Beyond creating a physical edifice, the strength of a tourist attraction lies in its embodiment of structures or locations of natural and physical significance. They have historical relevance and stunning beauty that can amaze and excite the audience; they are tangible proof of brilliant architectural ideas and brain work, and the mystery dynamic of natural ingenuity makes them popular tourist destinations. Here, we have a number of tourist centers in Nigeria that are just as exciting. Read on.
Tourist Centers In Nigeria
#1. Ancient Nok Settlement, Jaba Kaduna
The ancient hamlet is located in the Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State’s southernmost region. The famed terracotta figures of the Nok people, one of Africa’s oldest civilizations, were discovered here.
Bernard Fagg, a British archaeologist working for the Nigerian government in the 1940s, was the first to make the discovery. Faggs’ house at the site is now a tourist attraction, and there is also a government-run museum that houses the uncovered unusual clay carvings and antiques.
#2. Ogbunike Caves, Anambra State
The caverns are located in the valley behind the Ogba hills, within the rainforest belt. The cave features multiple tunnels and chambers, most of which are interconnected, as well as streams and still water in some parts.
It is also home to several bat colonies. Tourists are expected to remove their shoes and enter the cave barefoot for religious reasons, as the location retains historical and spiritual value.
#3. Idanre Hills, Ondo State
This wonder is located in Idanre, Ondo State, and stands 3000 feet (914 meters) above sea level. Shrines, burial grounds, the ‘Owa’s Palace,’ the Old Court, the Belfry, Agbooogun’s footprint, and thunder water (Omi Apaara) surround the hill.
This site caught the attention of UNESCO when it was shortlisted to become a World Heritage Site in 2007.
#4. Awhum Waterfall, Enugu
This cave-like constructed waterfall is located in Amaugwe village, in the town of Awhum in Enugu State’s Udi Local Government Area. The waterfall was discovered as a result of an extraordinary fall out of granite rock, with water flowing over the top and forming a stream.
The water is thought to have healing properties, and many travelers visit for religious reasons.
#5. The Kajaru Castle in Kaduna
The castle, which was erected in 1989, is a lovely vacation location with a medieval feel. It is situated at the highest point of a mountain near Kajuru Village. Visitors are permitted to hire the entire castle and experience the royal treatment it has to offer during their visit.
#6. Gurara Waterfalls, Niger State
This waterfall is a tributary of the River Niger and is only around three hours from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. It is ideal for picnics, swimming excursions, and hiking.
During the wet season, the spectacular waterfall cascades around 30 meters into the Gurara River and is in full flow. However, during other dry seasons, such as January, the falls slow down and visitors can swim in pristine pools at the bottom.
#7. Ibeno Beach in Akwa Ibom State
There are numerous beaches in Nigeria, one of which is Ibeno Beach in Akwa Ibom. It has the longest sand beach in West Africa, spanning over 1,200 square kilometers.
Along with its magnificent shoreline, the beach offers a variety of tourist activities such as water sports, beach soccer, and general boating.
#8. Ikogosi Warm Springs, Ekiti State
This tourist attraction in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, attracts travelers from all over Nigeria to experience the confluence of these cold and warm water springs, which run side by side while maintaining their temperatures.
There are motels and lodges where guests can spend the night to get a more in-depth understanding of the area.
#9. Lekki Conservative Center, Lagos
The Lekki conservative center is a perfect area to settle down away from the commotion in the hectic city of Lagos filled with so much noise, congestion and bustle. It is home to several plant and animal species, as well as Africa’s longest canopy walk.
#10. National Park of Gashaka-Gumti
The park, Nigeria’s largest, encompasses an area of around 6,402km and is located in the eastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa up until the Cameroonian border.
Much of the park is covered in savannah grassland, but the southern section includes harsh terrain with very mountainous, steep slopes, valleys, and gorges.
There are many bodies of water in the area, and it is an important water catchment basin for the River Benue. Chabbal Waade, Nigeria’s highest mountain, is also located in this park.
#11. Olumo Rock, Ogun State
Any tour to Abeokuta would be incomplete without a stop at Olumo Rock, the city’s citadel. It’s no surprise that this rock sits in Abeokuta, as the name Abeokuta means “under the rock,” and the city has long been a popular tourist destination in Nigeria. Since the 19th century, Olumo Rock has functioned as an offensive rock and a fortification for the inhabitants of Egba Land. At Olumo Rock, you’ll find natural tunnels, strange trees, natural cantilevers, gardens on the rock, broken walkways, memorials to the religious system of the rock’s primeval settlers, and so on.
#12. Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State
All roads lead to Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria’s northernmost state. Prepare to be immersed in nature at the country’s largest wildlife refuge. You will be intrigued by the variety of activities available at the reserve. Admire the country’s largest elephant herd, go on a guided safari tour, and explore the tropical jungles. Various animal species, including the olive baboon, patas monkey, roan antelope, and western hartebeest, can be found in their natural habitats at the Reserve.
