Yankari Game Reserve and Resort, also called Yankari National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Nigeria. A gem tucked away in Bauchi State, it gained national prominence in 2016 when its Governor, Mohammed Abubakar offered a free stay at Yankari National Park. A visit to Yankari game reserve will serve you well.
Have you signed up to #ExploreBauchi yet? We can't wait to give you the time of your life. https://t.co/PK6tvub4q4 pic.twitter.com/zaqwCPKWpz
— Bauchi State (@BauchiState) February 26, 2016
This wildlife park has a ton of features that make it the ultimate Nigerian touring destination. It is also kid-friendly, making it a family destination too. Here we list all the reasons you should immediately add visiting Yankari to your travel bucket list.
1. Multiple Species of Wildlife:
Per its name, Yankari is a game reserve. It is home to tons of wildlife, including some rare near-extinction species. From crocodiles, elephants, hippopotamus to zebras. The reserve currently has the largest surviving elephant population in West Africa.
Whatever animal you desire to see resides in the National Park, and they are all clean, very well cared for, and wander in their natural habitat.
2. Visit and Explore Caves:
While growing up, I kept reading in novels about caves. If you’ve been wondering about caves too, you need to visit Yankari Game Reserve immediately. The Marshal Caves at Yankari are carved out of sandstone and are human-sized. Who knows you might be a living Androcles?
Discovered in 1980, the Marshal Caves are the only manmade caves in Nigeria. #ExploreBauchi #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/lLVsamOqYu
— Bauchi State (@BauchiState) May 5, 2016
3. Swim in Springs:
Springs are quite rare water formations. I’ve been hyped about springs since noticing that almost all bottled water claims to have them as their source. Drinking from a spring is on my bucket list.
Of all the springs in Nigeria, Wikki Warm Springs is the most picturesque.
#ExploreBauchi 2018.
— Babangida™ (@jarmari01) July 12, 2018
This is Wikki Warm Spring Yankari Game Reserve Bauchi. The spring is Mother Nature's answer to a spa with a consistent temperature of 31°C which boasts crystal clear waters and flows into a beautiful lake which is 200 meters long by 10 meters across. pic.twitter.com/Jd0sNosykk
4. Experiencing Local Culture:
Visitors to the National Park are given excursions to the city to mingle with the locals, and view other amazing sites. Previous visitors have confirmed that the people of Bauchi, are indeed affectionate and welcoming.
5. Amazing Skies:
Every picture of Bauchi confirms that it’s the home of gorgeous skies. With deep hues of color, and peaks of white, viewing sunrise, noon and sunset in this city can be considered a fulfilling experience.
Gubi Dam Bauchi 🌅 🌗🌘
— Mubarak Maishanu (@Mubarak_Maishan) September 9, 2017
"There's a sunrise & a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them"#ExploreBauchi pic.twitter.com/GyMpfo1069
6. Enjoy amazing Local & International cuisine:
On the grounds of the Yankari Game Reserve is the Yankari Restaurant. It is an iconic restaurant where you will enjoy breath-taking views of the reserve, and amazing meals. It’s located behind the business area of the reserve.
There is an array of mouth-watering local dishes, continental and international dishes.
7. Elegant Accommodation:
The lodgings at the Yankari Game reserve are a picturesque maze of attractive huts. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated with a local touch, possess all modern facilities and has free Wi-Fi. The rooms are also quite close to the Wiki Springs.
8. Safety Concerns:
With rising safety concerns in Northern Nigeria, some people wrongly assume that this crisis affects the entire Northern area. This is simply not true, and the Bauchi government works hard to provide adequate security.
This is a great time to remind everyone that @BauchiState is one of the Top 3 safest states in Nigeria.
— M.A. Abubakar (@GovMAA) July 5, 2018
We are always ready to welcome you. #ExploreBauchi pic.twitter.com/knknceDny9
9. Fun Activities:
Aside from exotic views, there are safaris and tours. There’s also a musuem at the National Park. This all makes a total package that makes a vacation at Yankari unforgettable. Pay a visit to Yankari game reserve and have a wonderful time.
10. Interesting Side Attractions:
There’s a reason that the state slogan of Bauchi is Pearl of Tourism. There are numerous interesting sights in Bauchi. A few include; Dass, Mbula Hills, Tafewa Balewa’s Tomb, Gubi Dam, Sumu Wildlife Park, the Emir’s Palace etc.
With all these, it is little wonder that the Yankari Game Reserve is a beautiful jewel of tourist destinations in Nigeria. It is also one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa.
Have you visited before? Let us know in the comments.
Ndewoo!
*Featured Image belongs to hotels.ng
