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Places to Visit in Nigeria

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Tourist Places in Nigeria

Here are some of the best tourist places in nigeria:.

Ibadan is the capital of the Oyo state in the southern region of Nigeria. It is the third largest city in all of the country, closely following Lagos and Kano. The inhabitants of the city are mainly the Yoruba tribe, with a few other native tribes who dwell here. One of Nigeria’s culturally richest cities, Ibadan boasts a primitive beauty that is only complemented by its modern developments. The sleek and elegant charm of its high rises are contrasted against its quaint tribal villages, its vast open spaces and luxuriant gardens. When in Ibadan, one should not miss out on the opportunity to visit the Agodi Gardens, an exquisite Botanical Garden that prides in its flourishing flora. Complementing this, another trip can also be made to the Ibadan Zoological Garden, home to a variety of native animals and birds. Apart from its various attractions, Ibadan is also well known for its nightlife. While in the city, do make it a point to explore the fantastic nightlife spots here. If you’re visiting the city in March, you could also take some time out to visit the Oke iBadan Festival, an annual cultural festival that celebrates the making of Ibadanland. The weather in Ibadan remains hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures rarely falling below 3 degree Fahrenheit. The wet season, between the months of July and September, is generally overcast, while the drier half of the year remains partly cloudy. 

Regarded as the tourism capital in Nigeria, Calabar is the capital of the Cross River State. The city was originally called Akwa Akpa in the native Efik Language, also called the Kingdom of Calabar. Sitting atop a hill by the Calabar River, the city boasts of quiet, rustic charm. The village-like beauty of Calabar is complemented by the ancient British-era monuments here, with its sleek, white marbled elegance. Nature lovers coming to Calabar will have the time of their lives here. Whether it is the majestic Kwa Waterfalls or the expansive Cross River National Park, the city abounds in its natural wealth. Calabar is also home to the Drill Rehabilitation Centre, a natural park built to conserve the endangered species of Drills. One of the best things to do while in Calabar is to go museum hopping. Whether it is the Slave Museum, detailing the brutal history of African slaves, or the National Museum of Calabar, one can never run out of things to see here. One can also head on over to the adventure park in Tinapa Resort for a fun day out with the family, or witness the famous Calabar Carnival in December.

Sprawling along the eastern banks of the Niger river, the city of Onitsha is Anambra’s primary metropolitan hub. Initially occupied by Igbo settlers, the city gradually developed into a commercial hub, and is now considered to be one of Nigeria’s most important trading ports. With a river sprawling along its side, Onitsha prides in a unique rustic charm of its own. The colorful culture of the town, with its festivals and sprawling marketplaces, adds to the beauty of the place.  While in Onitsha, do make it a point to visit the magnificent Ogbunike caves, which are a network of subterranean caves just outside Onitsha. Those interested in exploring the history and heritage of the town can also make a quick visit to the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, an architectural marvel in its own right. Another unmissable attraction here is the Rojenny Tourist Village, which hosts a marvelous array of museums, a zoo, an amusement park and much more. One of the best ways to explore the thriving culture of Onitsha is to go shopping at the Onitsha Market. One of the largest markets in West Africa, the Onitsha markets is known for its traditional locally produced wares sold at affordable rates. Picnics at the Rojenny are also quite popular among families. Onitsha remains fairly hot and humid throughout the year. The wet season here is generally oppressive and cloudy, while the drier months are overcast and extremely hot.

Nestled just on the southern tip of the majestic Sahara, Kano is the second largest city in Nigeria after Lagos. Now a commercial capital, the town was once home to the Nok tribes in the 7th century, and the remnants of the Nok culture here  remains preserved here as proof of the city’s past. With converging rivers on one side and mesmerizing plateaus on the other, Kano is a place of charm. Rumbling old school settlements flanked by rustic markets litter the city, while the gushing Jakarta River adds to the charm of the place. Owing to its rich cultural and religious history, the cultural attractions of this city are many. The Emir’s House is Kano’s greatest height. Once belonging to the Hausa emperor, the Emir’s House is a resplendent display of the traditional Hausa architectural designs prevailing during its period. Another prominent attraction here is the Kano Central Mosque, which routinely draws thousands of devotees to itself during its Friday prayer time. One of the most interesting experiences that one can have in Kano is to witness the dyeing process at one of the many dyeing pits in Kano, where the colourful traditional Nigerian clothes are made. Those that love nature can also head on over to the Falgon Game Reserve and spend time by the various animal exhibits here. Fishing and boating in the Tiga Dam is also a fun way to spend your time while in Kano. Kano has a typically tropical savanna climate, which means that it remains quite hot throughout the year with temperatures peaking in April. The city enjoys precipitation throughout the year, with most of the rains concentrated between the months of June and September. 

The capital city of the Akwa Ibom state, Uyo lies in the south eastern region of Nigeria. Lying between Oron and Ikot Ekpene, the city acts as an important trading hub and collecting station for local products. The beauty of Uyo derives largely from its open parks and quaint little villages. With open blue skies melting into its rustic skyline, the city offers a perfect getaway for those looking for a little peace and quiet. While in Uyo, do not miss out on the opportunity to explore the humble Discovery Park here. With its natural setting and picnics spaces, the Park beckons all for its quiet charm. Another fantastic place to visit here is the Uyo Christmas village, a lovely little village known for its Museum and its eateries. One of the best things to do in Uyo is to head over to the Ibom Plaza for a fantastic shopping experience. With its street lined with stores and stalls, the Ibom Plaza is one of the biggest shopping centres in all of Nigeria. Those with a penchant for the old can also go on a tour of the National Museum of Colonial History here, which preserves the country’s colonial past through its exhibits. The weather in Uyo remains quite hot throughout the year. The wet seasons, between June to September, generally remain warm and overcast, while the drier months remain hot and cloudy. 

Sprawling along the banks of the river Warri, the city of Warri is a major oil hub in the southern part of Nigeria. The city was initially inhabited by the Urhobo and Ijaw people, before being developed as a major industrial hotspot in the country. Once regarded as the seat of the Kingdom of Warri, the Delta city still carries some of its original regal beauty. With massive cenotaphs and royal palaces, the city offers a magnificent display of the architectural designs and styles that flourished here in the earlier days. One of the best ways to discover the city’s beauty is to make a visit to the Palace of the Olu of Warri. The seat of the Wari Kingdom, the palace is known for its brilliant architecture. Another prominent royal attraction here is the Chief Nana’s Palace, a 19th century palace that has now been converted into a Museum. Those interested can also take a trip to the Warri Kingdom Royal Cemetery, home to all the erstwhile Olus of Warri, where they are honored with massive Iroko trees instead of headstones. While in Warri, do not miss out on the opportunity of enjoying a canoe ride through its mangrove swamps. The mangroves are known for their magical environment, and there are several canoe tours offered here. If you happen to visit the city between July and August, you could also witness the bombastic Kiroro festival celebrated here, where the people of Warri pay tribute to their ancestors through masquerades and performances. The climate in Warri remains hot and oppressive throughout the year. The wet season, between July and August, generally remains warm and overcast, while the drier seasons are hot and partly cloudy. 

Benin City is the largest city and capital of the Edo state in Nigeria. Now an industrial capital, the city was once home to the Kingdom of Benin which flourished between the 13th and the 19th century. One of the oldest cities in Nigeria, Benin boasts of a primitive, rural beauty that is unfound anywhere else. With its colorful festivals and world famous art, the vibrant beauty of Benin City must be witnessed firsthand. One of the best ways to explore this marvelous beauty of Benin is to visit the Royal Palace of Oba Benin Here. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this royal residence is considered an architectural wonder. Another place of cultural significance here is the Benin City National Museum, home to some of Africa’s finest bronze and terracotta artefacts. The city is also home to the fantastic Okomu National Park, with its protected animals and birds. When in Benin City, do not miss the chance to go on a shopping expedition across Igun Street, where the city’s finest metalworkers can be found at their craft. If you visit the city in December, you could also witness the traditional Igue festival, with its dances and its mock battles. The weather in Benin remains hot and oppressive throughout the year. There are alternate periods of wet and dry, with the monsoon period restricted to the mid-year months. 

Priding in its status as the largest city in all of Africa, Lagos offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Lagos sprawls inward from the Gulf and Guinea and stretches onwards across the Lagos Lagoon. The city had initially emerged as a home for the erstwhile Yoruba tribes of West Africa, and was later developed into a port city settled across multiple islands. With its youthful, cherry vibe, the city of Lagos is celebrated both for its high-end culture and fantastic coastlines. Dramatic sandstone cliffs jutting into fantastically turquoise waters borders the city on one end, while the metropolitan malls and high-rise buildings scatter the skyline on the other. One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Lagos is to tour the fantastic beaches here. The city is home to two of Africa’s most beautiful beaches- the Praia do Camilo and the Meia Praia, known for their ravishing white sands and clear waters. Another prominent marine attraction here is the Ponta de Piedade, a series of limestone caves and grottos located just off Lagos Bay. While in Lagos, one must definitely make it a point to try out the various water sports offered here, kayaking being the most popular one. Those with a love for nature will also have a good time at the Lagos zoo, known for its native African exhibits. Those with an adventurous bent can also head on over to the Parque Aventura Lagos for a fun and happening day out with the family.  Lagos experiences warm weather throughout the year, with the relatively cooler months being between June to September. The city receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the monsoon months concentrated between May to July.

Port Harcourt

Also known as ‘Pitakwa’, Port Harcourt is the largest and capital city in the Rivers State of Nigeria. Nestled within the Niger Delta, the city sprawls along the gushing Bonny River. The city was initially made up of several fishing villages, which were later developed into a port. Balancing modern city life on one side and the coast on the other, the city offers the perfect blend of modernity and nature. The cool waters along its white sand beaches makes the city an ideal getaway for beach lovers, while its malls and shopping plazas are perfect for those desiring to escape into a busy cityscape. If you’re one for the beach, do make it a point to visit the Tourist Beach in Port Harcourt. Apart from the water here being ideal for a quick dip, the beach is also home to a number of activities such as horse riding or beachsports. For a more traditional visit, you could also take a trip to the Port Harcourt Cultural centre, which preserves and displays antiquities and artefacts of cultural value. You may also choose to extend this visit with a trip to the Rivers State Museum. For a fun day out while here, you could visit the Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt to explore all the fun activities here, tower climbing being one of the more popular ones. You could also head out to the Tourist Beach in Port Harcourt for a quick dip. Alternatively, a visit to the Port Harcourt Zoo is always a must-try for all nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Owing to its tropical climate, Port Harcourt remains extremely hot throughout the year. There are spells of wet and dry interspersed throughout the months, with maximum rainfall concentrated between the months of June and September. 

Located in the heart of Nigeria, Abuja is the capital city of the country. Serving as the country’s political and administrative council, the city of Abuja is home to all important government residencies, including the National Assembly and the Presidential Complex. The city is flanked by the enormous Aso Rock on one side, which dominates Abuja’s skyline. Full to the brim with open parks and natural outcrops, the beauty of Abuja must be witnessed to be believed. Apart from its resplendent natural splendor, the town’s skyline boasts of multiple high-rises that rise up to kiss the sky. Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of nature, you can never run out of places to visit in Abuja. The Abuja National Mosque, with its spellbinding beauty, and the National Christian Centre with its architectural flair, are among the top attractions in the city. The charming Jabi Lake is another popular tourist spot here. If you find repose in nature, a visit to the Guara waterfalls should also be on your list. One of the best ways to explore Abuja is to go rock climbing at the Aso Rock, the massive monolith that flanks Abuja. The adventure sport is well-suited by beginners, and can be attempted by all. If you’re not keen on adventure, however, you could always spend your time at the several open markets here, shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts. The city is also known for its street food culture, which is an absolute- must-try here. Despite being one of the cooler regions in Nigeria, Abuja experiences hot weather throughout the year. Humidity and precipitation remains high across all months. Rainfall is concentrated between May and October, while the rest of the year remains dry. 

Set in the heart of Igboland is Owerri,  the capital city of the Imo State in Nigeria. It is the largest city in the state, and is home to the thriving Igbo tribes of Western Africa.  Flanked by two rivers, Otamiri and Nworie, on either side, the natural beauty of Owerri is quite amazing. From the massive Oguta Lake to the expansive plantations here, nature seems to have bestowed its best gifts to this city. One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Owerri is to visit the Oguta Lake. The largest lake in Nigeria apart from Chad, the clear waters of the Oguta are ideal for fishing and swimming. Another prominent attraction here is the Nekede Zoo, with its plethora of animals and birds. Those with an interest in local culture can also pay a visit to the Mbari Cultural and Art Centre. While in Owerri, do not miss out on taking a tour of the Imo Plantation complex, where you can witness the harvest of palm oil at close hand. The Freedom Square in the heart of the city is a perfect destination for all shopping enthusiasts coming here. Alternatively, you could also head ovr to the Oguta Lake to enjoy a serene boat ride here. The weather in Owerri remains hot and oppressive throughout the year. Precipitation and humidity is generally on the higher side, with excessive rainfall between the months of June and September. 

Other Attractions

Awhum waterfall & cave.

Agbokim Waterfalls

Okomu National Park

Cross River National Park

The Giant Footprint Of Ukhuse Oke

Tarkwa Bay Beach

Idanre Hill Peak

Ogbunike Cave

Sacred Osun Grove

Surname Cultural Landscape

The Ibeno Beach

Alpha Beach

The Ancient Nok Settlement

Gashaka Gumti National Park

Ngwo Pine Forest

Coconut Beach

Yankari Game Reserve

Kainji National Park

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25 Beautiful and Wonderful Places to Visit in Nigeria

Where are the beautiful places to visit in Nigeria?

There are hundreds of places to visit in Nigeria, and the country is vast. It is the 14th largest country in Africa by area. Nigeria has magnificent and captivating scenery. So, picking the best spot for your tour or vacation can be quite a task.

This is why this is for you: this article compiles a list of 25 places to visit in Nigeria! You have to make sure you at least see half of them in your lifetime. As they say, “all work, no play makes Jack a dull boy.” I assure you that a visit to these places will plant unforgettable memories in you.

Table of Contents

25 places to visit (tour) in Nigeria

Yusufari desert.

The Yusufari Desert

Have you heard of the Yusufari desert? If no, you should read this carefully and pack your necessary stuff to go on a tour. Yusufari desert is also known as “the desert land of hope”, a place you should not only consider but visit.

Why will you even think of just considering going to such a fantastic place? You should go there and be swept off your feet by the view. Forget about Dubai; Yusufari is the perfect place when you think of dunes and desert exploration. Accommodation is stationed in Gashua, which is just a 20mins drive away from Yusufari. Trust that you are safe and secure in such a fantastic place, and consider yourself having a swell time.

Location:  Tulo-Tulo Oasis, Yobe State.

The Mafara falls

Mafara Falls

You want to feed your sight with an incredible and astonishing view? Then I tell you that Mafara falls got you. The estimation of the waterfall is at least 150 feet deep. Woodland? I didn’t expect the view of the woodland. The woodland contained vegetation surrounded by trees, fields, and thick grasses. I tell you, the sight of this remarkable place will tickle your fancy. 

Mafara falls one of the remarkable waterfalls in Nigeria. Mafara fall is truly a view to behold. With this outline, you shouldn’t need anyone to tell more about how fantastic Mafara falls is.

Location:  Rukuba, Plateau State.

Oke-Ado Awaye & Iyake lake

The Oke-Ado Awaye and Iyake Lake

Can you believe there are two suspended lakes (lakes at the peak of a mountain) in the world? One of them is Ado Iwaye lake, which is in Nigeria. It is a fantastic piece of heritage. “Oke-Ado Iwaye” got its name from the two sister communities surrounding the mountain.

Read also: Simple guide to packing a bag for traveling in Nigeria

Imagine you have to hike up a mountain to have a sight of the lake. This is what is described as a “hiker’s fairy-tale.” How amazing will that be? It takes 3 hours to get to the peak of the mountain. Including the time you are to spend in the views and taking rest breaks. The hike is enjoyable because there’s a right mix of geographical features on the mountain—definitely one of the places to visit in Nigeria.

