Yankari Game Reserve
Need a break from busy city life?
Yankari Game Reserve might be just the place. Tucked away in Bauchi State, Nigeria. it’s a hidden gem that gives you the best of nature, wildlife, and peace all in one trip. Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or planning a family getaway, this is one spot in Nigeria you’ll remember long after the trip ends.
Fun Things to Do in Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi in 2025
Yankari isn’t your typical park; it’s wild, quiet, and full of surprises. You’ll find elephants walking freely, baboons hanging around, and springs so warm and clear, you’d want to live in them. In 2025, it remains one of the top places to visit if you’re craving something real and refreshing.
Here’s a simple, honest guide to everything worth doing when you get there.
1. Go on a Real Safari Ride
This isn’t a zoo. You’ll be out in the open, riding through the reserve in a safari van while animals roam freely in their space.
It’s calm, a little raw, and very different from what you might expect. Expect to see elephants, waterbucks, baboons, antelopes, and more. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a hippo sunbathing near the water.
2. Swim in Wikki Warm Spring
Let’s be honest. This is the part most people fall in love with.
Wikki Warm Spring is natural, warm (not hot), and big enough for a small crowd without feeling packed. The water stays at 31°C and is as clean and clear as possible.
You can swim during the day, but nighttime is something else. The water reflects the moonlight, and everything is still Peaceful; you won’t want to leave.
Want a peek? Check out their Instagram page. It gives a real feel of what to expect.
3. Visit the Ancient Marshall Caves
If you’re the curious type, this one’s for you.
The Marshall Caves are carved into sandstone rocks and go back hundreds of years. Locals say early settlers used them for shelter and protection. It’s not a long hike to get there, and the local guides are great at sharing stories.
It’s quiet, a little eerie, and feels like walking through time.
4. Spend a Night in the Heart of Nature
Staying overnight makes the trip even better.
Yankari has different types of rooms, from basic chalets to more modern suites, all close to nature. You’ll sleep to the sound of crickets, not car horns, and wake up to birds singing instead of alarms.
There’s also a small restaurant on-site with Nigerian meals and occasional bonfire nights if you visit during public holidays or festive periods.
5. Visit the Museum and Info Center
Want to learn more about the animals and how the park runs? The small museum near the lodge is worth checking out.
It’s simple and not flashy, but it gives you insight into the work being done to preserve the ecosystem and protect the animals. There are bones, maps, pictures, and little bits of history that make you appreciate the place even more
Planning Your Visit to Yankari Game Reserve in 2025
Location: Bauchi State, Nigeria
Best time to visit: November to March (less rain, more animals)
Park entry fee: ₦2,000- ₦5,000
Safari tour: ₦5,000- ₦10,000
Wikki Spring: Included in entry fee
Accommodation: ₦10,000- ₦35,000 per night
Getting there: Fly into Bauchi or drive from Jos, Abuja, or Gombe.
Final Word from Vividose
Yankari Game Reserve doesn’t try to impress with fancy hotels or overhyped activities. It simply shows you nature as it is. And sometimes, that’s precisely what we need.
Have you been to Yankari before, or is it on your list this year? What’s the one thing you’d love to experience there?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s talk travel.
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