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Top 10 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Nigeria

Nigeria has a large collection of tourist attractions of varying sizes and characteristics spanning the length and breadth of the nation. There are numerous unique beaches, lush highlands, lowlands, rivers, vegetation cover, monuments, and artifacts that preserve and orient people on the heritage and culture of Nigeria as well as captivating tourist attractions. These locations have remained tourist havens in the country for years.  The ancient towns, the river deltas, the spiritual sites, the cultural settings, and many others attest to the astuteness of Nigeria’s tourist landscape. This article takes a tour of the top ten tourist attractions in Nigeria that have remained a wonder and received a lot of visits for years.

10. Obudu Mountain Resort

Obudu Mountain Resort, formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch is one of Nigeria’s most stunning and pleasant tourist locations. Situated in the northeastern region of Cross Rivers State on the Obudu Plateau, near the Cameroonian border, this resort is a must-see, especially for lovers of beautiful flora and fauna. This resort has peaks and valleys which are covered with clouds thus creating lovely scenery to sight. Due to its moderate climate, it gives tourists an excellent mix of warm and cold temperatures.

The accommodations at Obudu Mountain Resort range from presidential suites to huts to executive rooms and ordinary rooms. Despite being open all year round, the greatest time to visit this resort is between October and February when the sky is the brightest and the air is the coldest.

9. Sacred Grove of Osun

Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, this holy woodland draws a lot of visitors who troop in yearly to appreciate the ancient traditions of Osun. It is situated along the banks of the Osun River on the outskirts of Oshogbo, the Osun State capital. Osun state is a state in southwestern Nigeria mostly inhabited by the state’s native Yoruba people.

Osun, the fertility goddess, is believed to reside in the Osun Sacred Grove, which covers an area of around 75 hectares. Every year in Osogbo, a celebration honoring this fertility deity is held. Forests, temples, and effigies of many gods are dispersed across the area. Additionally, there are roughly 400 distinct plant species in the forest with highly useful medicinal benefits.

8. National Park Gashaka-Gumti

The Gashaka-Gumti National Park, located in Taraba State is one of the renowned national parks in Nigeria that provides a glimpse into life in medieval Nigeria. It is annexed by The Chappal Wadi, Mountain, Chappal Hendu, and Mountain of Wind. It is one of the biggest and most varied National Park in Nigeria.

7. The Nike Art Gallery

Nike Art Gallery is a stunning five-story structure with an exquisite white exterior that stands tall and proud in its surroundings. Its walls are decorated with many beautiful artworks and inscriptions. This magnificent residence is one of the most alluring places to visit in Lagos.

It is a stunning structure that helps to promote and appreciate Nigerian art and culture. Within the building is a collection of great wooden artworks, stone sculptures, tie-dye workshops, and hanging craftworks in the gallery’s inner auditorium.

6. The Tinapa Free Zone & Resort

Tinapa Free Zone & Resort, located in Cross river state, is one of the most attractive places to visit in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. It is an epitome of beauty designed to promote the rich culture and tradition of Cross River State. It contains 860,000 square feet of rentable retail space, a digital movie theater, restaurants, a small amphitheater, a casino, a kids’ arcade, Studio Tinapa for Nollywood, a nightclub, and bars.

5. Cultural Landscape of Sukur

The Sukur cultural landscape is situated in Madagali town of Adamawa State. It is also home to several traditional graves and terraced sites used for rituals. Located on the summit of the Mandara Mountains annexing the Sukur cultural landscape is a luxuriant avifauna. Like the Osun Sacred Grove, it has also been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Kajuru Castle

Located in Kaduna State, Nigeria, Kajuru castle was constructed more than three decades ago in the Medieval German style. The home is built with many towers that have crenelated walls and bedrooms that are fashioned like dungeons. The castle is decorated in a medieval style, and it even features a portcullis (a gate that closes vertically) with a crocodile pit.

The castle has a main structure with a knights’ hall and a master suite (also known as the landlord’s dwelling), as well as a guest tower with four rooms. There is a BBQ area next to the outdoor pool for visitors to relax. The nearby mountains and inselbergs can be easily sighted from the pool area and most of the castle’s windows. The castle boasts a sauna of its own as well.

3. Millennium Park

The Millennium Park which is located in Abuja, Maitama, is the biggest open space in Abuja, the administrative capital of Nigeria. It is located in the neighborhood of Maitama, Abuja. The park, which has grown to be a refuge for leisure and a haven for families with children, was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

2. Yankari Game Reserve

The Yankari Game Reserve is located in Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria. It is the largest wildlife conservation area in Nigeria. Here, visitors can explore the tropical jungles, take a guided safari trip, and see the biggest herd of elephants in Nigeria. Numerous animal species, including the olive baboon, patas monkey, roan antelope, and western hartebeest, may be seen in the Reserve living in their native habitats. Visitors may also visit the Wikki Warm Spring after spending the day in the reserve to see the wonders of nature.

1. The New Afrika Shrine

The New Afrika Shrine, often known as the Fela Shrine, is one of Nigeria’s tourist destinations with a wide collection of African music and nighttime adventures. It serves as a replacement for the previous Afrika Shrine, which Fela Kuti built in 1970 and owned until it was destroyed by fire in 1977. The musical style is truly African with lyrics that tell useful stories, teach viable lessons, reinvigorate African culture and norms, and motivate the listeners to work hard and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also, served at the New Afrika Shrine is sacred palm wine which is highly refreshing and nourishing.

The New Afrika Shrine is a venue for outdoor performances in Ikeja, Lagos State. It is the venue for the yearly Felabration music event. Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti and Femi Kuti now oversee the management of the shrine. Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti’s musical performances, as well as picture galleries of Fela Kuti, are on display inside the New Afrika Shrine.

Related: 10 Phrases In Nigerian Pidgin You Need To Know While Traveling in Nigeria

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