Location:  Ado Awaye, Oyo State.

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Ogunde museum

The Ogunde Museum

Hubert Adedeji Ogunde is a Nigerian actor named after the museum “Ogunde Museum”. Ogunde museum features more of Ogunde’s living history, including his theatre, music, and film memorabilia. It is mainly occupied with the complete Ogunde family tree and much more. The museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year from Nigeria and the diaspora. A place to give you great history about the Ogundes’ family tree history.

Location:  Ososa, Ogun State.

Abraka River resort

The Abraka River Resort

Abraka River Resort is a national flowing spring water and is surrounded by tropical rainforest. A sand beach on a river that flows through a beautiful forested area. Do you know how amazing such a view will be?

There are recreational facilities for outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, horse riding, speed boat riding, and much more—restaurants and accommodations for you to eat and have adequate rest if you intend to stay.

Location:  Abraka, Delta State.

Gurara waterfalls

The Gurara Falls

Gurara waterfalls are 30 meters in height, and it lies on the river. A Gwari hunter named Buba found the fall in the year 1745. Some European found it afterward and made it a recreation center in 1925.

You did not ask how the Europeans came about the name. How did they get to name it? Thanks for asking. It is named after two deities called Gura and Rara. Plans have been made to turn it into a resort with a recreation center and a seven-star hotel surrounding it. Gurara waterfall is a primary tourist site in Nigeria despite its history. So what else are you waiting for? Begin the plan to take a fantastic tour to a beautiful place.

Location:  Gurara, Niger State.

Sumu wildlife park

The Sumu Wildlife Park

There are 279 animals brought from Namibia to Sumu Wildlife park;

• 10 Giraffes
• 53 Burchell’s Zebras
• 14 blue Wildebeests
• 21 red Hartebeests
• 52 Springboks
• 56 common Impalas

Wow, isn’t this interesting? It was made sure Sumu is a safe place for them before bringing them from different game reserves from Namibia. You can take a safari ride through the forest to have an adventurous view of the animals.

Location:  Sumu, Bauchi State.

Insight Travel: Ibeno Beach Tourist Center

Hadejia wetland

The Hadejia Wetlands

Some of the land in the Hadejia wetland is permanently flooded; other parts are flooded only in the wet season. Hadejia wetland harbors exotic and rare types of birds, which is a beautiful place for bird watchers. It provides shelter for rare varieties and migratory birds. It’s going to be a fantastic tour for you to take. 

Location:  Yobe-Komadugu, Yobe state.

Agbele rock

The Agbele Rock

Do you want to have a bit of Yoruba folklore experience? Agbele rock can help with such an experience. It’s a naturally occurring rock formation. A rock in a woman’s figure with a basket on her head and a child on her back. I have to tell you I’m going to be amazed at such a view. I know you are also going to have such a fantastic feeling.

The history behind the rock formation is about a woman who stole a yam. She stole the yam dried in the sunlight, on a rock. The myth about this story is an interesting circumstance that should trigger you. Take the time to know more and have an exciting time by visiting such a fantastic place.

Location:  Igbeti, Oyo State.

Kajuru Castle

The Kajuru Castle

A German Emigrant living in Kaduna built Kajuru castle in the year 1981-1989. Kajuru Castle is a privately owned castle that can accommodate 150 guests. The castle is located about 45 km from Kaduna on the mountaintop of Kajuru (Ajure) village.

A castle decorated with terret, an armory, and a dungeon; it is called the African version of the Bavarian castle. The Kajuru Castle currently serves as a resort for you and other tourists. One of the highly recommended places to visit in Nigeria.

Location:  Kajuru, Kaduna State.

Ngwo pine forest

The Ngwo Pine Forest

Ngwo Pine forest has a limestone cave carved in a small waterfall that forms a shallow pool at the cave bed. The forest is a picturesque hiking location and the home to the famous Awhum waterfall. It’s a suitable recreational area for a picnic.

Location:  Ngwo Asaa, Enugu State.

Gashaka gumti national park

The Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Gashaka Gumti National park is the largest National Park in Nigeria, which occupies 6,402 sq km. The park is located on the Nigerian border with Cameroon. It is home to the highest point in Nigeria, Chappal Waddi, which stands at about 2,500 meters. The park has rugged terrain, steep slopes, deep valleys and home to montane forest. It is secure enough for your visit.

Location:  Gashaka, Taraba State.

Obudu mountain resort

The Obudu Mountain Resort

The Obudu mountain resort is a beautiful place to visit. It makes the most of its height to provide guests with the best view and experience. It has got a spectacular cave, a natural swimming pool with pure sparkling water. All these give a clear picture of the long winding waterfall and green mountain scales surrounding the natural reserve.

There are rare species of birds and other animals in reserve, like the drill monkey and the gorilla. The accommodations are advanced and modern, with laudable entertainment and quality food. Other activities include outdoor games (golfing, swimming, horse riding, etc.), the canopy walkway, and cable car riding.

Location:  Calabar, Cross River.

Ikogosi warm spring resort

The Ikogosi Warm Spring

Ikogosi warm spring resort is incontestably a geological wonder, which is a tourist attraction. It has warm and cold springs that flow to a point where they link up. Each spring maintains its thermal identity. Imagine yourself witnessing such an experience; that’s mesmerizing, right?

It doesn’t end there. The folklore behind Ikogosi warm springs makes some people believe it has the power to grant requests. The resort is around the warm spring, and it has numerous accommodation and leisure facilities for you to exploit.

Location:  Ekiti State.

Idanre hills

The Idanre Hills

One of the most beautiful landscapes in Nigeria. It comprises cultural sites like “thunder water (Omi Apaara), Agbooogun footprint, old court, shrines, Owa’s palace, burial mounds, and grounds.” It has a great tree stationed at the hill’s entrance; it’s called the “Iraye tree.” Be prepared to climb six hundred forty steps to reach the top of the mountains, with five resting spots on the way.

Read also: Safety tips for traveling alone in Nigeria

The sight of the crystal water ARUN RIVER on the hilltop and the green vegetation surrounding the hills is beautiful. Idanre hills are indeed one of the places to visit in Nigeria.

Location:  Ondo State.

Owu Waterfall

The Owu Waterfall

Don’t let anyone tell you how high Owu waterfall is; it’s a piece of friendly advice. Take that trip you like to sight and experience the highest waterfall in West Africa. It measures 120m above the water level and cascades 330 feet an escarpment, with the rocky landscape to a pool of ice-cold water beneath.

Owu Waterfall is lovely for a tropical rainforest, home to extended plant life and wildlife scale. There are choices of accommodation for you to suit your taste and budget.

Location:  Kwara state.

Okomu national park

The Okomu national Park

Imagine watching over 150 varieties of birds above each with its different acrobatic display. You will be amazed at the view of forest elephants, white-throated monkeys, and other wildlife species. It is a rainforest with insightful features. A fitting air-condition is available as well.

Location:  Benin, Edo State.

The Olumo Rock

A place many Nigerian schools would have taken their students to for excursions. It’s the most popular tourist destination in Nigeria. It is a massive age-long natural phenomenon of granite rocks of ancient formation. The rock is 137m high above sea level.

There are various caves on the rock of which are 20 feet long and 25 feet wide. It’s such a peaceful environment for you to visit. It should be part of your plan of the year to visit. Olumo rock is in the heart of Abeokuta – which means “under the rock” in the Yoruba language. 

Location:  Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The national war museum

National War Museum in Abia

Take any little opportunity to take to a mesmerizing tour to sight and know Nigeria’s ancient war history gallery.

Read also: Traveling in Nigeria – The good, bad, and ugly

The military history of Nigeria is showcased with artifacts from the Biafran-Nigerian Civil War. It features the significant galleries: the civil war gallery, the armed forces gallery, and the traditional warfare gallery. The sight of all these artifacts won’t be exciting alone; it will also be educative and knowledge-filled to you. Make that visit or tour and thank me later.

Location:  Umuahia, Abia state.

Nike art gallery

The Nike Art Gallery

You’re an art lover and haven’t heard or been to this beautiful place consumed with mind-blowing and captivating painting. What kind of art lover are you? Nike art gallery is one of Nigeria’s most beautiful treasures. The four-story building bargain of an art gallery and textile museum presenting over 7,000 pieces.

A visit to this location could bring in discovery and inspiration of your latent talent. It features a lot of artwork on display. You’d find; drumming, singing, painting, beadwork, carvings, stone works, indigo dyeing, embroidery, and traditional loom weaving. You must feed your sight with these fantastic and mesmerizing features by going on that memorable tour.

Location:  Lekki, Lagos state.

Terra Kulture

The Terra Kulture

I want to believe I’m not only the one who has an interest in things or places that portray ethnic or cultural standards. Terra Kulture is a learning world for you and me. It showcases the art and craft of various ethnic groups in Nigeria. The center has a library of rich knowledge of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. They focus on entertaining and educating you simultaneously.

It aims to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts, and culture. Think of the benefit of taking a visit to this unique place. Having fun and also enhancing your knowledge of ethnic and cultural values. You can see how incredible it is to consider Terra Kulture as a place to visit in Nigeria?

Location:  Victoria Island, Lagos state.

Millennium Park

Scenery of the Millineum Park

Millennium Park is the most significant public park in Nigeria. It was initiated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom on 4th December 2003. There are pleasant walkways with fountains and lights with a narrow river that runs through the park’s center.

A part of the park is devoted to scientific knowledge of the natural environment. It has an Italian garden layout comprising untouched nature with greenhouses for tropical birds and butterflies and brushwood.

Location:  Maitama, Abuja State.

Erin Ijesha Waterfall

The Erin Ijesha Waterfall

It’s also known as “Olumirin waterfalls,” and it was said to be discovered by one of the daughters of Oduduwa in 1140 AD. The story of Oduduwa should be familiar to people of the Yoruba ethnic group. The fall has seven floors of mounting plains with all levels having breathing views, and the freshness of the water is refreshing.

It will be a mesmerizing experience for you being at these different levels and just lolling in the falls’ invigorating freshness. People believe it has a medicinal effect, and people come from all over to drink from the waterfall for healing.

Location:  Erin Ijesha, Osun State.

Lekki Conservation Centre

The Lekki Conservation Centre

Lekki conservation center is a preservation point, making it a place to visit nature lovers because of the natural habitat in the center. The view of tree monkeys jumping and feeding happily from one tree branch to another. You can watch nature play out from several feet above sea level while on the canopy walkway.

There is an assurance of having a swell time in the park by playing the chess game, walking on the all-mighty canopy walkway in Africa, sighting the famous giant tortoise, and taking a walk around the nature park. Lekki conservation center is a reservation center for wildlife in Lagos.

Location:  Lekki, Lagos State.

The Calabar museum

Calabar slave trade museum

A slave trade museum in a beautiful colonial structure, and it’s arguably one of Nigeria’s finest museums. Interesting right? A visit to this museum won’t only be fun and enthralling but also enlightening to learn the history of Nigeria from the pre-colonial era.

The museum has various exhibitions such as history and artworks of the pre-colonial and colonial era and documentations on the slave trade and relics of the British Empire.

Location : Calabar, Cross-River State.

As mentioned earlier, Nigeria is a country with so much magnificent features. There are more places to have the maximum tour and entertaining features;

18 other places to visit in Nigeria

• Wonderland Amusement Park & Resort
• IITA Forest
• Ikeja City Mall
• Yankari Games Reserve
• Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tinapa Business Resort
• Rojenny Tourist Village
• Jos Wildlife Park
• The Palms Shopping Mall
• Oguta Lake Holiday Complex
• Enembia Warm Spring
• Port Harcourt Tourist Beach
• The Benin City National Museum
• Abraka Turf & Country Club
• Jhalobia Recreation Park & Gardens
• Eleko Beach
• Maiyegun Beach
• Ifoko Beach

Traveling abroad is currently not in vogue due to the recent coronavirus pandemic that most countries are either still battling or recovering from. Whether you know it or not, there are remarkable and beautiful places in Nigeria to visit. This is the right time you start considering these exciting places to visit in Nigeria.

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This will erase a bit of the lousy mentality you have about Nigeria. Going on this tour won’t be fun and entertaining alone. It will impact some knowledge in you as well, and it will be unforgettable and memorable.

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Home » Travel Guides » Nigeria » 15 Best Places to Visit in Nigeria

15 Best Places to Visit in Nigeria

There’s no question about it: Nigeria is huge. And just as the naysayers say size doesn’t matter, you realise that in West Africa, where just a couple of miles adds another fascinating tribal group, or that journey over the Obudu Plateau makes the difference between Guinean savannah grasses and verdant tropical rainforest, it really, really does! The point is that Nigeria is a country of many colors and creeds.

Its character morphs and shapeshifts almost as elegantly as a white-throated monkey swings between the boughs of the jungle. City wise, it’s got the colossal sprawl of Abuja – one of the fastest growing urban areas in the world. And then there’s Lagos – 17.5 million strong, but still finding time to chill on the Atlantic beaches.

Moving away from the towns and to the country, and Nigeria’s many faces continue. This time they peer like humans in the form of chimpanzees from the forest-clad gorges of the Gashaka Gumti. Or, they are plumed in pink like the black cranes of the Bade-Nguru Wetlands. It’s all very wonderful stuff.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Nigeria :

The gateway to the reserves of the Cross River (the state of which Calabar is the capital), and the further-flung rainforests of the Afi Mountains (home to gorillas, chimps, rare rockfowl and craggy peaks of stone), the town of Calabar is a well-honed tourist stop-off on the way through to Cameroon or the southern Nigerian coast.

Before making a beeline for the amazing primate sanctuaries outside of the town though, be sure to linger a little and case out the darker past of the city at the Calabar Museum – Calabar was once one of the principle slave trading ports in West Africa.

Also worth a look is the Duke Town chapel, which is considered one of the oldest Christian worshipping houses in Nigeria.

Frenetic and packed, Lagos is not only the largest city in Nigeria, but also the single largest on the entire African continent.

Yep, nearly 18 million people call this one home, and boy does it show! Throbbing streets of beer bars and clubs pepper the districts of Ikeja and Victoria Island, where ex-pats and sailors and locals alike chat over frothy brews.

There are also salt-washed promenades on the coast, and the beautiful reaches of Lagos Bar Beach – a sloping stretch of golden sand that meets the waves of the Atlantic Ocean in style.

Meanwhile, jet skis purr across Tarkwa Bay, and the sobering histories of the slave trade continue to move at the Point of No Return.

3. Abeokuta

Nestled inland, directly north of sprawling Lagos, the regional capital of the Ogun State can be found surrounded by great swathes of yam fields and maize farms, swaying wooded savanna and palm oil plantations.

An historic location on the important trade routes between the coast and the heart of West Africa led to previous inhabitants raising adobe fortifications around the old town, many of which can still be seen today.

However, it’s the bulbous rises of the Olumo Rock that soars atop the town that really draws the eye.

This ancient natural fort plays host to a great cultural museum, a craft shop selling local artworks, and caves that showcase the human history of the Ogun region as a whole.

4. Yankari National Park

Whether you make the arduous journey east from Abuja and south from Gombe to the Yankari in search of the roaming herds of African elephants (rumored to be the most numerous on the continent) or to seek out the fascinating relics of earlier peoples in the caves, you can rest assured that this well-serviced national park won’t disappoint.

More than 20,000 people come here to partake in ecotourism every year, which means there are plenty of lodges and tour operators on the ground.

Don’t leave without scaling the lookouts on Kalban Hill, or wondering at the chiseled rocks of the awesome Tonlong Gorge.

Okay, so Abuja ain’t no Lagos. Purpose-built, enfolded by the soft topography of the inland hills, and formed from clearly delineated districts that house business-suited men and politicians, there’s no grit or grime here (or at least not relatively). That means the capital is a nice place to relax and unwind following the energy and action of the megalopolis on the coast.

