Nigeria may not be your top tourist destination, but trust me, this beautiful country, well regarded as the Giant of Africa, will spring surprises on you. Not only is it the most populous country in Africa (and the most populous black nation on Earth) this resource-rich country has vast tropical forests, picturesque landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and cultural attractions to make your vacation a memorable delight. To whet your appetite, we’ve curated a list of incredible tourist attractions in Nigeria to inspire your visit.
Check out 5 tourist attractions that are sure to delight you in Nigeria…
#1. Olumo Rock
During their inter-tribal wars of the 19th century, the Egba people in present-day Ogun State put the Olumo Rock to good use as a fortress. But today, the rock has become a top tourist destination on the itinerary of travelers to Nigeria. It is located in the heart of Abeokuta and is around Itoku Market, famous for trade in adire fabrics. The rock stands at 137 meters above sea level, providing a stunning aerial view of the surrounding landscape and settlements. Here, you’ll find an iroko tree at the top of the rock, and a baobab tree too, a perpetual mystery to the locals and a delight to the tourist.
#2. Obudu Mountain Resort
Situated in the scenic highlands and lush rainforests of Cross River State, Obudu Mountain Resort, otherwise called Obudu Cattle Ranch, has a sprawling and undulating topography carpeted with lush greenery and dotted with picturesque architectural beauties. No wonder it’s a top tourist attraction in Nigeria and Africa at large. Its forests support biodiversity and intrigue wildlife lovers; its mildly temperate mountain air, calm laid-back ambiance, stunning mountain views, and countryside attractions provide a perfect setting for your idyllic adventure.
Visitors to this resort explore its canopy walkway — a swinging bridge hanging in the midst of a forest. They also enjoy a cable car ride bypassing a long and meandering road to the top, giving visitors a scenic aerial view of the sprawling landscape. A Becheve Nature Reserve at the resort is home to some rare species of birds, gorillas, and drill monkeys.
#3. Igun Street
Anyone who has seen the famous Benin bronzes will agree that they are awe-inspiring and world-class works of art. Praised all over the world, these extraordinary creations produced from around the 16th century onward were made by a specialist guild of artists for the royal court of the Oba who have lived on Igun Street, known by Benin locals as “Igun Eromwon,” in present-day Edo State. A meandering street lined with old houses and shops, it is a popular destination for tourists from across the world who seek to engage with the source of the world-famous Benin bronzes.
The shops on Igun Street are full of intricately designed sculptures — miniaturized or life-size, human or animal, bronze or brass. It is a place filled with works of art that will stun every visitor. Little wonder why Igun Street is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You shouldn’t leave this place without buying some of its prized creations.
#4. Osun Grove
Osun Grove is dedicated to the female Orisha (goddess) of the river, Osun. It is a magnificent and awe-inspiring place filled with sculptures of Orishas and legendary figures. Here, you’ll find monkeys leaping from tree to tree above the divine statues. Traditional Orisha worshipers still come to the grove to offer their gifts to the goddess of the river. If you want to know more about the sculptures and more about the awesome sights in this grove, there are local guides to help with that. There is an annual cultural and religious festival in August that draws mammoth crowds.
#5. Sukur Cultural Landscape
Sukur is an ancient settlement in Madagali Local Government Area of the North Eastern state of Adamawa and located along the Nigeria/Cameroon border. Perched on a hill, Sukur has a history of iron smelting, trade, and a powerful political institution that dates back to the 16th century. The Sukur landscape features remarkable terraces on farmlands, circular stone huts topped with raffia roofs, and walkways paved with stone. There’s nothing like it elsewhere in the world.
The slopes and terraces, the stone tracks, the mountain peaks and boulders in the distance, the reddish brown of stone structures contrasting with the green of grass and shrubbery, and the sprinkle of cattle grazing on this sprawling, majestic landscape will enthrall you. That’s the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an uphill climb to get here, but your efforts will be well worth it. You’ll have a chance to mingle with the hospitable locals who will share a secret or two about their way of life. You’ll also see where they grow their grains and where they bury their dead. You’ll see the stone architecture of the palace of the Xidi, the political and spiritual chief of the Sukur. You’ll spot their sacred trees. They must not be touched, and the Sukur will tell you why.
Featured image: @visitnigeria/Instagram
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