Onigambari Reserve

Onigambari Reserve is a protected area in Nigeria.

Onigambari Reserve at a Glance

Location
Southwest Forest Belt, Nigeria, West Africa
Coordinates
7.145636, 3.818920
Crowds
Moderate
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 Onigambari Reserve

Nearest airport: Makurdi Airport (MDI), 532 km away.

Weather & Climate in Onigambari Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Onigambari Reserve occur in February, averaging 28.9°C (up to 36.5°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 24.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 4.4mm. Average humidity: 65.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (rainfall: 6.0mm)
  • February: 28.9°C (rainfall: 9.0mm)
  • March: 28.3°C (rainfall: 43.7mm)
  • April: 27.7°C (rainfall: 51.8mm)
  • May: 26.9°C (rainfall: 85.3mm)
  • June: 25.3°C (rainfall: 168.5mm)
  • July: 24.5°C (rainfall: 161.2mm)
  • August: 24.3°C (rainfall: 192.9mm)
  • September: 24.6°C (rainfall: 180.4mm)
  • October: 25.4°C (rainfall: 133.0mm)
  • November: 26.9°C (rainfall: 24.1mm)
  • December: 27.5°C (rainfall: 4.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Onigambari Reserve

The best months to visit Onigambari Reserve are December, January, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.84°C, rainfall 6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 59.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 28.86°C, rainfall 9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 63.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 28.25°C, rainfall 43.7mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 78.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 27.7°C, rainfall 51.8mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 80.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 26.91°C, rainfall 85.3mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 25.29°C, rainfall 168.5mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 88.3%
  • July: Good, temperature 24.52°C, rainfall 161.2mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 88.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 24.31°C, rainfall 192.9mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 87.8%
  • September: Good, temperature 24.64°C, rainfall 180.4mm, sunshine 6.8 hrs, humidity 89.4%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.42°C, rainfall 133mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 88.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.92°C, rainfall 24.1mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.5°C, rainfall 4.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 65.8%

Wildlife in Onigambari Reserve

Home to 2 recorded species including 1 waterbirds, 1 birds of prey.

Recommended Packing List for Onigambari Reserve

Based on average temperature of 26.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 80%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 27°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 Onigambari Reserve

21 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Southwest Forest Belt

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Nigeria

Travel advisory for Nigeria

Onigambari Reserve FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter during a safari at Onigambari Reserve in Nigeria?

Onigambari Reserve is known for its diverse West African wildlife, including forest elephants, various primate species like mona monkeys, and antelopes such as duikers. Birdwatchers will also find a rich array of endemic and migratory birds, making it a unique destination for biodiversity enthusiasts.

When is the optimal time of year to plan a safari trip to Onigambari Reserve for the best wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from November to April, is generally considered the best time to visit Onigambari Reserve. During these months, vegetation is less dense and animals congregate around fewer water sources, making them easier to spot.

Given the high malaria risk in Nigeria, what specific health precautions are recommended for visitors to Onigambari Reserve?

Due to the high malaria risk, it is crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip to Onigambari Reserve. Additionally, pack long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent with DEET, and sleep under mosquito nets to minimize bites.

What can I expect regarding visitor numbers and the overall safari experience at Onigambari Reserve, considering its moderate crowding level?

With a moderate crowding level (3/5), you can anticipate a balanced safari experience at Onigambari Reserve, offering a good chance for wildlife sightings without feeling overwhelmed by large tourist groups. While you won't have the park entirely to yourself, it generally provides a more intimate encounter with nature compared to highly congested reserves.

What are the typical transportation options and estimated costs for accessing Onigambari Reserve from major Nigerian cities?

Access to Onigambari Reserve typically involves driving from nearby cities like Ibadan or Lagos, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle due to road conditions. While specific costs vary, expect to budget for vehicle rental, fuel, park entry fees, and potentially a local guide, which can range from $50-150 per day depending on services.

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.