Gashaka-Gumpti is the largest game reserve in Nigeria, covering an area of some 6,670 sq. km. It is situated in the south-east corner of Gongola State, adjacent to the Cameroon border and lying immediately to the north of the Mambilla Plateau.

The need for the conservation of this mountainous area was recognised during Bowden and Tuley's land-use survey of North -East State in the late 1960s. The potential of the area as a wildlife resource was highlighted by an FAO wildlife consultant in 1969. Consequently, the area was designated and gazetted as three wildlife sanctuaries in 1972, namely Serti, Gashaka and Gumpti Game Sanctuaries.

In 1973, the area was proposed as two game reserves, Gashaka and Gumpti. Development of both sections progressed steadily through the 1970s and into the early 1980s. The two reserves were joined under one administrative body, the Wildlife Unit based in Serti.

The Wildlife Unit is part of the Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Gongola State Government.

From 1982 onwards, the finances of the reserve have been severely restricted, development of the reserve has ceased and existing development has deteriorated.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) became involved with the reserve, through the Gongola State Government, in the mid-1980s. They commissioned a management plan in 1987/88 and initiated the proposal to the Federal Government in Nigeria for the area to become a National Park.

In 1990 the NCF requested WWF-UK for assistance in the development of Gashaka-Gumpti National Park.

Establishment of Gashaka Gumpti as a well-managed conservation area and a premiere national park protection of forested water catchments support for sustainable rural development, biodiversity and ecotourism.

• The establishment of Gashaka Gumpti as a well managed conservation area
• The protection of the forested water catchments of the Taraba River.
• The establishment of Gashaka Gumpti as a premier National Park.
• The prevention of environmental degradation and soil erosion, in the mountains of Gashaka, Mambilla and Ganye local Government areas of Taraba and Adamawa states.
• To support sustainable rural development and improve the standard of living of the people who reside in the vicinity of the Park.
• The conservation of breeding populations of fish and mammals.
• The conservation of biodiversity in a region of valuable and highly diverse biological resources.
• The development of tourism in an area of considerable, untapped tourism potential.