Despite being the smallest national park in Nigeria, Okomu offers unique experiences in nature that cannot be gotten elsewhere.
Open Hours: All day
Contact number: +234 450241, +234 8084680294
Things to take with you: A camera, petty cash, sunglasses, hat, drinking water, comfortable hiking shoes, your overnight kit and a safari kit.
Built by the British colonial administration in 1986, Okomu National Park is a natural habitat for endangered flora and fauna species, located barely four-hours away from Lagos state. At Okomu, different animal species can be found such as African forest elephant, African Buffalo, Chimpanzees, Dwarf crocodiles, Mona monkey, Warthog and lots more. Over 150 species of birds like grey hornbill, fish eagle, Angolan putta, can also be found at the park.
When is the best time to visit?
The park can be visited at any time of the year. However, call the contact to book your trip and tour slot. The park is quite a distance from major cities like Lagos so an overnight trip is best.
How to get to the park
Located in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo state, the park lies about 50km west of Benin City. The drive from Lagos takes about 4 hours.
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Where to lodge
Visitors can stay at chalets built on stilts, just outside the park entrance, surrounded by big trees that are often occupied by Mona monkeys. The Okomu Eco-tourist resort, located within the park, offers modern tourist facilities like its 12 chalets and 3 family apartments, swimming pool, cosy restaurant and a mini conference centre. If not your style, you can opt for a hotel close by.
Fun things to do on your visit
If you are an animal and nature lover, Okomu National Park is just the place for you! You can:
- Climb the treehouses to get a great view of the park's landscape
- Try out the park's canopy walk
- Go birdwatching
- Go fishing in any of the two rivers in the park
- Go for a forest walk and spot amazing animals along the way