And there are other interesting sights too, like the Abuja Millennium Park and the quad of spear-like minarets that heralds the beautiful Abuja National Mosque.

Meanwhile, Wuse Market is great for shoppers, and the National Assembly Complex offers a glimpse into the country’s modern political system.

State capital and erstwhile stronghold of the old Oyo Empire, Ibadan hides quite a lot of history and heritage between its streets.

The only problem is, those streets seem to go on forever and ever (some estimations say that Ibadan is the single largest metropolis by geographical coverage in Africa), making the interesting parts pretty hard to find! A good place to start is in the exhibition rooms of the National Museum of Ibadan, where traditional Egungun garments meet tribal war drums and more.

Then, try to discover the Bower Memorial Tower, before hitting the colonial facades of Mapo Hall.

7. Kainji Lake National Park

One of the natural jewels of north-western Nigeria is actually not all that natural at all.

Yep, the eponymous Kainji Lake of the Kainji Lake National Park is actually a reservoir, created in 1968 and now surrounded by protected game reserves.

On the western banks of the water is the Borgu area, which hosts sporadic pockets of Guinean woods and plains, the stomping ground of some truly fascinating beasts: hippopotami; roan antelopes and swinging baboons.

This eventually gives way to the reservoir itself, where primeval jungles dip down into the croc-spotted waters.

8. Gashaka Gumti National Park

Vast and breathtaking at every turn, the Gashaka Gumti National Park covers more than 6,000 square kilometers of land in the extreme south-east of the country.

Made in 1991 after the fusion of two great Nigerian game reserves, it’s famed for its winding rivers (some of which also occasionally turn into awesome shows of roaring waterfalls) and riparian habitats, which host rare avian species like the red-faced lovebird.

On the ground, you can expect to be in the company of African golden cats and elephants.

Chimps swing in the trees of the forests too, while buffalos pepper the watering holes.

A green and leafy town that’s nestled almost equidistance between the Cross River National Park (the home of Nigeria’s gorillas) and the delta of the River Niger (where the Bayelsa National Forest has baby chimps), Enugu certainly doesn’t want for natural attractions.

In fact, that prime location close to some of the best natural draws of the Nigerian south-east is one of the main reasons tourists come here.

Others will enjoy the tidy streets and the low-rise buildings, the down-to-earth locals (the lifeblood of the small bottling and movie industries that have germinated here), and the gushing waterfalls and caves of the Ezeagu Tourist Complex – just on the edge of the city.

10. Port Harcourt

Okay, so it’s hardly a secret that industry comes first in the rambunctious oil boomtown of Port Harcourt.

A soaring population, endless developments of cookie-cutter tenements and the logos of major oil companies are just a few of the things this throbbing petroleum town wears on its sleeve.

And while the frenetic buzz of depots, trucks and tankers here certainly isn’t for everyone, the down-to-earth character of the place, mixed with a particularly raucous nightlife scene means that some will love the earthy, raw and unpretentious nature of it all.

11. Erin-Ijesha

The tiny town of Erin-Ijesha is really only known for one thing and one thing only: it’s eponymous waterfall that crashes through the southern Nigerian jungles, spans two individual states, and counts as many as seven tiers in total! The beautiful water feature draws oodles of people to this tiny speck on the map a little way from the historic city of Ilesa.

The journey’s worth it though.

You’ll get to climb through the verdant woods and bathe in the cataracts as they crash over the cliffs.

You’ll learn about the forest spirits, and even discover the nearby hot springs at Ikogosi – a little to the east, and a great place for soothing those tired hiking muscles.

Another great gateway to the trans-border Cross River National Park, and a brilliant stopover on the way to Calabar city, the town of Uyo is a clean and efficient urban center with a pretty lively nightlife scene of music bars and beer haunts.

It’s surrounded by green swathes of mangrove forest, out of which pokes the city’s famous golf resort (run by the prestigious name of Le Méridien no less). In the town there’s also the endless boutiques and fashion stores of the Ibom Plaza, where Nigerian celebs often strut their stuff.

And if the city gets too much, make a beeline for the coast.

Ibeno Beach is the top choice, with its footprint-spotted sands coming in as some of the longest in all of West Africa.

13. Okomu National Park

One of the few remaining enclaves of the virgin rainforest that once dominated the territories of southern Nigeria for its entirety, the Okomu National Park can be found sandwiched between the endless mangroves that crash into the Atlantic Ocean and the streets of Benin City.

Untouched and undeveloped, the spot’s remoteness has allowed it to become a refuge for some of the country’s rarer creatures, like the pangolin, chimpanzees, leopards and even forest elephants.

There’s also a smattering of rustic tribal villages still here, where visitors can encounter the age-old way of Nigerian country life.

14. Benin City

Located just a little to the east of the aforementioned reserves of the Okomu National Park, Benin City is not only a great place to launch your explorations through the wilds of southern Nigeria, but also an interesting, lived-in industrial town with plenty of history of its own.

In fact, the town was once the middle of the Benin Empire, back when it was called Edo, and thrived with the creation of architectural feats like the old Oba Palace – still visible in the center.

There are also fascinating open-air bronze workshops along bustling Igun Street to see, along with a branch of the National Museum.

15. Edumanom National Forest

The great mass of greenery that caps the very end of the Niger River, this delta forest plays host to one of Nigeria’s most amazing displays of biodiversity.

It’s headed by the presence of some of the largest remaining chimpanzee colonies in the world, who patrol the freshwater swamps and the verdant canopies, casting howls through the wilderness as they go.

It’s also a home to the rare Niger Delta colobus and other primates worth seeing.

Thanks to its far-flung location, travel here won’t be easy, but the untrodden undergrowth and untamed wilds might just be worth it!

15 Best Places to Visit in Nigeria:

• Yankari National Park
• Kainji Lake National Park
• Gashaka Gumti National Park
• Port Harcourt
• Erin-Ijesha
• Okomu National Park
• Edumanom National Forest

14 Must-Visit Natural Wonders of Nigeria

A magical adventure of africa's heartbeat..

By Tour Nigeria

Obudu Mountains by Adedotun Ajibade Original Source: Adedotun Ajibade

Experience the beauty of Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country is home to over 200 ethnic groups speaking over 500 languages, with a warm tropical climate and a wide variety of cultures, art, music, film, fashion and food waiting to be experienced. From sun-kissed coastlines, beaches, waterfalls, natural springs, and magnificent plateaus - Nigeria has it all. Here are 14 natural wonders that will take your breath away. 

Zuma Rock by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

1. Zuma Rock, Niger Zuma Rock is a majestic monolith standing at 725 metres above its surroundings. its unique shape and distinct natural contour of a human face on one side of the rock gives it an imposing personality that will leave you speechless and astonished. The history associated to the rock, and its undeniable grandeur earned the Zuma rock its place on NGN100 Naira bill. Zuma Rock is located along the Abuja - Kaduna Expressway, Madala, Niger State.

Wikki Warm Spring by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

2. Wikki Warm Spring, Bauchi. Nestled in Yankari National Park in Bauchi State, Nigeria, this natural warm spring offers a perfect getaway destination to relax and unwind with nature. Wikki Warm Spring is 1.9 metres deep, 13 metres wide, and has a constant temperature of 31 degree centigrade. The water gushes out from a string of chambers under the sandstone cliff. The actual source of this water is still to be determined.

Awhum Cave by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

3. Awhum (Ohum) Cave, Enugu The tranquil Awhum cave offers a prayer atmosphere that facilitates spiritual uplifting and the renewal of mind and body. The cave houses a crucifix of Jesus Christ and a grotto of Joseph and Mary, where monks and pilgrims perform their spiritual exercise. A must experience highlight of the cave is the waterfall. The fall is said to proclaim the wisdom and healing power of God.

Obudu Mountain Resort by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

4. The Obudu Holy Mountain, Cross River State The exotic Obudu Plateau towers over 5200 feet above sea level with a sub-temperate climate of between 15C and 23C. Obudu Mountain is described by some as one of the most beautiful places on earth, the picturesque plateau is best known for its breathtaking, dramatic Panorama.

Gurara Waterfalls by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

5. Gurara Waterfall, Niger The spectacular Gurara waterfall spans 200 meters across with a drop of about 30 metres. It changes its shape from a calm graceful waterfall in the dry season to a vast thundering fall in the rainy season.

Idanre town (2020) by Oluwasegun Ogunleye Original Source: Oluwasegun Ogunleye

6. Idanre Hill, Ondo. Idanre Hill consists of high plain with spectacular valleys interspersed with inselbergs of about 3,000 ft above sea level, and an abundance of diverse and variegated eco-systems of flora and fauna. Its physical attributes include the Owa's Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun foot print, thunder water (Omi Aopara) and burial mounds and grounds.

Agbokim Waterfalls by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

7. Agbokim Waterfall Agbokim waterfalls is situated in Etung local government area, about 315 kilometres from Calabar the capital city of Cross River state. Surrounded by a rich variety of flora and fauna, lush greenery, valleys and steep hills, Agbokim waterfall offers an alluring collection of seven cascades rushing over a cliff and creating an impressive seven-part waterfall. During the raining season when the waterfall is in its full bloom, it produces a beautiful blend of rainbow colours making the scenery even more magical.

Aso Rock by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

8. Aso Rock, Abuja Aso rock meaning 'Victorious rock' is a 400 metres monolith in the heart of Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The rock is surrounded by the most important buildings in Nigeria; Aso Villa - the official residence and workplace of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The National Assembly and the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The confluence of the River Niger and River Benue seen from Mount Patti by Adedotun Ajibade Original Source: Adedotun Ajibade

9. River Niger and Benue, Kogi. River Niger and Benue are the longest in West Africa. The source of River Niger was first discovered by Mungo Park. The Lander brothers, Richard and John continued further exploration when they discovered the 'Y' shape confluence of the Niger and Benue river flowing southwards into the Atlantic Ocean. The 'Y' shape is symbolised in Nigeria's Coat of Arms.

Ogba Ukwu waterfall and cave by Adedotun Ajibade Tour Nigeria

10. Ogba Ukwu waterfall and cave, Anambra. Ogba Ukwu cave is the largest in West Africa, with unique and roomy compartments which collectively can accommodate an entire village. It takes a minimum of two hours to explore. The location is on the verge of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nigeria. Other attractions include a magnificent waterfall and a massive dome.

Riyom Rock (2020) by Adedotun Ajibade Original Source: Adedotun Ajibade

11. Riyom Rock, Plateau. Located in Riyom local government area, Riyom rock is a wonder to behold. The giant boulders delicately balanced on top of one another for thousands of years will keep you awe-inspired. When viewed from a certain angle, Riyom rock takes the shape of the map of Plateau State.

Ado Awaye Lake by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

12. Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Oyo. Ado Awaye lake is one of the only two suspended lakes in the world. It is situated about 20km west of Iseyin. The lake's natural formation, teeming biodiversity, unspoilt serene surroundings are a natural treasure. The Ado-Awaye suspeneded lake sits on one of the crests of rocks commonly referred to in surveyor’s language as the “sleeping lion”. The pictureque view from the top of the rock is magical.

Ogbunike Cave Tour Nigeria

13. Ogbunike Cave, Anambra Ogbunike cave is located in a valley surrounded by a tropical rain forest teeming with abundant fauna and flora. The cave has been in use for centuries by the locals as a place for spiritual upliftment. It is home to a colony of bats, streams, a waterfall, and 10 tunnels leading to different exciting adventures. Ogbunike cave is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Farin Ruwa Waterfall by Dayo Adedayo Tour Nigeria

14. Farin Ruwa Waterfalls Farin Ruwa waterfalls originates from an amazing height of over 150 metres with a water volume of about 50 cubic metres. The whitish appearance of the water spray accounts for its name 'Farin Ruwa' meaning 'White Water' in Hausa. This magical fall is about 30 kilometres from Wamba and 120 kilometres from Lafia the capital of Nasarawa State.

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Nigeria: Unveiling the Gems of a Vibrant Nation

Nigeria , nestled in the heart of West Africa , is a captivating destination that offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From bustling metropolises to serene natural wonders, this vibrant African nation is home to a diverse range of tourist attractions that are sure to leave travellers in awe. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in authentic Nigerian culture, this list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Nigeria promises to inspire your wanderlust and help you discover the gems that make this country a unique and unforgettable travel destination.

Table of Contents

Tourism in Nigeria

Nigeria , known as the “Giant of Africa ,” offers a wide array of tourist attractions that showcase its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. From extended and roomy rivers to pristine beaches perfect for swimming and water sports, the country boasts a diverse range of attractions that cater to every traveller’s taste.

Additionally, Nigeria is home to unique wildlife, vast tropical forests, magnificent waterfalls, rapidly growing cities, and a climate that is particularly conducive to holidaying. With traditional ways of life preserved in local customs and a population known for its friendly attitude, Nigeria is a destination that promises fun, exotic, and adventurous experiences for visitors. You can read more here .

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Nigeria

1. obudu mountain resort: majestic escape in the sankwala mountains.

Perched high above sea level on the Oshie Ridge within the renowned Sankwala Mountains, the Obudu Mountain Resort, also known as the Obudu Cattle Ranch, offers a majestic escape. This premier tourist destination in Nigeria boasts a temperate climate, awe-inspiring vistas, serene tranquillity, and stunning landscapes. Travelers can indulge in a range of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the resort’s facilities, including a golf course, swimming pool, and cable car.

Location: Obudu, Cross River State

2. Olumo Rock: A Symbol of Strength in Abeokuta

Located in Ogun State, Olumo Rock stands as an iconic symbol of Abeokuta, which translates to “under the rock.” This historic rock formation has been a bastion of strength for the people of Egba Land since the 19th century. Visitors to Olumo Rock can explore natural tunnels, unique trees, cantilevers, rock gardens, and monuments that offer insights into the beliefs of its ancient settlers. The panoramic view from the top of the rock is an unforgettable sight.

Location: Abeokuta, Ogun State

3. Lekki Conservation Centre: A Haven for Nature Enthusiasts in Lagos

Situated in Lagos State, the Lekki Conservation Centre is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking respite from the bustling city. Covering a sprawling 78-hectare area, this 21-year-old conservation centre is managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and is dedicated to preserving the coastal biodiversity and natural beauty of western Nigeria . Visitors can explore the centre’s boardwalks, spot a variety of bird species, and even encounter monkeys and other wildlife.

Location: Lagos , Lagos State

4. Zuma Rock: A Monolithic Wonder in Niger State

Regarded as one of Nigeria ’s top tourist attractions, Zuma Rock is a monolithic Inselberg located in Madalla, Niger State, north of Abuja . Often described as the guardian of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Zuma Rock’s imposing presence is a sight to behold, especially during the rainy season when it sometimes catches fire, creating a captivating spectacle. The rock holds cultural and historical significance, with legends and myths surrounding its formation.

Location: Madalla, Niger State

5. Tinapa Free Zone & Resort: A Blend of Entertainment and Culture in Cross River State

Infused with the charm of Calabar’s rich culture, the Tinapa Free Zone & Resort in Cross River State offers a blend of entertainment, retail, and relaxation. This world-class resort features a digital cinema, restaurants, a mini-amphitheatre, and more, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Calabar’s magnificence. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and various entertainment activities in this vibrant complex.

Location: Calabar, Cross River State

6. Royal Palace Of Oba Of Benin : A UNESCO-listed Heritage Site in Edo State

The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin , a UNESCO-listed heritage site, is located near King’s Square in Benin , Edo State. This historic palace houses a remarkable collection of bronze sculptures, ancestral shrines, and ivory pieces that reflect the history and cultural heritage of Benin ’s Obas. Visitors can explore the palace grounds and marvel at the intricate artistry and craftsmanship on display.

