Travel & Tourism Travel Tips Safari Tourism: Could Nigeria Compete with Kenya and South Africa? Confidence NwaobiJanuary 12, 2026028 views When people think of safari tourism, Africa’s biggest names usually come up fast: Kenya with its Maasai Mara, South Africa with Kruger National Park, and maybe Tanzania’s Serengeti if the list gets longer. Nigeria is rarely mentioned in that same breath. But should it be? Nigeria does not currently compete with Kenya or South Africa in safari tourism, and that matters. But what also matters is that Nigeria does have wildlife reserves, national parks, and conservation areas that already form the foundation of a safari industry. The real question is not whether Nigeria is already a safari giant, but whether safari tourism in Nigeria could realistically grow into something competitive, sustainable, and appealing to both local and international travellers. To answer that, we need to look at what exists, what is missing, and what would need to change. What Safari Tourism Really Means Safari tourism is not just about seeing animals. At its core, it is about protected ecosystems, wildlife conservation, guided experiences, safety, and infrastructure. Countries like Kenya and South Africa didn’t become safari powerhouses overnight. Their success came from decades of conservation policy, private investment, ranger training, and strong tourism branding. Nigeria’s situation is different from that of Kenya and South Africa, but it is not without potential. Nigeria’s Existing Wildlife and Safari Foundations Nigeria has several officially recognised national parks and game reserves, managed under the National Park Service. These parks are real, documented, and operational to varying degrees. Some of the most notable include: Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State Yankari is Nigeria’s most well-known wildlife destination. It is home to elephants, baboons, warthogs, waterbucks, and various bird species. The reserve also features the Wikki Warm Spring, which has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Yankari already offers guided wildlife viewing and accommodation within the reserve. While sightings may not match the density of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the experience is authentic and rooted in conservation. Kainji Lake National Park Located across Niger and Kwara states, Kainji Lake National Park is Nigeria’s oldest national park. It consists of two sectors and is known for antelope species, baboons, and birdlife. The park also plays a major role in ecological protection beyond tourism. Cross River National Park This park is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Nigeria. It is especially important for primate conservation, including endangered species. While it is not a classic open-savannah safari experience, it is crucial for ecotourism and conservation-focused travel. Old Oyo National Park Situated in southwestern Nigeria, this park blends wildlife conservation with historical sites from the old Oyo Empire. Visitors experience nature and history together, a unique angle for safari tourism in Nigeria. These parks show that Nigeria already has wildlife tourism assets. The challenge lies in how they are developed, protected, and presented. How Nigeria Compares to Kenya and South Africa When comparing safari tourism in Nigeria to Kenya or South Africa, honesty is important. Kenya and South Africa have: Large, open savannah ecosystems are ideal for wildlife viewing Long-standing conservation policies Strong private-sector involvement in lodges and tours Global safari branding Reliable access roads, airstrips, and visitor services Nigeria currently has: Smaller and more fragmented wildlife habitats Limited safari infrastructure Underfunded conservation systems Lower international visibility for wildlife tourism Safety and access challenges in some regions This means Nigeria cannot copy the Kenyan or South African model exactly. But it also means Nigeria does not need to. What Safari Tourism in Nigeria Could Look Like Nigeria’s strength lies in diversified tourism, not single-experience travel. Safari tourism here works best when combined with: Cultural tourism Eco-tourism Historical travel Adventure and nature experiences Instead of selling “big five” safaris, Nigeria can offer intimate, conservation-focused wildlife experiences. Smaller groups. Guided educational tours. Community involvement. This model already works in parts of East and Southern Africa, and it fits Nigeria’s reality better. For example: A trip to Yankari, along with cultural experiences in Bauchi, offers visitors a unique opportunity. Wildlife viewing paired with historical exploration in Old Oyo Forest conservation tourism in Cross River for eco-focused travellers This approach makes safari tourism in Nigeria distinct rather than comparative. YOU MAY LIKE: Ecological Safaris in Nigeria: Challenges, Growth & Sustainable Travel in 2025 Eco-Tourism Opportunities in Nigeria You Didn’t Know Existed Cottar’s Safaris Unveils Mara AI and Immersive New Digital Experience What Needs to Change for Growth For Nigeria to develop meaningful safari tourism, several things must improve, and these are widely acknowledged by conservation and tourism experts. 1. Conservation Funding Wildlife tourism depends on healthy ecosystems. Parks need proper funding for rangers, monitoring, and habitat protection. Without this, growth in wildlife tourism is not sustainable. 2. Infrastructure Access roads, visitor centres, accommodations, and trained guides are essential. Safari tourism is experience-driven. Comfort and safety matter. 3. Security and Perception Even when parks are safe, perception affects tourism decisions. Clear communication, proper management, and reliable information help rebuild trust. 4. Private Sector Involvement In Kenya and South Africa, private lodges and conservation partnerships play a major role. Nigeria would benefit from similar models that balance profit with protection. 5. Marketing and Awareness. Many Nigerians and foreigners simply do not know these parks exist. Safari tourism in Nigeria cannot grow if people don’t know where to go or what to expect. Could Nigeria Truly Compete? If “compete” means copying Kenya or South Africa exactly, then the answer is no, and that’s okay. If “compete” means: Offering authentic wildlife experiences Building eco-tourism responsibly Creating jobs through conservation Attracting niche travellers seeking something different Then yes, Nigeria can build its own version of safari tourism, one that complements its culture, geography, and realities. Safari tourism in Nigeria does not need to be louder or bigger. It needs to be thoughtful, protected, and honest. Why This Matters for Tourists For travellers, this means: Fewer crowds More personal experiences Deeper cultural connection Opportunities to support conservation directly For Nigerians, it means: Job creation Environmental protection Economic diversification National pride in natural heritage FAQs: Safari Tourism in Nigeria 1. Is there safari tourism in Nigeria? Yes. Nigeria has national parks and game reserves such as Yankari, Kainji Lake, Cross River, and Old Oyo, offering wildlife and ecotourism experiences. 2. Can Nigeria compete with Kenya or South Africa in safari tourism? Nigeria is unlikely to compete in scale but can develop a unique, conservation-focused safari model suited to its environment. 3. What animals can tourists see in Nigeria’s parks? Depending on the park, visitors may see elephants, antelopes, baboons, warthogs, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. 4. Is safari tourism in Nigeria safe? Safety varies by location. Established parks with guided tours and official management are generally safer for visitors. 5. What type of traveller is safari tourism in Nigeria best suited for? These include eco-tourists, cultural travellers, adventure seekers, and those seeking quieter, less commercial wildlife experiences.