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Gashaka Gumti National Park

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Animal habitat
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Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)

Weather…

Gashaka-Gumti National Park is Nigeria's largest protected area, spanning the states of Taraba and Adamawa along the Cameroon border. The park covers an area of approximately 6,731 square kilometers and is characterized by its immense geographical diversity, ranging from low-lying plains to rugged mountainous terrain. It contains Chappal Waddi, the highest peak in Nigeria, which rises to 2,419 meters above sea level. Due to its varied altitudes, the park supports an extraordinary array of wildlife, including chimpanzees, rare primates, leopards, and hippos. The landscape features dense rainforests, expansive grasslands, and mountain streams. Gashaka-Gumti is a critical ecological corridor and a significant center for international primatology research, hosting some of Africa's most diverse habitats.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262829282625242324252525
Rain mm1532128191215282301286164202

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season from November to April gives the best conditions, with trails dry and wildlife gathering at water sources. In the rainy season from May to October, many areas are hard to reach, but the landscape is lush green.
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Best time of day
Chances of wildlife encounters are highest in the early morning and at dusk. At midday, animals usually retreat to shade, making sightings less frequent.
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Etiquette
Stay inside your vehicle when in safari zones and never get out. Do not feed the animals and respect the designated speed limits within the park.
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What to bring
Binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are essential for photographing animals from a safe distance. Warm clothing is recommended for the cool morning hours in the mountains.
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Getting there
The park is in eastern Nigeria and can be reached on a paved road from the city of Yola. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary for exploring remote areas.
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What to expect
Wildlife is widely scattered across this vast park; plan several days to experience the diversity. Patient waiting at waterholes and viewpoints significantly increases success rates.

Geography

Coordinates
7.33330, 11.50000

Facts

  • Covering 6,731 square kilometers, it is the largest national park in Nigeria.
  • It contains Nigeria's highest mountain, Chappal Waddi, at 2,419 meters.
  • The park was formed in 1991 by merging the Gashaka and Gumti game reserves.
  • It is recognized as a key biodiversity hotspot for the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee.
  • The park records indicate the presence of more than 500 distinct bird species.
  • The altitude varies significantly from 300 meters to over 2,400 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gashaka HillsGashaka Hills12 km · NExplore →
Gashaka-Gumti National ParkGashaka-Gumti National Park15 km · WExplore →
Tchabal MbaboTchabal Mbabo34 km · NExplore →
Chappal WaddiChappal Waddi36 km · NWExplore →
Mambilla PlateauMambilla Plateau45 km · SWExplore →
Banyo LamidatBanyo Lamidat72 km · NWExplore →
GembuGembu73 km · WExplore →
Taraba Wildlife SanctuaryTaraba Wildlife Sanctuary113 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gashaka Gumti National Park (1)

Kaa Sangare Hill🌿 nature

Kaa Sangare Hill is a prominent geographic peak rising within the biodiverse Gashaka-Gumti region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is hiking in Gashaka Gumti?
Due to the mountainous terrain, good physical fitness and preparation are required.
When is the best time to visit?
The cooler dry season between November and February is convenient.
Do I need a guide?
Yes, for hikes in remote areas, a qualified guide is mandatory.
Is there accommodation on-site?
There are basic camps in the park; book these through the park management.
Is the park safe for tourists?
Follow park ranger instructions and avoid traveling at night.
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 Nigeria's largest protected area, spanning the states of Taraba and Adamawa along the Cameroon border.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Jalingo — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Jalingo
Nestled in hilly landscapes, Jalingo administers the multi-faceted Taraba State, known for the Mambilla Plateau.
Gembu — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Gembu
Gembu is the highest town in Nigeria, located on the Mambilla Plateau, famous for its cool climate and endless tea plantations.

More places

Gashaka Hills — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Gashaka Hills
The Gashaka Hills are part of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park and offer a rugged mountain landscape.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Nigeria's largest national park with vast forest areas.
Chappal Waddi — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Chappal Waddi
The highest mountain in Nigeria.
Mambilla Plateau — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Mambilla Plateau
The Mambilla Plateau is a highland region in eastern Nigeria with an average elevation of over 1500 meters.
Taraba Wildlife Sanctuary — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Taraba Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary in the Taraba region.
Tchabal Mbabo — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Tchabal Mbabo
Mount Tchabal Mbabo is one of the highest peaks in the Adamawa Region, offering rugged terrain and panoramic views of the plateau.
Banyo Lamidat — Gashaka Gumti National Park (Nigeria)
Banyo Lamidat
The Lamidat of Banyo is a traditional Fulbe chiefdom in the Adamawa Region, preserving centuries-old administrative and cultural practices.