Things To Do In Okomu National Park For A Thrilling Escape

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Okomu National Park is one of the last remaining lowland rainforests in southern Nigeria, a protected area situated within a landscape of farms and historic logging routes. 

Covering almost 200 square kilometres, it shows what much of Edo State looked like before development changed the landscape.

Beyond its conservation value, Okomu has become one of Nigeria’s most rewarding adventure spots. From canopy climbs to wildlife tracking, the activities in Okomu National Park reveal how full of life this forest still is.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes Okomu worth visiting, the best times to visit, the top activities, and how to plan a trip that feels both wild and manageable.

 

Top Activities And Adventure Experiences In Okomu National Park

When people discuss the best things to do in Okomu National Park, they often highlight its wildlife. But the park’s appeal isn’t just the animals; it’s the deep forest, the calm air, and the feeling of being surrounded by nature.

Whether you’re after a calm nature walk or a full-day jungle experience, there’s plenty to fill your time. Here are some of the top activities and adventure experiences to try in Okomu National Park:

1. Go On A Wildlife Safari

If you’re visiting for animals, start with the guided game drives, the best way to spot forest elephants, white-throated monkeys, and antelopes that wander across the park.

Rangers usually recommend the Arakhuan and Iguowan sectors, where wildlife sightings are most frequent early in the morning.

2. Explore The Birding Trails

Okomu National Park is one of Nigeria’s top spots for birdwatching, with over 150 bird species recorded.

Head toward the Arakhuan trail or the Okomu canopy walkway, both of which are known for their sightings of rare birds. Bring binoculars and go with a local guide, as they know where the birds nest and when they are most active.

3. Walk The Canopy Walkway

Suspended 140 feet above ground, the Okomu Canopy Walkway offers sweeping views of the forest. It’s located near the Arakhuan Base Camp.

On clear mornings, the view stretches over the treetops, giving you a new perspective of the rainforest. If you’re not a fan of heights, there are lower forest trails nearby that still capture the park’s natural rhythm.

4. Visit The Okomu River

The Okomu River, which flows along the park’s western boundary, provides a serene contrast to the forest’s intensity. Visitors often stop at accessible spots near the Okomu Base Camp area to take photos or rest after long hikes.

However, boat rides are not officially organised within the park. The river’s presence shapes much of the scenery, attracting birds, butterflies, and the occasional forest antelope. It’s one of those quiet reminders that Okomu’s wildness is shaped as much by its waters as by its trees.

5. Take A Forest Hike

For travellers who prefer something more physical, the park’s guided forest hikes offer a deeper connection to its landscape.

Trails like the Iguowan Nature Trail lead through dense vegetation and past massive silk cotton trees. The soundscape alone is reason enough to slow down and listen.

 

Things to Do in Okomu National Park: What to Expect Before You Go

Okomu National Park has its rhythm, quiet, humid, and full of life. Before setting out on your adventure, it helps to know what kind of experience to expect once you leave Benin City’s paved roads behind. 

Here are a few things worth knowing before you go:

• Location and Access

The park is situated in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area, approximately an hour’s drive from Benin City. Entry is through the Udo Gate, and the final stretch of road can be rough, so allow extra travel time.

• Wildlife and Scenery

Expect sightings of forest elephants, white-throated monkeys, duikers, and over 150 species of birds. The tall mahogany trees and butterfly-lined trails make it one of southern Nigeria’s most scenic rainforests.

• Best Time To Visit

November to March is ideal. During the dry season, trails stay clear and wildlife is easier to spot.

• Weather and Clothing

The forest remains warm and humid throughout the year. Light clothing, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent are essential for comfort and protection.

• Visitor Comfort

Accommodations are simple, with basic lodges situated near the entrance. Day visitors should bring water, snacks, and a power bank; the park is remote and quiet.

• Overall Vibe

Okomu strikes a balance between calm and adventure. You can spend a slow morning birdwatching or test your limits on a canopy climb; either way, it’s nature at its most genuine.

Read More 

• Okomu National Park: Edo State’s Last Rainforest and Its Wildlife
• Concerned Groups Partner to Preserve Okomu National Park’s Eco-Tourism Potential
• Nigerian National Parks
• Nigeria Endangered Species: Causes, & Conservation Efforts [2025]

 

Travel Tips And Visitor Information For Okomu National Park

Planning makes your visit smoother and more enjoyable. Before setting out for your list of things to do in Okomu National Park, here are key details to help you prepare:

• Best Time to Visit

Visit between November and March, when the weather is dry and the wildlife is most visible. Trails are easier to explore, and access roads stay open.

• Getting There

Most visitors travel from Benin City, joining guided tours or hiring vehicles directly to the Arakhuan Base Camp, where park visits begin.

• Accommodation

The Okomu Eco-Lodge offers simple rooms, guided hikes, and straightforward access to the canopy walkway. Booking through the NCF or an approved tour operator is recommended.

• What to Pack

Light clothes, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and binoculars are must-haves. Carry cash, as there are no ATMs nearby.

• Safety Tips

Always stay with your ranger and keep to marked trails. The park is home to forest elephants and other large animals, so quiet movement is advised.

 

Cultural Encounters And Local Experiences Around Okomu National Park

Okomu’s story isn’t just about the forest; it’s also about the people who protect it. Nearby communities, such as Udo, Arakhuan, and Iguowan, welcome visitors to see how conservation fits into daily life. 

Locals share their experiences of balancing farming, forest use, and wildlife protection. Many of these villages partner with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to support ecotourism and guard against logging. 

Studies show that approximately 69% of residents support tourism as a means to protect nature and generate income. When planning your list of things to do in Okomu National Park, take time to meet the people behind its survival; they keep the forest’s story alive.

 

Conclusion

Okomu National Park stands as one of Nigeria’s last true rainforest sanctuaries, a place where every trail, sound, and shadow tells its own story. It’s not just about spotting wildlife; it’s about stepping into a landscape that still feels untouched.

So when you plan your list of things to do in Okomu National Park, think beyond sightseeing. The experience is about taking a pause, observing, and forming a deeper connection to nature, one that stays with you long after you’ve left the forest.

Discover Nigeria’s most breathtaking destinations — explore our “Travel & Tourism” stories and let Rex Clarke Adventures guide your next journey.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where Is Okomu National Park Located?

Okomu National Park is situated in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, approximately an hour and a half from Benin City. It’s tucked inside the larger Okomu Forest Reserve, one of the last pieces of untouched rainforest in southern Nigeria.

2. How Did Okomu National Park Start?

The area began as a forest reserve in 1912. By 1985, it had been designated as a game reserve to protect endangered wildlife. In 1999, it officially became Okomu National Park, managed by the Nigerian National Park Service.

3. Why Was The Park Created?

It was established primarily to protect the rainforest and its rare animals, particularly species such as the forest elephant and the white-throated monkey. The park also supports ecotourism and helps researchers study how Nigeria’s rainforests are changing.

4. What Are The Top Things To Do in Okomu National Park?

Popular activities include wildlife safaris, bird-watching, forest hikes, and the canopy walkway near Arakhuan Base Camp. Visitors also enjoy meeting nearby communities and relaxing near the Okomu River.

5. When Is The Best Time To Visit Okomu National Park?

The dry season, from November to March, is the best time to visit. Trails are dry, wildlife is easier to spot, and riverbanks are more accessible.

6. Is It Safe To Visit Okomu National Park?

Yes. Visitors are required to stay with park rangers during tours, which keeps trips safe and well organised. Large animals, such as elephants, live here, so exploring without a guide is not permitted.