Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is an untapped tourist paradise. Top 15 Places to Visit in Nigeria
With long stretches of exotic beaches and lush mountains, well-preserved traditions and culture and charming tourist attractions.
From the spiritual brilliance to the ancient cities of the north, from the river deltas to the Yoruba kingdoms, the stunning Igbo environments, and among many other pristine landscapes; Nigeria leaves every visitor breathless with suspense and excitement.
We present to you the best tourist places in Nigeria
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1. Lagos
Vibrant Lagos is not only the largest city in Nigeria, but also the largest city in the entire African continent.
Yes, nearly 18 million people call this one place home.
There are nightclubs and salt-washed promenades on the coast, and the beautiful walkways 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 real-life history of the slave trade continues to move past the point of no return.
Lagos
2. Calabar
Calabar is a good tourist stop on the way to Cameroon or the southern Nigerian coast.
From the gateway to the Cross River Reserves (Calabar State is its capital), to the rainforests of the Afi Mountains (home to gorillas, chimpanzees, rare rock birds and craggy peaks)
Before heading out to the amazing primate reserves outside the city, be sure to stay a little longer and discover the city’s darker past at the Calabar Museum. Calabar was once one of West Africa’s major slave trading ports.
Also worth a look is the church. Duke Town , which is considered one of the oldest Christian places of worship in Nigeria.
Calabar
3. Abeokuta
It is located inland, just north of sprawling Lagos.
The regional capital of Ogun State can be found surrounded by vast expanses of yam fields, maize farms, wooded savannah and oil palm plantations.
The historic location on important trade routes between the coast and the heart of West Africa led the former inhabitants to raise mud-brick fortifications around the old town, much of which can still be seen today.
However, it is the jutting heights of Olumu Rock that rise above the town that really catch the eye.
Furthermore, this ancient natural fortress hosts a fascinating cultural museum, a handicraft shop selling local artworks, and caves that showcase the human history of the Ogun region as a whole.
Top 15 Places to Visit in Nigeria
Abeokuta
Olumu Rock
4. Yankari National Park
Whether you're making the arduous journey east from Abuja or south from Gombe to the Yankari River in search of roaming herds of African elephants.
Or if you are looking for the fascinating remains of ancient peoples in the caves, you can rest assured that this well-maintained national park will not disappoint. Which makes it one of the top 15 places to visit in Nigeria.
Over 20,000 people come here to participate in ecotourism every year, which means there are plenty of lodges and tour operators on the ground.
Don't leave without climbing the lookout points on Kalban Hill, or wondering at the carved rocks in the magnificent Tonlong Valley.
Natural warm springs in Yankari National Park
Yankari National Park
5. Abuja
The capital Abuja is a beautiful place to relax and unwind after the energy and activity of the bigger cities on the coast.
There are other interesting landmarks too, such as the Abuja Millennium Park and the quartet of spear-like minarets that herald the beautiful Abuja National Mosque.
Meanwhile, Wuse Market is a great place for shoppers, and the National Assembly Complex offers a glimpse into the country's modern political system.
Abuja
Abuja and Abuja National Mosque
6. Ibadan
The capital of Oyo State and the former stronghold of the ancient Oyo Empire, Ibadan hides a lot of history and heritage within its streets.
A good place to start is the exhibition rooms of the Ibadan National Museum, where traditional Egungun clothing meets tribal war drums and more.
Next, try to spot the Bower Memorial Tower, before you reach the colonial facades of Mapo Hall.
Ibadan and Bower Memorial Tower
7. Lake Kainji National Park
One of the natural gems of northwestern Nigeria is not natural at all.
Yes, the eponymous Lake Kainji in Lake Kainji National Park is actually a reservoir created in 1968 and is now surrounded by protected fishing reserves.
The Borgo area, on the western banks of the water, which includes scattered pockets of forest and guinea plains, is the stomping ground of some truly magnificent beasts: hippopotamuses; roaming antelopes and swinging baboons.
This eventually gives way to the reservoir itself, where primeval jungles plunge into crocodile-dotted waters.
Lake Kainji National Park
8. Gashaka Gomti National Park
Spanning over 6,000 square kilometres of land in the far southeast of the country, Gashaka Gumti National Park is vast and stunning at every turn.
Created in 1991 after the merger of two great Nigerian game reserves, it is famous for its winding rivers and riverine habitats, which host rare bird species such as the red-faced lovebird.
On land, you can expect to be in the company of African golden cats and elephants.
Chimpanzees swing in forest trees, too, while buffalo swing in watering holes.
Gashaka Gomti National Park
9. Enugu
A green, leafy city located almost equidistant between the Cross River National Park (home to the Nigerian gorilla) and the Niger Delta (where the Bayelsa National Forest has small chimpanzees), Enugu certainly doesn't want for natural attractions.
In fact, this prime location near some of the best natural attractions in southeastern Nigeria is one of the main reasons why tourists come here.
Enugu
10Ok Idri Hill
Oke Idri Hill is located in Oke Idri, Ondo State.
A visit to Oke-Idanre Hill gives the tourist access to many beautiful valleys interspersed with inland rocks and a high plain around sea level.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses Omi Aopara; Thunder Waters, Agbogun Footprints, Tombs, Shrines and Owa Palace.
Top 15 Places to Visit in Nigeria
Ok Idri Hill
11. Coconut Beach
No place tells the story of tourism blended with history like Badagry, Lagos State.
It has stunning and beautiful views of the ocean, and is a perfect place to relax.
20 miles before you reach the Republic of Benin is Coconut Beach, which is surrounded by many coconut trees.
Coconut Beach
12. Okomu National Park
One of the few remaining pockets of virgin rainforest that once dominated the entire territory of southern Nigeria.
Okumu National Park can be found tucked between endless mangrove trees that crash into the Atlantic Ocean and the streets of Benin City.
This remote, untouched and undeveloped spot has become a refuge for some of the country's rarest creatures, such as pangolins, chimpanzees, leopards and even forest elephants.
There are also a few rural tribal villages still here, where visitors can learn about the ancient way of Nigerian rural life.
Okomu National Park
13. Benin City
Benin City is located slightly east of the above reserves in the Okumu National Park.
Not only is it a great place to start your explorations through the wilds of southern Nigeria, but it's also an interesting industrial city to live in with a lot of history of its own.
In fact, the city was once the centre of the Benin Empire, when it was called Edo, and flourished with the creation of architectural works such as the old Oba's Palace – still visible in the centre.
There are also wonderful open-air bronze workshops along bustling Igun Street to see, along with a branch of the National Museum.
Benin City
14. Edumanum National Forest
A vast mass of greenery that covers the end of the Niger River, this delta forest hosts one of Nigeria's finest displays of biodiversity.
It is headed by some of the largest remaining colonies of chimpanzees in the world, who patrol the freshwater swamps and green canopies, howling into the wild as they go.
It is also home to the rare Niger Delta monkeys and other primates worth seeing.
Thanks to its remote location, traveling here won't be easy, but the untamed bush and untamed wilderness may just be worth it!
Edumanum National Forest
15. Ebino Beach
A delightful tourist destination spanning over 245 kilometres of sandbank in Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, Ibeno Beach is a little haven for entertainment seekers.
The roaring waves, sunbathing spots, unspoiled foliage of the mangrove forests, cool breezes from the water, and lush surroundings give this destination an unimaginable appeal to tourists.
Ebino Beach
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