After spending the day seeing the wonders of animals at the reserve, head over to the Wikki Warm Spring. Your vacation to the Yankari Game Reserve would be incomplete unless you enjoy the warmth of spring.
#13. Zuma Rock in Abuja
The rock is regarded as one of the best tourist attractions in the country. Zuma Rock, a monolithic Inselberg with a human face, is located north of Abuja in Madalla, Niger State. It was previously described as the F.C.T.’s unquestionable watchman. It is the sandy obscurity that hangs over Zuba Town like a haze. The other mountains in and surrounding it keep a significant distance from it, which the Zuba people see as a sort of reverence shown to Zuma Rock for its royal position in the area.
Visiting Zuma Rock between April and October, which is the rainy season in central Nigeria where the rock is located, would allow you to see the much-talked-about Zuma Rock Fire, which occurs when the top of the rock catches fire due to heavy rainfall. This has remained one of Zuma Rock’s wonders over time.
#14. Agbokim Waterfall, Cross-River
The Agbokim Waterfalls are a succession of seven cascades totaling 6817.73m in length. Thousands of birds live there among the lush vegetation, which filters the air with their soothing chirping. It has long been recognized as a speck of beauty in a fading nature. The splendor of the Agbokim Waterfall is enhanced during the wet season. It is located on the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, in south-eastern Nigeria. It is ideal for a picnic, family holiday, tourism, and meditation.
#15. Nike Art Gallery, Lagos State
Nike Art Gallery, a stunning five-storey edifice clad in pristine white and standing tall and proud in its surroundings, conveys its narrative from the outside. The compound’s fence is studded with unique marbles. Its walls are adorned with various creative inscriptions and artwork. When you go through its colorfully tattooed black gates, you immediately feel a profound sense of awe. This antique residence is top on the list of enthralling Lagos attractions.
From the inner courtyard of the gallery, where you’ll find stone sculptures, a tie-dye workshop, and hanging craftworks, to the great variety of art shown inside the spectacular structure, you can be sure that your appreciation for Nigerian art will skyrocket.
#16. Tarkwa Bay Beach, Lagos State
Tarkwa Bay Beach, one of the best tourist centers in Nigeria, is a secluded beach near Lagos Harbour. It is popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, and it also has a friendly resident community. You’ll adore this lovely island, which is a world away from the rush and commotion of Lagos. Tarkwa Bay Beach, unlike most Lagos public beaches, is rarely noisy or packed. As a result, it’s ideal for some alone time with your significant other or a fun day out with your pals.
If you want to have a calm romantic moment, go to Tarkwa Bay Beach on a weekday. Tarkwa Bay Beach is a modest and less-visited beach, although it attracts a lot of fun seekers on the weekends, public holidays, and festive season.
#17. New Afrika Shrine, Lagos
You can’t talk about tourist centers in Nigeria without including the New Afrika Shrine. Do you want to take your nightlife adventures to the next level? Then consider Fela Shrine, also known as The New Afrika Shrine. From the musical genre to the inspiring story-telling words. Not to mention the sacred palm wine, which can invigorate your African spirit.
The New Afrika Shrine is an open-air entertainment complex in the Lagos suburb of Ikeja. It is the setting for the annual Felabration music festival. Femi Kuti and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti are the current managers. It serves as a replacement for the previous Afrika Shrine, which Fela Kuti constructed in 1970 and destroyed in 1977. The New Afrika Shrine has Fela photo galleries as well as musical performances by Femi and Seun Kuti. Visit the Fela Shrine for wholesome tourism in Nigeria.
#18. Kano City Walls
The city itself is a tourist magnet! Although the city has long taken on a modern cosmopolitan color, traces of its past as a commercial center during trans-Saharan commerce remain. Kano’s true essence is best felt in the old city area. The mud dwellings have a particular Hausa architectural flair. The tiny roadways intended primarily for men and their domestic animals remain. However, both man and nature are washing away relics at an increasing rate as historic structures become more contemporary. The walls also aided in tracking people’s movements in and out of the city.
#19. Oniru Beach
This seaside resort offers breathtaking views, thrilling horseback rides, Squad bikes, local drummers, and African crafts. The Oniru Beach Resort is a popular destination in Nigeria for both locals and tourists. It is located on Victoria Island, at the end of Ligali Ayorinde Street.
What is The Tourism Capital Of Nigeria?
Calabar is a lovely city known as Nigeria’s tourism capital.
What Are The Types Of Tourism in Nigeria?
Nigeria has a diverse range of tourist attractions, including long and spacious river and ocean beaches excellent for swimming and other water activities, distinctive animals, and enormous swaths of untouched wilderness.
Tourist Centers In Nigeria: Summary
The potential of most of these tourist centers in Nigeria has not yet been completely realized because many of them are poorly managed or not maintained at all. They do, however, have what it takes to draw travelers from all over the world.
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