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The ‘Giant Of Africa’ is the name given to Nigeria due to its vast landscapes and the rich diversity of the people that live in the country. The country is also known for its natural oil reserves and other natural resources. Nigeria is a land beaming with natural wild habitat that is one of the most diverse in the world. Making the country an exciting place to visit and go on some exciting expeditions into the wild. Tours in Nigeria have been gaining momentum over the last decade. And it seems to be attracting the crowd in bulk. Below is an interesting read on some of the most popular destinations in Nigeria to put on your itinerary.
Top Places To Visit When In Nigeria
1. Yankari Game Reserve
The national park is home to some of the rarest species of mammals found in the world. The Park harbours over 50 of these unique mammal species and serves as their natural habitat. Some of the popular ones include the olive baboons, African Bush elephants, patas monkey, western hartebeest, African buffalo. And many more of these rare species, visiting the park is a special experience.
Best time to visit: March and April
Entry Fee: $ 15
Location: Mainamaji, Nigeria
Pro-tip: The park is also home to some hot springs where one can rejuvenate oneself after a long day’s safari in the jungle.
2. Ikogosi Warm Spring
It is a very popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. The spring is home to a beautiful waterfall. That takes shape after the hot and cold water from the springs merge to form a river. Ikogosi also has a well-designed trail that leads to the point where the hot and the cold spring water merge to form a river. The spot is very popular amongst nature lovers both local and international.
Best time to visit: February to April
Entry Fee: $ 10
Location: Ekiti, Nigeria
Pro-tip: There are lodging facilities around the spring that are in the arms of mother nature.
3. Erin-ijesha Waterfalls
The locals living around the Erin-ijesha waterfall consider the falls to be sacred. They also believe that by bathing in the waterfall, one can achieve purity of heart. Over the years the cascading water has created 7 levels within the waterfall. And at the top of the waterfalls lies a village known as Abake on the banks of the waterfall. The location is popular with travellers of all ages and locations.
Best time to visit: February to April
Entry Fee: $ 10
Location: Ilesa, Nigeria
Pro-tip: Get yourself a good pair of trekking shoes if you wish to climb the waterfall. As the rocks may be a bit slippery.
4. Zuma Rock
It is a massive monolithic rock that lies on the road leading to the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja. The massive structure is a popular attraction and a gateway to the city of Abuja. The gargantuan size of the stone leaves many travellers in awe of its size and beauty. The stone lies on the main road leading from Abuja to Kaduna.
Best time to visit: April and October
Entry Fee: N/A (Only for viewing purposes)
Location: Niger, Nigeria
Pro-tip: There is a golf course close to the rock that offers a closer view. But, to use the golf course one needs to pay $ 32.
5. Lekki Conservation Centre
The conservation centre was given a go-ahead as it was the main project undertaken by the Nigeria Conservation Foundation. The agenda behind the move was to conserve unique biodiversity while educating the general public about the benefits of conservation. The project was given a go-ahead in 1990 and since then has become one of Africa’s most unique conservation centres.
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 15
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Pro-tip: Ensure to carry snacks and sufficient water before entering the park.
6. Mpape Crushed Rock
This is one location that has recently become popular with travellers, domestic and international alike. The site is an old quarry site that was mined to transform the city of Mpape to its present-day glory. The crater of the quarry has filled up with water and has transformed the old quarry into a perfect picturesque landscape. The Mpape Crushed Rock is certainly a destination worth the trip.
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: N/A
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Pro-tip: Diving into the water-filled crater is not advisable as it was an old dig site and is full of abandoned heavy machinery.
7. Awhum Waterfalls
Home to several pristine lakes and streams, many of which have still not been fished at. The Awhum Waterfalls is more of a religious destination than a touristic one. The stream flows over the granite rocks and over time has become a beautiful waterfall. Also, located close to the falls is the Awhum monastery and because of this, the waterfall is considered to be a sacred site. The locals believe that sprinkling the water from the falls on anyone or anything vanquishes evil from the said person or object.
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Part of different tour packages
Location: Enugu, Nigeria
Pro-tip: Book your tour tickets in advance with the several tour agencies offering a tour of the waterfall.
8. Dumi Hills
In the southeast of the Bauchi city in the Bauchi state of Nigeria lies a quiet and humble village known as Dumi. The village is surrounded by several hills and of them, the most popular one seems to be Dumi Hill. The area is also home to a small lake with several species of freshwater fish. The region is worth a visit irrespective of any time of the year.
Best time to visit: November to March
Entry Fee: N/A
Location: Bauchi, Nigeria
Pro-tip: Do not fish in the lake, it is prohibited by the government
9. Ogba Ukwu Caves
This is one of the hidden spots of Nigeria that has recently gained traction amongst travellers travelling to Nigeria. It is one of the largest caves in West Africa and takes a lot of time to explore. The cave forms massive tunnels and rooms that are big enough to house an entire village. Inside the cave, there is a massive clearing that is considered to be the living room of the god known as Owerre-Ezukala.
Best time to visit: November to March
Entry Fee: N/A
Location: Anambra, Nigeria
Pro-tip: Do not forget to explore the place with the giant elephant foot.
10. Ngwo Pine Forest
The forest in the most recent times has gained traction with the travellers and tourists visiting the Enugu state. Parts of the forest are used by the locals as farmlands and as grazing fields for their cattle. But, the majority of the land has made its mark as an emerging tourist destination. The best thing about the forest is that it gives a countryside view of a landscape decorated with pine trees.
Best time to visit: November to March
Entry Fee: You only pay for the tour guide
Location: Enugu, Nigeria
Pro-tip: Do check out the natural waterfall that has formed over the years within the forest.
