Okomu National Park
South South Nigeria Region
Okomu National Park, located in Edo State, Nigeria, is a vital remnant of the once vast Nigerian lowland rainforests. Established originally as a wildlife sanctuary in 1935 from the Okomu Forest Reserve, it covers approximately 200 square kilometers, making it the smallest of Nigeria's national parks. The park features mature secondary forest, swamp forest, and high forest ecosystems, with diverse flora including Kapok and Triplochiton scleroxylon trees. It sustains a rich variety of fauna such as African buffalo, the endangered African forest elephant, and the vulnerable white-throated guenon primate. Visitors can explore well-marked trails and observe wildlife from elevated tree houses, including a 140-foot-high platform in a silk-cotton tree. Accommodation is available at chalets near the park entrance, surrounded by fig trees frequented by Mona monkeys. Despite pressures from nearby human activity and illegal logging, the park remains a crucial sanctuary for endangered species and a unique natural heritage site in southwestern Nigeria.
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Tipp: The best time to visit Okomu National Park is during the dry season when trails are more accessible and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Visitors are advised to book guided forest walks in advance to enhance the experience and learn about the park's biodiversity. Staying at the nearby chalets on stilts offers an immersive experience surrounded by nature. While entry tickets are required, consider checking for any available discounts or conservation support programs. Prepare for humid tropical weather and bring insect repellent and suitable hiking gear.
Interessante Fakten
- •Okomu National Park is the smallest of Nigeria's seven national parks, covering about 200 square kilometers.
- •The park contains one of the best examples of mature secondary forest in southwest Nigeria.
- •A 140-foot-high tree house in a silk-cotton tree offers visitors panoramic views of the forest canopy and birdlife.
- •Despite its small size, Okomu supports 33 species of mammals including the rare African forest elephant and vulnerable white-throated guenon.
- •Charcoal and pottery found beneath the forest indicate human clearing and regeneration cycles over the past 700 years.
Geschichte
Okomu National Park was originally gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary in 1935 from the Okomu Forest Reserve, preserving a fragment of the Nigerian lowland forests that once spanned from the Niger River to the Dahomey Gap.
Over centuries, the forest has undergone cycles of clearing and regeneration, with archaeological evidence indicating human activity dating back 700 years.
By the early 20th century, extensive deforestation left only disconnected forest blocks.
The sanctuary was formally defined in 1986 with an area of 66 square kilometers and later expanded by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, which managed it until 1999 when the National Park Service took over.
The park has faced ongoing challenges from illegal logging, plantation development, and encroachment by local communities.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Silk-Cotton Tree House
A 140-foot-high tree house built in a silk-cotton tree, providing elevated views of the park's canopy and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Forest Trails
Well-marked trails through different forest types including swamp-forest, high forest, and secondary forest, where guides point out termite nests and medicinal plants.
Chalets on Stilts
Accommodation near the park entrance built on stilts, surrounded by fig trees often visited by Mona monkeys, offering an immersive natural experience.