REVITALIZING THE YANKARI GAME RESERVE: The Bauchi ACReSAL Project Intervention
Our safari driver recounted a terrifying story of being stuck in the middle of the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi state of Nigeria, surrounded by wildlife, in a decrepit vehicle with terrified tourists.
Set up in 1956, the 2,244 square kilometer wildlife sanctuary with natural warm water springs and a beautiful savanna landscape was home to a stunning variety of animals and plants. Beyond its wildlife, Yankari also tells the story of ancient human history, with remnants of old iron-smelting sites and caves. Despite its closeness to local communities, the reserve itself has remained untouched by human habitation for over a century, allowing it to thrive as a natural treasure. Yankari has drawn tourists from all over the world and for decades it was a top tourist destination in Nigeria, and a cornerstone of ecotourism in West Africa.
But by 2023, it had suffered from years of neglect, which affected tourist numbers. Visitors complained about the lack of reliable safari vehicles and trained guides, and poor condition of facilities, such as the changing rooms and toilets at the famous Wikki Warm Springs. The Rangers responsible for protecting this massive landscape lacked proper uniforms, first-aid kits, and essential tools for their jobs.
ACReSAL
In April 2023, the Bauchi State Project Management Unit of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project of the Government of Nigeria and supported by the World Bank, stepped in: New game-viewing trucks were purchased, facilities at the warm springs rehabilitated, proper first-aid measures introduced and the park’s 150 rangers provided with new uniforms, night-vision goggles, walkie talkies and torches. The all-male group of rangers were also trained in interpretation, social engagement, dialogue, and patrolling techniques, improving their communication with tourists as well as their ability to protect the reserve.
All these interventions fostered a new sense of purpose among the staff. Soon enough, the investment began to show results. Service units began to compete to improve standards, and suddenly, what was once seen as a burden turned into an opportunity for growth.
The Impact
Today, the impact is visible. The rangers, once ill-equipped, now patrol with pride and confidence and are able to patrol more effectively at nighttime, cutting down poaching incidents significantly. Their interpretation to tourists is clearer and makes better use of the language of conservation. While this has enriched the overall visitor experience, it has also boosted the morale of the rangers: They are no longer just protectors of wildlife but have become ambassadors of the reserve.
The new safari trucks charging N 15,000 (~USD 20) per trip have completely changed the visitor experience. College students on a research trip were able to get up close to wildlife with the new vehicles, an experience that left a lasting impact. “It was incredible to observe animals in their natural habitat, something we had only seen in textbooks,” one said.
By September 2023, tourists had increased from around 500 to 2,000 per month, while the improving tourism benefitted around 10,000 food vendors, photographers, fuel station operators, souvenir sellers and others. Also, although it did not fund the Reserve, the state government provided 30 motorcycles to facilitate the rangers’ movement, renovated the restaurant, some Executive Rooms and some other areas (with a second renovation planned for October 2024).
The new safari trucks charging N 15,000 (~USD 20) per trip led to a 25% increase in tourism revenue. Dr. Yusuf the General Manager of the Yankari Game Reserve confirmed that they collected more than 48 million Naira (~ 65,000 USD) in the 9 months from October 2023 and June 2024 from fees for tickets, safari rides, warm spring visits and toilet facility use. All of this meant that the Reserve was able to not just pay its casual workers, and utility, medical and maintenance bills, but also to clean the warm spring, upgrade restrooms, add picnic areas, and recruit around 40 new staff members from the local community.
What’s Next?
The intervention wasn’t just about providing equipment—it was about long-term change. All maintenance and repair costs have been incorporated into the Bauchi State Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s budget, ensuring that the improvements at Yankari are here to stay. A Baseline Study and a ten-year (2025-2035) Management Plan are being developed to ensure that Yankari remains a leading ecological and tourist destination for years to come.
This Yankari story shows that with the right tools, training, and support, even the most neglected places can be revitalized. Today, the Yankari Game Reserve is not just surviving—it’s thriving, and its best days are ahead.
