Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State

Located about 135 kilometers from Lagos, the Omo Forest Reserve contains over 200 types of tree, 125 species of bird and several mammals, including many endangered species such as chimpanzees, elephants and white-throated guenon monkeys. This makes it not only an area of outstanding natural beauty, but also an area of great conservation importance.

The reserve contains an elephant camp where guests can enjoy the beautiful elephants, nature trails, stay in clean but basic cabins or tents and enjoy an evening campfire and BBQ.

To get the best view of the reserve visitors can climb Beetle Hill. Organised trips include a 45 minute drive to the hill's base, or a two and a half hour walk, and a 25 minute climb to the top. Trips usually include a picnic lunch, so don't worry about bringing your own food and weighing down your backpack.

The forest's biodiversity is threatened by poaching, logging and uncontrolled farming. In order to support efforts to conserve the forest, the local community is being educated about the importance of conservation.

Main image credit: Flickr Jon Murphy