereserve.com.ng. ₦1,800 a night per bed for students to ₦236,000 for a corporate villa. (updated Dec 2021)
• Wikki Camp. The tourist centre of the park, about 42 km from the main entrance gate beside the Wikki warm spring. There are 110 furnished chalets with varying size and quality, ranging from suites to a youth hostel, all of which are being upgraded in phases. The camp also has a restaurant and bar. 

Beware of deals or businesses that sound too good to be true (especially e-mails soliciting your help), and do not openly flaunt your possessions, especially in public places.

While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late-night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups as against going out alone.

In addition, don't be scared when you are suddenly approached by someone begging you for money when touring the community, Bauchi state has its fair share of street beggars (both the old and young). If someone approaches Nigerians or tourists for money, you can decide if you want to slip a little change or not give anything at all, they are not entitled to your money, what most of them do is ignore the person or continue to walk at a brisk pace.

Large numbers of Fulani migrate to the region each year in search of grazing resources and frequently graze their cattle inside the reserve - displacing wildlife, be sure to keep save if this activity is taking place during your visit there.

There are police officers who are corrupt and inefficient so you should stick to places and people you know and avoid going anywhere without a trusted guide if it is the first visit.

Places you can visit when you leave the park

• Gongola River
• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium
• Unity Park
• Emir's Palace
• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University