Gashaka Gumti is a vast forest in the northeast of Nigeria, spanning the states of Taraba and Adamawa. It was created in 1991 by merging two large reserves: Gashaka Game Reserve in Taraba and Gumti in Adamawa. According to Adegoke Babatola, an official of the forest information center, Gashaka Gumti is the largest and most beautiful forest in Nigeria and Africa, as it extends across the border with Cameroon. The forest was established to protect the wildlife, rivers, and environment of the area.
Gashaka Gumti covers an area of 6,731 square kilometers and hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is home to hundreds of species of birds, many of which are endemic or endangered. The forest is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It also harbors a variety of mammals, such as lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, rhinos, buffaloes, antelopes, and monkeys. One of the rarest primates in the world, the drill monkey, is found only in Gashaka Gumti and a few other places in Nigeria and Cameroon.
Besides these large animals, there are also smaller creatures like lizards, alligators, crocodiles, and snakes. Some of the snakes are venomous, such as the cobra, the viper, and the boomslang.
Gashaka Gumti attracts tourists and researchers from different countries who want to explore its natural wonders. One of the most popular attractions is Chabbal Waade, which means “mountain of death” in Fulfulde language. It is the highest peak in Nigeria, with an elevation of 2,419 meters. Tourists flock to this mountain to enjoy the panoramic views and take photos and videos. Some of the countries that send visitors to Gashaka Gumti are England, America, Spain, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Poland, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and the Central African Republic. However, Mr. Babatola said that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the number of foreign tourists.
Some of the visitors are also interested in conducting research and studying the various animals and birds that live in the forest. Mr. Babatola said that Europeans are especially curious about the drill monkey and other unique species that are only found in this region. He added that this helps them appreciate God’s gift to Nigeria and Africa.
Gashaka Gumti also plays an important role in preventing desertification and climate change by providing a green cover for the land. Mr. Babatola said that the trees in the forest help to conserve water and soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
