Discover Okomu National Park’s rich wildlife in this guide. Meet the top 10 animals—from forest elephants to rare monkeys—and get travel tips for your trip.
Okomu National Park Wildlife Guide: Explore Amazing Wildlife in Nigeria
Welcome to our Okomu National Park Wildlife Guid! Okomu National Park is a protected rainforest in southern Nigeria teeming with incredible animals and lush greenery. Though it’s the smallest of Nigeria’s seven national parks at about 197 km² (19,712 hectares)travelwithapen.com, it is home to a huge variety of wildlife. From endangered forest elephants to brightly colored birds and butterflies, this park is a treasure trove of nature. Located roughly 45 km west of Benin City in Edo State, Nigeriatravelwithapen.com, Okomu offers visitors a chance to experience one of the last remnants of the country’s rainforest. This guide will introduce you to the top 10 wildlife species you can find in Okomu, compare their features side-by-side, and provide friendly tips to make your visit safe, fun, and memorable.
Tip: The best time to visit Okomu National Park is during the dry season (roughly November to March). The weather is clearer and animals are more active, making them easier to spot!conservationsng.com
Overview of Okomu National Park
Okomu National Park may be small in size, but it’s big in biodiversity. It protects one of the last intact rainforest ecosystems in Nigeriaconservationsng.comconservationsng.com. Walking into Okomu feels like entering a green cathedral of towering trees, twisting vines, and chattering monkeys. The park’s landscape is mostly tropical lowland rainforest with swampy areas and rivers like the Osse and Okomu rivers flowing throughen.wikipedia.org. This rich environment supports hundreds of species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the country. In fact, about 33 species of mammals live hereen.wikipedia.org, along with 150+ species of birdsseeanimalswild.com and even 700+ types of butterfliesseeanimalswild.com! It’s no wonder Okomu is considered a biodiversity hotspot and an important sanctuary for endangered wildlife.
Okomu was originally a small forest reserve created in 1935, and over time it was expanded and designated as a national park to protect its wildlifeen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. Park rangers work hard to prevent poaching (illegal hunting) and logging, since some of the animals here—like the forest elephant and white-throated monkey—are endangered and need strict protectionen.wikipedia.orgcommons.wikimedia.org. Visitors to Okomu can learn about these conservation efforts at the park’s museum and conservation center, located near the park entrance. There you’ll see animal skeletons (like elephant skulls and buffalo horns) and confiscated hunting tools, which tell the story of why protecting Okomu’s wildlife is so importanttravelwithapen.comtravelwithapen.com.
When you visit, you can stay overnight in simple chalets on stilts near the park entranceconservationsng.com. From there, guided tours lead you into the forest. One highlight is climbing the famous 140-foot tree house perched against a giant silk-cotton treetripadvisor.comen.wikipedia.org. From the top, you get a bird’s-eye view over the rainforest canopy – an unforgettable experience where you might spot birds flitting below and hear monkeys calling through the trees! Okomu also offers a canopy walkway and marked nature trails for visitors to exploretravelwithapen.com. Activities include wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature walks, and even fishing in the Okomu and Osse riverstravelwithapen.com. With this guide, you’ll know what amazing animals to look for as you embark on your Okomu adventure.
Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera! Many animals hide in the dense foliage. Binoculars will help you spot colorful birds or monkeys high in the trees, and a camera lets you capture the moment. (Just remember to enjoy the experience first-hand, too!)
Top 10 Wildlife of Okomu National Park
Now let’s meet the 10 best wildlife species you might encounter in Okomu National Park. These animals are like the “superstars” of the park’s jungle and rivers. For each one, we’ll share what makes it special and some fun facts. Keep in mind that wild animals can be shy – especially in a thick forest – so spotting them takes patience and a bit of luck. Even if you don’t see all of these creatures, it’s exciting to know they’re out there, and finding any signs (like footprints or calls) can be an adventure!
1. African Forest Elephant
A rare African forest elephant family in a swampy clearing.
