Yankari National Park

Yankari is Nigeria's most developed and popular wildlife park, famous for its large elephant population, baboons, hippos, and a variety of antelopes. The...

Yankari National Park at a Glance

Location
Northeast Savanna, Nigeria, West Africa
Coordinates
9.827931, 10.514401
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season) for game reserves in the north. Year-round for southern rainforests.

Getting to Yankari National Park

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 108 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International de Garoua (GOU), 318 km away.

Weather & Climate in Yankari National Park

The warmest temperatures in Yankari National Park occur in April, averaging 32.6°C (up to 39.2°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 25.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 17.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.2°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • February: 27.3°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • March: 31.4°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • April: 32.6°C (rainfall: 3.3mm)
  • May: 31.5°C (rainfall: 20.2mm)
  • June: 28.4°C (rainfall: 59.1mm)
  • July: 26.2°C (rainfall: 138.4mm)
  • August: 25.1°C (rainfall: 206.2mm)
  • September: 25.4°C (rainfall: 142.1mm)
  • October: 26.8°C (rainfall: 33.5mm)
  • November: 26.9°C (rainfall: 2.1mm)
  • December: 25.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Yankari National Park

The best months to visit Yankari National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 25.24°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 17.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 27.29°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 13.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 31.36°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 21.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 32.61°C, rainfall 3.3mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 38.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 31.47°C, rainfall 20.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 51.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 28.39°C, rainfall 59.1mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 65.1%
  • July: Good, temperature 26.24°C, rainfall 138.4mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.14°C, rainfall 206.2mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 82.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.4°C, rainfall 142.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 82.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.82°C, rainfall 33.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 67.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.95°C, rainfall 2.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 35.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.5°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 22.2%

Wildlife in Yankari National Park

Home to 14 recorded species including 3 birds of prey, 3 antelope & gazelle, 2 waterbirds, 2 primates, 1 big herbivores, 1 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Yankari National Park

Based on average temperature of 27.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 48%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 28°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Yankari National Park

1 safari lodges available.

mid-range

Similar Parks in Northeast Savanna

Visitor Tips - Yankari National Park

Yankari offers a truly authentic, uncrowded safari experience that we find increasingly rare in Africa. The highlight for us is undoubtedly the Wikki Warm Spring, a crystal-clear oasis perfect for a refreshing dip after a dusty game drive. It is a place where you feel deeply connected to nature, far from the typical tourist trails.

Gate Times

Yankari's gates typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. We always recommend confirming current hours directly with the park authorities or your lodge, as these can occasionally vary. Permits are required for entry and can usually be arranged upon arrival at the gate or through your accommodation.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a thoughtful way to show appreciation for good service. For a dedicated safari guide, we suggest ₦5,000-₦10,000 per day. Camp staff can be tipped collectively in a communal box, or individually for exceptional service, perhaps ₦1,000-₦2,000 per person per day. Rangers accompanying you on walking safaris might receive ₦2,000-₦5,000. We advise tipping discreetly and in local currency.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Nigeria

Travel advisory for Nigeria

Yankari National Park FAQs

Can I swim in the Wikki Warm Spring at Yankari National Park, and what should I expect?

Yes, swimming in the Wikki Warm Spring is a major highlight of visiting Yankari National Park. This natural spring maintains a comfortable temperature year-round, offering a refreshing and unique recreational experience after a safari drive. The spring is well-maintained and provides a safe environment for visitors to relax and cool off.

What is the best time of year to visit Yankari National Park for wildlife viewing, especially for elephants and hippos?

The dry season, typically from November to May, is ideal for wildlife viewing in Yankari National Park. During this period, animals, including the park's famous large elephant herds and hippos, congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. The sparse vegetation also improves visibility for spotting various antelopes and baboons.

What essential health precautions should I take when planning a safari to Yankari National Park?

Given the high malaria risk in the region, it is crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip to Yankari National Park. Additionally, pack insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk, and ensure your accommodation has mosquito nets to minimize bites.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Yankari National Park, and how does it differ from other African parks?

Yankari offers a unique blend of traditional wildlife viewing and natural relaxation, being Nigeria's most developed park yet experiencing very low crowding. You can expect game drives to spot elephants, baboons, and various antelopes, often with a more intimate feel due to fewer vehicles. The distinct opportunity to swim in the natural Wikki Warm Spring sets it apart, providing a refreshing break from typical safari activities.

How accessible is Yankari National Park, and what accommodation options are available within or near the park?

Yankari National Park is primarily accessed by road, with the nearest major city being Bauchi, from where you can arrange transport. The park is well-equipped with accommodation, most notably the Yankari Games Reserve and Resort, which offers various lodging options from chalets to suites, providing comfortable stays right within the park. Booking in advance, especially during peak dry season, is advisable.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet West Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and more. Includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and practical overland travel advice across the region.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.