Location: Benin , Edo State

7. Queen Amina’s Wall: A Testament to Military Prowess in Kaduna State

Queen Amina of Zaria ’s well-fortified walls, built centuries ago, still stand as a testament to her military prowess. These walls protect the ancient city of Zaria , showcasing its historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the remains of the walls, which stretch for miles, and learn about the fascinating history of Queen Amina and her kingdom.

Location: Zaria , Kaduna State

8. Ogbunike Caves: A Journey into Anambra’s Spiritual and Historical Significance

The Ogbunike Caves in Anambra State offer a unique tourist experience with their historical and spiritual significance. Descending the 317 steps to reach the caves is a journey into a UNESCO Heritage Site. The caves are adorned with natural formations, underground tunnels, and streams, creating a mystical atmosphere that captivates visitors. Exploring the caves provides a glimpse into the ancient traditions and beliefs of the people of Anambra.

Location: Ogbunike, Anambra State

9. Ancient Kano City Walls: A Living Legacy in Kano State

The medieval city of Kano is enriched by the impressive Ancient Kano City Walls, a 14km radius earth monument listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites’ tentative list. These walls hold immense spiritual, cultural, and historical significance, serving as a reminder of Kano ’s ancient past. Visitors can explore the walls and learn about the city’s rich history and heritage.

Location: Kano, Kano State

10. Coconut Beach: Coastal Beauty in Lagos State

Located in Badagry, Lagos State, Coconut Beach offers breathtaking ocean views surrounded by lush coconut trees. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation and a glimpse into Nigeria ’s historical and coastal beauty. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores, take a dip in the ocean, and indulge in local delicacies from the beachside vendors. Coconut Beach provides a serene escape from the bustling city life.

Location: Badagry, Lagos State

Conclusion: Discover the Richness of Nigeria ’s Tourist Attractions

Nigeria’s top tourist attractions offer a captivating journey through the country’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the majestic heights of Obudu Mountain Resort to the ancient walls of Kano, each destination unveils a unique facet of Nigeria’s heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or relaxation, Nigeria’s diverse range of attractions promises to leave you in awe. So pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant and multifaceted attractions that await in this dynamic African nation.

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30+ must-see tourist attractions in Nigeria and their locations

Nigeria is one of Africa's most renowned destinations, boasting numerous tourist attractions. This includes vast exotic beaches, richly preserved traditions and culture, verdant mountainous landscapes, and captivating attractions. Discover some of the best tourist attractions in Nigeria today.

Nigeria offers a diverse array of tourist attractions that cater to a wide range of interests, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the wildlife-rich national parks.

Tourist attractions in Nigeria and their locations

The various tourist attractions in the country offer a captivating blend of culture, nature, and history, making it a compelling destination for travellers seeking unique experiences. Here is a list of the top tourist attractions you can visit today.

1. The Ibeno Beach

• Location : Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State

Ibeno Beach, spanning 245 kilometres along a sandy shoreline, is truly a great tourist hotspot. It ranks as the best destination for those seeking leisure and relaxation. With its tumultuous waves, sunbathing spots, refreshing sea breezes, pristine mangrove forest foliage, and luxuriant surroundings, Ibeno Beach holds an irresistible appeal for tourists.

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2. The Obudu Mountain Resort

• Location : Obudu, Cross River State

The Obudu Mountain Resort sits majestically above sea level on the Oshie Ridge of the famous Sankwala Mountains. The idyllic tranquillity, comfortable climate, beautiful scenery, and breathtaking views have made the Obudu Mountain Resort one of the famous tourist attractions in Nigeria.

3. The Ngwo Pine Forest

• Location : Ngwo, Enugu State

The gorgeous and natural forest in Ngwo Pine is very appealing to tourists. It is romantically formed by Mother Nature with sharp turns for escapade seekers. Also, Ngwo Pine Forest has an incredible flowing stream and wonderfully set pine trees.

4. The Awhum Waterfall

• Location : Awhum, Enugu State

The Awhum Waterfall boasts multiple immaculate lakes, a waterfall, and a wonderful view. This waterfall forms a beautiful scenery in which the water carefully cascades over its top, creating a stream. This has become an impressive tourist place to visit in Nigeria. It is also close to the Awhum Monastery.

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5. The Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route

• Location : Arochukwu, Abia State

This sacrosanct altar is a 6-foot drain that takes tourists to a waterfall and temple in the Arochukwu-long Juju Slave Route . It encourages its visitors to admire and inspect the monuments of Kamula and Ibn Ukpabi.

6. The Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke

• Location : Owan, Edo State

The Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke is a unique and intriguing historical site located in the region between two Nigerian villages, Ukhuseosi and Ukhuse-oke. This site is known for a remarkable natural phenomenon—an enormous footprint that is permanently embedded in flat granite rocks.

7. The Port Harcourt Tourist Beach

• Location : Port Harcourt, Rivers State

If you are searching for a resort where you can run away from bustling city life, you can choose the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach . The beach is renowned for its picturesque natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Guinea, with sandy shores stretching along the coastline.

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8. The Gashaka-Gumti National Park

• Location : Gashaki-Gumpti, Taraba State

The Gashaka-Gumti National Park provides a charming insight into life in Nigerian medieval times. It is situated on the Mountain of Wind, the Chappal Wadi Mountain, and the Chappal Hendu. It is the largest and most diverse National Park in Nigeria.

9. The Alok Ikom Monoliths

• Location : Ikom, Cross River state

This tourist attraction is represented by about 300 awe-inspiring stones standing vertically in circles, facing each other in groups with images and texts inscribed on the monoliths. Each of the Alok Ikom Monoliths is made as a lingam.

10. The Isaac Boro Garden Park

• Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The Isaac Boro Garden Park lies in front of the Mile One Bridge along the old GRA in Port Harcourt. It has become a place of interest in Nigeria, where softball and baseball are played. It is also a centre for live entertainment and trade fairs.

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It was also disclosed that the tomb of Major Isaac Boro, a warrior murdered during the Nigerian Civil War, lies there.

11. The Tinapa Free Zone & Resort

• Location : Calabar, Cross River State

The Calabar charm is mixed with a taste of its wealthy culture , giving the Tinapa Free Zone & Resort that gorgeous scenario that hypnotizes tourists. It offers an entertainment zone with restaurants, a digital cinema, a mini amphitheatre, a children's arcade, a nightclub, and a studio Tinapa for Nollywood.

12. The Osun-Osogbo Grove

• Location : Oshogbo, Osun State

The Osun-Osogbo Grove is the only tourist attraction in Nigeria with sacred shrines, sculptures, sanctuaries, and artworks, which were created in honour of the goddess of fertility, Osun. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Oshun River.

13. The Emotan Statue

• Location : Benin, Edo State

Situated in front of the Oba market in Benin City - the Emotan Statue stands proudly, dressed in the traditional attire and headgear synonymous with majesty in the Benin Kingdom. This statue is dedicated to the memory of a legendary figure in Edo State history, Emotan, who is revered for her role in the history of the Benin Kingdom.

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14. The Royal Palace Of Oba Of Benin

The Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin is a UNESCO-listed inheritance space, which is centrally situated and not far from the King's Square. In addition, it has a huge collection of sculptural pieces from many Benin Obas in ivory, bronze, and ancestral shrines.

15. The Sukur Cultural Landscape

• Location : Madageli, Adamawa State

Madageli is the homeland of the Sukur cultural scenery, which consists of ritual terraced areas and traditional cemeteries. It is blissful with lush forest and is located on the top of the Mandara Mountains.

16. The Queen Amina's Wall

• Location : Zaria, Kaduna State

In Zazzau city, a well-fortified wall was built to defend the ancient city by Queen Amina of Zaria , famous for her smart military acts and strategies. Interestingly, this wall still stands sublimely in the modern Zaria city and is one of the popular tourist attractions in Nigeria.

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17. The Surame Cultural Landscape

• Location : Surame, Sokoto State

When it comes to the miracles of human inventiveness, creativity, and development, the Surame Cultural Landscape is a perfect example. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with walls made of huge stones and a palace for the village chief, Hidi.

18. The Oban Hills in Cross River State

• Location : Oban, Cross River State

The Oban Hills share a border with Korup National Park of Cameroon. It is home to many plants and wildlife. Moreover, it is one of the limited areas in the world where you can see the Crested Guinea fowl, the Cassin's hawk eagle, the bat hawk and the Xavier's green bull. More than 400 species of chimpanzees live there too.

19. The Oke-Idanre Hill

• Location : Oke-Idanre, Ondo State

If you visit the Oke-Idanre Hill , you will enjoy tourist access to many exciting valleys interspersed with mountains and high flatlands above sea level. It also showcases the Agbooogun footprint, the Omi Aopara, burial grounds, the thundering water, the Owa's palace and shrines.

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20. The Ogbunike Caves, Enugu State

• Location : Ogbunike, Anambra State

The Ogbunike Caves are among the most beautiful places in Nigeria. These caves have a very spiritual and historical significance. If you feel very adventurous, you must make 317 steps to get down to the caves.

21. The Ancient Kano City Walls

• Location : Kano, Kano State

You will get a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the wonderful medieval city of Kano when you see these effective Ancient Kano City Walls . This 14-kilometre radius earth monument has a historical, spiritual, and cultural significance. Also, it is often associated with the Emir's Palace.

22. The Coconut Beach

• Location : Badagry, Lagos State

The Coconut Beach in Badagry has beautiful ocean views and is an ideal space for relaxation. It is 20 miles from the Republic of Benin, and numerous coconut trees surround it.

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23. The Bar Beach

• Location : Victoria Island, Lagos

If you are searching for a beach without coconut trees and a very relaxing scenery, the Bar Beach in Lagos should be your place of interest. It is close to the centre of gorgeous Victoria Island and open to anyone who wants to visit. You will undoubtedly enjoy an ocean sidewalk and the cool breeze from the ocean.

24. The Millennium Park

• Location : Maitama, Abuja

The Millennium Park is the biggest public park in the capital city of Abuja. It is located in the Maitama district. This attraction was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 2003. This park has become a children's paradise and relaxation area.

25. The Nana Living History Museum

• Location : Warri, Delta State

The fantastic national monument of the Nana Living History Museum is located in Koko in Warri. It is a museum built by a powerful 19th-century businessman, Chief Nana Olomu Ebrohimi.

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26. The Ancient Nok Settlement

• Location : Jaba, Kaduna State

All around the world, antiquities from the Ancient Nok Settlement are seen in museums and galleries. This tiny archaeologists' haven is situated in Jaba Local government. It is the place where the world-famous Terracotta figurine was found.

27. The New Afrika Shrine

• Location : Ikeja, Lagos State

When you want to enjoy some great music from the legendary Fela and crew, the New Afrika Shrine is one amazing place you should visit. It was established in 2000 as a revival of the original Afrika Shrine, which was founded by Fela Kuti's family in the 1970s.

28. The Abuja Arts And Crafts Village

• Location : Abuja

The Abuja Arts and Crafts Village is situated in the Central Business District in Abuja, near the Silverbird Cinema. There are many handicrafts and artefacts for tourists. It is one spot to enjoy true Nigerian artefacts and culture.

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29. The Kainji National Park

• Location : Niger State

The Kainji National Park was opened in 1978. It has three distinct sectors: the Zugurma Game Reserve, the Borgu Game Reserve, and the Kainji Lake. It is situated in Kwara, Niger State. If you like to be united with nature and take a break from urban noise and chaos, this place is right for you.

30. The Yankari National Park

• Location : Bauchi State

The Yankari National Park in Bauchi State is a home for wildlife located in the State's South-Central area. It contains several natural warm water springs, and what is more, it is one of West Africa's eco-destinations.

31. Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls

• Location: Erin-Ijesha, Osun State

Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, also known as Olumirin Waterfalls , is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Nigeria . It is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring a series of cascading waterfalls that flow down rocky cliffs surrounded by lush vegetation. The sight and sound of the rushing water make it a tranquil and picturesque spot.

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32. Ikogosi Warm Springs

• Location: Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria

The Ikogosi Warm Springs is distinguished by the convergence of two distinct natural springs within close proximity. One spring is cold, while the other is warm, and they merge to create a warm and cold water pool. This natural occurrence is considered rare and makes Ikogosi unique.

33. Mount Patti

• Location: Lokoja

The Mount Patti Hill is famous for being the place where British journalist and writer Flora Louise Shaw (later Flora Lugard) gave Nigeria its name. It has become a popular tourist destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

34. Olumo Rock

• Location: Abeokuta, Ogun State

Olumo Rock is a massive granite outcrop that rises dramatically from the surrounding flat terrain. It stands approximately 137 meters (450 feet) above sea level and is characterized by its distinctive rock formations, caves, and crevices. Visitors can explore Olumo Rock by climbing a series of steps and pathways that have been carved into the rock.

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35. Niger River

• Location: Guinea Highlands (Main source)

The Niger River is approximately 4,180 kilometres (2,600 miles) long, making it the third-longest river in Africa, after the Nile and the Congo. It flows through several West African countries, including Guinea, Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria. The Niger River's source is located in the Fouta Djallon region of Guinea, where it is formed by the confluence of two smaller rivers, the Milo and the Tinkisso.

What are the top 10 tourist attractions in Nigeria?

Some of the best tourist attraction sites in Nigeria include:

• The Ibeno Beach
• The Obudu Mountain Resort
• The Ngwo Pine Forest
• The Awhum Waterfall
• The Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route
• The Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke
• The Port Harcourt Tourist Beach
• The Gashaki-Gumpti National Park
• The Alok Ikom Monoliths
• The Isaac Boro Garden Park

What is 1 tourist attraction in Nigeria?

The Ibeno Beach, located in Nigeria's Akwa Ibom State, is a breathtaking coastal gem. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, it offers pristine stretches of golden sands and clear blue waters, making it one of the country's most sought-after beach destinations.

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What are the top 5 tourist attractions?

Some of the top 5 best places you can visit in Nigeria as a tourist include places like The Ibeno Beach, The Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route, The Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke, The Port Harcourt Tourist Beach and The Gashaki-Gumpti National Park.

Is Nigeria good for tourists?

Nigeria is incredibly diverse, with hundreds of ethnic groups , languages, and traditions. This diversity can provide a rich and immersive cultural experience for tourists.

How many tourist sites are in Nigeria?

There are over 1000 tourist establishments in Nigeria, each offering a rewarding destination for tourists interested in exploring the country's cultural diversity, natural beauty, and historical sites.

What are the tourist attractions in Nigeria?

Nigeria offers many tourist attractions, including beaches, national wildlife parks, historical sites, cultural festivals, music, arts, and conservation centres.

Nigeria is home to numerous captivating destinations awaiting discovery. These incredible tourist attractions in Nigeria are celebrated as some of the most scenic in the country, ensuring a memorable and enchanting experience for all who visit.

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Legit.ng explained the objectives of the monetary policy in Nigeria . A monetary policy encompasses a series of measures implemented by the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to regulate the nation's money supply and foster economic expansion.

The impact of monetary policy extends across all sectors of the economy, influencing aspects such as employment levels and the pricing of goods and services. Among the tools employed by Nigeria in its monetary policy framework are Open Market Operations, Bank Rate policy (discount rate), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).

Source: Legit.ng

70 Top Tourist Attractions in Nigeria To Visit

The top tourist attractions to visit in Nigeria are Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, Zuma Rock in Niger State, the Nike Art Gallery in Lagos, and the Benin City Walls in Edo State. Tourist attractions are places or landmarks that draw visitors from around the world due to their unique features, historical significance, natural beauty, or cultural importance.

Types of Tourist attractions in Nigeria

1. Historical Sites: Such as ancient ruins, castles, forts, and archaeological sites like the Badagry slave trade site is an example of a historical attraction.

2. Natural Wonders : Spectacular landscapes, geological formations, and scenic vistas such as the Owu and Arinta water falls.

3. Landmarks : Iconic structures or monuments that are symbolic of a particular place or culture, like the Zuma Rock in Abuja and Olumo Rock.

4. Museums and Galleries: Institutions housing collections of art, artifacts, and historical objects, such as the Nike Art Gallery and the National Museum Lagos.