The African forest elephant is the largest animal in Okomu National Park – yet it’s surprisingly elusive! These elephants are a bit smaller than the more familiar savanna elephants, with adults standing about 2.5–3 meters tall (8–10 feet). They have rounded ears and straighter tusks. Forest elephants use their tusks to cut through dense vegetation and their trunks to grab fruit in the rainforest. Only a few are left in Okomu, making them endangered and very hard to spoten.wikipedia.org. In fact, elephant sightings are rareen.wikipedia.org – many visitors only see footprints or dung on the trails. Park rangers once found a young elephant’s remains in 2007 (likely a victim of poachers)en.wikipedia.org, but today the park is working hard to stop all ivory poaching. If you’re extremely lucky to see a forest elephant in Okomu, you’ll witness a gentle giant quietly munching on leaves or taking a mud bath. Remember to keep a safe distance; elephants are peaceful but can charge if startled. Just knowing these majestic elephants roam the Okomu forest is thrilling!
2. African Buffalo
The African buffalo in Okomu are the forest subspecies – slightly smaller than the large buffalo of open savannas, but still huge and powerful. They look like large dark-brown cattle with curved horns. African buffalo often move in herds and love wallowing in muddy spots or rivers to cool off. In Okomu’s thick vegetation, buffalo are tough to see, but you might catch a glimpse of one crossing a dirt road or hear them crashing through bushes. They are considered dangerous because they will defend themselves if threatened, so your guide will keep a respectful distance. Buffaloes contribute to Okomu’s ecosystem by grazing on grass and creating paths that other animals use. Along with elephants, they’re one of the “Big Mammals” that live in the parken.wikipedia.org. Seeing an African buffalo in the wild can make your heart pound – they embody the untamed spirit of the park!
3. White-Throated Monkey (White-Throated Guenon)
The white-throated monkey is a small, agile primate that is unique to this part of Nigeria. It’s also called the white-throated guenon (and sometimes the red-bellied monkey because of a patch of reddish fur on its belly)flickr.com. This monkey has a grayish coat, a bright white chest and throat (hence its name), and a golden-brown crown on its head. White-throated monkeys live high in the trees, leaping from branch to branch with incredible grace. They eat fruit, leaves, and insects. Sadly, this species is endangered due to habitat loss and hunting, so Okomu is one of the few safe places they have leftseeanimalswild.com. Park staff even have a couple of rescued white-throated monkeys in an animal orphanage near the park entrancetravelwithapen.com – these were saved from poachers and are cared for by rangers. In the wild, you might spot a troop of these monkeys by listening for rustling leaves or their calls. They often travel in small groups. Seeing a white-throated guenon swinging through the canopy is a highlight for any wildlife lover, since it’s a species you can only find in Nigeria and neighboring Benin. Keep your eyes up and you might catch a flash of white and gold in the treetops!
4. Mona Monkey
The mona monkey is another playful primate you’re likely to encounter. In fact, mona monkeys are quite common around the park’s guesthouses and fig trees – they might even be the first animal you see! These monkeys have brownish-grey fur with a distinctive pattern: a white stripe on their thighs and a pale face with dark outlines that looks a bit like they’re wearing a mask. Mona monkeys often hang out in medium-sized groups and are very curious. Don’t be surprised if one peeks at you from behind a branch. They communicate with chirps and whistles and might scurry away if you get too close. Fun fact: At the park entrance, large fig trees attract mona monkeys who love to snack on the sweet fruitsen.wikipedia.org. Visitors sleeping in the chalets sometimes hear thumps on the roof at night – likely mona monkeys jumping between trees! Compared to the shy white-throated monkey, monas are bold and frequently seen, making them a delight for wildlife watchers. Just be sure not to feed them human food, as that can be bad for the monkeys and make them too aggressive around people.
5. Red-Capped Mangabey
The red-capped mangabey is a striking and intelligent monkey species found in Okomu’s forests. It has a reddish-brown tuft (cap) of fur on top of its head, which gives this monkey its namecommons.wikimedia.org. The rest of its body is dark grey or black with a white collar of fur around the neck, making it look like it’s wearing a little white vest! Red-capped mangabeys are medium-sized monkeys known for their expressive faces and cheek pouches (which they stuff with food to eat later, much like a hamster). They travel in social groups and spend a lot of time on the ground as well as in trees. In Okomu, red-capped mangabeys are not as commonly spotted as mona monkeys, but they are presentseeanimalswild.com. They are also vulnerable due to hunting and forest loss. If you’re hiking with a guide, you might hear a mangabey before you see it – listen for their loud whooping calls echoing through the forest in the morning. Catching a glimpse of a red-capped mangabey searching for nuts or grooming a friend is always special. It’s like seeing a rare performer on nature’s stage!
