Nigeria has a lot of natural landmarks and wildlife reserves which can contribute in making your holiday unforgettable. Keep scrolling to see some of the exciting places for tourism you would likely visit this holiday.
LEKKI CONSERVATION RESERVE
The centre was established in 1990 to serve as biodiversity conservation icon and environment education centre. Located in the middle of Lagos, this conservation center is home to abundant plants and wildlife and plays a vital role in preserving the region’s ecosystem. It is endowed with an abundance of plant and animal life. Its huge tract of wetlands is set aside for wildlife viewing. Raised walkways enable the viewing of animals like monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and various birds. There is also a conservation center and a library.
Efforts have been made to save different types of animals, reptiles and birdlife from extinction. The endangered species of animals includes bush bucks, crocodiles, mona monkeys, squirrels, snakes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, duikers, giant rats and hogs. Lekki Conservation Centre has the Longest Canopy Walk way in Africa. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Nigeria
ZUMA ROCK
Zuma Rock is a large natural monolith or inselberg, an igneous intrusion composed of gabbro and grandiorite, in Niger State, Nigeria. It is located in the west of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, along the main road from Abuja to Kaduna off Madala, and is sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Abuja from Suleja. It was once thought to be in the Federal Capital Territory but actually located at the upper end of Madalla, a rural settlement in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
Zuma Rock is depicted on the 100 Naira note. It was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbagyi people against invading neighbouring tribes during intertribal wars. It has an approximate side-to-side perimeter of 3,100 meters (10,170.60 feet), covering an approximate area of 725 meters square (2575.46 square feet), this gives it a gigantic look, as it towers above every structure around the area it is located.
The Zuma rock in its enormous size, is the tallest rock in Nigeria, it is taller than Aso rock and Olumo rock put together, and over four times taller than the tallest building in Nigeria. Zuma Rock is one of the popular historical tourist sites in Nigeria, it has a beautiful and special natural rock formation. Therefore, it provides a good environment for picnicking and relaxation, climbing the rock gives you a nice view of the entire Abuja city.
It is advisable to visit the rock between April and October to have the chance of seeing the “Zuma fire”. It is said that the Zuma rock sometimes catches fire under heavy rainfall. Visiting is free for the general public, however, rock climbers have to pay a certain amount of money before they can be granted access to the top of the rock.
For every time you visit the attraction, there is always a refreshing excitement that makes you appreciate the good work of nature. You wouldn’t want to be miss out on the thrill experience.
OGBUNIKE CAVES
Ogbunike Caves are situated in a valley with tropical rain forest behind the “Ogba” hills. Descending into the valley where the caves are located is a lengthy walkway made up of about 317 steps. These steps are said to have been constructed by the Anambra State Government in the mid 90s. At the end of the walkway is an open space used as a reception point where visitors are by tradition to remove their shoes.
The caves are occupied by a large colony of bats of various sizes. There are streams and body of water at various places. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapid flowing river (River Nkissa). At the meeting point of the river and the stream one can feel the warm water from the caves and the cold river water.
OBUDU MOUNTAIN RESORT (OBUDU CATTLE RANCH)
For nature lovers, Obudu Mountain Resort is one of the best places for you to go on a sightseeing adventure. The resort is found on the Obudu Plateau, close to the Cameroon border in the northeastern part of Cross River State. It is approximately 110 kilometres (68 mi) east of the town of Ogoja and 65 kilometres (40 mi) from the town of Obudu in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River.
The Obudu Resort houses about 250 varying species of birds. You will have an astonishing time watching the birds with your binocular. The Canopy Walkway is a 100m swaying bridge which is suspended in the air. It stands 70m above the bottom of the forest. Taking a walk on the canopy walkway would afford the opportunity of enjoying the view of the beautiful forests around Obudu Mountain Resort. Climbing this canopy walkway can prove to be a daunting task but it comes with a whole lot of fun and excitement.
ERIN-IJESHA WATERFALLS
Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls (also known as Olumirin waterfalls) is located in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State. It is a tourist attraction located in Oriade local government area, Osun State, Nigeria.
One source has it that the tourist site was discovered by a woman called Akinla, founder of Erin-Ijesha town and a granddaughter of Oduduwa, during the migration of Ife people to Erin- Ijesa.
