Birding at Gashaka-Gumti National Park

The Gashaka-Gumti National Park is situated in a hilly area in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. The park is next to the international border with Cameroon, and to the north of the Mambilla Plateau. Visitors to this secluded region will find no roads here, but only a small amount of footpaths snaking through the wooded mountains in the direction of Cameroon. Visitors to the Gashaka-Gumti National Park would be able to take pleasure in the flourishing forests, the extensive sweeping grasslands, the fresh highland plateaus, the Rocky Mountains, rich wildlife, and the captivating ethnic cultures. All of this is pooled within a single sheltered area.

There are only a small number of places in the world that holds such stunning surroundings and assorted animals. Gashaka-Gumti National Park is in a concealed corner of West-Africa and without a doubt one of Africa’s best-kept secrets.

The Gashaka-Gumti National Park is the biggest park there is in Nigeria, and consists of about 6,600 sq km of pure wilderness. The name of the park has been derived from Gashaka village in Taraba State and Gumti village in Adamaw State, which are two of the most historic settlements in the region. Gashaka-Gumti National Park was established as the result of a Federal Decree in 1991 when the Gashaka Game Reserve merged with the Gumti Game Reserve.

Birdwatchers would be glad to know that this is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and there are a wide variety of bird species. The Gashaka-Gumti National Park is known as one of the most important bird areas in Africa. Birdwatchers are able to find more than 500 species here, and this is no overstatement. Visiting bird watchers constantly add new species are constantly added to the list by visiting bird watchers.

How to get to Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Although the entire National Park is suitable for tourism there are a number of areas sufficiently attractive to merit special attention – such as the enclaves described above. We shall first consider those that are within easy reach of Gashaka village, before those further afield, in the Northern park sector travelers are advised to check for domestic flights to the nearby city.

Where to stay at Gashaka-Gumti National Park

The park is open year-round, although access is easiest during the dry season (December to March). The best way to visit is through the Gashaka Primate Project a UK-based conservation group that works with the park to protect the watershed and wildlife within. It has rooms for around N1500 a night, but you must bring your own food. It’s important to get in touch with the project first because you need to be prepared. There are also volunteer opportunities.