Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

Formerly part of the Afi River ForestReserve, the 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 Picathartes or rockfowl.

Afi is covered by roughly 100km² of lowland and sub-montane forest with rocky peaks rising to altitudes of 1,300m. 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 colonised 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 a forest reserve which aims to try and protect the populations of several endangered species that are found in Nigeria. Containing an area of roughly 100km², Afi Mountain is home to a variety of primates, including magnificent chimpanzee and gorilla populations.

Gorilla gorilla dienli is unique to this area and one of the most endangered gorilla subspecies in Africa - and the world. The wild drill monkey, another endangered species native to this area, is also found on Afi Mountain.

The Afi Mountain Ranch 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.

The ranch is run by an American couple who aim to protect the endangered drill monkeys that reside in this area - you can therefore see these amazing creatures up close while you stay here.