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Nigeria is a land of many wonders and some of them stand out as the best tourist attractions in Nigeria. The country is a haven for travellers looking to explore its natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. Nigeria boasts of unique wildlife, mighty mountains, mesmerizing cities and massive forests. Also, another reason that makes Nigeria an interesting tourist destination is the love and passion of Nigerians for celebrations. Hence, whether it is festivals, sports or family events. The locals know how to make a celebration look lively and entertaining. Below is a list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Nigeria that stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Bewildering Tourist Attractions In Nigeria
1. Lagos
In most recent times, post the inclusion of oil exports Lagos has become the economic and cultural powerhouse of Nigeria. The city boasts of a boom in the economy with cultural reforms closely in pursuit. Lagos stands out in terms of commerce, fun and beautiful landscapes on the outskirts of the city. The city itself is a painting of high rise buildings, malls and all of this in the middle of lush greenery.
Region: South-West
Popular attractions: Lekki conservation centre, Victoria Island, tarkwa bay beach
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Rent a guide with a car from a travel agency to take you around the city.
2. Abuja
The capital city of Abuja lies strategically on the crossroads of Nigeria’s ethnic and religious tribes. The city is home to the presidential branch, supreme court and the National Assembly of Nigeria. Abuja is coming up as a world-class luxury real estate city which is helping the city stand out as a metropolitan. With the state-of-the-art infrastructure in place, the city has shown some great promise.
Region: Federal Capital Territory
Popular attractions: Zuma rock, Abuja National Mosque, National Children’s Park and Zoo
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Blend in with the crowd to understand the cultures and traditions.
3. Calabar
The most popular carnival in Nigeria takes place in this city and is the major attraction for all tourists that gather in the city. Which supports Nigeria’s rich heritage and traditional history. Calabar is a haven of beautiful landscapes. The mouth-watering delicacies, festivals and beautiful architecture are just merely add ons to the city of Calabar. Hence, during the festival, the city comes alive with bright colours, cultural costumes and dance, in which tourists often participate.
Region: Cross river state
Popular attractions: Tinapa resort, Pandrillus Nigeria Drill Ranch, National Museum
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Take a road trip to Calabar from Lagos, which is a mere 4-hour drive.
4. Warri
One of the biggest cities in the delta state region of Nigeria is the city known as Warri. The city became a popular destination post the discovery of oil. Which has had a ripple effect triggering business and tourism in the state. With massive capital being given to the development of each of these sectors. The road network is top-notch in the city as one can drive around the city without having to slow down for potholes.
Region: Delta state
Popular attractions: The Palace Of Olu, Chief Nana’s Palace, Effurun Garden
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Book a tour guide for a better experience of the city.
5. Uyo
Uyo is a destination where one would never run out of activities to do. And all this while on a trip to tourist attractions in Nigeria. Uyo offers a perfect blend of culture, fine museums, outdoor activities, popular tourist attractions and long beaches. In addition to that, the beach scene in Uyo is still new. And one can enjoy serene and tranquil moments just lying on the beach.
Region: Akwa Ibom state
Popular attractions: Unity Park, Amalgamation House, Ibom Connection
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Keep an eye for some lip-smacking street grills.
6. Port-Harcourt
As the name suggests the city of Port-Harcourt lies on the gulf in the Rivers state of Southeast Nigeria. Port-Harcourt is a popular fishing town, that has recently become popular with the locals and tourists alike for the oil fields found on numerous offshore locations. In addition to this, the city is slowly and steadily picking up pace in terms of tourism and may soon become a popular destination among tourists.
Region: Rivers state
Popular attractions: Port-Harcourt Zoo, Port-Harcourt Pleasure Park, Garden City
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Try out the unique souvenirs from the local shops, which are handmade.
7. Kaduna
In the central-Nigerian region lies, a popular city known as Kaduna. The city is one of the largest textile manufacturing centres in Nigeria. Which makes it one of the most industrially rich cities in Nigeria. Besides, the city does not just boast of the textile industry it is also home to an oil refinery, tobacco and cottonseed manufacturing units. Also, Kaduna may not yet be popular with tourists, but it is a real gem when it comes to surrounding landscapes on the outskirts of the city.
Region: Kaduna state
Popular attractions: AREWA house, Fifth Chukker, Barnawa Paradise Park
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Make sure to visit the Barnawa Paradise Park.
8. Akure
Akure is the capital of the state known as Ondo. In 2006 Akure became a millennium city. That helped the city become popular with travellers. Some of the other assets of the city include federal universities, mineral industries, cocoa farms, deep-sea container ports and mesmerizing landscapes. Which provides support to the tourism sector.
Region: Ondo state
Popular attractions: Sacred Osun Grave, Erin ljesha waterfall, Ogbunike cave
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Make sure to visit the Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park.
9. Enugu
The city of Enugu shares its name with its capital and is a beautiful city with picturesque landscapes and mesmerizing structures. The road network in Enugu is quite extensive and shares its links with some world-class structures spread across the city. It is an exciting city in Igbo land with an exhilarating social life. It is often said to be the best-planned city in the country of Nigeria. Which reciprocates in the serenity, security and luxury of the residents of Enugu.
Region: East-Central state
Popular attractions: Nike lake resort, Ngwo Pine Forest, Awhum Waterfall
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Make sure to visit the Unity Park, to see the life-size king.
10. Jos
It is the state capital of the Plateau State at the centre of Northern Nigeria, is a city popular amongst travellers looking for a cooler climate while visiting the country of Nigeria. And in most recent times the city has become popular for its colonial occupation as the tin mining region of colonial Africa. These few and some other factors have helped transform the city into a popular tourist destination.
Region: Plateau state
Popular attractions: Jos Wildlife Park, Jos Museum and Zoo, Rayfield Resort
Best time to visit: November to February
Pro tip: Book a guide for a unique experience of the city.
