It’s 2024, and an increasing number of tourists are navigating towards visiting and exploring ecotourism and sustainable tourism spots, especially in Nigeria.
And it’s no wonder. Nigeria is a country blessed with nature and its goodies. It offers an array of ecotourism and sustainable travel destination options and attracts visitors through efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism practices.
So, if you are scouting for the perfect Nigeria ecotourism spots, welcome! Here are our top six.
1. Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba/Adamawa State
This national park is located in the Monteros region of northeast Nigeria, next to the international border with Cameron. No road crosses this remote region, and only a few lonely footpaths go through the forested mountain towards Cameron.
Visitors are privileged to enjoy lush forests, incredible island plateaus, rugged mountains, prolific wildlife, and intriguing ethnic cultures, all blended and combined within a protected area. The Gashaka Gumti National Park is huge and covers about 6,731 km of wilderness.
Photo Source: Research Gate.
The park’s name derives from two of the region’s oldest and most historic settlements: Gashaka Village in Taraba State and Gumti Village in Adamawa State.
The Gashaka-Gumti National Park plays a critical role in protecting plants and wildlife, especially endangered species like the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee and the African golden cat.
2. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State
Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, formally part of the Afi River Forest Reserve, was established in 2000 to protect several endangered species, including the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, the Nigeria Camaron chimpanzee, the rock fowl, and more.
Afi is covered by roughly 100km of low and sub-maintained forests with rocky peaks rising to altitudes of 1300 metres.
Photo Source: The Guardian Nigeria News.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s [IUCN] red list of globally threatened species, 148 animals and 146 plant species found in Nigeria were threatened at various degrees, with some species nearing extinction. Those at the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary want the numbers to change.
Afi Mountain is located near the towns of Boki and Buanchor in the Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State, southeastern Nigeria.
Visitors are wowed by the wildlife, beautiful greenery, melodious birdsong, scenic views of the mountains, hospitality from the people, and much more.
3. Kainji Lake National Park, Niger/Kwara States
Lying in the Northwestern part of the country, Kainji Lake National Park is a lovely place to visit and one of Nigeria’s ecotourism spots. Established in 1978, the park is also rich in biodiversity, with lions, antelopes, and over 350 bird species.
Photo Source: The Guardian Nigeria News.
It’s Nigeria’s largest man-made lake. A source of life and livelihood to many, and the source of Nigeria’s hydroelectric energy. It was formed by Kainji Hydro Dam on the River Niger, Africa’s third longest river.
The park supports wildlife conservation programs and encourages sustainable fishing practices to protect the lake’s ecosystem.
4. Okomu National Park, Edo State
Okomu National Park is in Edo State, Nigeria, about an hour’s drive from Benin City. It’s located near a small town called Udo. Even though it’s not a huge park, it’s very important because it protects some of Nigeria’s last tropical rainforests.
In the park, you can find animals like forest elephants and monkeys, including the rare white-throated monkey. There are also many types of birds, like the grey parrot and African fish eagle, making it an excellent spot for birdwatchers.
Photo Source: National Parks in Africa.
Okomu National Park is perfect for people who love nature and want to learn about wildlife. You can walk, see beautiful trees, and spot some animals.
The park has programs that help protect the different animals and plants. They also teach visitors how to enjoy the park without harming nature. It’s a peaceful place to explore and enjoy Nigeria’s natural beauty.
5. Erin Ijesha Waterfall, Osun State
This is the most visited waterfall in Nigeria. Located in Osun State, the waterfall is about five hours away from Lagos and one hour away from Oshogbo, the capital city of Osun State.
The Erin Ijesha Waterfall, known as Olumirin Waterfall, is one of Nigeria’s top ecotourism spots. It is a testament to the beauty and artistry of nature itself.
Phot Source: Travel and Tour World.
It has seven different levels of water running through rocks and trees, forming cascades and falling off cliffs at various heights, with one of the cliffs as high as 40 metres.
The Erin Ijesha Waterfall is managed in partnership with local communities to promote eco-friendly tourism while supporting sustainable development initiatives in the area.
6. Yankari National Park, Bauchi State
This ecotourism destination is a large wildlife park located in the southcentral part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria. It shields an area of about 2,244 square kilometres and is nestled with numerous nature-based warm water springs and various flora and fauna.
Photo Source: RefinedNG.
If you love to discover and explore ecotourism and sustainable spots, Yankari is a must-visit. The villages surrounding Yankari National Park are filled with agriculturists and herders, but there has been no human settlement in the park for over a century.
The National Park is also called the Yankari Game Reserve. It is the oldest wildlife conservation area and eco-tourism destination in West Africa. It is home to over 50 mammal species, including the African bush elephant, West African lion, African buffalo, Deer, and many more.
Yankari was first opened to the public as a premier game reserve on 1st December 1962. It is also a region of rolling hills, mostly between 200m and 400m.