5. Parks and Gardens : Public green spaces, botanical gardens, and national parks renowned for their beauty and biodiversity, such as Millennium Park in Abuja and Muri Okunola Park in Lagos.

6. Entertainment and Theme Parks: Amusement parks, water parks, and entertainment complexes offering rides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages, such as the Wave Beach Theme Park.

These are just a few examples of the wide range of tourist attractions found around different states in Nigeria, each offering its own blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and entertainment.

Tourist attractions in Nigeria

Here’s a list of 70 tourist attractions to visit in Nigeria with friends and family during Christmas, Easter, Valentines day or even as soon as this weekend:

1. Olumo Rock – Abeokuta 2. Lekki Conservation Centre – Lagos 3. Zuma Rock – Niger State 4. Nike Art Gallery – Lagos 5. Benin City Walls – Edo State 6. Ogbunike Caves – Anambra State 7. National Arts Theatre – Lagos 8. Ikogosi Warm Springs – Ekiti State 9. Erin Ijesha Waterfalls – Osun State 10. Aso Rock – Abuja 11. Yankari National Park – Bauchi State 12. Tinapa Resort – Cross River State 13. Freedom Park – Lagos 14. Agodi Gardens – Oyo State 15. Gurara Falls – Niger State 16. Tarkwa Bay Beach – Lagos 17. Jos Wildlife Park – Plateau State 18. Omenka Gallery – Lagos 19. Badagry Slave Trade Route – Lagos 20. Kajuru Castle – Kaduna State 21. Olumirin Waterfalls – Osun State 22. Jabi Lake – Abuja 23. Millennium Park – Abuja 24. Coconut Beach – Lagos 25. Ibeno Beach – Akwa Ibom State 26. Lekki Beach – Lagos 27. Eyo Festival – Lagos 28. New Afrika Shrine – Lagos 29. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove – Osun State 30. Oguta Lake Holiday Complex – Imo State 31. IITA Forest Reserve – Oyo State 32. Obudu Mountain Resort – Cross River State 33. Abuja National Mosque – Abuja 34. Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge – Lagos 35. Port Harcourt Tourist Beach – Rivers State 36. Emotan Statue – Edo State 37. Oron Museum – Akwa Ibom State 38. Ahmadu Bello University Zoo – Kaduna State 39. Yola Park – Adamawa State 40. Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre – Akwa Ibom State 41. Ojude Oba Festival – Ogun State 42. Ikom Monoliths – Cross River State 43. Owerri Amusement Park – Imo State 44. Elegushi Beach – Lagos 45. The Cathedral Church of Christ – Lagos 46. Eko Atlantic City – Lagos 47. Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue – Kogi State 48. Nike Lake Resort – Enugu State 49. Mambilla Plateau – Taraba State 50. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum – Niger State 51. National War Museum – Imo State 52. Zik’s Mausoleum – Anambra State 53. Kainji National Park – Niger State 54. Ijele Masquerade Festival – Anambra State 55. Ezeagu Tourist Complex – Enugu State 56. Kofar Mata Dye Pits – Kano State 57. Kano City Walls – Kano State 58. Gashaka Gumti National Park – Taraba State 59. Ogbaukwu Caves and Waterfalls – Anambra State 60. Shere Hills – Plateau State 61. Port Harcourt Pleasure Park – Rivers State 62. Iho Eleru Cave – Ondo State 63. Bayelsa State Ecumenical Centre – Bayelsa State 64. Okomu National Park – Edo State 65. Edo State Government House – Edo State 66. Oguta Lake – Imo State 67. Idanre Hills – Ondo State 68. Port Harcourt Zoo – Rivers State 69. Zuma Memorial – Niger State 70. Jabi Boat Club – Abuja

A deeper dive…

1. Olumo Rock – Abeokuta : Olumo Rock is a historical landmark in Abeokuta, offering visitors the chance to explore natural caves and tunnels while learning about the rock’s significance in Egba history and culture. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

2. Lekki Conservation Centre – Lagos: Located in Lagos, the Lekki Conservation Centre is a vast nature reserve featuring a canopy walkway, bird watching spots, and lush greenery, providing opportunities for nature walks and wildlife viewing. The highlight is the 401-meter-long canopy walkway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

3. Zuma Rock – Niger State : Zuma Rock, often referred to as the “Gateway to Abuja,” is a massive monolith located in Niger State, with cultural and spiritual significance to the indigenous people. Its distinctive appearance and size make it a notable natural landmark visible from miles away, drawing tourists and photographers alike.

4. Nike Art Gallery – Lagos: Situated in Lagos, the Nike Art Gallery is a renowned cultural institution showcasing Nigerian art and culture, featuring a vast collection of traditional and contemporary artworks including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Visitors can explore the gallery’s multiple floors, interact with artists, and purchase unique pieces of Nigerian art.

5. Benin City Walls – Edo State : The Benin City Walls are ancient defensive walls surrounding the former capital of the Benin Kingdom, now located in Edo State, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century, these walls are a testament to the historical and architectural achievements of the Benin Kingdom and offer insight into its rich cultural heritage.

6. Ogbunike Caves – Anambra State: The Ogbunike Caves, located in Anambra State, are a network of caves and tunnels with spiritual and cultural significance to the Igbo people. Visitors can explore the caves, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the cave pool, and learn about the traditional rituals associated with the site.

7. National Arts Theatre – Lagos: The National Arts Theatre in Lagos is an iconic cultural landmark and the primary venue for performing arts and cultural events in Nigeria, known for its distinctive architectural design and cultural significance. The theatre hosts a wide range of performances including music concerts, dance shows, and theatrical productions, attracting both local and international artists and audiences.

8. Ikogosi Warm Springs – Ekiti State: Ikogosi Warm Springs, located in Ekiti State, is a natural phenomenon where warm and cold springs meet, creating a unique thermal pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can relax in the warm waters, take nature walks in the surrounding forest, and learn about the cultural significance of the springs to the local community.

9. Erin Ijesha Waterfalls – Osun State: Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, also known as Olumirin Waterfalls, is a natural cascade located in Osun State, surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations. Visitors can climb the terraced rocks and swim in the refreshing pools beneath the waterfalls, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

10. Aso Rock – Abuja: Aso Rock is a massive rock formation located in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, and is also home to the Nigerian Presidential Complex. It is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks and offers panoramic views of Abuja from its summit, attracting tourists and photographers alike.

Nigeria boasts a diverse array of tourist attractions that showcase its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and historical significance. From ancient rock formations like Olumo Rock and Zuma Rock to cultural institutions such as the Nike Art Gallery and the National Arts Theatre, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the country. Whether exploring caves, enjoying wildlife reserves, or experiencing vibrant festivals, Nigeria offers a wealth of experiences that appeal to travelers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation.

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Nigeria Travel Guide – Tips and Inspiration

Hey there! If you’re not a routine reader of this blog, then you have probably found this post while searching for information about visiting Nigeria . Perhaps you’re travelling for business purposes or considering it as an off-the-beaten-path destination?

This Nigeria Travel guide will help you navigate the intricacies of visiting and exploring this West African Country. To begin, here are some quick facts about Nigeria.

What's Covered in this Post

Nigeria Travel Guide – Quick Facts about Nigeria (Tourism)

Getting to Nigeria – Flight and Visa Requirements

All foreign nationals, except those from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), need to apply for a visa to visit Nigeria.

The Nigerian Immigration Service recently introduced a visa on arrival policy for selected individuals and countries. If you do not qualify for it, you may apply to get one from your nearest Nigerian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates.

In addition to a valid visa, you also need a yellow fever certificate to enter the country.

Which Countries Can Get Visa on Arrival in Nigeria (2021)?

According to the information on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) website , the visa on arrival is available to citizens of African countries and business travellers from all other countries, except  ECOWAS nationals.

Note that you need to apply online for this. I would write a separate post when I have more information. In the meantime, be sure to go through the immigration website for more information and read the Visa on Arrival FAQ here.

Nigeria Travel Guide – When is the Best Time to Visit Nigeria?

Nigeria has two major seasons – rainy and dry season. The rainy season begins in April and runs through to October. And the dry season begins in November through March. It isn’t uncommon to have rains in the dry seasons (especially in November and December).

Generally, it is better to visit during the dry season. However, there are advantages to visiting during the rainy season as well. For one, the roads are less dusty and the waterfalls are more beautiful to behold.

December and January have the most advantages. In some places, these months ring in the harmattan season which comes with less humidity and cooler temperatures in the morning and evenings.

Nigeria Travel Guide – Top Places to Visit in Nigeria

Tourist Attractions in Nigeria: Nature – Waterfalls, Springs, Hills…

Tourist Attractions in Nigeria: National Parks, Conservation Centers…

Tourist attractions in nigeria: museums, art galleries, monuments and world heritage sites, getting around within nigeria.

Plane : Nigeria has a total of 6 International Airports and 11 Domestic Airports . About 7 domestic carriers operate within Nigeria. You should note that it is quite common to experience delays in flights schedules. One useful tip will be to always try to catch the first flights out of a city. Those are very rarely delayed. As of this writing, the most reliable airline is Arik Air.

Train : While there is a working rail system in Nigeria, travel by train is not reliable. Interstate and Intrastate (Lagos) trains are old and slow and oftentimes, overcrowded. The exceptions to this are the fairly new rail lines that operate between Abuja and Kaduna and Lagos to Ibadan.

Local Buses & Taxis : Local buses are often the cheapest way to move around. They are not often comfortable though. So, you may want to consider other options. Be sure to negotiate and agree on prices before you start a trip.

Uber, Bolt : These are currently the best ride-hailing apps for use within major cities in Nigeria.

Motorcycles : or Okadas, as they are popularly called, are the quickest means to navigate through major cities. I personally wouldn’t advise the regular use of this means of transportation as it can be rather dangerous. In some cities, they are banned from plying highways and major roads.

Is it safe to travel to Nigeria (2021)?

Many travel boards advise against visiting Nigeria. But how unsafe is it really? Without applying the bias of a local, I’d simply say that certain areas should be off-limits for now. If you exercise a reasonable level of caution while visiting some states in the country, you will be fine.

Generally, the South Western States are best suited for tourism. It is advisable to be in the company of a local when you travel through Nigeria.

Finally…

Before you visit, forget all about your ‘African Fantasies’ and set your expectations correctly.  As expected with low-income countries, there are infrastructure gaps and things may not always go according to plan. You cannot simply just vagabond through Nigeria. I will advise that you research your destinations before you visit.

Above all, remember to always keep your wits about you. There is something called ‘The African Time’. Expect delays and/or emphasize appointment times with people you interact with.

When you visit Nigeria, seek out experiences with people, rather than places. Nigerians (and West Africans in general) can be some of the most welcoming people you would ever meet.

I do hope you enjoy your visit. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comment section below. Also, if you have visited before, I’d love to hear about your experiences travelling in Nigeria. Please share them with me!

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I love to hear from you, leave a comment here cancel reply, 14 comments.

The “African Time” got me! Lmao!

I love how well detailed this article is. Welldone dear!

Thank you, Fisayo!

Trains are now very reliable in Nigeria though

Hmm, I’d argue that they still aren’t. With the exception of the new train routes, it is common for trains to breakdown while en route and for them to be delayed. And with all the racketeering around obtaining tickets, there are still many areas to be improved upon.

This post is really detailed! Thank you for always sharing your knowledge

You’re welcome! Thanks for reading!

great post! I have such a long list of places I want to visit. But it’s great that you’ve set this out in a straight forward manner and would be a great place for someone to start planning a trip to Nigeria!

Yes! Hope you visit soon!

VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR ALL African Union CITIZENS!! YESSS NIGERIA DOING GREAT THINGS! I am pleased to read this! Thanks for sharing, I have now put Nigeria very high up on my destination list!!

Yes! Hope you visit soon. PS: I updated the post to include the fact that you have to apply online first – to get an approval letter and pay the visa fees. The process is quite fast. So it’s more or less an e-visa.

Yes I researched it and saw the eVisa requirements. Still simple to be honest! Thanks again 😝

Lovely comprehensive post! You’ve inspired me.. I may just write a similar one on Jamaica. If I’m ever visiting Nigeria and I’d really love to, I’ll make sure to reread this article. African time won’t phase me. It can’t be any worse than island time. 😂

Haha, never heard about Island time! I thought it was peculiar to just countries in Africa!

Looking forward to reading your guide and visiting Jamaica one day!

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Nigeria: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Nigeria? Here is everything you need to know before you visit the West African country, and how to plan your trip: from visa processing, hotel reservation and tourist attractions, etc.

Know Nigeria

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the seventh most populous country in the world with a population of about 200 million people (as at 2019).

A Western African country, Nigeria is bordered to the south by the Gulf of Guinea, to the west by Benin Republic, to the southeast by Cameroon, to the northeast by Chad, and to the north by Niger Republic.

Nigeria has 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These states are further grouped into six regions (geopolitical zones):

• North Central (Middle Belt):  Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Abuja (FCT)
• North East:  Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe
• North West:  Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara
• South East:  Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo
• South South (Niger Delta):  Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Edo
• South West : Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo

While other regions of Nigeria are relatively peaceful and safe to visit, there is threat of Boko Haram terrorism in the northeast. Due to this insurgency, the US State Department and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel to any of the northeastern states of Nigeria, viz: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.

Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, and it is the continent’s largest oil producer. The South-South region, also known as Niger Delta, is Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

Though Nigeria has approximately 400 ethnic groups with over 450 local languages, the main language for communication and business is English. Other major languages are Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo.

Here are the major and most important cities in Nigeria:

• Abuja:  The capital of Nigeria (FCT), with beautiful rolling terrain and modern Nigerian architecture. Most Government agencies are headquartered in Abuja. As a result, the embassies, high commissions or consulates of most countries are situated here.
• Lagos:  The most populous city in Africa with a population of over 21 million (2019), Lagos is the former colonial capital of Nigeria and its commercial hub. Lagos is the busiest city in Nigeria.
• Calabar:  The tourist destination of Nigeria boasting of the following amazing attractions:  Obudu Cattle Ranch , Afi Nature Reserve, Agbokim Waterfalls, Tinapa Resort, Marina Resort, among others. Calabar is also one of Nigeria’s oil-rich states.
• Port Harcourt:  This is the capital of Rivers State and the largest city in the Nigeri Delta, Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
• Benin City:  This is one of Nigerian’s most ancient cities, dating back to pre-colonial times. It boasted one of the most advanced and organised kingdoms before the arrival of the British. The city used to be the capital of the old Bendel state until this was divided into Edo and Delta. Benin City is the capital of Edo state.
• Enugu:  Derived from the Igbo words  “hill top” , Enugu is the capital city of Enugu State. Tourist attractions include: Udi Hills, Polo Amusement Park, Enugu Zoo, National Museum, and Michael Okpara Square. Enugu’s former coal mines,  Onyeama  and  Okpara , are also open for tourist visits.
• Ibadan:  Geographically (in terms of land mass), Ibadan is the largest city in Africa. It is the heart of Yorubaland with the following tourist attractions, among others: National Museum, Bower Memorial Tower, The University of Ibadan and Botanical Garden.
• Kano:  The commercial city of northern Nigeria, and one of the most important cities in the country. Kano boasts of the following tourist attractions: Gidan   Makama Museum, Gidan Dan Hausa Museum and Kano State Cultural Centre, Kurmi Market, Sani Abacha Stadium, and the Great Mosque.
• Osogbo:  Home of the Sacred Grove of Osun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Osogbo (pronounced Oshogbo) is one of Nigeria’s important cities. Major tourist attraction here is the  Secret Grove of Osun , a sacred forest along the banks of the Ọsun (Oshun) River just outside the city, dedicated to the river goddess. The Osun-Osogbo Grove is among the last of the sacred forests which usually adjoin the edges of most Yoruba cities before extensive urbanization.

Unless you are from the West African sub-region or from a country with special visa waiver agreements with Nigeria, you will require a visa to enter Nigeria.