6. Chimpanzee (Possible)
Believe it or not, chimpanzees – our close relatives – might wander into Okomu National Park. Chimpanzees are incredibly intelligent great apes known for using tools like sticks to fish for termites. While Okomu is not famous for large ape sightings (you shouldn’t expect a troop of chimps greeting you), researchers think a small number of chimps from neighboring forests use Okomu occasionallyseeanimalswild.com. A study in 2003 estimated maybe 25–50 chimpanzees live in the larger Okomu Forest Reserve area, and some likely pass through the park at timesen.wikipedia.org. These chimps are very shy and mostly active at dawn or dusk. You’re unlikely to see one during a typical visit, but knowing they are out there adds a sense of mystery and excitement. If you do venture deep into the forest with a ranger, you might find signs of chimps such as cracked nuts (from their nut-cracking activity) or nests made of leaves in trees where they slept. Chimpanzees are endangered and face threats from poaching, so Okomu’s protection gives them a fighting chance. While it’s a rare wildlife sighting, the possibility of chimps adds to Okomu’s wild allure – it shows how truly untamed this pocket of forest remainsseeanimalswild.com.
7. Red River Hog
The red river hog is arguably one of the most beautiful wild pigs you’ll ever see. Imagine a pig with bright reddish-orange fur, a white stripe down its back, and tufts of black and white hair on its ears – that’s the red river hog! These hogs roam Okomu’s forests, snuffling in the soil for roots, fallen fruit, and small critters to eat. They often move in family groups called sounders. Visitors might catch a glimpse of a red river hog dashing across a path or hear them grunting in the undergrowth. They are mostly nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk), so sightings are usually in the early morning or evening when they emerge from hidingcommons.wikimedia.org. Red river hogs love muddy wallows; they’ll coat themselves in mud to stay cool and keep bugs awaycommons.wikimedia.org. In Okomu, these hogs are an important part of the ecosystem because they help disperse seeds and aerate the soil by rooting around. Plus, they’re absolutely adorable to see – especially the piglets, which have striped patterns for camouflage. If you spot the flash of a rusty-red animal with white facial markings, you’ve found a red river hog! It’s like seeing Pumbaa’s rainforest cousin in real life.
8. Dwarf Crocodile
Don’t forget to look in the water! Okomu’s rivers and swamps are home to the African dwarf crocodile. This is a small crocodile species (as crocs go) – adults typically measure 1.5 to 1.8 meters long (about 5–6 feet). Dwarf crocs have a short snout and a bumpy, armored back. They are mostly black or dark brown, which helps them hide in murky water. These crocodiles are shy and usually hunt at night, eating fish, frogs, and crustaceans. During the day they often lie still in the water or under thick mud to stay cool. While exploring Okomu, you might visit swampy areas or the riverbanks where crocs live. Seeing a dwarf crocodile isn’t guaranteed, but if you’re quiet and lucky, you might spot one’s eyes and nostrils peeking above the water’s surface. Rangers sometimes point out spots where crocs bask. Always keep a safe distance and never approach or swim in croc habitats. Compared to their larger Nile crocodile cousins, dwarf crocodiles are not considered aggressive to humans, but it’s best to admire them from afar. Knowing these ancient reptiles lurk in Okomu’s waterways adds a bit of thrill to any river trek!
9. Rich Birdlife (African Grey Parrot & More)
Okomu National Park is a paradise for bird lovers. Over 150 species of birds flutter through its forestsseeanimalswild.com, from tiny sunbirds to large eagles. One superstar is the African Grey Parrot, a medium-sized grey bird with a bright red tail. African grey parrots are highly intelligent (they can mimic human speech!) and in the wild they screech and whistle from the treetops. Seeing a flock of grey parrots fly over the canopy or hearing their chattering calls is magical. Another gem is the Angolan Pitta, a vividly colored bird with a green back, blue tail, and red bellyseeanimalswild.com. Pittas are elusive ground-dwelling birds – spotting one is like finding a rainbow in the undergrowth. Okomu also hosts hornbills (like the wrinkled hornbill and black-casqued hornbill), which have huge curved beaks and whoosh through the air with noisy wingbeatsseeanimalswild.com. Keep an eye out for the fish eagle near rivers, cuckoos and woodpeckers in the forest, and various beautiful negrofinch species with colorful plumageseeanimalswild.com. Early morning is the best time for birdwatching. Find a quiet spot, use your binoculars, and you’ll be rewarded with a parade of avian activity. The diversity of birds in Okomu is astonishing – they bring the forest to life with color and song. Every bird you spot or hear is a reminder of how wild and alive the park is.
