By Obiabin Onukwugha
Bauchi State, North East Nigeria, known as Pearl of Tourism, is known for several tourists sites and attractions. Bordered by Jigawa to the north, Yobe to the northeast, Gombe to the east, Taraba and Plateau to the south, Kaduna to the west and Kano to the northwest, the state takes its name from the historic city of Bauchi, which also serves as its capital.
A visit to the state keeps tourists captivating and want to visit again and again.
Here are some of the tourists attraction sites in the state as listed by wikkitimes.
YANKARI NATIONAL PARK
The Yankari National Park, is a large wildlife park located about 110 km along Bauchi-Gombe Road in the south-central part of the state. Covering an area of about 2,244 square kilometres (866 sq mi), the park is home to several natural warm water springs and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its location in the heartland of the West African savanna makes it unique for tourists and holidaymakers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat.
The Yankari Park was originally created as a game reserve in 1956 but was later designated as Nigeria’s biggest national park in 1991 and is also one of the most popular eco-tourism centres in West Africa.
It is a refuge for over 50 mammal species, including African bush elephant, olive baboon, patas monkey, tantalus monkey, roan antelope, western hartebeest, West African lion, African buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck and hippopotamus. Yankari National Park has a beautiful environment full of all kinds of animals around the forest. You get to see natural warm springs, beautiful trees and beautifully constructed huts.
However, the lion population is on the verge of extinction.
WIKKI WARM SPRINGS
The Wikki Warm Springs is located in the Yankari National Park. The spring is at a constant temperature of 31°C, where visitors are afforded the opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment while being serenaded by the sound of nature.
While at Wikki Warm Springs, you will experience nature and soak in the spring.
TOMB OF ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA
The grand edifice contains the remains of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first and the only Prime Minister of Nigeria. The tomb was built as a monument to the man who was often referred to as the Golden Voice of Africa.
The architectural masterpiece, befitting of the former and pioneering leader of Nigeria, is breathtaking, to say the least. The gigantic walls tower up to 17ft, enclosing a modest marble structure which is the resting place of the former leader. It is located along Ran Road in the Bauchi metropolis.
BAUCHI POLO CLUB
The venue attracts polo players and spectators alike. It hosts various tournaments all year round, with regular competitions with other polo clubs around the country.
It is surrounded by hills and rocks that are amazing in sight as it is relaxing. Long established as one of the premier tourist attractions in the country and beyond, polo has been played here for decades. Polo Club is located along Ningi Road, Bauchi.
Sumu wildlife
Sumu Wildlife, Bauchi was built by the Bauchi State government in 2015. It is one of the newest tourist sites being developed by the government as part of efforts to improve tourism in the state.
The park has diverse flora and fauna riches that would interest visitors. It also has many tourism support facilities such as accommodation lodges and a restaurant showcasing the delicacies of Bauchi State.
Sumu Wildlife offers visitors the safari experience and beautiful pictures of the wildlife. The wildlife at Sumu are people-friendly.
It is a getaway spot for nature and wildlife lovers. Photographers will also have plenty of subjects to capture.
Sumu Wildlife is in Ganjuwa local government of the state along Bauchi Kano Road.
DUKKEY WELLS
Dukkey Wells is notable as having 139 wells, all of which have interconnecting shafts sunk and are between 3-5 meters deep and are located in Yankari.
It is an amazing proof of the ingenuity of prehistoric human settlers in Bauchi. Consisting of 139 wells which are connected to each other by underground shafts, these wells were used as a water storage system by the settlers
The wells represent an elaborate water storage system devised by the early man. A disturbance in one of the 139 wells creates ripples in the remaining wells.
TUNGA DUTSE ROCK PAINTINGS
Tunga Dutse is further proof of human settlement in Bauchi area. Legible writings (whose meanings are unknown) cover an area on the sandstone rock embankment of about 4m in length in Dwall River. The writings are legible.
The painting attracts hundreds of visitors monthly. The sandstone rock itself is a thing of beauty. The elaborate carvings on it are artistic. It is also located in Yankari.
LAME BURRA GAME RESERVE
Lame Burra Game Reserve (205,900 ha) in Bauchi State lies to the south-east of Falgore Game Reserve. The vegetation is a typical Northern Guinea Savanna in the north, there are areas of transition to Sudan Savanna. The 50 km wide strip of thinly inhabited, unprotected savanna woodland separates the reserves. It is located in Ningi Local Government of the state.
It has a very beautiful green environment. There are no services rendered here as the forest is not properly managed. Historians and tourists can visit at any time of the year.