Applying for and getting a Nigerian visa is easy once you know the application process and meet the requirements. The process and requirements are largely the same for all Nigerian embassies/consulates or high commissions , with just slight differences for some.

The most common visa types are tourist and business visas. Others are Temporary Work Permit (TWP), Subject to Regularization (STR), Transit Visa, Diplomatic Visa and Visa on Arrival .

Requirements / Checklist for Nigerian Tourist Visa

The Nigerian tourist visa is issued to visitors who want to visit friends and family in Nigeria or for the purpose of tourism. It is valid for 90 days (i.e. three months). To apply for an entry tourist visa to Nigeria, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsement;
• Two recent passport photographs (white background);
• Evidence of sufficient funds (3 months bank statement);
• Address of host in Nigeria or hotel reservation confirmation;
• Letter of Invitation from a host in Nigeria .

These are broadly the general requirements for processing a Nigerian visa. However, some countries/embassies require other specific requirements in addition to the above, such as yellow fever vaccination.

Visa processing duration varies for different countries and processing centres. It could be as fast as 5 days or up to 3 weeks (or even longer), as the case may be.

Additionally, most embassies require appearance in person while some don’t necessarily require your visit. Also, some countries/embassies may require biometric (the United States for instance require a visit to the embassy and biometric capturing).

Nigeria Visa Requirements

All the documents you need to get a Nigerian visa: Letter of invitation, host passport copy, flight itinerary, evidence of accommodation/hotel reservation and CAC certificate of host company. Get all requirements for Nigeria visa application delivered to you via email in just 90 minutes!

How to Apply for a Nigerian Visa

If you have the visa requirements (with a Nigerian visa invitation letter), here is how you can apply for a Nigerian visa:

• Fill the online application form  on the Nigerian Immigration website.  After completion of application, print out the completed form and sign on it.
• Proceed with payment of the visa fee (online) and print out the payment receipt.
• Attach 2 passport sized photographs to completed Visa Form IMM22, along with the other requirements (letter of invitation, reservation confirmation, etc.) and submit to the Nigerian High Commission/Embassy/Consulate.

You can find Nigerian embassies/high commissions for all countries with their addresses and contacts here .

After submitting your application, you may be invited for a visa interview within a few days, after which you should get your visa. Nigerian tourist visa is valid for 90 days (three months).

Here is the full list of Nigerian visa fees for all countries .

Vaccination

Visitors to Nigeria are usually advised to take vaccination for Yellow Fever, though it is not compulsory. Also due to the tropical nature of Nigeria, take special health precautions against malaria and zika virus .

Malaria is prevalent in tropical and sub-Saharan Africa, caused by mosquito bites.

Attractions

You will find a rich array of Nigerian dishes in most restaurants and hotels. Almost all restaurants serve Western foods.

You can buy a plate of decent food for anything from 40 US cents to $100. The larger restaurants and bigger hotels offer specialized foreign cuisine. There are Chinese, French, American, Indian, Ethiopian, Italian, Lebanese and other pedigree of restaurants in big cities.

Some Nigerian delicacies are sold outdoors over an eternally lit traditional barbecue machine. Kebabs (known as suya), roasted plantain (Bole) , corn, peanuts, yam and local plum (yummy with corn, available May to September) are very popular warm snacks loved across the social spectrum.

A lot of Nigerian meals are a combination of vegetables, cassava (often locally processed into grains — garri), yam, potatoes and loads of fruits, fish, crayfish, meat (including game, known in Nigeria as bush meat).

The pepper soup, fresh fish and bush meat are served as accompaniment to drinks in most bars.

Edikang ikong , a rich, leafy delicacy from Efik land (and to some extent among the Ibibios) of the South South is probably Nigeria’s most famous and most cosmopolitan meal. It is served in many restaurants from the smallest to the biggest hotels.

Nigeria is warm all-year, except for the occasional harmattan chill and some frigid temperatures on elevated areas like Jos and Pankshin in Plateau State and Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State.

Pack light cotton-based, comfortable clothing and a hat or cap and pairs of sandals for casual pursuits.

No provocative dressing please, especially in the north or in the villages.

For business meetings, pack a suit. Nigerian official dressing is conservative and formal. Dressing often determines the kind of reception you get and improper or casual dressing at an official engagement is not encouraged. But shirtsleeves and a tie are usually sufficient.

Donning a traditional Nigerian attire is almost always a plus and a conversation-starter. A foreigner in Nigerian clothing receives great admiration and trust. It is a good way to impress and earn confidence.

Nigerian clothing is usually a loose embroidered or floral top and a pair of slacks or baggy shorts, or wrapper (a sari-like piece of colourful ankle-length cloth wrapped around the waist, for women).

They come in a variety of colours, designs and textures – and prices. The clothing etiquette is different in the north, which has strong Arabic influence.

Most workers and business people in northern Nigeria put on flowing robes – most of them white – or equally acceptable but more casual kaftans, with cuff links, and sandals.

Nigerian wears do not require socks.

Cloth weaving is an affectionate Nigerian art and the backbone of the ever-evolving Nigerian traditional haute couture.

The Akwete cloth expresses itself through the delicate art of cloth making that found origin in Akwete, a small town in Abia State is fast changing the dress fashion of many women who live in, or come to the country.

The Akwete cloth produced on a wide loom in delicate and rich patterns has a width of a little more than a yard and is considered as fine workmanship by Nigerians and foreigners.

Woven on narrow looms notably in the small town of lseyin in Oyo State, and among the industrious Ebira people who live in Okene, Kogi State the glittering, regal Aso Oke is extensively worn by Nigerians and foreign aficionados for society weddings and big traditional events.

The adire , made from a variety of cloths, and dyed into elegant, avant-garde patterns — and sometimes teasy — surrealistic motifs, is probably the most popular and most worn of Nigerian cloths. It emerges from the dying pits of Abeoukuta (Ogun State and several other towns, each with its own snooty artistic statement.

You can find in Nigeria practically all the type of drinks you can buy in the United States or elsewhere – beers, sodas, scotch, brandies, champagnes, cocktails…

The chapman, a non-alcoholic cocktail, is a Nigerian specialty that thrills many visitors.

Another one is of course the palm wine, which is “tapped” from the raffia palm tree and is sold fresh in suburbs or as sterilized bottled beers in some pubs.

A popular traditional brew in the north is known as brukutu – a chocolate-coloured, faintly sour fermented drink made from sorghum. It is served in calabashes mostly in home brewery-bars. But brukutu festivals abound.

Nigerians do not believe in splitting bills at the pub. As a matter of fact they often mock people who do. Many foreigners would consider it wise to pool their money together in advance and designate someone to pay on behalf of the group.

Free food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are usually served at parties, public and private functions. Provision is always made for uninvited guests and people accompanying invited guests.

Another thing that may surprise foreign visitors is that there are generally no fixed bar closing hours. Many bars will remain open until the last client is served – sometimes as late as 5.00 a.m.

In Nigeria, there are no age restrictions for the purchase of alcoholic drinks and cigarettes. When a family has a visitor, a pre-teen boy is often sent out to buy the beer next door. But interestingly there is no problem of under-age consumption of adult products. And children are not served alcohol in bars, of course.

Transportation

Nigerian cities are linked by broad highways and multiple-lane expressways. In some places, the roads are not as broad and good as Western roads.

Lagos and Abuja have a spaghetti of “fly-over” bridges in the centre of the town to ease traffic.

Lagos is notorious for its multitude of automobiles and frequent rush-hour traffic snarls on some of the bridges that link the Lagos peninsula to the Lagos mainland.

The speed limit in Nigeria is 120 kilometres per hour. Members of the Federal Road Safety Commission who enforce traffic regulations would normally give tickets to motorists who go beyond 120 on the expressways.

Even though there are modern taxi services like Uber and Bolt in some of the major cities, many Nigerians go to work by bus. The most famous is the “ molue ”, a huge yellow bus – the size of a US school bus found mostly in Lagos. It is cheap and sometimes fun to ride on.

In the mornings the molue often has preachers and medicine hawkers singing and sometimes amusing the passengers. The smaller buses ply the highways and the side streets.

In the big cities, there are usually as many as a bus a minute. The bus conductor, a very dramatic individual hangs out of the bus, fluttering like a flag, and shouting the destination as well as announcing approaching bus stops.

There are commuter trains and ferries in Lagos. But most people take the train for long distance – and utterly picturesque, if slow – trips. A very large number of Nigerians travel by plane. At a point, many made the 150-km journey between Lagos and Ibadan by plane.

International Flights and Airports

Internal flights arrive and depart Nigeria’s major international airports: Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu, etc.

You can search for flights and compare prices here .

Domestic Flights and Airports

Nigerian airlines offer excellent services. Except for delays among some operators, air travel in Nigeria is distinctly pleasant.

Some of the airlines have first class seats serving everything from cognac and champagne to a three-course meal. Some airlines manage to serve a full meal to economy passengers even on 55-minute flights.

Most of the 36 states and Abuja have an airport at the capital.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are always readily available at all airports in Nigeria for pick up and drop off.

Prices vary depending on your time of arrival and location. However, you need to be mindful of safety and exploitation.

We help see to visitor’s safety and offer fair pricing with our airport transfers service.

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10 Best Nigeria Tourist Attractions You Must See

Last updated on January 2nd, 2023

Nigeria is home to many beautiful tourist attractions that offer visitors a unique view of the country and its people. From historical sites to natural wonders, these spots are sure to please anyone looking for a fun and memorable vacation.

In addition, Nigeria is a land of natural beauty that offer interesting experiences to visitors. The country has diverse landscapes, including beaches, mountains, rainforests, and deserts. The population is also very diverse with people from all around the world living in Nigeria.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Nigeria include the Abuja Presidential Villa, the National Museum of Art, the Obudu Plateau, the National Library, and the Victoria Quarters. Continue reading to learn about the 10 best Nigeria tourist attractions.

Table of Contents

• 1 Where is Nigeria?
• 2 The population of Nigeria as at 2022
• 3 Neighboring Countries to Nigeria
• 4.1 #1. Obudu Ranch
• 4.2 #2. Lagos
• 4.3 #3. Abeokuta
• 4.4 #4. Yankari National Park
• 4.5 #5. Abuja
• 4.6 #6. Kainji Lake National Park
• 4.7 #7. Gashaka Gumti National Park
• 4.8 #8. Erin-Ijesha
• 4.9 #9. Okomu National Park
• 4.10 #10. Edumanom National Forest
• 5 Where Should I Spend my Vacation in Nigeria?
• 6.1 Conclusion
• 6.2.1 What are three big tourist attractions in Nigeria?
• 6.2.2 Where is the most visited place in Nigeria?
• 6.2.3 Which part of Nigeria is the best?
• 6.2.4 Is Nigeria a good tourist destination?
• 6.2.5.1 Please share this!

Where is Nigeria?

Nigeria is located in western Africa and is considered a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, tropical jungle, and rich cultural heritage. The country is divided into 36 states, each with their own distinct culture. Nigeria is home to more than 250 different ethnic groups, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent.

The population of Nigeria as at 2022

The current population of Nigeria is estimated at over 200 million and it is projected that it will reach over 400 million by the year 2030. This large population makes Nigeria one of the most populous countries in Africa and the world.

Despite its large population, Nigeria remains largely untapped as a tourist destination. There are many interesting places to visit in Nigeria, from its vibrant cities to its stunning natural attractions. If more tourists start visiting Nigeria, it could become one of Africa’s top tourist destinations.

Neighboring Countries to Nigeria

Nigeria is bordered by six countries: Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Libya, and Sudan. The country has a long coastline on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.

The economy of Nigeria is dominated by oil production, which accounts for over 70% of government revenue and 95% of exports. However, the country faces significant challenges including high levels of poverty and inequality, corruption, insecurity, and an ongoing insurgency in the northeast.

What are the 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Nigeria?

Here is a list of the 10 top places to visit in Nigeria, in no particular order:

• Obudu Ranch
• Yankari National Park
• Kainji Lake National Park
• Gashaka Gumti National Park
• Erin-Ijesha
• Okomu National Park
• Edumanom National Forest

#1. Obudu Ranch

The Obudu Ranch is the largest ranch in Africa and spans over 10,000 hectares of land. The Ranch is a massive tourist attraction that spans over 5,000 acres.

Located in the Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, Obudu Ranch is a tourist attraction that offers visitors a chance to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. The ranch is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and leopards. It also has a number of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the area’s forests and waterfalls. Obudu Ranch is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Obudu Ranch is a great place for tourists who want to experience Nigerian culture and wildlife up close. The ranch offers guided tours, horseback riding, and camping opportunities.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria is the city of Lagos. The city is located on the southwestern coast of the country and is home to over 21 million people. Lagos is a major commercial center and is known for its large marketplaces, beaches, and nightlife. The city has a number of tourist attractions, including the National Museum of Nigeria, which features exhibits on traditional Nigerian culture and history, and the Oba Palace Museum, which displays artifacts from the Yoruba royal court. Other popular attractions include the Lekki Conservation Centre, a nature reserve that features hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, and Badagry National Park, a protected area that is home to a variety of animal species.

#3. Abeokuta

Abeokuta, located in southwest Nigeria, is a popular tourist attraction because of its many historical and cultural sights. The city is home to the Olumo Rock, which is a massive rock formation that served as a fortress for the Egba people in the 1800s. Abeokuta is also known for its textiles and traditional crafts, which can be found at the city’s markets.

The city has a population of 722,000 people and is an important commercial center. Abeokuta is definitely a tourist attraction because of its historical and cultural significance.

#4. Yankari National Park

Nigeria’s Yankari National Park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The park, which is located in the Northeastern part of the country, Bauchi State, has a number of different ecosystems, including grasslands, dry savannahs, and forests. Some of the animals that can be seen in the park include lions, elephants, hippos, and antelopes. There are also a number of bird species present, including eagles and vultures.

The park is open year-round and admission is free. Visitors can stay in one of the park’s campsites or lodges, or simply visit for the day. There are a number of activities available for tourists to enjoy, including safaris on foot or by car, canoeing and fishing on the riverbanks, and hiking through the forests.

If you’re looking for an African city that’s both modern and traditional, look no further than Abuja. The capital of Nigeria, Abuja is a bustling metropolis and one of the country’s top tourist attractions. There are plenty of things to see and do in Abuja, from visiting the city’s many museums and galleries to taking a stroll through its lush parks. Abuja is also home to some impressive architecture, including the iconic Nigerian National Mosque, National Assembly and the soaring presidential palace. Visitors to Abuja can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, from sampling traditional Nigerian cuisine to visiting the Abuja Millennium Park.

#6. Kainji Lake National Park

Kainji Lake National Park is located in the northwestern Nigerian state of Niger. The park covers an area of 1,821 square kilometers and was established as a national park in 1968.

The park is a major tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, bird watching, and hiking. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including over 350 species of birds, over 100 species of mammals, and over 50 species of reptiles.

The Kainji Dam, which forms part of the Kainji Lake National Park, is Africa’s largest hydroelectric power station and plays an important role in the country’s energy supply.

#7. Gashaka Gumti National Park

Gashaka Gumti National Park is a national park in Nigeria. It was established in 1979 and covers an area of 5,362 km². The park is situated in the tropical rainforest belt of Nigeria and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and chimpanzees. The park is also a popular tourist attraction and offers hiking and camping opportunities.

#8. Erin-Ijesha

The little town of Erin-Ijesha is most renowned for one thing and one thing only: its eponymous waterfall, which cascades through the southern Nigerian jungles, crosses two states, and has up to seven tiers! The magnificent water feature attracts a large number of visitors to this tiny speck on the map located a short distance from the medieval city of Ilesa.

However, the trek is worthwhile. You’ll get to climb through the lush forest and soak in the waterfalls as they crash over the rocks.

You’ll hear about forest spirits and even visit the neighboring hot springs at Ikogosi – a little to the east and a nice location to relax after a long hike.