10. Butterflies Galore
Last but not least, Okomu is famous for its butterflies. And not just a few butterflies – there are over 700 species of colorful butterflies recorded in the parkseeanimalswild.com! As you walk along the forest trails, especially in sunny clearings or near streams, you’ll likely see clouds of butterflies fluttering around. They come in all shades of the rainbow: bright yellow, metallic blue, deep orange, and patterned wings. Some are as small as your thumbnail, while others are as large as your hand. Butterflies play an important role as pollinators, and their abundance in Okomu signals a healthy ecosystem. A fun activity is to stand quietly by a salt lick or muddy patch – butterflies often gather there to sip mineral-rich water (a behavior called “puddling”). You might witness dozens of them crowded together, looking like living confetti on the ground. Kids and adults alike are mesmerized by these delicate insects. Don’t forget to take a slow-motion video or photo if you can! The sheer number of butterfly species in Okomu is one of the park’s unique featuresseeanimalswild.com. It’s like walking through a fairy garden filled with dancing butterflies everywhere – truly enchanting.
Side-by-Side Wildlife Comparison
To help you remember and compare these amazing creatures, here’s a simple side-by-side look at our top 10 Okomu wildlife stars. This comparison table highlights each animal’s type, size, diet, and how likely you are to spot it during your visit:
| Animal (Top 10) | Type | Typical Size | Diet | Chance of Sighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Forest Elephant | Mammal (Herbivore) | Up to ~3 m tall, ~2–4 tonscommons.wikimedia.org | Leaves, fruit, bark | Very Rare (shy, endangered) |
| African Buffalo | Mammal (Herbivore) | ~1.5 m at shoulder, ~500–900 kg | Grass, plants | Occasional (elusive in forest) |
| White-Throated Monkey | Mammal (Primate) | ~50 cm body (plus tail), ~4–6 kg | Fruits, leaves, insects | Uncommon (endangered, treetop dweller) |
| Mona Monkey | Mammal (Primate) | ~40 cm body (plus tail), ~4–5 kg | Fruits, seeds, insects | Common (often seen near camp) |
| Red-Capped Mangabey | Mammal (Primate) | ~50–60 cm body, ~7–12 kg | Fruits, nuts, invertebrates | Occasional (tree & ground, watch quietly) |
| Chimpanzee | Mammal (Great Ape) | ~1–1.3 m tall (when upright), ~30–50 kg | Fruits, nuts, insects, some meat | Very Rare (possibly present, very shy) |
| Red River Hog | Mammal (Wild Pig) | ~60–80 cm tall, ~45–115 kg | Roots, fruit, small animals | Occasional (nocturnal, look for tracks) |
| Dwarf Crocodile | Reptile | ~1.5 m long (adult) | Fish, frogs, crabs | Occasional (mostly at night in water) |
| African Grey Parrot & Birds | Bird (various) | 25 cm (parrot) up to 1 m wingspan (eagle) | Seeds, fruit, insects (species-dependent) | Common (many species, best in morning) |
| Butterflies | Insect | 2–15 cm wingspan (varies) | Flower nectar, minerals | Very Common (hundreds everywhere in daylight) |
Key: Common – likely to see on a normal day; Occasional – you might see with some luck; Very Rare – a special, unlikely sighting.
This table shows how diverse Okomu’s wildlife is. We have mammals big and small, reptiles, birds, and insects all coexisting in the park. Some, like monkeys and birds, are fairly easy to find, while others, like elephants and chimpanzees, require a keen eye and luck (or maybe camera trap research!) to know they’re around. Each plays a role in the ecosystem: elephants create openings in the forest, monkeys disperse seeds, hogs till the soil, birds pollinate flowers, and butterflies add beauty while pollinating, too. Understanding these differences can make your wildlife watching more rewarding – you’ll know where to look and what to listen for when trying to spot each animal.
Tip: Be patient and quiet during wildlife sightings. Move slowly, avoid loud noises, and listen to your guide. The forest is full of sounds – crunching leaves, bird calls, frog croaks. Sometimes you’ll hear an animal before you see it. If you stay calm and observant, the jungle will reveal its secrets to you!
