Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Nigeria's Cross River State, spans 104 km² of rugged rainforest and provides vital refuge for several endangered species, including the Cross River gorilla, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, and drill. Established in 2000, the sanctuary plays a key role in biodiversity conservation, despite challenges from bushfires and human encroachment. Its steep terrain has helped limit logging, and the open areas shaped by fire support herb growth essential for gorilla diets. Afi also supports West Africa's largest roost of migrating European swallows and hosts diverse fauna such as the red river hog and gray-necked rockfowl. Managed by the Cross River State Forestry Commission, the sanctuary is surrounded by 16 communities, underscoring the need for sustainable conservation efforts that balance ecological protection with local livelihoods.