Game reserves in Cross River

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Relaxation, Explore nature

ABOUT Afi Wildlife Sanctuary Formerly part of the Afi River Forest Reserve, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2000 to provide improved protection to important populations of several endangered species including the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, the drill and the grey-necked rockfowl. Afi comprises roughly 100km² of lowland and sub-montane forest with rocky peaks rising to altitudes of 1,300m. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding Afi River Forest Reserve constitute one of the largest forest blocks left in Cross River State, outside of the national park. Afi is currently managed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission/Ministry of Climate Change and Forestry. Although the steep mountainous slopes of the sanctuary have largely protected it from logging the forest is frequently damaged by dry-season bush fires set to clear new farms or to flush game. Open areas created by fire are quickly colonized by herb species which form an important staple food for gorillas. On the western flank of the mountain is a large grassland roost of migratory European barn swallows, estimated to contain up to 20 million birds at times and reputed to be the largest wintering roost site of swallows in Africa. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by 16 communities with a total population of approximately 27,000. SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the Afi wildlife sanctuary is not properly managed.   BEST FEATURES Afi wildlife sanctuary has a beautiful environment filled with all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT Afi wildlife sanctuary can be visited any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Afi wildlife sanctuary can be visited by Tourists, Historians etc. SAFETY Afi wildlife sanctuary is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

Sightseeing, See wildlife, Relaxation, Explore nature

ABOUT Drill Ranch was founded in 1991. The DRBC is the region’s first primate rehab project. Illegally held drills orphaned by hunting are donated by local citizens or handed over after seizure by authorities; no animals are purchased or removed from the wild. Over 75 drills have been recovered, and rehabilitated to life with members of their own species, after thorough medical screening. In western zoos, drills have reproduced poorly, but the DRBC has recorded over 250 births to rehabilitated wild-born parents and their offspring, making the project the world’s most successful captive breeding program for an endangered primate. Today, 286 drills live in 6 family groups, each in their own natural habitat electrified enclosure of up to 9 ha. There are plans to release the first group back to the wild in 2008. Drill Ranch is also home to 28 orphan chimpanzees. As man’s closest relative, the chimpanzees add greatly to visitor education by stimulating interest and sympathy for wildlife. The Drill Ranch and rehabilitation center is a wildlife sanctuary that hopes to preserve and ensure continuity of the endangered primate species drills. It serves to rehabilitate drills with members of their species and also provides a safe haven for orphaned chimpanzees. SERVICES There are no services rendered here as the national forest is not properly managed. BEST FEATURES Drill Ranch has it beautiful environment full with all kinds of animals around the forest. BEST TIME TO VISIT Drill Ranch can be visited at any time of the year. WHO CAN VISIT Historians, Photographers, couples, tourists, and fun lovers. SAFETY Drill Ranch is not safe at night as there are no security agents around the forest and one needs to be extremely careful.

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About Afi Mountain WIldlife Sanctuary  The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was legally created by the government of Cross river state in May 2000 (~100 sq km) from the northwest portion of the Afi river forest reserve. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding Afi River Forest Reserve constitute one of the largest forest blocks left in Cross River State, outside of the national park. Today, the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary stands as one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Nigeria and the best protected area for drills in the world. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary can be visit by all classes of people including couples, children , tourists, historians, photographers, fun lovers. and the elderly. The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary takes protecting endangered wildlife very importantly. It is home to a host of primates which include the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, the drill and the grey-necked rockfowl. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is listed as an Important Bird Area for Nigeria and hosts one of the largest migratory swallow roosts in Africa. Services The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is available to stay in if you want to make a visit for more than one day, where accommodation is provided in the form of cabins. They also have a walkway running through the forest canopy, 25 metres above the jungle floor - a great way to experience this breathtaking location. Best features There are many variety of animal wildlife present here. It is also a very beautiful place to connect with nature. Who Can Visit Historians, Photographers, couples, children (with proper supervision) , tourists, and fun lovers. Best Time To Visit Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited at anytime so far the tour guard is available to take guests around. There are good sights to capture, explore nature and wildlife. Safety This is a very safe location, guests are advised not to feed the animals on their own. There are security agents around the wildlife sanctuary.