Tourism in Nigeria, 21 places every tourist should visit

TVC E. Tourism in Nigeria suffers from a lack of attention and development which consequently results in low patronage.

This sector is under-exploited and under-publicised.

Essentially, hardly is there any tourist attraction in Nigeria that operates within its capacity.

Here are 21 places every tourist must visit in Nigeria to get the full Nigerian experience.

 OBUDU MOUNTAIN RESORT

Formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Obudu Mountain Resort is a ranch and resort situated in the mountains of Cross River.

The resort which is a top destination choice for tourists, was recently rehabilitated to create a more relaxing and serene environment.

LA CAMPAGNE TROPICANA

This beach resort is a sight to behold. Built with an African theme, a visit will make you feel wild, free and immersed in the culture of the motherland.

Located at the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos state, some of the fun activities at La Campagne Tropicana include paddle-boating, volleyball, etc. 

 YANKARI GAMES RESERVE

Yankari Games Reserve is the ultimate safari getaway. It is said to have about the only wildlife left in Nigeria with the largest elephant population in West Africa.

Ideal for family vacations or a honeymoon destination, the Yankari Game Reserve is situated in Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria.

 KAJURU CASTLE

Located in Kaduna, Kajuru Castle is actually not an ancient monument. Built in 1978 by a German expatriate, the castle’s architecture is very European. The castle is high up on a hill so the journey there is not for the faint-hearted or weak cars.

Regardless, once you get to the top, it’s absolutely a sight to behold.

 GURARA WATERFALLS

The falls is located in Niger state and just an hour’s drive away from Abuja, if the bad roads permit you.

Every January, the falls are reduced to a trickle and visitors can swim in clear waters at the bottom.

A plan is believed to be in motion to turn the area into a tourist resort with a 5-star hotel.

IBENO BEACH

Why would you visit Nigeria and not visit the longest sand beach in West Africa? Situated in Akwa Ibom, the beach is a relaxation spot for many tourists.

 NGWO PINE FOREST

Ngwo Pine Forest can be described as where nature births beauty. Located in a farming community in Enugu state, the pine forest is a great spot for camping and picnics.

AWHUM WATERFALL AND CAVE

The state of Enugu has a lot to offer. Not too far from the Awhum Monastery is the Awhum Waterfall and Cave. Spilling over granite is water which forms a narrow river. Awhum is also a destination for Christian pilgrims.

This area is believed to have spiritual powers which chase away evil spirits as well as healing powers.

Cameras are not allowed there so as to not desecrate the work of the gods.

LONG JUJU SHRINE OF AROCHUKWU

Arochukwu is the third largest town in Abia State and one of the few existing kingdoms in Africa.

Tourist attractions of Arochukwu include the mystical Ibini Ukpabi shrine, the slave routes and other relics of the slave trade era. It is also in the food belt of Abia where most of the staples of food are produced.

BADAGRY SLAVE ROUTE

The Badagry slave route is an integral part of African history. Here, you get to walk on the route where past generations were sold off into slavery and shipped to foreign lands.

GASHAKI GUMPTI NATIONAL PARK

Bordering Cameroon, this quiet town in Yola has one of the most overlooked attractions.

Gashaki Gumpti is Nigeria’s largest national park.

If you’re thinking of going green and simply embrace nature, this is the place to be.

ALOK IKOM MONOLITHS

The Ikom Monoliths consist of over 300 carved stones in Cross Rivers state. The writings on the stones are yet to be deciphered but are said to represent an ancient form of communication.

The stones stand about 1 to 2 meters in height.

 TINAPA BUSINESS AND LEISURE RESORT

Tinapa, built during the administration of Donald Duke, is where business mingles with pleasure. Located near the Calabar River in Cross River, it is the first merge of business and leisure resort in Nigeria. It is also in close proximity to Calabar Free Trade Zone.

Some of the attractions found in Tinapa, include the Tinapa Games Arcade, Tinapa Water Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Tinapa Nollywood Studio.

OSUN OSHOGBO GROVE

The thick forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria.

The Grove is believed to be the home of Osun (the Yoruba goddess of fertility).

It is littered with sanctuaries, shrines, sculptures and art works in honor of the Osun goddess.

 SUKUR CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

Sukur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site found on a hill above the village of Sukur in Adamawa State.

Its key attractions include the palace, terraced fields, ritual features and villages whose unchanged settings have survived for many centuries.

QUEEN AMINA’S WALLS

The walls is named after Hausa warrior, Queen Amina of Zazzau (now Zaria). Zaria city was originally surrounded by walls built by Queen Amina, but those walls have since been removed.

OBAN HILLS

Also listed as a World Heritage site, Oban Hills is made up of a range of hills in the Cross River National Park. This area is filled with essential wildlife.

42 species of snakes are reportedly found there while there are at least 75 mammal species.

Some of which include – the African Buffalo, the endangered African Forest Elephants; Chimpanzee, Preuss’s Red Colobus and Sciater’s Guenon.

OGBUNIKE CAVES

This tourist attraction is situated in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.

The cave is segmented into sections and there are different stories about each section.

ANCIENT KANO CITY WALLS

These wall were built as protection and fortitude for the citizens and inhabitants of Ancient Kano.

The wall has an estimated height of 30 to 50ft and is 40ft thick at the base with 15 gates around it.

COCONUT BEACH

Located at the coastal town of Badagry, Coconut beach is towards the border of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, through the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

Badagry has the reputation of being a center of slave trade in West Africa, in the 1800s.

This is where you can enjoy the peaceful, relaxing version of Lagos – away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

NEW AFRIKA SHRINE

In the words of ‘Lonely Planet’, “Just by showing up [at the Afrika Shrine], you’ll get a political education, a scandalizing lesson in shakin’ it, and a contact high.”

Located in Ikeja, Lagos, it was originally the famous Fela Kuti’s shrine before it was burnt down and revived by his children who currently run it.

While different grades of marijuana are on quick-sale, edibles like palm wine, Asun, Suya, etc. are sold there.

Every other night has a unique musical experience with Femi and Seun Kuti occasionally performing.