It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Nigeria. In 2014, between January to November, Olumirin Falls recorded over 50,000 visitors, the tourist site with the highest visits that year. During the celebration of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival and Culture, Olumirin waterfall attracts more visitors from all over the globe. A tour around other tourist sites that does not include a visit to Erin-Ijesha waterfall is incomplete.
The level of water in the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is constant all through the year. The crisp air and fresh atmosphere, the serenity and calm, the adventure of climbing, seeing and discovering, are only some of the reasons that make Olumirin waterfall an ideal tourist site. There are hotels situated near the waterfall, so one can spend as much time as they want, basking in the presence of nature.
YANKARI GAME RESERVE
Yankari Resort & Safari is a large wildlife park located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria. It covers an area of about 2,244 square kilometres (866 sq mi) and is home to several natural warm water springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its location in the heartland of the West African savanna makes it a unique way for tourists and holidaymakers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat. Yankari was originally created as a game reserve in 1956, but later designated Nigeria’s biggest national park in 1991. It is the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria and, as such, plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tourism and ecotourism in Nigeria. It is also one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa.
Yankari National Park is an important refuge for over 50 mammal species. These include African bush elephant, olive baboon, patas monkey, Tantalus monkey, roan antelope, western hartebeest, West African lion, African buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck and hippopotamus.
In addition, the Yankari Game Reserve has the shau shau iron smelting works. It has about 60 standing shaft furnaces, one of the world’s most extensive concentrations of early iron smelting sites, also the largest historical industrial complex of its time in the West Africa Sub-region.
Another thrilling feature of the Yankari Game Reserver is the Wikki warm spring, which is open for swimming 24 hours a day. It’s a must visit tourist centre.
See also: How to Save Money For a Trip
MILLENNIUM PARK ABUJA
The Millennium Park is the largest public park of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria and is located in the Maitama district of the city.
The Millennium Park was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on 4 December 2003. It’s located near to the former Presidential Palace close to the nucleus of presidential and administrative buildings of the city.
A river crosses the Park in its main rectilinear axis, dividing it into two parts.
One side on the Park is dedicated to uncontaminated nature. In a system of terraces at different levels are located Nigeria’s mountain vegetation, Savana, Deciduous forest, Rainforest and brushwood as well as greenhouses for butterflies and tropical birds.
The other side, corresponding to the main entrance from road, is dedicated to the scientific knowledge of the natural environment. This part of the Park has a very traditional and rigid Italian Style Garden Layout. Entering the Park, a rectilinear path completely paved with Roman white travertine brings the public into its green areas. A series of fountains run alongside this white mark refreshing the public during the hottest days.
This Park, conceived and designed by the Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti, has quickly become one of the main attractions of the city of Abuja, bringing thousands of people together each day.
NIKE ART GALLERY
Nike Art Gallery is an art gallery in Lagos, Nigeria housed in a five-storey building. It is owned by Nike Davies-Okundaye. The gallery is one of the largest of its kind in West Africa, it boasts a collection of about 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists.
This is a must-go place for art lovers.
FREEDOM PARK LAGOS
Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown in Lagos Island, Nigeria. It was formerly Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prison. It was designed by the Architect, Theo Lawson as a speculative project under the CIA-Lagos in 1999.
The Park was constructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigerians. Monuments in the park reveal the Lagos colonial heritage and history of Her Majesty’s Broad Street prisons. It was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary independence celebration in October, 2010. The Park serves as a National Memorial, a Historical landmark, a Cultural site, Arts and Recreation centre.
The park, when it was a prison hosted some political activists who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
The park, which is now a serene abode for individuals is open to the public every day. Today, freedom park has become a venue for diverse social events and recreational entertainment.
OLUMO ROCK
Olumo Rock is a mountain in south-western Nigeria. It is located in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Historically, the rock was a natural fortress for the Egbas during inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century. It provided protection to the Egba people when they needed it, and is now held in high esteem by the members of the clan.
The rock has a height of 137 meters above sea level. Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the Egbas, who the rock provided with sanctuary and gave a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance, leading to eventual triumph in war. The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location.
SOURCES:
whc.unesco.org
environmentgo.com
Wikipedia myfctagov.ng
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