25 Beautiful and Wonderful Places to Visit in Nigeria

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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.

25 places to visit (tour) in Nigeria

1. 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.

2. The 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.

3. Oke-Ado Awaye & 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.

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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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4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Gurara waterfalls

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.

7. Sumu wildlife park

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

• 26 Kudus
• 10 Giraffes
• 53 Burchell’s Zebras
• 14 blue Wildebeests
• 21 red Hartebeests
• 14 Elands
• 24 Oxys
• 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.

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8. Hadejia wetland

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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Ikogosi warm spring resort

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.

15. 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.

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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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. The national war museum

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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Millennium 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. The Calabar 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

Conclusion

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.

Do you have any suggestions to update this list? Send us a message on whatsapp

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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