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Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Forest

Weather…

Gashaka-Gumti National Park is the largest and most ecologically diverse protected area in Nigeria, spanning Taraba and Adamawa States in the eastern part of the country. Established in 1991 through the merger of two former game reserves, it covers an area of approximately 6,731 square kilometers. The park's geography is exceptionally varied, ranging from dry savannas in the north to dense montane rainforests in the south. It is home to Chappal Waddi, Nigeria’s highest peak, which reaches an elevation of 2419 meters. This topographical diversity results in immense biodiversity; the park hosts over 100 mammal species, including lions, leopards, and rare primates such as the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. Furthermore, over 500 bird species have been documented, making it a hotspot for ornithologists. The park also serves as a critical watershed for the Benue River. Despite its vast potential for ecotourism, accessibility remains a challenge due to its remote location and limited infrastructure.

Location: Nigeria
Nearby: Gembu (60 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	24	25	24	23	22	21	21	21	22	21	21
Rain mm	2	6	41	144	178	199	257	292	277	185	29	2

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is challenging and strictly requires a sturdy 4x4 vehicle. The main entrance is reached from Serti, where park headquarters are located and mandatory guides must be hired.

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Best season

The dry season, from December to March, is optimal for wildlife viewing and road accessibility. The rainy season makes many of the park's internal dirt tracks completely impassable.

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Terrain & paths

The park features incredibly diverse landscapes, ranging from dense tropical rainforests and savannahs to steep mountainous areas. Trails are often rugged, overgrown, or very muddy.

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What to bring

High-quality hiking boots, strong insect repellent, lightweight long clothing, and a comprehensive medical kit including anti-malarials are absolutely crucial for this environment.

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Parking

Vehicles are securely parked at the park headquarters in Serti or at designated base camps within the park boundaries, completely under the strict supervision of armed park rangers.

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Safety

Wildlife encounters, insect-borne diseases, and very difficult terrain pose serious risks. Visitors are strictly required to be accompanied by armed park rangers at all times.

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Time needed

Given the difficult access and vast size, visitors should carefully plan to spend at least three to five full days exploring the park to truly make the arduous journey worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates

7.20000, 11.50000

Facts

At roughly 6,731 km², it is the largest national park in Nigeria by land area.
The park contains Chappal Waddi (2419 m), the highest mountain in Nigeria.
It was officially designated as a national park in 1991.
More than 500 species of birds have been documented within the park.
It is a vital sanctuary for the endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee.
The park is divided into two sectors: Gashaka in the south and Gumti in the north.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gashaka Gumti National Park15 km · EExplore →

Gashaka Hills16 km · NEExplore →

Chappal Waddi23 km · NWExplore →

Tchabal Mbabo35 km · NExplore →

Mambilla Plateau35 km · SWExplore →

Gembu60 km · SWExplore →

Banyo Lamidat60 km · NWExplore →

Nkambé111 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Gashaka-Gumti National Park?

It is Nigeria's largest national park with rich nature.

Are there guided safaris?

Yes, park rangers offer guided tours.

What animals can one see?

You can see monkeys, birds, and rare antelopes.

Is a park permit necessary?

Yes, you must register at the park entrance.

When is the best time for wildlife viewing?

Early morning or late afternoon.

Gashaka-Gumti National Park: where is it located?

Gashaka-Gumti National Park is located in Nigeria.

Gashaka-Gumti National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

Gashaka-Gumti National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Gashaka-Gumti National Park is the largest and most ecologically diverse protected area in Nigeria, spanning Taraba and Adamawa States in the eastern part of the country.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →