Eco-Camping in Taraba’s Gashaka Gumti National Park

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Did you know Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba spans nearly 6,700 square kilometres, making it Nigeria’s largest national park and larger than some countries, like Brunei?

Within its wilderness, chimpanzees roam, waterfalls cut through valleys, and at night, the sky glows with stars free from city lights.

For travellers who want more than hotels and beach resorts, Gashaka Gumti National Park Camping offers eco-camping, swapping walls for tents and a routine for the raw rhythm of nature.

This article looks at what eco-camping in Taraba feels like, from the landscapes that shape the experience to the challenges and rewards of sleeping in Nigeria’s wildest park.

 

Why Is Taraba The Hub For Eco-Camping In Nigeria?

Taraba is the centre of eco-camping in Nigeria, mainly because of Gashaka Gumti National Park camping, the largest protected area in the country. 

The park stretches from lowland forests to the Mambilla Plateau, offering campers mountains, rivers, and rare wildlife all in one location.

Unlike parks near big cities, Taraba’s remoteness makes the experience different. Eco-camping here means no mobile signal. You move with local guides and spend nights in the raw wilderness.

This mix of size, diversity, and isolation is what makes Taraba the hub for eco-camping in Nigeria.

What Makes Gashaka-Gumti National Park Camping Special?

For eco-camping in Taraba, Gashaka Gumti stands out for its untouched wilderness and diverse landscape. 

It’s Nigeria’s largest national park, stretching across savannas, forests, and mountain ranges.

Campers here wake up to the sounds of baboons, spot herds of antelope, and sometimes catch rare views of chimpanzees. 

Nights bring star-filled skies with almost no light pollution, a rarity in Nigeria’s cities. The park also offers a variety. 

You can hike rugged trails in the Mambilla Plateau, set up camp by rivers, or stay close to forest zones with dense greenery. This range makes camping flexible for both first-timers and seasoned adventurers.

 

How Do You Prepare For Eco-Camping In Taraba?

Eco-camping in Taraba is rewarding, but it takes planning. The remoteness of places like Gashaka Gumti National Park means you can’t just show up with a tent.

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

• Permits and Access

Get entry permits from the park authorities. In some zones, local guides are compulsory.

• Gear

Carry a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, mosquito net, water filter, and a portable stove. Nights in the highlands can be surprisingly cold.

• Health Prep

Pack vaccination records, anti-malaria medication, and a small first aid kit.

• Guides and Transport

The roads are challenging. Hiring a driver or local guide helps mitigate the risk of getting stuck.

• Food Supplies

Stock up on local produce in nearby towns, but also carry dry foods to last your stay.

Being ready ahead of time ensures eco-camping in Taraba is safe, smooth, and enjoyable.

When Is the Best Time to Go Eco-Camping in Taraba?

The best time for eco-camping in Taraba is from November to April. 

This is the dry season, when roads are passable and trails are safe to travel. Rivers run lower, making crossings easier, and the weather is cooler in the highlands.

Camping during the rainy season (May to October) is risky. Heavy downpours can wash out roads, attract more insects, and make camping uncomfortable.

If you want clear skies, excellent hiking conditions, and reliable access, the dry season is your best bet for eco-camping in Taraba.

 

Where Do Campers Actually Sleep in Taraba’s Wilderness?

Eco-camping in Taraba doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. Campers have a few options, depending on budget and comfort level:

1. Tented Camps

In Gashaka Gumti National Park and along the Mambilla Plateau, most visitors pitch standard camping tents. Local guides often help find safe, flat ground near water sources, but away from wildlife paths.

2. Community-Run Lodges

Some villages near the park and the Mambilla Highlands offer small eco-lodges. These provide basic beds, mosquito nets, and simple meals, giving campers a balance between comfort and immersion.

3. Wilderness Huts

In remote trails, especially in the higher altitudes, hikers sometimes use wooden huts or abandoned ranger stations. These are very basic and usually recommended only with a guide.

4. Backpack-Style Camps

 For the more adventurous, sleeping under the stars with just a mat or hammock is common, but guides emphasise the importance of safety and carrying proper gear to handle cold nights on the plateau.

 

Challenges of Eco-Camping in Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Eco-camping in Gashaka Gumti National Park is rewarding, but it comes with real challenges visitors should prepare for.

Here are some challenges tourists face:

• Wildlife Encounters

The park is home to elephants, buffalo, and primates. While rare, unexpected encounters can happen, so guides are essential.

• Weather Shifts

Taraba’s highlands can be hot during the day and surprisingly cold at night. Sudden rains make trails muddy and campsites tricky.

• Limited Connectivity

There’s no mobile network in most parts of the park. This adds to the wilderness feel, but it means campers must plan for safety measures.

• Health Risks

Mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and snakes are part of the ecosystem. Proper clothing, repellents, and vaccinations are strongly advised.

• Logistics

Reaching the park and carrying supplies is not an easy task. Poor road conditions and long hikes mean campers must be physically prepared.

Read More 

• Wild Camping in Nigeria: Best Locations, Tips &Safety Guide (2025)
• Top 10 Eco-Friendly Destinations in Nigeria for 2025
• Gashaka-Gumti National Park Researchers 

 

What’s Next For Eco-Camping In Taraba?

Eco-camping in Taraba is growing fast. Travellers now view Gashaka Gumti and its surrounding landscapes as prime spots for sustainable adventure. 

With Nigeria promoting tourism beyond oil, Taraba could attract more eco-lodges, guided camping, and community tourism.

The key is balance. More visitors bring jobs and income, but without strong management, ecosystems suffer. 

If communities, government, and conservation groups work together, Taraba can lead Nigeria’s ecotourism future.

Conclusion 

Eco-camping in Taraba isn’t just about pitching a tent in the wild. 

It’s a way to see Nigeria’s largest park up close, support nearby communities, and help conservation work that keeps wildlife alive. 

For travellers, eco-camping in Taraba offers a rare kind of adventure, raw, grounded, and connected to both people and nature.

Ready to try it for yourself? Plan a trip, camp under Taraba’s skies, and see why eco-camping in Nigeria is more than travel.

 

Explore Nigeria’s wild side — from national parks to hidden eco-adventures, start your eco-tourism journey with us.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Where To Go Camping In Nigeria?

The top spot for eco-camping in Nigeria is Taraba’s Gashaka Gumti National Park, the largest in the country. Campers hike with guides, set up tents near rivers, and explore forest trails. Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi and Omo Forest in Ogun also offer excellent options.

2. What Is the Largest National Park in Nigeria?

Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba is the biggest, covering about 6,700 square kilometres. It’s known for eco-camping, chimpanzees, rare antelopes, and an intact rainforest.

3. Is Eco-Camping Safe in Taraba?

Indeed, eco-camping is available with licensed guides and within designated park zones. Rangers and local trackers keep campers safe and help avoid risky areas.

4. How Does Eco-Camping Help Local Communities?

Eco-camping brings income to villages near Gashaka Gumti through guiding, farm produce sales, and cultural activities.

5. When Is the Best Time for Eco-Camping in Nigeria?

The dry season, November to March, is best. Trails are easier, rivers lower, and wildlife sightings higher.