Located in the Sudano-Sahelian ecological zone of the North-Eastern part of Nigeria between Borno and Yobe States, Chad Basin National Park covers a total area of 2,258km2 and fragmented into three sectors. The Chingurmi-Duguma sector is in Borno State, is in a Sudanian Savanna ecological zone while the Bade-Nguru Wetlands and Bulatura sectors are in Yobe State in the Sahel ecological zone.
The park which is generally referred to as the conventional basin of the famous Lake Chad, is indeed a veritable heaven of adventure where visitors are spoilt with activities that will make the spirit soar. The park hosted prince Philip in 1989 when he was the president of WWF and some parts of the park were also visited by Charles and Diana in 1990.
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Chingurmi Duguma:
The is the largest with an area of 1,228km2 and it’s located in Borno State, it’s an extension of Waza National Park in Cameroon. This sector which was first established as a forest or game reserve in 1975 under Borno Province, is dominated by Acacia-Balanites woodland complex interspaced with a dense stand of elephant grasses in definitely stratified formation to add to the natural beauty of the ecosystem. A large part of the park was some times flooded by water from the Dorma river during the rainy season, creating floodplain wetlands which attracts water birds and other wildlife. The sector has recorded 66 species of birds which include guinea fowl, black-crowned crane, demoiselle crane, Arabian bustard, Aviles bustard, African-collared dove, yellow-breasted barbet, black-scrub robin, chestnut-bellied starling, Sudan-golden sparrow, white stork, grey-breasted helmet guinea fowl, pallied harrier etc.
Bula Tura Oasis Sector:
This sector is located in Yobe State and covers an area of 92km. It is made up of a series of fertile dune depressions (swampy valleys) referred to as Oases and also includes highly scenic sand dunes that hold great potential for ecological and adventure tourism. The park contains some rare desert wildlife like giraffe, ostrich, red fronted gazelle, jackals, mongoose, giant tortoise, panta monkeys, porcupine, ratel, spotted hyena, common duiker, warthog, dorcas gazelle, sitatunga, varieties of waders, glossy ibis, pelicans, secretary bird, knob billed goose, pintail, bustards etc. Also found close to the park is the famous Lake Chad which is paramount interest to tourists for boating, birdwatching, visit to numerous fishing villages in the area and watching some aquatic animals which include hippopotamus, crocodile, clawless otter etc. The park is the only stronghold of giraffes and ostriches in Nigeria.
Bade Nguru Wetlands:
This sector is part of the internationally renowned Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands and it covers an area of 938KM2. Situated southwest of Bade and Jakusko Local Government Areas of Yobe State, the focal point of the sector is the Dagona Waterfowl Sanctuary that is internationally significant as a host to migrant birds. This is one of West Africa’s most important stop-over points for birds migrating from Europe. It has been listed as an IBA (Important Birds Areas) supported by Birdlife International. During the dry season, this is the place where many thousands of European birds seeking sanctuary in Africa migrate to in order to escape the harsh European winter. The park hosted prince Philip in 1989 when he was the president of WWF and parts of the park were also visited by Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1990.
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For more information, contact:
The General Manager
Chad Basin National Park
P.M.B.1026, Maiduguri,
Telephone: +234 76 234120, 234428
Fax: +234 76 342184
Website: http://www.nigeriaparkservice.org