#9. Okomu National Park

Nigeria is blessed with many tourist attractions, chief among which is Okomu National Park. The park, located in the Edo State of Nigeria, covers an area of about 10,000 hectares of rainforest and is rich in biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of animal species, including the endangered drill monkey, as well as over 350 different bird species.

The park is also a popular destination for eco-tourists, who come to enjoy its unspoiled natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by boat, and there are several well-marked nature trails that wind through the forest. Okomu National Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature at its best.

#10. Edumanom National Forest

Finally, the Edumanom National Forest is located in the heart of Nigeria, and it’s considered one of the country’s top tourist attractions. The forest is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, who come to hike, bike, and explore the many trails that wind through the forest.

The forest is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and monkeys. Visitors can stay in one of the several campsites located in the forest, or they can take a guided tour with one of the local tour operators.

Also Read : 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies in Nigeria

Where Should I Spend my Vacation in Nigeria?

This totally depends on you! There are many tourist attractions in Nigeria for visitors to explore. The country is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and gorillas. There are also many beautiful beaches along the coast, as well as historic villages and towns to visit. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria include:

• Yankari Games Reserve and Resort, Bauchi
• Obudu Cattle Ranch, Calabar
• Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar
• Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ekiti
• Abraka Turf and Country Club
• Whispering Palms.
• La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos

Places to Visit During Christmas in Nigeria

Christmas is a time of joy and happiness all over the world. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate. In Nigeria, there are many places to visit during Christmas. Here are the most exciting places to spend your Christmas in Nigeria:

• Silverbird Galleria-Lagos
• Tarkwa Bay- Lagos
• Lekki Leisure Lake-Lagos
• Muson Centre-Lagos.
• Obudu Ranch Resort-Calabar.
• Wonderland Amusement Park-Abuja.
• Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort.

In conclusion, the above are the best Nigerian tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy. These attractions include beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, lush jungles, and vibrant cities. Nigeria is a diverse and exciting country with something to offer everyone. So if you’re looking for an amazing travel experience, be sure to add Nigeria to your list!

Frequently Asked Questions

People are also asking these questions about best tourist attractions in Nigeria, read on:

What are three big tourist attractions in Nigeria?

The three biggest tourist attractions in Nigeria are the ancient city of Benin, the Kainji Dam, and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. Benin is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Royal Palace of Benin and the City Walls. The Kainji Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Niger River that was constructed in the 1960s.

Where is the most visited place in Nigeria?

The most visited place in Nigeria is the city of Lagos. The city is home to over 21 million people and is a major commercial center in Africa. The city is also a major tourist destination, with attractions such as beaches, markets, and nightlife.

Which part of Nigeria is the best?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people have different opinions on what makes a place “the best.” Some people might prefer the bustling city life of Lagos, while others might prefer the slower pace and more traditional lifestyle of a smaller town. In general, though, Nigeria is a vast country with a lot to offer, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Is Nigeria a good tourist destination?

There are many tourist destinations in Nigeria, depending on what you’re interested in. Some of the most popular destinations include Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, and Benin City. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on, the coast of Nigeria has plenty to offer. There are also many historical and cultural attractions to explore. Overall, Nigeria is a great tourist destination with something for everyone.

Where is the finest place in Nigeria?

People have different opinions on this. However, some of the most commonly cited locations for the “finest place in Nigeria” are the city of Abuja, the coastal town of Calabar, and the ancient city of Benin. Each of these places has its own unique charms and attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and visitors from all over the country.

Emmanuel Peter is the founder of Naijajapa.com. Experience gained in the Study abroad and Immigration industry since 2017. A graduate of International Relations from ABU Zaria.

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• 6 Best Places To Visit In Nigeria In 2024

23 Mar 2023

From an exploding art scene that has revolutionized the culture of this community to a growing metropolis that is also the face of Africa’s future. Nigeria is where you can travel to observe the local lifestyle in its most raw and authentic form. From the Victoria Island in Lagos to the presidential complex in Abuja, and gardens in Ibadan, there are countless experiences you can immerse yourself in, along with authentic cuisines that will uncover a whole new world of flavors. Taking into account the pre-colonial era history places unheard about in most travel guides, and current UNESCO Heritage sites, we have curated a list of the best places to visit in Nigeria to help you plan the most enjoyable itinerary possible.

6 Most Popular Places To Visit In Nigeria

Whether you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience in Lagos or want to get up close with nature at the Yankari National Park, here are some of the most recommended places to visit in Nigeria .

Image Courtsey: Nupo Deyon Daniel for Unsplash

This bustling city is also one of the largest cities in Nigeria, where the get-rich culture is the best thing to people watch as you roam around the busy streets. Nestled near the Atlantic Coast, it is a great place to enjoy sightseeing and historical tours. The commercial capital is one of the most populous places where you will find everything from restaurants and taverns to luxurious stays.

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In 1991, Abuja became the capital of Nigeria and took a whole new turn in terms of tourism. Make your way to The Abuja Millennium Park to begin your journey in this destination and hop down to the Currency Museum of the Central Bank of Nigeria to learn more about how the economy here has worked for generations. If you look up the best tourist attractions in Abuja , there are endless options you can explore. Visit the main market of Wuse Market where you can try some curbside cuisines and don’t forget to get yourself a wood-crafted painting as a souvenir from your journey.

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3. Port Harcourt

This port town is the largest, one of the busiest, and the capital of Rivers State where the gulf is booming with the oil industry and a melting pot of Ijaw, Ikwerre, and English-speaking people. Take time going around the natural sandy beaches and exploring the suburbs which most communities call their home. It is also one of the top tourist attractions in Nigeria .

South Africa In March: A Handy Guide For Planning An Ideal Holiday In 2022

Nestled in northwestern Nigeria, Ibadan is the capital of Oyo state and perched on seven hills. It is interesting to note that the history of this place doesn’t almost exist as most people only remember it by word of mouth. It is only after 1892 that you can learn about the culture and happenings that took place in this region. If you want to detour offbeat to uncover the hidden cultures, this is one of the best places to visit in Nigeria .

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5. Yankari Game Reserve

Image Courtsey: Harshil Gudka for Unsplash

Nestled in the middle of the Bauchi State, the giant wildlife preserve is home to countless unique species you mustn’t miss on your visit to Nigeria. It takes up 2,244 square kilometers in Yankari and is popularly known for its warm water springs which are perfect to unwind before you take on a safari tour.

Hot Springs In South Africa: To Explore The Natural Hidden Gems Of The Country’s Charm

Also known as Old Calabar, this southeastern gem is the capital of Cross River state with beautiful views of the Calabar River. Take a tour of the National Museum here as you begin experiencing the city through the eyes of its history and make your way to the Duke Town Church and Cross River National Park where you can enjoy the scenic views explaining why it is one of the most beautiful places in Nigeria .

10 Best Places To Visit In George For Exploring New Horizons Of South Africa!

Whether you are looking to explore the wild side of this country or want to learn more about Africa, don’t forget to check out our Africa packages for tailored itineraries for your trip planning.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Places to Visit in Nigeria

What are the best places to visit in Nigeria?

Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Ibadan, Yankari Game Reserve, etc, are some of the best places in Nigeria.

What are the best/most interesting tourist attractions in Nigeria?

Some of the most interesting tourist sites in Nigeria are: Olumirin Waterfalls Yankari Games Reserve Obudu Cattle Ranch Ado Awaye lake Idanre Hills Mambilla Plateau Ogbunike Caves

Can I visit Nigeria during the current Covid situation?

Yes, you can plan a visit to Nigeria during the current Covid situation. However, make sure that you are completely vaccinated and always carry your vaccination certificate. Besides this, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distance.

Which are the top places to visit in Abuja?

National Assembly, Zuma Rock, Abuja National Mosque, Millennium Park, Aso Rock, Millennium Tower, National Church of Nigeria, and Abuja Stadium are some of the most popular places to visit in Abuja.

How many days are enough for exploring Nigeria?

A trip of 5-6 days would be enough to witness the best of Nigeria. To enjoy your vacation, you can go sightseeing and indulge in outdoor activities.

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Welcome To Nigeria! Top Nigerian Cities to Visit

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In Photos: The British Royal Family's Visits to Nigeria

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to Nigeria is underway, look back on other royal visits by Queen Elizabeth, King Charles, and more.

Nigeria is former British colony; the country gained independence in 1960, but remains a member of the Commonwealth , a voluntary association of 56 countries. Following Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022, King Charles succeeded his mother as head of the organization. "It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949," Queen Elizabeth said in 2018. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth visited Nigeria twice—in 1956, when Nigeria was still a colony, and 2003, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Thus far, King Charles has yet to visit in his capacity as head of the Commonwealth. He previously visited in 1990 with his then-wife, Princess Diana , and again in 1999, 2006, and 2018.

In chronological order, here are the best photos of British royals in Nigeria:

In 1956, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip undertook a royal tour of Nigeria.

On their trip, they went to Lagos, Calabar, Enugu, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Here, the royal couple is pictured speaking with Cheif Okosoi at a reception at Enugu

At Kaduna Airport, Queen Elizabeth inspected a regiment.

The Queen met with Governor of the Western Region in Ijebu-ode.

In 1960, Nigeria declared independence, and Princess Alexandra traveled to the country to represent Queen Elizabeth at the independence celebrations. Here, she reads the Queen's speech in Lagos.

In 1990, Princess Diana and Prince Charles undertook a royal visit of Nigeria.

Diana and Charles each carried out a number of engagements solo.

See all the photos of Charles and Diana's trip to Nigeria here.

In 2001, the Princess Royal undertook a six-day royal visit to Nigeria.

In 2003, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip returned to Nigeria for the annual Commonwealth heads meeting.

Here, Queen Elizabeth meets Noidi Okereke Onyiwke (L, wearing purple), Director General of the Nigerian stock exchange, during a reception shortly after her arrival.

In this photo, Queen Elizabeth tours the secretariat of Karu Local council, near Abuja.

Philip and Elizabeth wave goodbye at the airport.

Then-Prince Charles set out on a royal tour of West Africa, and Nigeria was the second leg of his trip.

Here, Charles visited the oldest church in northern Nigeria located in Zazzau.

He returned 12 years later, with Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall.

See all the best photos of Charles and Camilla's 2018 tour of West Africa, here .

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kicked off their three-day visit to Nigeria at a school.

Meghan took a selfie with students as Harry made a funny face behind them.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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USA TODAY 10Best

10 must-see roadside attractions across the country

Best Roadside Attraction (2024) May 15, 2024

America’s highways are dotted with countless cultural and quirky landmarks that capture the attention of travelers. They're more than just stops along the way; they're destinations in their own right, each with a story to tell.

To find the best places to check out during your next road trip, an expert panel selected their top picks for the best roadside attractions across the U.S. — all just a short detour from a major highway. Then, readers voted for their favorites to decide the winners. Here are the 10 best roadside attractions across the country.

No. 10: Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum - Gibsland, Louisiana

Opened in 2005, the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum resides in the former Ma Canfield's Cafe, the last business this couple visited before being ambushed and killed 8 miles down the road. Visitors can see photos and artifacts from the ambush as well as a replica of the car the couple died in. 

No. 9: Wall Drug Store Inc - Wall, South Dakota

A mainstay in Wall, South Dakota, since 1931, Wall Drug didn't take hold until it started offering visitors one simple thing: free ice water. Today, Wall Drug is home to more than 300 original oil paintings of Western art and illustrations, a restaurant, a mini Mount Rushmore, and much more. And, of course, you can still get free ice water. 

No. 8: Wheat Jesus - Colby, Kansas

Along Interstate 70 in Colby, Kansas, a billboard stands tall, featuring an image of Jesus standing in a wheat field with a sheaf of wheat in his hand. Paid for in large part by Tuffy and Linda Kay Taylor, the sign is meant to inspire passersby. It also remains a popular place for travelers to stop and snap a photo. 

No. 7: Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox - Bemidji, Minnesota

Well-known through folktales, Paul Bunyan and his pet, Babe the Blue Ox, are immortalized throughout Minnesota. One such paring is found at the Tourist Information Center in Bemidji, where visitors from all over take a moment to pose with the duo for a photograph. Paul stands at 18 feet tall, alongside Babe whose horns span 14 feet. 

No. 6: Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum - Logan, Ohio

More than 20 years ago, the Rev. Paul Johnson began collecting the seemingly mundane pencil sharpener. Today, the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum showcases more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. 

No. 5: Dalmatian Fire Hydrant - Beaumont, Texas

Donated by the Walt Disney Company in 1999 for the re-release of the animated movie "101 Dalmatians," the giant dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant stands 24 feet tall next to the Fire Museum of Texas in Beaumont. Not your ordinary fire hydrant, this one weighs 4,500 pounds, and at the time of its unveiling, it was the largest fire hydrant in the world.

No. 4: Carhenge - Alliance, Nebraska

Nebraska's version of Stonehenge, Carhenge is composed of 39 automobiles placed in the same proportions as Stonehenge. Additional car sculptures have since been added in what is known as the Car Art Reserve.

No. 3: World's Largest Ball of Twine - Cawker City, Kansas

In 1953, Frank Stoeber started gathering up a ball of twine. Four years later, that ball of twine stood 8 feet high and weighed 5,000 pounds. Each year, more twine is added to the ball, and, as of September 2023, it weighed more than 27,000 pounds. 

No. 2: Shealy's Official Skunk Ape Headquarters - Ochopee, Florida

Sometimes called the Sasquatch of the Southeast, the skunkape is rumored to live in the Everglades near Ochopee. At Shealy's Official Skunk Ape Headquarters, interested visitors can see a plaster cast of a skunkape footprint and Dave Shealy's photographic evidence of the creature.

No. 1: Lucy the Elephant - Margate City, New Jersey

Listed on the National Park Registry of Historical Landmarks, Lucy the Elephant stands six stories high in Josephine Harron Park. Visitors can stop by and have their photos taken with Lucy, and, for those who wish to go inside the elephant, guided tours are available. 

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chelle koster walton.

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Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean — has been covering the destination for 30 years. Her top-selling  Sarasota, Sanibel Island, and Naples  guidebook (Countryman Press) is in its sixth edition. She was contributing editor for  Caribbean Travel & Life  for 12 years and has written guidebooks on the Bahamas. A veteran travel writer, Chelle has published thousands of articles for  Miami Herald, USA TODAY, Latitudes;  has written/contributed to a dozen guidebooks, and produces travel shows for the local PBS station.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50...   Read More

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

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Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Kyle McCarthy

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Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

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Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

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USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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The 10 best things to do in Lagos for 2023

Mar 23, 2023 • 7 min read

From the top markets to visit, to trying local food and finding a party, these are the best things to do in Lagos © peeterv / Getty Images

Vibrant. Fast-paced. Chaotic.   Lagos may be all three, but Nigeria 's most populous city is many other things as well. This is a city that never sleeps, one where the locals live boldly and loudly. Their energy is high, contagious, and – for some first-time visitors – often overwhelming, too. However, stay long enough, and you'll soon come to love the city's exuberance.

Whilst the best part about visiting this metropolitan city is the people you meet, there's plenty to see and experience. These are the top 10 things to do in Lagos.

1. Take in the best Nigerian art at the Nike Art Gallery

Ranking high on the list of places to visit in Lagos is the Nike Art Gallery (pronounced nee-keh ). This multi-story gallery, founded by Chief Oyenike Okundaye, houses thousands of incredible and diverse art pieces from artists across the country. Visiting this gallery is a great way to gain some insight into Nigerian culture and traditions expressed in the form of art.

Have a walk around and appreciate the displayed pieces or, better still, participate in a captivating cultural experience involving songs, dance, and the donning of traditional Yoruba outfits. For the latter, events are organized sporadically for guests or based on requests from large groups of travelers. Chief Nike often oversees and, as a storyteller and artist herself, she enthusiastically immerses visitors into the experience. Interacting with her is one of the highlights of a visit here.

