Bauchi State, the pearl of tourism has several places that attract tourists from local communities, neighbouring states as well as international tourists. The most notable place to visit in Bauchi is the Yankari National Park.
YANKARI NATIONAL PARK
It is a large wildlife park located about 110 km along Bauchi-Gombe Road in the south-central part of the state covering an area of about 2,244 square kilometres (866 sq mi).
It is home to several natural warm water springs and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its location in the heartland of the West African savanna makes it unique for tourists and holidaymakers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat.
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Yankari was originally created as a game reserve in 1956 but was later designated as Nigeria’s biggest national park in 1991 and is also one of the most popular eco-tourism centres in West Africa.
It is a refuge for over 50 mammal species including African bush elephant, olive baboon, patas monkey, tantalus monkey, roan antelope, western hartebeest, West African lion, African buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck and hippopotamus. However, the lion population is on the verge of extinction.
- Service
Yankari is known for game viewing, Wikki Spring (man-made spring), natural warm springs and museum tours.
It is mostly visited by tourists, historians as well as wildlife and nature lovers at any time of the year, but best to go there during the day.
- Features
Yankari National Park has a beautiful environment full of all kinds of animals around the forest. You get to see natural warm springs, beautiful trees and beautifully constructed huts.
ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA STADIUM
Located along Murtala Mohammed Way, Bauchi, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium was built by the federal government of Nigeria in 1985.
This federal government-owned stadium has been upgraded with a state-of-art artificial turf and a renovated main gallery.
Distinguishing features of the stadium include the world-class FIFA standard scoreboard, LED display and energy-saving floodlights, and electronic scoreboard. It also houses an Olympic-size 10-lane swimming pool.
It has a seating capacity of 15,000 and is the home stadium for the Nigerian Premier League team Wikki Tourists F.C.
WIKKI WARM SPRINGS
Wikki Warm Springs is at a constant temperature of 31°C, visitors are afforded the opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment while being serenaded by the sound of nature.
While at Wikki Warm Springs, you will experience nature and soak in the spring. It is located in the Yankari National Park.
TOMB OF ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA
The grand edifice contains the remains of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first and the only Prime Minister of Nigeria. The tomb was built as a monument to the man who was often referred to as the Golden Voice of Africa.
The architectural masterpiece, befitting of the former and pioneering leader of Nigeria, is breathtaking, to say the least. The gigantic walls tower up to 17ft, enclosing a modest marble structure which is the resting place of the former leader.
It is located along Ran Road in the Bauchi metropolis
BAUCHI EMIR’S PALACE
The palace was built by Muhammadu Durugu in the 19th century. It is notable as the palace with the beautiful arched balconies and windows which are complemented by the nave-like arches within the palace itself.
It serves as the residence of the paramount ruler of the Bauchi Emirate. It is situated in Bauchi town and plays host to a number of festivals and rites in the state. It is mostly visited by traditional rulers, dignitaries, historians and artists. It is situated along Unguwar Jaki Street in Bauchi metropolis.
BAUCHI POLO CLUB
The venue attracts polo players and spectators alike. It hosts various tournaments all year round, with regular competitions with other polo clubs around the country.
It is surrounded by hills and rocks that are amazing in sight as it is relaxing. Long established as one of the premier tourist attractions in the country and beyond, polo has been played here for decades. Polo Club is located along Ningi Road, Bauchi.
SIR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The airport was built by the federal government in 2014 and named after Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the former Prime Minister.
The airport, with its modern aviation facility, was built at a cost of N13 billion.
It is located 30 km along Bauchi Kano Road.
SUMU WILDLIFE
Sumu Wildlife, Bauchi was built by the Bauchi State government in 2015. It is one of the newest tourist sites being developed by the government as part of efforts to improve tourism in the state.
The park has diverse flora and fauna riches that would interest visitors. It also has many tourism support facilities such as accommodation lodges and a restaurant showcasing the delicacies of Bauchi State.
Sumu Wildlife offers visitors the safari experience and beautiful pictures of the wildlife. The wildlife at Sumu are people-friendly.
It is a getaway spot for nature and wildlife lovers. Photographers will also have plenty of subjects to capture.
Sumu Wildlife is in Ganjuwa local government of the state along Bauchi Kano Road.
DUKKEY WELLS
Dukkey Wells is notable as having 139 wells, all of which have interconnecting shafts sunk and are between 3-5 meters deep and are located in Yankari.
It is an amazing proof of the ingenuity of prehistoric human settlers in Bauchi. Consisting of 139 wells which are connected to each other by underground shafts, these wells were used as a water storage system by the settlers
The wells represent an elaborate water storage system devised by the early man. A disturbance in one of the 139 wells creates ripples in the remaining wells.
TUNGA DUTSE ROCK PAINTINGS
Tunga Dutse is further proof of human settlement in Bauchi area. Legible writings (whose meanings are unknown) cover an area on the sandstone rock embankment of about 4m in length in Dwall River. The writings are legible.
The painting attracts hundreds of visitors monthly. The sandstone rock itself is a thing of beauty. The elaborate carvings on it are artistic. It is also located in Yankari.
LAME BURRA GAME RESERVE
Lame Burra Game Reserve (205,900 ha) in Bauchi State lies to the south-east of Falgore Game Reserve. The vegetation is a typical Northern Guinea Savanna in the north, there are areas of transition to Sudan Savanna. The 50 km wide strip of thinly inhabited, unprotected savanna woodland separates the reserves. It is located in Ningi Local Government of the state.
It has a very beautiful green environment. There are no services rendered here as the forest is not properly managed.
Historians and tourists can visit at any time of the year
BAUCHI STATE LIBRARY
The Bauchi State Library offers free library services to the public, with a wide range of quality books and learning materials in stock.
It offers a serene and quiet environment which makes studying attractive. Bauchi State Library’s book collection contains current books, journals, periodicals and reports.
It is an ideal place for students who wish to study after school hours. Researchers and journalists will also find this place suitable for gathering information.
It is located along Abdulkadir Ahmed Road, in Bauchi metropolis.
ZARANDA HOTELS
Zaranda Hotel is located at Jos Road, 4 km away from the Bauchi metropolis. It has an ideal location for both tourists and leisure guests with promises to offer hospitable services.
The tallest hotel edifice in the state has a total of 184 rooms which are of different categories; the Double Room, Luxury Room, Executive, Presidential and Diplomatic Suite.
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These rooms have air-conditioners with a king-size bed, flat screen TV, telephone, refrigerator and an en-suite bathroom with toiletries.
It has put in place a number of facilities for its guests, such as free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, parking space, 24-hour front desk service and power supply, an outdoor tennis court, restaurant where guests can choose from a list of both local and continental dishes and a bar where both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served. Security personnel guard the premises at all times to ensure the safety of its guests.
Zaranda Hotel offers additional services like laundry/dry cleaning services, barber/hair stylists, a gift shop, car hire services, concierge services, 24-hour room service/housekeeping and meeting facilities that can hold 500 people.
Its check-in and check-out is 12:00 pm but cancellation policies vary according to room type. Children not older than 16 years are allowed at no extra cost.