Visitor Tips for a Great Okomu Wildlife Adventure
Exploring Okomu National Park can be the adventure of a lifetime. To make the most of your trip, here are some visitor tips and important things to know:
- Go with a Guide: It’s required and very wise to explore with a park ranger or guide. They know the trails and animal behaviors. A knowledgeable guide will point out animals you might otherwise miss – like a camouflaged sitatunga antelope in a swamp or a civet cat sleeping on a tree limb. Guides also ensure your safety and that of the wildlife. With a guide, you’re more likely to have exciting encounters while staying safenairaland.comnairaland.com.
- What to Wear: Okomu is a rainforest, so wear light but protective clothing. Long sleeves and long pants (in neutral colors like green or brown) help guard against insect bites and thorny plants. A cap or hat is good for sun protection when on the tree house or open trails. And comfortable walking shoes or boots are a must for muddy paths. Don’t forget rain gear (poncho or light jacket) in case of a sudden shower – it is the rainforest, after all!
- Insect Protection: There are mosquitoes and tsetse flies in the area. Applying insect repellent on exposed skin will keep bugs away. Also consider sleeping under a mosquito net if you’re overnighting at the park chalets. It ensures a peaceful, bite-free sleep so you’re energized for the morning trek.
- Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart: Carry water with you because it’s humid and you’ll be walking a lot. A reusable water bottle in a small backpack is ideal. Pack some easy snacks like nuts or energy bars for the long hikes, but never feed wildlife with human food. Feeding animals can harm their health and make them aggressive or dependent on peopleseeanimalswild.com. It’s best to observe them naturally finding their own wild snacks!
- Respect Wildlife and Rules: Always remember you’re a guest in the animals’ home. Keep a respectful distance – use binoculars for a closer view rather than approaching. Follow the park rules: no littering (take your trash back with you), no loud music, and absolutely no hunting or collecting plants. Even picking a flower is not allowed, since it might be a food source for an insect or bird. By respecting these rules, you help keep Okomu pristine and safe for the animals and future visitorsseeanimalswild.com.
- Capture Memories Responsibly: Feel free to take photos – you’ll definitely want to capture that moment when a group of white-throated monkeys crosses your path or a brilliant butterfly lands nearby. Just avoid flash photography directly in animals’ faces as it can startle them (and in the case of nocturnal creatures, harm their eyes). Also, keep your phones on silent mode so ringtones don’t disturb the jungle vibe.
- Learn and Ask Questions: The more you learn, the more rewarding the experience. Ask the rangers about animal tracks you see or strange sounds you hear at night (Was that a galago “bushbaby” call or an owl? What fruit is that on the trail?). Rangers in Okomu love sharing stories – like how they’ve reduced elephant poachingen.wikipedia.org or how they rescued that pet monkey you met at the office. Their knowledge will turn your visit into an interactive discovery, not just a walk in the woods.
For additional travel inspiration and gear guides, check out our post on the best small travel backpacks – it features comfy, durable backpacks perfect for adventure trips. A good backpack will carry your water, camera, and snacks as you trek through Okomu’s jungle, keeping your hands free to use binoculars or hold onto the tree house ladder!
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Wild Experience
Visiting Okomu National Park is like stepping into an African wildlife storybook. In this guide, we’ve introduced you to forest elephants quietly shaping the forest, monkeys leaping through emerald green treetops, hogs and buffaloes foraging in the shadows, stealthy crocodiles in swamp pools, and a rainbow of birds and butterflies filling the air. This Okomu National Park Wildlife Guide is meant to prepare and excite you for what you might see, but nothing beats experiencing it in person. Whether you spot all “top 10” animals or just a few, each sighting – from a tiny butterfly to a giant elephant – is special and memorable.
As you leave Okomu, you’ll carry with you the sounds of the jungle, the sight of that ancient 140-ft tree towering above, and an appreciation for the importance of protecting such natural treasures. Okomu may be Nigeria’s smallest national park, but its impact on visitors is huge. It teaches us about the wonder of wildlife: how diverse, beautiful, and fragile it is. We hope this guide helps you feel confident and curious as you explore. Grab your hiking shoes, your adventurous spirit, and perhaps this guide – and get ready to make incredible memories in Okomu National Park. Happy wildlife watching!
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