
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Owerri, Nigeria
1. Imo River Sanctuary
A haven for over 100 bird species and various reptiles. It's unique in its urban location within the city of Owerri.
- Urban Location: Provides a rare opportunity to observe wildlife in an urban environment.
- Bird Watching: Offers excellent bird watching opportunities with over 100 species.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible within the city, making it convenient for visitors.
2. Okigwe Forest Reserve
A lush forest teeming with primates, elephants, and a variety of birdlife. It's one of the largest remaining rainforests in Southeastern Nigeria.
- Size: One of the largest remaining rainforests in Southeastern Nigeria, offering expansive wildlife viewing.
- Primates: Home to a variety of primate species, including chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys.
- Birdlife: Rich in birdlife with over 300 species recorded, attracting birdwatchers from around the world.
3. Orashi Wildlife Reserve
A significant habitat for the endangered Cross River Gorilla. It's unique due to its focus on gorilla conservation.
- Endangered Species: Home to the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla, making it a crucial conservation site.
- Gorilla Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of gorillas and other forest-dwelling species.
- Wilderness Experience: Offers a wilderness experience with opportunities for guided treks and observation.
4. Afi River Forest Reserve
Home to the Afi Mountain Camp, an eco-tourism lodge offering wildlife viewing and birdwatching experiences.
- Eco-Tourism Lodge: Features the Afi Mountain Camp, providing comfortable accommodations in a wild setting.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and elephants.
- Birdwatching: Rich in birdlife with over 360 species recorded, attracting birdwatchers from around the world.
5. Oguta Lake Wetland
A wetland area supporting a variety of aquatic life, including hippos and crocodiles. It's unique due to its large freshwater lake.
- Freshwater Lake: Large freshwater lake supports a diverse range of aquatic life.
- Hippos and Crocodiles: Home to hippos and crocodiles, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
6. Oguta Forest Reserve
A forest reserve offering wildlife viewing opportunities for primates and various birds. It's unique due to its proximity to Oguta Lake.
- Proximity to Lake: Located near Oguta Lake, providing opportunities for combined wildlife and water experiences.
- Primates: Home to various primate species, including the red colobus monkey.
- Birdwatching: Rich in birdlife with over 200 species recorded, attracting birdwatchers from around the world.
7. Anambra Wildlife Park
A park focusing on wildlife conservation and education. It's unique due to its educational emphasis.
- Educational Emphasis: Focuses on wildlife conservation and education, with interactive exhibits and programs.
- Wildlife Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of various species found in the region.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours and interactive experiences, making learning fun for visitors.
8. Obianje Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on chimpanzee conservation. It's unique due to its dedication to chimpanzee welfare.
- Chimpanzee Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of chimpanzees, with a rehabilitation center on-site.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Eco-Tourism Lodge: Features an eco-tourism lodge for comfortable accommodations in a wild setting.
9. Ihube Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on preserving the unique flora and fauna of Southeastern Nigeria. It's unique due to its biodiversity.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Eco-Tourism Lodge: Features an eco-tourism lodge for comfortable accommodations in a wild setting.
10. Ohimoba Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on preserving the unique species found within its boundaries. It's unique due to its endemic species.
- Endemic Species: Home to several endemic species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
11. Agbokim Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on preserving the unique species found within its boundaries. It's unique due to its endemic species.
- Endemic Species: Home to several endemic species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
12. Umunumo Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on preserving the unique species found within its boundaries. It's unique due to its endemic species.
- Endemic Species: Home to several endemic species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
13. Awba River Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on preserving the unique species found within its boundaries. It's unique due to its endemic species.
- Endemic Species: Home to several endemic species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
14. Ihite Uboma Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on preserving the unique species found within its boundaries. It's unique due to its endemic species.
- Endemic Species: Home to several endemic species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
15. Ezionye Forest Reserve
A forest reserve with a focus on preserving the unique species found within its boundaries. It's unique due to its endemic species.
- Endemic Species: Home to several endemic species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including primates and various birds.
- Biodiversity: Supports a high level of biodiversity, making it an important ecosystem in the region.