Top 10 places to Visit in Nigeria

Nigeria is huge and is one of the leading countries in Africa when it comes to tourism and tourist attractions. With over 250 ethnic groups and over 500 languages, Nigeria has limitless attractions to offer its visitors.

In different parts of the country is natural and artificial tourist site attraction, here is a list of the top 10 places you should visit if you ever consider taking a vacation In Nigeria.

#1. Obudu Moutain Resort

Obudu Moutain Resort, located in Cross River was formerly known as a cattle ranch but was later changed to a mountain resort. The resort was naturally developed with modern facilities a cable car that climbs 870 meters (2,850 ft) from the base to the top of the plateau, with the sky in just a view.

Also, there is a canopy walk of a 100metres long wire bridge with a good view into the forest. It also has sporting facilities designed for swimming, gym, horse riding, golf course, and hiking.  In addition, Obudu Mountain Resort houses modern and African huts designed for accommodation. There are delicious meals and a mini waterfall.

#2. Yankari Game Reserve

Yankari National Park 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 kilometers and is home to several natural warm water springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The Game reserve contains the largest surviving elephant population in Nigeria, one of the largest remaining in West Africa. In addition, Yankari Game Reserve also supports an important population of the critically endangered West African lion (one of only four known populations that still survive) as well as buffalo, hippopotamus, roan, and hartebeest. Originally created as a game reserve in 1956, Yankari was upgraded to a national park in 1991.

#3. Ikogosi Warm Spring

Located in Ikogosi, a town in Ekiti State, Ikogosi Warm Spring is one of Nigeria’s major tourist attractions. the comprise of two springs (warm and cold spring)meeting while maintaining their individual temperatures

It has a modern and African recreational facility like a swimming pool, chalets, herbal farms, souvenir shops, e.t.c. Research recorded it as one of the eight warm springs in the world with a temperature of 70oC at the source and 37oC at the confluence.

#4. Idanre Hills

The Idanre Hill is located in the ancient Idanre town in Ondo State Nigeria with beautiful natural landscapes for a view. The hilltop is over 600 steps from the ground and it is 3000ft above sea level.

The hill comprises of  several ancient mo such as the ancient palace, thunder water (Omi Apaara), old court, belfry, agboogun footprint, aghagha hill that emit smoke, and a particular species of toad called Sclerophrys Perretti,  endemic to the hill, that is it can only be found there

#5. Olumo Rock

The Olumo Rock located in Abeokuta Ogun State is a massive outcrop of granite rocks that served as a shield and protection to the Egba People during the inter-tribal war. It protected them and they in return worship it.

The rock is annually celebrated and during the celebration, the mountain is usually flooded by local and international visitors.

Some of the amusing things to see are the aged Iya Orisa who lived most of her life in the cave, the ancient buildings, water fountains, museums, broad view of the ancient city from the top of the cave that is 137 meters high above sea level.

#6. Lekki Conservation Center

The Lekki Conservation Centre is a natural reserve located in Lagos State.  It was built in order to save the wildlife and mangrove forests of Nigeria’s South-West coastline from the threat of urban development.

Today, it serves as a reserve for endangered wildlife and plants in Lagos, thereby making it a center of attraction for fauna, flora, and natural scenery lovers.

At the site, you can experience a swell time by walking the skyway bridge. You can also sight-see crocodile lake, tilapia ponds, trees, ostriches, peacock, duikers, mona monkey e.t.c.

#7. Zuma Rock

Zuma Rock is a very tall mountain, taller than Aso rock and Olumo rock put together. It was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbagyi people against invading neighboring tribes during intertribal warring.

The large natural monolith, an igneous intrusion composed of gabbro and granodiorite, is in Niger State. It is located immediately 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” Zuma Rock rises approx. 300 meters (980 ft) above its surroundings.

#8. Tarkwa Bay

Tarkwa Bay is an artificial sheltered beach located in Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Eti Osa, Lagos right opposite the Eko Atlantic Harbour. As a result of its location, it can only be accessed by boat or ferry from specific areas on Victoria Island. With less than a 20 minutes boat ride. Tarkwa Bay is a good place for swimmers and water-sports enthusiasts because it offers safe swimming conditions.

#9. Kajuru Castle

Kajuru Castle is a luxury Medieval-German style villa, built over 3 decades ago located in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The villa is designed with bedrooms modeled after dungeons and several towers with crenelated walls. The medieval theme is seen throughout the castle, it even has a portcullis (the vertically closing gate) with a crocodile pit.

The castle includes a guest tower with  4 rooms and the main building with a knights’  hall and a master suite ( also known as the “landlord’s residence”). There’s an outdoor swimming pool for cooling off on hot days and a barbeque spot right by the pool.  From the pool area and most of the castle windows, you will enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding mountains and inselbergs. The Castle also has its own Sauna!

#10. Nike Art Gallery

Nike Art Gallery is an art gallery in Lagos,  The gallery is arguably the largest of its kind in West Africa. Housed in a five-story tall building, it boasts a collection of about 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists

The magnificent five-story building coated in spotless white, standing high and proud in its environs, Nike Art Gallery tells its story from the outside. The fence of the compound is adorned with rare marbles. Its walls are covered in different artistic inscriptions and drawings. This historical abode ranks high in the list of bedazzling Lagos destinations.

From the inner courtyard of the gallery where you’ll find the stone sculptures, tie-dye workshop, and hanging craftworks, to the wide variety of art displayed inside the magnificent structure.