2. Tackle the Lekki Conservation Centre canopy walkway

The Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) is a serene nature park located within the heart of the city, contrasting completely with the busy life just outside. Established in 1990, the LCC aims to preserve the native biodiversity of flora and fauna in Lagos.

Get here early or visit during off-peak hours to enjoy a quiet and pleasant stroll on the boardwalk across the mangroves. You will likely run into several monkeys during your walk, and you might even spot a reptile or two. If you're feeling adventurous, head up to the 401m-long (1316ft) and 22.5m-high (74ft) canopy walkway that overlooks the forest. You will be rewarded with a stunning bird's-eye view of the park and the city.

3. Soak up the sun at Landmark Beach

Located on Africa's west coast, Lagos is home to a number of beachside resorts. Landmark Beach in Victoria Island is located right within the city, making it one of the most accessible spots for visitors. The stunning strip of beach is pristine, and the surrounding area is lined with a few upscale cafes and restaurants.

During the day, there's a family-friendly atmosphere with an inflatable water park and a children's play area. At night, the beach caters more to party-goers. From concerts and comedy shows to silent disco parties and game nights, Landmark Beach gives visitors the opportunity to experience nightlife in Lagos – some may find nighttime to be more vibrant than the day.

4. Catch a play at Terra Kulture

The Terra Kulture center brings together the best of Nigerian culture and art in one location. It hosts well-produced Nigerian stage plays and musicals that are guaranteed to thrill. Catching one live offers a unique understanding of Nigerian culture.

The center usually holds performances most weekends. However, many of the Broadway-type plays and musicals are on during public holidays. Look out for local favorites such as Saro the Musical , Wakaa the Musical , Fela’s Republic and the Kalakuta Queens and Wole Soyinka's Death & the King's Horseman . These critically acclaimed shows are excellent examples of Nigerian theater, combining electrifying performances that are educating and entertaining in equal parts.

5. Go shopping for fabrics at Balogun Market

For the adventurous, a visit to the largest market in Lagos, Balogun Market , can be the most memorable experience you can have in the city. Occupying multiple streets on Lagos Island, the market is a symphony of organized chaos. Here, you will find fabrics and other items in abundance and often at a cheaper price if you're able to bargain. 

For a more relaxed experience, try  Lekki Arts and Crafts Market . Here you can navigate through a maze of stalls to find unique works of art and handmade accessories. The atmosphere is much quieter, too, so you can stroll around at your leisure and strike up conversations with the vendors.

6. Tingle your taste buds with the local cuisine

No trip to Lagos is complete without trying out the local food. Nigerians take a lot of pride in their meals and often spend a considerable amount of time preparing them. This translates to deeply spice-infused delicious meals that will tingle your taste buds. A popular dish to try is jollof rice, a rice-based dish cooked in tomato sauce and spices. Another local favorite is suya , a street delicacy made of thin strips of skewered grilled meat.

If you're looking for an authentic food experience, try out any of the other staple foods that are commonly referred to as "swallow" because pieces of the meal are ingested by swallowing them wholly, along with soup. Pounded yam and amala , both made from yam flour and served with leafy vegetable soups, including efo riro and ewedu, are delicious swallow meals to try.

7. Tour the Kalakuta Republic Museum

The legendary AfroBeats musician, Fela Anukulapo-Kuti, called this place home until his passing in 1997. The three-story Kalakuta Republic Museum  in the city's capital contains many of the artist’s musical instruments and personal belongings, showcasing his atypical lifestyle. Inside the museum, visitors can view historical photographs that follow Fela’s life from childhood to adulthood as well as his musical career and activism. 

During his lifetime, Fela was a vocal critic of the ill-treatment of Nigerian citizens and corruption within the government. Despite often being penalized for his views, he remained outspoken against poor governance. His political views were often expressed in his music, nightclub sessions and in newspaper publications, snapshots of which can also be found hanging on the museum walls.

The museum offers guided tours to visitors who are interested in learning a bit more about Fela's works. In addition, a little way down the road is the New Afrika Shrine , where guests can enjoy live performances by Fela's children and get a feel of what it was like to see the artist himself in concert.

8. Drift through the Epe Mangroves in a canoe

The Epe Mangroves are quite an unconventional attraction, but if you find yourself in Lagos looking for a distinctive experience near the city, consider visiting. Here, you can drift through the mangroves in a canoe and get more acquainted with rural life in Lagos.

Pair your visit with a stop at the Epe Fish Market or a local palm wine factory for excellent opportunities to interact with some of the locals.

9. Take a trip to Badagry

Badagry is an ancient coastal town situated on the outskirts of Lagos. It holds a great deal of history as it served as a major port and auction point during the transatlantic slave trade era. Badagry is also notable for having the first primary school in Nigeria.

Despite its bleak past, Badagry has a growing tourist scene, with museums housing relics from the slave trade era, points of interest that follow the slave trade routes, and other notable historical happenings. You will also find a beautiful coastline, with beaches and resorts to unwind at.

10. Attend an  Owambe

No activity captures the spirit of Lagos more than an  Owambe . These extravagant parties take place every weekend in Lagos. These are gatherings for people who love to have a good time and often feature well-dressed guests in Aso-ebi (matching attire), lots of food and drink and, of course, music and dancing.

While visiting Lagos, chances are you will know or meet someone who is organizing or attending an Owambe . Most Owambes do not enforce a strict invitation-only policy – the more guests that attend could be seen as an indication of how successful the party is. So, if you do get invited or asked to tag along to one, don't pass up the opportunity! This is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Nigerians.  

This article was first published Jan 6, 2022 and updated Mar 23, 2023.

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Drowning deaths on the rise post-pandemic

The CDC released a new report on the increase of drowning deaths after the COVID-19 pandemic. With summer right around the corner, CBS News Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto spoke to Dr. Ryan Ribeira from Stanford Health Care about what's driving the increase, and ways to protect you and your family.

Stanford treats first U.S. cancer patient using breakthrough treatment for melanoma

The Food and Drug Administration approved a cell-based therapy for patients who have tried immunotherapy and have no other viable options. Stanford treated the first patient in the country using that therapy. CBS News Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto asks Dr. Allison Betof Warner from Stanford Health Care how the treatment works, and why it's considered such a breakthrough

In Focus: Lung cancer in Asian American women

Elizabeth Cook spoke with Dr. Heather Wakelee with Stanford thoracic oncology about a study showing most Asian American women with lung cancer have never smoked. (5-10-24)

Stanford doctor discusses avian flu outbreaks

The FDA announced that traces of the bird flu are showing in samples of grocery store milk. Tests by the FDA show that pasteurization does work to kill off bird flu in milk, but retail sales of raw milk are legal in California. CBS News Bay Area anchor Nicole Zaloumis asks Dr. Abraar Karan from Stanford Health Care if we should stay away from consumption of raw milk, and if the virus is evolving to infect other animals and potentially people

Stanford doctor discusses counterfeit Botox tied to illnesses

The FDA says counterfeit Botox caused an outbreak of botulism-like illnesses in 9 states. Dr. Zakia Rahman, dermatologist at Stanford Health Care, explains what botulism is, how serious it can be, and the symptoms

Interview: Seth Chandler of Witter Coin on S.F. coin scavenger hunt

Max Darrow talks with Seth Chandler of Witter Coin whose remarkable rare-coin scavenger hunt has people combing San Francisco landmarks for hidden treasure. (4-28-24)

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Sf & peninsula news.

Son of Half Moon Bay mayor dies in Highway 1 motorcycle crash

The son of Half Moon Bay's mayor was killed Saturday when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a pickup truck on Highway 1 near El Granada.

East Bay News

Pedestrians crowded off Oakland sidewalk by growing homeless camp

Business owners and residents in one Oakland neighborhood say a growing homeless encampment is creating safety concerns.

East Bay teen accepted by 122 colleges sets sights on singing career

Oakland teen Helms Ategeka received letters of acceptance from more than a hundred colleges but telling his parents what he wanted to study was hard.

Every senior at Oakland high school accepted to four-year colleges

For the third straight year every senior at Cristo Rey De La Salle EastBay High School has been accepted to a four-year university.

South Bay News

Driver dies in solo-vehicle crash in Santa Cruz Mountains Sunday morning

A 45-year-old Santa Cruz man died in a collision Sunday morning while traveling northbound on Graham Hill Road, according to the CHP.

Campbell man arrested for punching elderly man in the face, kicking cop

Campbell police arrested a man Saturday morning on two counts of elder abuse and battery on an officer.

San Jose police arrest man in connection with mother's death

A 34-year-old man was taken into custody in connection with the death of his mother, San Jose police said Friday.

1 dead following crash between car, big-rig on Highway 101 in South San Jose

One person has died and crews are cleaning up spilled diesel fuel following a crash involving a car and a big-rig on Highway 101 in South San Jose Friday morning.

North Bay News

Dedicated fans return to BottleRock for much more than music

BottleRock boasts great food, wine and a star-studded music lineup which draws people back to the event every year.

Santa Rosa teen arrested for possessing knife during on-campus fight

A 15-year-old high school student in Santa Rosa has been arrested on multiple charges following an on-campus fight where he allegedly possessed a knife.

Anti-pollution Measure J sees backlash from Sonoma farmers

A summer of discontent is looming in Sonoma County, as Measure J sets the stage for an old story: animal activists vs. large-scale poultry and cattle ranching.

Bay Area Bridge Builders

SF Carnaval to have Nobel Peace Prize winner lead parade as grand marshal

The grand marshal of Carnaval is a champion of indigenous rights, and people in the Bay Area cite her as an inspiration in their own fights to preserve indigenous cultures.

Young parents graduate together at San Jose State University

Two graduate students at San Jose State University will celebrate completing their master's degrees together on Wednesday - and they'll be accompanied by their infant daughter.

Latest Stories

Children at San Bruno school sickened after accidental release of pepper spray, tear gas at nearby jail

A release of tear gas and pepper spray during a training exercise at the San Francisco County Jail in San Bruno on Tuesday led to students at a nearby elementary school to become sick, officials said.

California bill targeting social media addiction in teens passes State Senate

In a bipartisan vote, the California State Senate approved a bill from a Bay Area lawmaker aimed at targeting social media addiction among children and teens.

Panera's Charged Lemonade cited in lawsuit over teen's cardiac arrest

Panera faces another lawsuit over a highly caffeinated beverage that the restaurant chain said it would phase out.

San Mateo teen uses AI to develop website connecting people to mental health service

A high school junior from San Mateo has created a platform she created to help people of all ages access mental health resources powered by artificial intelligence.

California volunteers needed for study aimed at better understanding cancer among Black women

A landmark study just kicked off with the goal of answering why Black women have a much higher mortality rate when it comes to cancer. It just launched last week and they need volunteers in California to help.

Bay Area Crime

NYC subway rider burned after man threw flaming liquid on him, police say

A man in a New York City subway station was burned when police say a fellow rider doused him in flaming liquid that set his shirt on fire.

Man found shot to death in Belmont Friday night

A 27-year-old man was found fatally shot Friday night at a park in Belmont, police said.

Man convicted of molesting girl on S.F. Muni train as passengers did nothing

A man was convicted of molesting a 16-year-old girl on a Muni train, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office said Friday.

Our Stories Define Us

Oakland Unified copes with shocking rise in district's homeless student population

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oakland Unified School District has seen an alarming spike in the number of unhoused students in the school system who deal with a host of challenges far beyond what most children face.

• Nov 28, 2023

VR 360 View: Meteorologist Jessica Burch takes flight with the Blue Angels

Meteorologist and CBS News Bay Area's resident pilot Lt. Jessica Burch got a treat during Fleet Week, taking to the skies with one of the Blue Angels.

• Oct 13, 2023

VR 360 View: Devastating wildfire compels family to adopt a new lifestyle among the Redwoods

A Bay Area man discovered his devastating loss left him with a new opportunity to rethink how he lives -- follow his journey in virtual reality, 360-degree video.

• Mar 8, 2023

Study: Colorectal cancer patients could skip harsh radiation therapy

A groundbreaking medical study involving the UCSF Medical Center has shown some colorectal cancer patients can safely skip radiation treatment and enjoy a potentially higher quality of life.

• Aug 18, 2023

VR 360 View: The high-stakes world of San Francisco's bar pilots

Every day, San Francisco bar pilot Captain Zach Kellerman goes through what might just be the world's most dangerous commute.

• May 24, 2023

Worldwide alert warns of violence against LGBTQ community

While the State Department bulletin is meant for overseas travel, there is concern of a domestic threat from ISIS, two sources told CBS News.

Bay Area political leaders Hope Wood, Peggy Moore killed in SoCal crash

Two prominent Bay Area political figures died Friday night when the pickup they were in collided with a car in rural San Diego County.

California sues Rocklin Unified School District over "discriminatory" gender notification policy

A Northern California school district is being sued by the state over allegations the district failed to carry out corrective actions in a controversial gender notification policy adopted last summer.

12% of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide last year, nationwide survey says

More than a third of LGBTQ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year, the survey found.

Venerable San Francisco LGBTQ bar the Stud reopens at new location

One of San Francisco's oldest LGBTQ bars, on Saturday the Stud re-opened it's doors for the first time in four years at a new location.

Latest Galleries

Aurora borealis seen from Marin County

The northern lights were visible in the Bay Area thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm.

Photos: Funk-metal super group Infectious Grooves headlines rare Bay Area show

Long-dormant Suicidal Tendencies side project Infectious Grooves featuring current Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo played a ferocious set for fans at the UC Theatre in Berkeley Saturday.

Photos: Green Day headlines San Francisco's famed Fillmore for global climate concert

Bay Area pop-punk heroes Green Day played an intimate show at the Fillmore in San Francisco Tuesday for a UN-backed global climate concert.

Photos: Bruce Springsteen delivers marathon set for packed Chase Center in San Francisco

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played the first of two long-delayed, sold-out concerts at San Francisco's Chase Center Thursday, delivering an epic 29-song set.

Photos: Soul band the Black Pumas headline sold-out show at Fox Theater

Austin-bred band the Black Pumas brought their mix of soul, jazz funk and simmering R&B to the Fox Theatre in Oakland for a packed, sold-out show on Feb. 8.

Mill Valley resident brings people together through his heartfelt art projects

A Mill Valley man known for his public art projects that bring his neighbors together is being honored for providing gifts to his community.

San Francisco maker nonprofit Humanmade working to bounce back from fire

A first-of-its-kind San Francisco program that trains the next generation of makers is closed temporarily because of a fire, but Its founder is working to safely reopen as soon as possible.

Teaching about ocean history, preservation a decades-long mission for Pacifica educator

A Pacifica woman is being recognized for leading an annual ocean education program at a coastal school for over 30 years.

Japantown rebounds with help from San Francisco native's community district

A San Francisco native is helping keep alive the city's historic Japantown, one of only three left in the U.S.

Peninsula man cuts short his career to help homeless people put best face forward

A Redwood City man changed his career path - from running Stanford's Digital Language Lab to going to beauty school - so he could serve his community in a way that's more meaningful to him.

Students Rising Above

Students Rising Above scholar recalls growing up with undocumented immigrant parents

It's hard enough to graduate from one of the most prestigious schools in the country when you're the first in your family to go to college. Imagine doing that while you're also trying to protect your parents from being deported?

Hard-working student shoulders a load working while attending Ivy League college

Some students who are the first in their families to go to college face the challenge of balancing a rigorous academic load while still working to help support their family back home.

College student gives back to program that changed his life

A onetime pupil has now become a student advisor, giving back after years of mentorship led him to success.

• Dec 1, 2023

San Rafael student sees the world, but remembers his roots

Police departments all over the country are having a hard time finding new officers, but one Bay Area student is criss-crossing the world while preparing for a career in law enforcement here at home.

• Nov 3, 2023

Santa Rosa college graduate multi-tasking her way to a master's degree, law school

When most people graduate from college, they tend to focus on one job. But this month's Students Rising Above scholar is currently juggling multiple workplace assignments.

• Oct 5, 2023