Nigeria has several national parks that serve as protected areas for wildlife and biodiversity conservation. Here is a list of the national parks in Nigeria.
List of the National Parks in Nigeria 2025
(You can click the image below to see Nigeria National Parks map in full size)
1. Chad Basin National Park
📍 Location: Borno & Yobe States
🌿 Key Features:
- Made up of wetlands, sand dunes, and savannah.
- Important habitat for migratory birds, including pelicans and herons.
- Hosts rare species like red-fronted gazelles and ostriches.
🎯 Best for: Birdwatching, wildlife photography, and exploring desert landscapes.
2. Cross River National Park
📍 Location: Cross River State
🌿 Key Features:
- One of Nigeria’s most biodiverse areas with dense rainforests.
- Home to the Cross River gorilla, one of the world’s rarest primates.
- Other animals include chimpanzees, forest elephants, and drill monkeys.
- Divided into two sections: Oban and Okwangwo.
🎯 Best for: Jungle trekking, primate spotting, and conservation tourism.
3. Gashaka Gumti National Park
📍 Location: Taraba & Adamawa States
🌿 Key Features:
- Largest national park in Nigeria (about 6,731 km²).
- Home to Nigeria’s largest population of chimpanzees.
- Mountainous and rugged landscape with waterfalls and rivers.
- Popular among researchers and adventure tourists.
🎯 Best for: Hiking, wildlife research, and adventure tourism.
4. Kainji Lake National Park
📍 Location: Niger & Kwara States
🌿 Key Features:
- Consists of Borgu Game Reserve and Zugurma Game Reserve.
- Includes Kainji Lake, an artificial lake used for hydroelectric power.
- Home to elephants, hippos, lions, and crocodiles.
🎯 Best for: Boat cruises, fishing, and game viewing.
5. Kamuku National Park
📍 Location: Kaduna State
🌿 Key Features:
- Savannah habitat with scenic hills and woodlands.
- Rich in birdlife, including secretary birds and vultures.
- Home to antelopes, baboons, and warthogs.
🎯 Best for: Birdwatching, eco-tourism, and hiking.
6. Old Oyo National Park
📍 Location: Oyo State
🌿 Key Features:
- Features historic ruins of the Old Oyo Empire, including ancient walls and relics.
- Wildlife includes baboons, buffaloes, and hartebeests.
- Has rocky hills, caves, and river valleys.
🎯 Best for: History lovers, archaeology, and hiking.
7. Okomu National Park
📍 Location: Edo State
🌿 Key Features:
- A tropical rainforest reserve, one of the last in southern Nigeria.
- Home to endangered forest elephants and white-throated monkeys.
- Thick vegetation and swampy terrain make it a great spot for deep forest adventures.
🎯 Best for: Jungle exploration, conservation tourism, and wildlife photography.
8. Yankari National Park
📍 Location: Bauchi State
🌿 Key Features:
- Nigeria’s most famous national park and a top tourist destination.
- Has the largest population of elephants in Nigeria.
- Famous for the Wikki Warm Springs, a natural hot spring.
- Other wildlife includes lions, leopards, baboons, and buffaloes.
🎯 Best for: Safari tours, hot springs, and camping.
9. Oba Hills National Park
📍 Location: Osun State, Nigeria
🌿 Key Features:
- A relatively small and lesser-known national park in Nigeria.
- Characterized by rocky hills, thick forests, and savannah vegetation.
- Home to diverse bird species, antelopes, and small primates.
- Offers scenic landscapes ideal for hiking and eco-tourism.
🎯 Best for: Nature walks, birdwatching, and adventure hiking.
How to Visit
- Best Time: November to April (dry season for better accessibility).
- Access Point: Can be reached from major cities in Osun State, especially Osogbo.
Oba Hills National Park is not as developed as larger parks like Yankari or Cross River, but it’s great for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path nature experience.
Nigeria National Parks map
Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s national parks offer diverse experiences, from savannah safaris in Yankari to deep rainforest adventures in Cross River and historic ruins in Old Oyo.