Wild times in Nigeria's Yankari

Holidaymakers who want to see some of the best wildlife in Nigeria should move quickly if they want to see the country's biggest wildlife park in its prime.

The Yankari National Park is the most developed wildlife park in the country, but it is best visited between November and the end of June, when it is Nigeria's dry season.

The park covers a staggering 2,244 square kilometres and features a huge range of animals, including buffalos, hippos, lions, monkeys and elephants. In fact, Yankari's 550 elephants mean it has the biggest population of elephants in all of West Africa.

During the dry season, the Gaji River in the park becomes a meeting point for countless animals, like baboons, waterbucks, crocodiles, bushbucks and warthogs.

It is this spectacular sight that makes Yankari Park a recommended place to visit during this period. Once there, holidaymakers are advised to take guides with them on trips around the park, as some of the undergrowth can be very dense.

Once you have had your fill of Nigeria's fauna, take a trip to the nearby Wiki Warm Springs.

These crystal clear springs are very warm, at around 31 degrees centigrade, making them ideal for bathing and taking a break and getting out of the Nigerian sun.

Visitors who want to stay for longer than just a day can camp around the springs, while there are nearby hotels to stay in.

The springs are not just popular with tourists – other regulars who come down to relax by the Wiki Springs include baboons and elephants.
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